The Robert Emmett McDonough
School of Business

APPROACH AND PURPOSE

Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business was founded more than fifty years ago by Father Joseph Sebes, a professor in the School of Foreign Service, who believed that an understanding of commercial markets was essential to worldwide political stability. The school was named for alumnus Robert Emmett McDonough, a major benefactor.

Students in the McDonough School of Business are held to a high standard of academic integrity and are expected to display excellence in character as well as intellect. Faculty members foster an environment for learning by selecting techniques that challenge students to take an active role in the education process. MSB faculty members are extremely engaged, bringing their research into the classroom and involving students in their scholarly pursuits, as well as exposing them to practical aspects of the business world.

The McDonough School of Business combines core requirements in business and liberal arts to provide students with a strong foundation in critical thinking and reasoning. During the first and second years, the primary academic emphasis is on the liberal arts core. Students complete courses in subjects such as English, philosophy, sociology, and history, while beginning the MSB’s business coursework by taking courses in accounting, international business, business statistics, and business law. In their junior and senior years, students complete a business core in the areas of finance, marketing, management, operations and information management, and strategy before completing coursework in their major. The MSB strongly supports students who would like to choose a minor in one of the nearly 50 liberal arts disciplines. This blend of wide-ranging liberal studies and business courses creates opportunities for students to pursue diverse areas of interest.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of Georgetown’s location in the nation’s capital to pursue varied internships in private industry, government, or non-profit organizations. Students have myriad opportunities within the MSB and the larger university community to serve other students and the community. The Undergraduate Program Office works closely with students to select courses and co-curricular activities that most closely match their personal educational goals while still meeting the MSB’s degree requirements.

The McDonough School of Business opened the doors of its new state-of-the art building in 2009. With a stunning glass pavilion, wireless classrooms, and a unique colloquium space, the building is designed to facilitate maximum interaction between students and faculty. The new building is located at the center of Georgetown’s campus, signaling the MSB’s historical roots within the Georgetown community, as well as its current identity: a premier business school dedicated to shaping the business leaders of tomorrow.

PROGRAMS

The baccalaureate program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The MSB offers the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with six areas of major study.

ACCOUNTING

The major in accounting includes required courses in financial and managerial accounting, and electives in specialized courses including financial statement analysis, auditing, and taxation. The program includes tracks for accounting majors who plan to become practicing accountants or auditors and for accounting/finance double majors who plan to work in the securities industry. The major provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in business law, tax law, and economics. Graduates have pursued careers with a wide variety of organizations, including public accounting firms, not-for-profit and government agencies, corporations, investment banks, hedge funds, and private equity firms. Prospective accounting majors should note that all states have implemented a 150-hour requirement to sit for the CPA exam. Students should contact their State Board of Accountancy regarding rules and regulations to sit for this exam.

FINANCE

In response to the needs of the financial community for graduates of potential executive stature, the McDonough School of Business major in finance prepares students in the theories and practices of corporate financial management, investments, and commercial and investment banking in a global environment. Subjects include equities and fixed income analysis, portfolio selection and management, financial control and valuation, and financial service firm management and regulation. Graduates pursue careers in corporate financial management, commercial banking, investment banking, and the securities industry.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

A major in international business prepares students to understand and apply business skills in accounting, finance, management, marketing, and operations in a cross-cultural and global context. Students gain competence in conducting business within and between markets and in understanding the environmental forces and policies that shape them. The major requires an international qualification, which can be met through foreign language proficiency, study abroad, or foreign living/working experience. Graduates pursue opportunities with firms which export, franchise or invest abroad, international financial institutions, federal and state agencies concerned with global issues, and supranational organizations, such as the WTO.

MANAGEMENT

The flexibility offered by the management major allows students to tailor the program to their career objectives. Within this major, students can choose one of four tracks: Managing Human Resources, Leadership and Change Management, New and Small Business Management, and Managing the Technology-Intensive Organization. Graduates develop conceptual and inter-personal skills that will help them enter managerial positions in the public and private sector, including such areas as human resources, management consulting, and management development programs.

MARKETING

Marketing identifies customers’ needs and desires and then develops and delivers targeted products and services. Thus, marketers identify value for the customer and organization, communicate that value to constituents, deliver value through proper channel alignment, and capture that value in a manner that fairly serves the customer and profits the organization. These activities apply to both the for-profit and non-profit fields. Marketing majors study topics such as marketing management and strategy, marketing research, product development and management, brand management, touchpoint and channel management, integrated marketing communications, pricing models, and global marketing.

