Bachelor of Science in Management

Course Requirements for the BSM   BSM Curriculum Recommended Two-Year Sequence   BSM Curriculum Recommended Three-Year Sequence

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The Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM) degree is designed to provide a rigorous yet practical education to business professionals that integrates theory with business practice. Course materials and group discussions are related to the students’ work experience and career goals. This emphasis allows the knowledge and skills developed in the classroom to be applied in the workplace. In this way, professional development is combined with a broad academic perspective.

The BSM program is a 60-unit concentration in upper-division business courses aimed at students with some professional experience who are committed to enhancing their knowledge and skills and advancing their careers. It consists of experiential, collaborative, and pragmatic learning processes that are designed to help students become more effective members of organizations. The program familiarizes students with the dynamics of global markets; the core functional areas of business; and the impacts of globalization, technology, and diversity on the workplace. The program develops students’ understanding of business processes and their execution. It builds their self-confidence and skills in the areas of communication, informed decision making, leadership, global orientation, and team development. The program places a strong emphasis on values and moral and ethical conduct.

The BSM program has set the following educational objectives:

• Enhance students’ communication skills so that they are more effective in their organizational roles.
• Enhance students’ skills both as participants in and leaders of work teams.
• Develop students’ skills in creative problem solving and informed decision making.
• Develop students’ analytical skills for assembling, organizing, and utilizing information to make situational leadership decisions.
• Increase students’ understanding of the global environment as it affects their workplaces.
• Incorporate ethical considerations into decision making.

Classes in the BSM program meet on weeknights from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. or on weekends. Most of the 2-unit courses are offered in seven-week sessions during weekdays or weekend modes, which can consist of three Saturday sessions or a combination of Friday evenings and Saturdays. Four-unit courses are occasionally offered on weekends.

Ordinarily, during the first trimester of study, all members of the class participate in a mandatory weekend communication and personal development workshop. One purpose of the workshop is to build a cohesive learning team for the class group. The workshop is a residential experience requiring two overnight stays at the workshop location. Participants are not permitted to return home overnight. Students are responsible for their own room and board.

Global Business Intensive Courses

Two units of credit may be earned by attending one of the Global Business Intensive courses offered at locations in Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America. These are short-term intensive courses which students take during trimester breaks.

Admission Requirements for the BSM

The BSM application process is intended to ensure a good fit between the program’s objectives and the applicant’s experience, qualifications, and potential. Each applicant is assessed in a holistic way; no single criterion controls the admission decision.

To be considered eligible for admission to the BSM program applicants must have completed a minimum of 60 transferable semester units with an acceptable grade point average from an accredited college or university or from approved sources prior to application. These transfer units must fulfill at least 45 units of general studies requirements including English composition, mathematics, and U.S History/American Government. Applicants should be employed on a full-time basis or have significant prior work experience in order to relate to the other students and the material covered in the course.

The admission decision is based on past academic performance as measured by grade point average, completed transferable course work, work experience, and an essay.

The online application contains instructions for properly completing the admission process. Applications may be obtained at the Graziadio School website: bschool.pepperdine.edu.

The following are requirements for admission to the BSM Program:

1. A completed online Application for Admission along with a specified essay and a $45 payment for the nonrefundable application fee must be submitted. The essay should address present employment as well as prior significant work experience.
2. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended are required. All official transcripts should be mailed directly by the registrar to the Graziadio School Admission Office. Transcripts must show all course work and grades from all colleges or universities. Transcripts from non U.S. universities which do not calculate a cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale (A=4.0) must be certified, with GPA calculated, by a NACES member agency. For certification, we recommend WES (Course-By-Course Report or ICAP).
3. All international applicants whose first language is not English must submit scores on one of the following tests. Any student who earns a bachelor’s degree from a United States college or university is exempt from this requirement. The bulleted list below contains test and contact information:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Contact: www.toefl.org or call (617) 671-2075.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE). Contact: usreco@pearson.com or call (323) 255-2771.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Contact: www.ielts.org or call (609) 921-9000.

International applicants who do not hold a permanent resident visa in the United States must submit an International Student Data form. International Student Data forms may be obtained through Office of International Student Services at http://www.pepperdine.edu/internationalstudents/oiss-forms/.

Notification of Admission

The Admission Office will inform the applicant of the status of the application, but it is the applicant’s responsibility to be certain that all necessary documents are on file by published deadlines for admission.  

While acceptance to the program may allow a student to enroll for 45 days as an unclassified student, admission to Pepperdine University will not be considered until the application file is complete. Students will not be allowed to continue beyond the first term until all official documents have been received. No amount of credit taken while on Unclassified Status will assure a student of admission. Admission will be confirmed by a letter from the associate dean.