OPERATIONS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT [OPIM]

The prevalance of integrated computerized planning systems has led to a tremendous demand for professionals who both understand business processes and information systems. OPIM provides the solid foundation in supply chain management and information systems necessary for modern ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning). OPIM graduates possess the ability to analyze business systems and to develop innovative solutions to challenging managerial issues. With an OPIM major, students can approach technology issues from both a strategic direction and an analytical perspective. Graduates are prepared for careers in consulting or in management positions for operations, planning, and analysis. The major also complements other fields such as marketing and finance by providing the strong quantitative skills required for decision making.

INDIVIDUALIZED MAJOR

An individually tailored program may be developed for students whose career goals and objectives are not easily met by one of the standard majors.

The student who chooses the individualized major should select a faculty member who, in consultation with the student, will chart a course of study including relevant business and other courses in the University that would best meet the student’s needs.

The proposed individualized major should be submitted in writing to the Director of the Undergraduate Program with both the student’s and faculty member’s signatures and, if approved, placed in the student’s file. All amendments to the major should also be submitted in writing, approved, and filed.

FIVE-YEAR BSBA/MSFS PROGRAM

The McDonough School of Business and the Graduate School of Georgetown University offer a five-year BSBA/MSFS (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Master of Science in Foreign Service) Program. Third-year students in The McDonough School of Business who have maintained an honors academic average are eligible to apply to the Master of Science in Foreign Service. Successful applicants matriculate fully into the graduate program in the fourth year and receive the BSBA and MSFS degrees simultaneously upon completion of the fifth year of course work (selected courses must satisfy the divisional and elective requirements of both programs).

Admission to the BSBA/MSFS Program is extremely competitive and students must satisfy all published application procedures for the Graduate School and MSFS except the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Applicants must meet with an advisor in the Undergraduate Program Office and an MSFS Admissions staff member prior to submitting an application to determine suitability for the program. These meetings should occur no later than the first semester of the junior year.

To be competitive, BSBA students should have a 3.7 cumulative GPA, substantial experience living abroad (in addition to any study abroad experience), significant work and/or internship experience connected to international affairs, and advanced proficiency in a foreign language.

Credit for rotc courses

Business students who participate in the Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) program may receive up to three credits (and the equivalent of one course) toward graduation if they complete the six required military science courses (MLSC-111, 112, 113, 114, 211 and 212). Students who fail to complete all six courses will receive credit in half-credit units for each course completed, but will not receive credit for the equivalent of one course toward the 40 required for graduation.

PREPARATION FOR GRADUATE AND
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS

Although the majority of The McDonough School of Business graduates begin their professional careers immediately after graduation, a significant number of graduates elect further education, generally in law and, after some work experience, in business. MSB graduates have been highly successful in gaining admission to many of the nation’s top MBA and law programs. The MSB makes every attempt, through its curriculum and advising system, to provide its students with the best possible preparation for further study.

PRE-LAW PREPARATION

While there is no “pre-law concentration,” The McDonough School of Business curriculum provides an excellent opportunity to develop the analytical, verbal, and writing skills necessary for success in the legal profession. In particular, Taxation I and II and Business Law I and II provide excellent exposure to law and legal analysis. The student’s elective courses also can be used to enroll in relevant courses in other schools of the University. For example, courses in English, government, ethics, and logic, among others, may be elected to round out a stimulating pre-law program.

Students contemplating such programs should consult closely with the advisors in the Undergraduate Program Office, with one or more of the attorneys on the MSB faculty, and with the “pre-law” advisor at the Career Education Center.

ACADEMIC ADVISING PROGRAM

The McDonough School of Business provides students with a network of support, including academic advising, extracurricular guidance, and career advising. Upon entering the university, each student in the MSB is assigned to an advisor in the Undergraduate Program Office. This advisor works closely with the student to ensure that the student’s curricular plan matches his or her interests and goals. When students declare their major(s), they select a full-time MSB faculty member as their faculty advisor. Faculty advisors help students make informed choices about programs, areas of concentration, and career opportunities. The Undergraduate Program Office also works in tandem with the Career Education Center to provide a continuum of professional and career advising throughout the student’s undergraduate career.

A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNICATION

Believing that effective communication is an integral part of the educational process, the MSB faculty encourages its students to think creatively and to develop competencies in research, analysis, synthesis, and oral and written presentation. Specifically, students should develop the ability to:

• research topics thoroughly and accurately;
• evaluate data and arguments;
• identify key topics, elements, issues, and causes;
• determine the logical relationships between/among data;
• draw and substantiate valid conclusions;
• distinguish relevant material and arguments from irrelevant material and arguments;
• determine the relative emphasis of information and data;
• sequence information and data meaningfully;
• write with clarity, conciseness, and correctness (including spelling, punctuation, grammar, and format); and
• present ideas orally in an effective manner.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Graduation and the awarding of the BSBA degree is dependent upon satisfactory completion of the following:

1. A minimum of 120 semester hours;
2. Successful completion of 40 courses of three credits or more;
3. A final cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher;
4. Completion of the Liberal Arts Core requirements;
5. Completion of the MSB’s Core requirements;
6. Selection and completion of a major and its listed requirements;
7. Completion of free electives as needed to satisfy the 40 course requirement.

THE CORE REQUIREMENTS

The Liberal Arts Core and The McDonough School of Business Core requirements are as follows:

Must be completed by the end of the second year.

The economics requirement is fulfilled by completing Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics (ECON-001, ECON-002). These courses are taken usually during the second year.

The humanities and writing requirement is fulfilled by first completing a course in Humanities and Writing (HUMW-011), followed by an English Gateway courses. Students with appropriate AP credit may take one Gateway followed by an advanced English course.

Must be completed by the end of the first year.

The MSB mathematics requirement is four hours at the calculus level or above. Normally this requirement is satisfied by completing Calculus I (MATH-035). Adequate preparation for a calculus course normally requires three years of high school mathematics, including one-half year of trigonometry. Students who are deficient in mathematical skills will be required to take Pre-Calculus (MATH-001) before Calculus I (MATH-035). Pre-Calculus will fulfill one liberal arts elective requirement. Students who desire to take more advanced mathematics courses may do so provided they have sufficient background.

To fulfill the philosophy requirement, all students must take two courses: one in general philosophy and one in ethics. The first course must be an introductory course and the second must be a “bridge” course in philosophy. See department course listing for further details.

Two semesters of theology are required of all students for graduation. To fulfill this requirement, students may complete any two introductory courses offered by the Theology Department (THEO-001–099). “The Problem of God” (THEO-001) or “Introduction to Biblical Literature” (THEO-011) should be the first theology course taken.

Students are required to take two courses in the social sciences, which include psychology, sociology, anthropology, linguistics, and women’s studies. Both of these courses may come from the same discipline, but one each from two separate disciplines is also acceptable. Introductory courses, such as Introduction to Sociology (SOCI-001) or General Psychology (PSYC-001) are often prerequisites for further study.

Students may choose any two introductory courses from the Departments of Government or History, or choose from among certain history-based classics courses offered by the Classics Department. Any classics course taken to fulfill this requirement must be approved by the Undergraduate Program Office prior to registration for the course. The course must have sufficient historical content to meet this requirement.

The five electives required to complete the liberal arts core may be taken in any liberal arts area offered by the University with the restriction that only one of these courses may be in the area of economics. Please note: STIA courses do not count as liberal arts electives.

Free electives may be completed in either liberal arts fields or in business studies. Only free electives may be taken pass/fail.

GUIDE TO COURSE SCHEDULING

The normal course load in The McDonough School of Business is five courses per semester. Special permission is required to take fewer than four or more than five courses per semester; students should discuss program implications with the Undergraduate Program Office.

To satisfy the thirteen-course business core requirement, all students must complete Accounting I and II as well as International Business during the first year. During the second and third years, all students must complete the following: Business Law I (or Business Government Relations), Information Systems, Management and Organizational Behavior, Principles of Marketing, Business Statistics, Management Science (prerequisite: Business Statistics) and Business Financial Management (prerequisites: Calculus, Business Statistics, and Microeconomics). During the third year, students should complete both Strategic Management, and Productions and Operations Management. Finally, during the fourth year, students must complete the capstone course, Social Responsibilities of Business. In addition to all core requirements, students must complete discipline-specific courses in one or two of the undergraduate business majors (see below).