Transfer Admission Guarantee

The Graziadio School has developed transfer admission guarantee (TAG) and course transfer and articulation (CTA) agreements with community colleges in the Southern California area. Under these agreements, the Graziadio School guarantees admission of community college students to the BSM Program provided that the student satisfies the following requirements:

• Completes a minimum of 60 Graziadio School-transferable semester units with an overall grade point average of 2.80 or better.
• Completes at least 45 semester units of Graziadio School-required general studies units.
• Has accumulated a minimum of three years of full-time business/ professional work experience or equivalent.

BSM course waivers may be approved prior to admission based on each participating school’s TAG and CTA agreements. Additional requirements and exceptions may apply.

Degree Requirements for the BSM

A minimum of 120 semester units with an overall “C” (2.0) average is required for the bachelor’s degree. A “C” (2.0) average is required for the work taken in the major at Pepperdine University, for all work completed at Pepperdine University, and for all work in the cumulative record (entire college record, including work at other colleges). (Effective in spring 2014, the total semester units required for the BSM program were reduced from 128 to 120.)

Transfer of Undergraduate Credit

Students will receive advanced standing according to the number of acceptable semester units previously completed. Credit received on a basis other than the semester unit will be converted to the semester system.

Generally, a summary of credits will be prepared only after the admission file is complete and the applicant has been accepted.

All courses for all schools attended will be evaluated for assignment to general studies areas. A minimum grade of “C” or better for English composition and mathematics is required. For all other subjects, the minimum grade that will be considered for transfer is “D-.” All transfer grades are computed into the cumulative grade point average. There is no maximum time limit for general studies requirements. Lower-division classes taken at another college that fulfill degree requirements typically will transfer only as lower-division credit. Extension courses, up to a maximum of 15 units, are transferable as elective units only.

After enrollment in the Graziadio School, students should receive advance approval from the Program Office to take further work at other universities to be transferred toward general studies requirements.

General Studies Requirements

General studies requirements must be met by course work transferred to the Graziadio School. Students must complete a total of 45 semester units in the general studies area. A student may not transfer more than 4 units of physical education to fulfill general studies requirements. Sixteen units of College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)/DANTE credit taken in subject examinations with a score of 50 or higher will be accepted toward general studies requirements. CLEP/DANTE credit cannot be granted in any area where the student has equivalent course credit.

The following areas must be included in the general studies requirements:

1. English Composition (3 semester units). Students must complete a course in English composition with a grade of “C” or better prior to application for admission and have official transcripts filed in the Graziadio School Admission Office.
2. Social Science (12 semester units- minimum of four courses). Students must take one course in United States history or American government. The remaining units may be completed with courses in subject areas such as economics, history, political science, psychology, or sociology. Lower-division courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics are strongly recommended as preparation for the BSM program.
3. Humanities and/or Fine Arts (9 semester units-minimum of three courses). Students may meet this requirement by taking courses in subject areas such as art, music, speech, English, religion, foreign language, or history.
4. Natural Science (3 semester units). Students may meet this requirement by completing a course in a subject area such as natural science, physical science, or life science. A lab is not required.
5. Mathematics (3 semester units). Students may meet this requirement by taking a college-level mathematics course with a grade of “C” or better. Examples of mathematics subjects include college algebra or above, geometry, trigonometry, or calculus. Students must complete this course prior to application for admission and have official transcripts filed in the Graziadio School Admission Office.

Electives

To complete the minimum total of 120 semester units required for the bachelor’s degree, students may choose elective courses from any area of study from an accredited college or university. Electives also may be taken in any of the general studies areas in addition to the courses taken to meet the general studies requirements. Students may submit for approval credit obtained in the following ways:

1. Extension Credit-A maximum of 15 semester units in extension, distance learning, and/or correspondence study from regionally accredited colleges may be submitted for transfer. If these units are not acceptable for general studies requirements, the Graziadio School may accept them for electives. 
2. CLEP/DANTE Examinations-In addition to the maximum of 16 units of general education credit, 16 units of elective credit will be accepted toward electives for the bachelor’s degree. Subject examinations with a score of 50 or higher are acceptable to fulfill general studies requirements. General CLEP examinations with satisfactory scores (500 or higher prior to July 2001, 50 or higher with computer-based testing beginning July 2001) will be acceptable for elective credit. Four units of credit may be granted for each acceptable general examination and 4 units of credit for each acceptable subject examination. CLEP/DANTE credit cannot be granted in any area where the student has equivalent course credit. 
3. Military Experience Credit-The following will be given as lower-division elective credit when the proper form is submitted:
   Enlisted-6 units
   Warrant Officer-9 units
   Commissioned Officer-12 units
   Units will be given in no more than one of the above categories. Veterans must submit form DD214 and active-duty military personnel must submit form DD295.
4. Military Service Schools-Credit is granted for military schools and courses recommended for credit by the American Council on Education. Courses for which credit is granted must be equivalent to Pepperdine University program offerings. Credit will be given when form DD295 is submitted. 
5. Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) Credit-APL is college credit which may be granted for prior learning acquired on the job or through self-study, in-service training, trade or private schools, self-employment, and home or community experience. A maximum of 30 semester units of APL credit from regionally accredited colleges may be submitted for transfer. If these units are not acceptable for general studies requirements, Pepperdine University may accept them for electives.