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

ACCOUNTING (15 CREDIT HOURS)

Intermediate Accounting I

Intermediate Accounting II

Three electives, which could include:

• Advanced Accounting
• Auditing
• Business Law II
• Cost Accounting
• Decision Support Systems
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Taxation I
• Taxation II

Students planning to sit for the CPA examination should consult the Undergraduate Program Office, the accounting faculty, and their state Boards of Accountancy regarding specific requirements. Few states will allow a candidate for the CPA to take the examination with only 26 credit hours of preparation (including Accounting I–II), and many states require as many as 30 or more hours of accounting courses. Many potential CPA candidates will have to take several accounting electives in addition to the required five courses.

FINANCE (15 CREDIT HOURS)

Advanced Financial Management

Principles of Investment

Global Financial Markets and Institutions or International Finance

Two electives, which could include:

• Corporate Governance
• Derivatives and Financial Markets
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Investment Banking
• Management of Financial Institutions
• Real Estate Finance

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
(15 CREDIT HOURS)

Three electives, which could include:

• Derivatives and Financial Markets
• Global Financial Markets and Institutions
• Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Intercultural Communication
• International Finance
• International Marketing

(One of the elective requirements may be met with an appropriate course from the Economics, History, or Government Departments or an elective course in the School of Foreign Service. These courses must be approved by the Undergraduate Program Office.)

One Area Course
(The course should be a history, government, economics or upper level language course. The course must be approved by the Undergraduate Program Office.)

Students must also fulfill the International Qualification which can be met in one of three ways:

1. by certification of foreign language proficiency at the business level, determined by oral examination;
2. by completing an approved study abroad program for an academic year, semester, or summer; or
3. by demonstrating significant foreign living or working experience.

Students planning to fulfill the international qualification of the major by language proficiency should take the examination as soon as they have reached adequate proficiency.

MANAGEMENT (15 CREDIT HOURS)

• Management of Human Resources
• Organizational Design and Change
• Three courses in one Management specialization track:
1. Managing the Technology-Intensive Organization
   Three electives, with a minimum of two from Section A. The third can be from Section A or B. Past electives have included:
1. Database Development and Management
   Decision Support Systems
   Electronic Commerce
   Project Management
2. Approved Computer Science course
   Creativity and Innovation
   Entrepreneurship
   Leadership
   Managerial Communication
   Negotiations

2. Managing Human Resources
   Two required courses:
   • Managerial Communication
   • Negotiations

   One elective, which could include:

   • Derivatives and Financial Markets
   • Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management
   • Intercultural Communication
   • Marketing Research
   • Psychology of Individual and Group Differences

3. New and Small Business
   Three electives with a minimum of two from Section A. The third can be from Section A or B. Past electives have included:
1. Creativity and Innovation
   Database Development and Management
   Entrepreneurship
   Leadership
   Managerial Communication
   Negotiations
2. Electronic Commerce
   Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management
   Intercultural Communication
   Promotional Strategy
   Real Estate Finance
   

4. Leadership and Change
   Three electives with a minimum of two from Section A. The third can be from Section A or B. Past electives have included:
1. Creativity and Innovation
   Entrepreneurship
   Leadership
   Managerial Communication
   Negotiations
   
2. Buyer Behavior
   Intercultural Communication
   Leadership & Public Service
   Social Psychology
   Women, Men & Language
   

MARKETING (15 CREDIT HOURS)

Required courses:

Marketing Research

Buyer Behavior

Marketing Strategy

Two electives, which could include:

• Advertising Campaign Planning
• Electronic Commerce
• Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• International Marketing
• New Product Management
• Nonprofit Marketing
• Promotional Strategy
• Sports Marketing Strategy

Operations and Information
Management (15 Credits)

Required Courses:

Database Development and Management

Decision Support Systems

Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Two electives with at least one from Section A.
The second can be from Section A or B.

1. Electronic Commerce
   International Operations
   Project Management
2. Approved course in Computer Science
   Organizational Design and Change
Documenting Major(s) and Minor(s)

All students must officially declare all majors and minors prior to the end of the spring semester of sophomore year.

Declaring a Major

The major areas enable students to achieve a command of one or two of the business disciplines. When students declare their major(s), they also select their faculty advisor (a mentor from within their chosen field of study). This mentor-student relationship is designed so that students will benefit from faculty expertise in their chosen major. Students are encouraged to seek faculty advice in addition to that provided by the Undergraduate Program Office. Students may declare a double major, but only two courses counted toward the first major may be counted toward the second major. In other words, students must take at least three courses that are not counted toward the first major, or at least eight courses total, to declare a double major. Note: students may not “double” major within two tracks of the management major, nor may students pursue a triple major. Students cannot double major in both OPIM and Managing the Technology-Intensive Organization. All students in the MSB are encouraged to discuss major and course choices with their academic advisors, faculty advisors, career education center advisors, and prospective employers.

Declaring a Minor

Students may elect a minor from among the many departments within Georgetown College. Many MSB students select minors from among the liberal arts offerings. The general requirements for minors are listed in the Bulletin under the course offerings for the appropriate departments. Students seeking a minor should consult with the appropriate department to obtain authorization and complete the Declaration of Minor Form. Successful completion of the minor will be noted on the student’s final transcript, together with the major. MSB students may not elect a minor within The McDonough School of Business, School of Foreign Service, or School of Nursing and Health Studies.

TYPICAL PROGRAMS

All students, regardless of area of concentration, should follow the suggested course outlines for the first and second years. Suggested course programs for each of the six majors are provided (see pages 133–35). The suggested programs are intended as a planning guide. It is imperative to verify semester course offerings annually and to seek program approval from the Undergraduate Program Office.

COURSE OFFERINGS

Course offerings for the School of Business are listed under Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, Operations and Information Management, and Strategy.

FIRST YEAR (all areas of concentration) #
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Accounting I		Accounting II
Humanities and Writing or International Business		Humanities and Writing or International Business
Calculus I		Liberal Arts Requirement*
Liberal Arts Requirement*		Liberal Arts Requirement*
Liberal Arts Requirement*		Liberal Arts Requirement*
SOPHOMORE YEAR (all areas of concentration except Accounting)
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Business Core I Requirement		Business Core I Requirement
Principles of Microeconomics		Principles of Macroeconomics
Liberal Arts Requirement*		Liberal Arts Requirement*
Liberal Arts Requirement*		Liberal Arts Requirement*
Business Core II Requirement		Business Core II Requirement**
ACCOUNTING
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Business Core I Requirement		Intermediate Accounting II
Intermediate Accounting I		Information Systems OR Management & Organizational Behavior
Principles of Microeconomics		Principles of Macroeconomics
Liberal Arts Requirement*		Liberal Arts Requirement*
Liberal Arts Elective		Liberal Arts Elective
JUNIOR YEAR
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Accounting Elective		Accounting Elective
Business Financial Management		Management Science
Liberal Arts Elective		Liberal Arts Requirement*
Information Systems or Management & Organizational Behavior		Liberal Arts Requirement*
Principles of Marketing		Operations Management
SENIOR YEAR
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Social Responsibilities of Business		Strategic Management
Accounting Elective		Liberal Arts Elective
Liberal Arts Elective		Free Elective
Liberal Arts Elective		Free Elective
Free Elective		Free Elective
# Students contemplating a major in International Business are encouraged to begin their language study during the first year. * Theology, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, History, Government, Classics. ** Consult academic advisor for course selection.
FINANCE
JUNIOR YEAR
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Business Financial Management		Management Science
Management and Organizational Behavior		Operations Management
Principles of Marketing		Advanced Financial Management
Free Elective		Finance Elective
Liberal Arts Elective		Information Systems
SENIOR YEAR
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Social Responsibilities of Business OR Strategic Management		Social Responsibilities of Business OR Strategic Management
Global Financial Markets and Institutions OR International Finance		Finance Elective
Principles of Investment		Liberal Arts Elective
Liberal Arts Elective		Free Elective
Free Elective		Free Elective
MANAGEMENT
JUNIOR YEAR
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Principles of Marketing		Business Financial Management
Management and Organizational Behavior		Liberal Arts Elective
Management Science		Management Track Elective
Information Systems		Operations Management
Liberal Arts Elective		Liberal Arts Elective
SENIOR YEAR
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Social Responsibilities of Business OR Strategic Management		Social Responsibilities of Business OR Strategic Management
Management Seminar		Management Seminar
Management Track Elective		Management Track Elective
Free Elective		Free Elective
Free Elective		Free Elective
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
JUNIOR YEAR
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Principles of Marketing		Liberal Arts Elective
Management and Organizational Behavior		Business Financial Management
Management Science		IB Core Course
Free Elective		Operations Management
Liberal Arts Elective		Information Systems
SENIOR YEAR
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Social Responsibilities of Business OR Strategic Management		Social Responsibilities of Business OR Strategic Management
IB Core Course		Advanced International Business
IB Area Course		Free Elective
Free Elective		IB Core Course
Free Elective		Liberal Arts Elective
MARKETING
JUNIOR YEAR
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Principles of Marketing		Buyer Behavior
Management and Organizational Behavior		Liberal Arts Elective
Business Financial Management		Operations Management
Liberal Arts Elective		Management Science
Free Elective		Information Systems
SENIOR YEAR
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Marketing Research		Marketing Strategy
Social Responsibilities of Business OR Strategic Management		Social Responsibilities of Business OR Strategic Management
Liberal Arts Elective		Free Elective
Marketing Elective		Free Elective
Free Elective		Marketing Elective
OPERATIONS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
JUNIOR YEAR
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Operations Management		Management and Organizational Behavior
Management Science		Business Financial Management
Information Systems		Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Free Elective		OPIM Elective
Liberal Arts Elective		Principles of Marketing
SENIOR YEAR
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Social Responsibilities of Business OR Strategic Management		Social Responsibilities of Business OR Strategic Management
Database Management		Decision Support Systems
OPIM Elective		Liberal Arts Elective
Liberal Arts Elective		Free Elective
Free Elective		Free Elective