Course Waiver

Upon approval, up to 12 units of course work may be waived based upon previously completed courses. BSCI 468 Organizational Behavior  and STGY 479 Business Strategy  may not be waived. Normally upper-division courses of comparable scope and units must be submitted for consideration of waiver. However, core courses in accounting, economics, information systems, production and operations management, and statistical methods may be waived if at least two acceptable lower-division courses of equivalent course content in related subjects have been completed with grades of “B” or better. Units to be considered for waiver must be from courses taken within the past seven years.

Students requesting waiver of course work must submit a written request along with transcripts, university course catalog descriptions, and other information (for example, syllabus and book list) to the Program Office for faculty review as to adequacy and currency.

Course Load

Because the BSM program is designed for full-time working adults, the maximum course load is 10 units per trimester. Under special circumstances, students wishing to take additional units may petition the Program Office for approval.

The following restrictions apply:

• Students with general studies course work not completed prior to or during their first trimester of enrollment will not be able to register for more than 6 units for the second trimester and thereafter until all lower-division requirements are completed and transcripts submitted. This will help to ensure that adequate time is available to complete lower-division requirements.
• Students will not be permitted to register for STGY 479 Business Strategy  until all lower-division requirements are completed, regardless of course load. Transcripts must be submitted prior to the online registration period.
• Students on academic probation will not be allowed to register for more than 6 units until the probationary status has been removed.
• Students who receive the grade of “I” for any course will have the number of units for that course subtracted from the maximum course load for any subsequent trimester until requirements for the “I” grade are completed.

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence may be granted during a student’s course of study. A letter or an e-mail from the student’s Pepperdine e-mail account must be submitted to the Program Office indicating the reason for the leave and the projected time of return. Students may be granted a leave of absence for up to three consecutive trimesters. If a student requires a leave of absence longer than three consecutive trimesters, the student must petition the Program Committee. For information regarding the submission of this petition, contact an academic advisor.

Standards and Measurements of Achievement for BSM Students

A minimum grade point average of 2.0 (“C”) for all college work, for work taken at Pepperdine University, and for work done in the major is required for the bachelor’s degree.

At the end of each trimester, the Program Committee reviews the record of any undergraduate student earning less than a 2.0 grade point average. Any student falling below the 2.0 grade point average during the trimester may be subject to academic probation or academic dismissal. Students placed on academic probation are informed of any conditions for removing the probationary status. Cumulative and Pepperdine University averages of at least 2.0 must be earned to clear probation.

Students are subject to academic dismissal for the following reasons:

• Earning a grade of “C-” or lower during a trimester in which a student is on probation.
• Completing 8 units with the grade of “F” at any time in the program. 
• Failure to meet the stated conditions of probation. 
• Failure to achieve a cumulative, major, and Pepperdine University grade point average of 2.0.

Veterans’ Benefits

Students receiving veterans’ benefits should consult the “Academic Policies ” section of this catalog for “Information for Veterans ” concerning standards of progress for veterans. Students cannot receive full veterans’ benefits for taking fewer than 12 units. The BSM program’s maximum course load is 10 units per trimester.

Repeating Courses

Required courses for which a student earns a grade of “F” or “WF” must be repeated within two trimesters. When repeating a course for which a grade of “C-” or lower was earned, both grades are calculated in the grade point average, but the units count only once toward graduation. Courses for which a student earns a grade of “C” or better may be repeated but will not be calculated in the grade point average or the unit total.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete all lower-division requirements and submit all official documents prior to filing the Intent to Graduate form. Students who do not fulfill all lower-division and program graduation requirements cannot attend graduation ceremonies until the outstanding requirements are met.

Graduation Honors

Students who achieve a grade point average of 3.5 in their entire undergraduate career, their work in residence, and their major are graduated cum laude; those with a 3.7 average in each category are graduated magna cum laude; and those with a 3.9 average in each category are graduated summa cum laude. Students completing the BSM program with only their major grade point average at 3.5 or above will be recognized on their transcripts as attaining the Dean’s Honor Roll. Students must provide the Office of Student Information and Services (Registrar’s Office) with official transcripts showing completion of all lower-division course work to be recognized for honors.

Undergraduate Registration in Graduate Courses

An undergraduate student enrolled in Pepperdine University who is within 9 units of graduation may be permitted to enroll in courses for graduate credit. However, before the last trimester of undergraduate work, the student must submit a program to the program chairperson and a petition to the associate dean for approval of the program. If the graduate study is in a different division than the undergraduate work, the student also must obtain approval from the chairperson of the appropriate program of graduate study. (Graduate credit will not be permitted for work that is required for the bachelor’s degree.) To be admitted to a graduate program, the student must file an application and meet the admission requirements. The applicant will be notified in writing concerning the petition and admission.