ADMINISTRATION

Administrative Structure

The McDonough School of Business is administered by the Dean who is responsible for the overall direction and development of the School, a Deputy Dean of Faculty, an Associate Dean who is Director of the Undergraduate Program, an Assistant Dean, and four Academic Counselors. An administrative manager provides support services.

The Undergraduate Program Office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and is the central source of information for students regarding academic and administrative affairs.

Students should check the MSB website (www.msb.edu) for announcements and information and the MSB Blackboard Website for forms. Students are responsible for checking their MSB e-mail regularly for important academic information.

Validation of Business Courses

When a transfer student requests transfer credit for a business course that has been taken at another institution, the student may be asked to validate the course by passing an examination on the subject material covered in the equivalent course(s) at Georgetown.

All validation processes are administered through the Undergraduate Program Office.

Transfer Admissions Policy

External applicants for transfer admission must have completed one semester of at least 12 credit hours prior to being accepted to the MSB. Internal candidates for transfer must have completed one year of study at Georgetown prior to being accepted to the MSB. In both cases, students should have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students currently enrolled in another school within the University who are interested in transferring should contact the Undergraduate Program Office. Students seeking admission from other universities should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Transfer Credit for College Courses
Taken Prior to Matriculation

Incoming students who have taken a course(s) at another college or university during high school may request Georgetown credit provided the following guidelines are met: (1) the course was taught at a four year accredited college or university, (2) the course was taught by a regular member of the college or university faculty, (3) the course was open to regular college or university students and was not designed specifically for high school students, (4) the course was recorded by the college or university on an official transcript, (5) the course did not count toward fulfillment of a high school graduation requirement, (6) the course was taken during junior year in high school or later, and (7) a grade of “C” or above was earned. In addition to meeting all of these guidelines, a copy of the course syllabus and an official transcript should be forwarded to the Undergraduate Program Office for review and determination of whether credit will be awarded. The total number of courses taken away from Georgetown after matriculation cannot exceed twelve credit hours (generally four courses).

ACADEMIC POLICIES

Academic Regulations

The McDonough School of Business standards are set forth under University Academic Regulations.

Additionally, The McDonough School of Business regulations include the following:

• Students may not take more than four courses in any one summer at Georgetown.
• Courses taken on an audit basis are not applicable to the 40-course, 120-credit minimum graduation requirement.
• Students who have been placed on probation normally are ineligible to receive an incomplete grade.
Academic Procedures

The professional staff in the Undergraduate Program Office comprises the Standards Committee. It convenes at the conclusion of the fall and spring semesters to review the academic records of all of the undergraduates in the School. In instances where a student has incurred an academic deficiency, the committee may recommend one of three courses of action: probation, suspension, or dismissal. The chair of the committee notifies the student in writing of the decision.

Students who are either dismissed or suspended may appeal the decision of the Standards Committee to the Director of the Undergraduate Program, who will refer the student to the Board of Academic Appeals. A student is entitled to only one appeal during his or her undergraduate years.

The Board of Academic Appeals shall be appointed by the Dean and consist of two faculty members and one current student. No member of the faculty may sit on a board as a voting member if the member:

1. has at any time taught the student who is appealing;
2. has at any time acted as an advisor to or employer of the student; or
3. was a member of the MSB Academic Standards Committee which made the initial recommendation.

It should be emphasized that the Board of Academic Appeals is an educational hearing board and not a court of law. Its purpose is two-fold:

1. It considers the student’s record in light of the initial decision and accepts any evidence of extenuating circumstances which would warrant the Board to recommend a change in the decision.
2. It assures the student an opportunity to appear before an impartial board composed of members of the faculty and a student member.

The student should submit to the Director of the Undergraduate Program a written request for an appeal of the initial decision within the time limit specified in the notification from the Chair of the Standards Committee. The student may then present to the Board evidence which would indicate reasons for the Board to recommend to the Director of the Undergraduate Program a change in the initial decision.

Normally the student must appear for the hearing. If, however, because of extraordinary circumstances, the student is unable to be present, he or she may present a written summary of the grounds for the appeal. When presenting the appeal to the Board, the student may appear alone or may bring someone to assist in the presentation.

The student may be present for all stages of the hearing except for the final deliberation by the Board.

The Board may recommend upholding the initial decision or it may recommend a mitigation of that decision (e.g., instead of either a dismissal or suspension, a strict probation). It cannot recommend a harsher decision or completely abrogate the original decision.

The Board’s recommendation is sent in writing to the Director of the Undergraduate Program. It may give explanations or comments and is signed by the members of the Board.

The Director of the Undergraduate Program communicates in writing to the student the final disposition of the matter.

Academic Integrity

See the description of the Georgetown University Undergraduate Honor System in the Academic Regulations section of this Bulletin.

Duplicate Submission of Papers

Any student who wishes to submit a paper, or substantially the same paper, in two (or more) classes must discuss that plan with the concerned faculty members and obtain written approval so that no questions of deficiency might arise at a later time.

Summer Courses Taken Away from
Georgetown University

The McDonough School of Business adheres to the following guidelines regarding study away from Georgetown University:

1. Any summer courses taken away from Georgetown University must be approved in advance by the Undergraduate Program Office.
2. Summer courses taken away from Georgetown may not include courses in business. These include the business core courses and any electives in each major. (Exceptions to this guideline must be approved in advance by the Undergraduate Program Office.)
3. The total number of credit hours taken away from Georgetown may not exceed 12 (generally four courses).
4. Students may not take more than four courses in one summer.
5. In courses taken away from Georgetown, students must earn a C or above in order to transfer credit. Courses may not be taken on a pass/fail basis. No credit is awarded until an official transcript is received and evaluated by the Undergraduate Program Office.
6. Only summer courses taken at a four-year accredited institution are acceptable for transfer credit.
7. Any summer course taken for credit away from Georgetown must involve at least 35 hours of classroom contact time (for a three-credit course) and meet over a period of at least four weeks.



SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Tutorials and Internships

Tutorials. Tutorials will be offered only to juniors or seniors in good academic standing for work not covered by the existing curriculum. Students must take a tutorial for a letter grade and may take no more than one tutorial per semester.

Internship in Business. Internships permit the student to select a specific area within the field of business to explore outside the classroom. The purpose of an internship is to provide the student with an understanding of how a business actually operates and how business principles are applied. Students may apply for academic credit through one of the following:

MGMT-310: This course is available to current or rising juniors and seniors and is a three-credit seminar which must be taken for a letter grade. The intern will be required to attend individual and group meetings during the semester and to write a paper. To be considered for credit, all internships must be in the field of business and must provide a significant learning experience for the student. Further information and application forms are available from the Undergraduate Program Office.

MGMT-311: This course is offered only pass/fail and is worth one credit. It does not count towards any major nor towards the 40 courses required for graduation. It is offered both semesters of the academic year and during the summer.

Students must complete 100 internship hours, submit a final paper to the instructor, and have their supervisor submit a letter of recommendation. Students must be in good academic standing to take MGMT-311 (minimum GPA of 2.0), and the course is open to any current or rising sophomore, junior, or senior.

Study Abroad

All students enrolled in the MSB are eligible to participate in designated and approved programs abroad, organized through the Office of International Programs. Programs are available during the academic year, each semester, and each summer. Students who wish to participate in study-abroad programs during the school year must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 or higher. Advice and planning are available in both the Office of International Programs and the Undergraduate Program Office. A maximum of 17 credits per semester may be taken, normally the equivalent of five Georgetown courses.

Hong Kong Program

Georgetown University jointly with the Chinese University of Hong Kong conducts a summer program in comparative business with a special focus on the Asia-Pacific market. Participating students take Comparative Strategic Management (STRT-283), fulfilling a core requirement for MSB students, and International Marketing (MARK-223), fulfilling one of the upper-level business course requirements of the International Business major and one of the electives for the Marketing Major.

Oxford Program

Georgetown University’s Summer Program in Comparative Business at Oxford University compares business functions in Great Britain, Western Europe, and the United States. Participating students take Comparative Strategic Management (STRT-283), fulfilling a core requirement for MSB students, and International Finance (FINC-250), fulfilling one of the upper-level international business courses for the International Business concentration and satisfies one of the requirements of finance majors.

Case Competitions and Leadership Conferences

Along with the Academic Council, the MSB sponsors elite teams of students at various case competitions and leadership conferences throughout the country and internationally. The competitions present challenging cases, requiring students to apply knowledge from all areas of business study to present innovative solutions. The Undergraduate Program Office teams up with Hilltop Consultants for an annual, non-profit, live case competition at Georgetown University. The case competition, called The Business Strategy Competition at Georgetown University, garners participation from students at the nation’s top undergraduate business schools.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

In the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person, The McDonough School of Business recognizes the impact that serving the community can have on a student’s development. The MSB strongly encourages students to participate in community service activities, either on their own or through opportunities offered by the University. The MSB allows students the option of an additional credit for significant work in the community, if the work is closely tied to a course in which the student is currently enrolled.

The Young Alumni Mentor Program

Recognizing the benefits of connecting students with established alumni, the MSB’s Young Alumni Mentor Program links current undergraduates with local alumni who have made great strides within their professional fields. The Young Alumni Mentor Program gives undergraduates the opportunity to network with recent graduates and learn from their professional experiences. Participants engage in group events as well as casual, individual meetings with their mentors. The program is small and selective to maximize the level of interaction between young alumni and undergraduate students. During the summer, the Young Alumni Mentor Program connects undergraduates with internships in New York City with mentors in that area.

SPECIAL INTEREST ORGANIZATIONS

Numerous professional student organizations within the McDonough School of Business offer students the chance to network with peers and faculty, take on leadership roles, add depth to their studies, and prepare for careers in business.

The Academic Council for The McDonough School of Business represents the undergraduate student body to the administration and faculty. One elected representative of the Council is a voting member of the School’s Executive Council.

The Academic Council’s objectives include 1) providing input on academic majors within the School; 2) developing professional awareness through coordination and assistance to business clubs and organizations; 3) encouraging students and faculty to cooperate in conferences, seminars, and programs designed to challenge student thought; 4) providing course critiques, surveys, and newsletters to alumni and students.

The Georgetown Accounting Society encourage high scholarship among its members, provide accounting and auditing services to the University community, provide student assistance in accounting instruction, and develop a professional attitude toward accounting. Membership in the Society is open to academically qualified students.

The Undergraduate Marketing Association provides supplemental education and business opportunities for students interested in marketing and related trends in business by hosting speakers and obtaining important contacts with professionals both in business and in government. Also, the Society cultivates job opportunities and possibilities for research through its affiliation with the American Marketing Association and the American Advertising Federation.

The Financial Management Association provides a network of contacts for students interested in finance positions or internships. The FMA brings finance professionals to Georgetown to talk about their work and to supply information about job opportunities. The FMA also provides opportunities for students to place their résumé in a résumé book to be sent to potential employers, to do some investing as a group, and to host an annual banquet with a “roast” of a targeted faculty member or administrator. Members receive subscriptions to various financial management publications as well as other materials and benefits designed to improve future employment potential.

Hilltop Consultants is an undergraduate student organization dedicated to advancing the goals of students interested in management strategy and consulting by raising awareness of the opportunities in these fields. The club is focused on providing skills training, networking, and recruiting opportunities related to strategy and consulting.

Women in Business recognizes the desire of undergraduate women to belong to a network of current and future female business leaders. WIB invites speakers to discuss their career decisions and other aspects of their jobs and lives, and also works with the Graduate Women In Business organization, the MBNA Career Center, the Women’s Center, and other student groups on campus to co-sponsor events.

The Georgetown University Student Investment Fund, organized as a partnership, provides its members with a working knowledge of the stock market through its investment and research activities. Student investors present new investment proposals and review the current portfolio at each meeting. This forum provides students with a good introduction to the stock market and the investment decision-making process. Membership is open to all students.

Undergraduate Bulletin 2009-2010 Table of Contents
Copyright 2009, Georgetown University.