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. Faculty 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, theology, and history, while beginning the business coursework and taking courses in accounting, international business, business statistics, and economics. 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. McDonough strongly supports students who would like to choose a minor in one of the nearly 50 liberal arts disciplines in the College. 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 internships in private industry, government, or non-profit organizations. Students have many opportunities within McDonough 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 closely match their personal educational goals, while still meeting the McDonough’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 McDonough’s historical roots within the Georgetown community, as well as its current identity--a premier business school dedicated to shaping global business leaders.

PROGRAMS

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

ACCOUNTING

The undergraduate concentration in accounting is designed for students who intend to become certified public accountants or internal auditors, industrial accountants, or corporate or government managers who will make decisions based on accounting information and operate control systems using accounting principles. The concentration in accounting also provides a comprehensive background for graduate study in business law, tax law, and economics. Prospective students should note that many states have implemented a 150-hour requirement to sit for the CPA exam. Students should ask their State Board of Accountancy about rules and regulations to sit for the exam. The concentration in accounting includes courses in basic and intermediate accounting and in specialized fields, such as cost accounting, auditing, and taxation.

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 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, LEADERSHIP, AND INNOVATION

The Management, Leadership, and Innovation (MLI) major is an interdisciplinary major grounded in the organizational, social, and behavioral sciences. MLI courses draw on theory from these disciplines and a wide variety of practical and experiential exercises. The major’s goals are to help students develop the managerial, interpersonal, organizational, communication, analytical, and diagnostic skills necessary to succeed in a wide variety of industries and occupations. In addition, the MLI major helps students to: work and lead effectively in increasingly diverse organizations; think creatively, act entrepreneurially, and innovate effectively; develop skills in managing human and social capital; understand the ways in which individuals, groups, and organizations change; and communicate effectively. The MLI major prepares students for a wide range of job opportunities in management consulting firms, innovative and entrepreneurial ventures, for-profits and non-profits, and any organization where excellent teamwork and strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills are critical success factors.

MARKETING

Marketing identifies customers’ needs and desires and then develops and delivers targeted products and services. Thus, marketers create value for the customer and firm, 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 firm. 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 growth of integrated management systems linked to operations planning has led to a significant demand for professionals with a knowledge and understanding of information systems and related quantitative and statistical problem solving skills. Graduates with expertise in process management, quantitative skills and ability to implement decision support systems are highly sought after by firms across different industries. The OPIM major prepares students to address these demands by providing an essential foundation in operations management, management science, statistics, and information systems. The OPIM major provides a focused training in the analysis of business decisions and processes from both a strategic direction and an analytical perspective. Graduates combining the OPIM major with a major in finance or marketing are prepared for careers in consulting, investment banking, market research, and management positions that require a combination of quantitative skills and knowledge of business processes.

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 and approved by the Associate Dean.

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 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 sophomore 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 a maximum of 12 credits of Military Science courses applied to the bachelor of science degree in business. This policy is uniform with regard to Army Military Science offered on the main campus of Georgetown University and Naval Science offered at The George Washington University (and would be so applied to Air Force at Howard University in the event there is a degree candidate in McDonough in the future). Courses offered at 3 credits will be applied first, and courses offered at less than 3 credits may be allowed up to the limit of 12 credits total. All 12 credits may contribute to the 120 credits required for the degree and courses offered at 3 credits may count toward the 40 course requirement. Courses valued at less than 3 credits (MLSC 111, 112, 113, 114, 211 and 212) may only be bundled together to count toward the 40 course requirement in increments of 3 credits.

PREPARATION FOR GRADUATE AND
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS

Although the majority of the McDonough School of Business graduates begin their professional careers immediately after graduation, a number of graduates elect further education, generally in law and, after some work experience, in business. McDonough graduates have been highly successful in gaining admission to many of the nation’s top MBA and law programs. Georgetown 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 McDonough 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 have the opportunity to work with a designated faculty advisor in their major. 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.

Learning Goals for Undergraduates at McDonough School of Business

The mission of the McDonough School of Business is to educate students to be ethically responsible and effective business leaders. Our goal is that students be able to improve the management of existing organizations and create new ones in order to responsibly help raise global standards of living. The learning goals focus on business knowledge; management, analytical, and communication skills; and unique Georgetown perspectives.

Business Knowledge and Analytical Skills

Learning Goal

Our graduates will have the knowledge and the analytical, management, and quantitative skills necessary to advance organizations and improve their performance.

Learning Outcomes

Our students will master the key frameworks, models, and skills that reflect the body of knowledge in their major, and will apply discipline-based habits of analytical thinking to problems and opportunities.

Our students will be skilled in the analysis of both qualitative information and quantitative data. They will be able to frame problems, apply appropriate analytical techniques, and draw valid conclusions and recommendations.

Ethical and Social Justice Perspective

Learning Goal

Our graduates will develop an understanding of business that reflects the moral responsibility of management to all relevant stakeholders and the natural environment.

Learning Outcomes

Our graduates will understand the cultural and ethical complexities of conducting business on a global scale and be able to suggest appropriate courses of action.

Our students will understand how to integrate the Jesuit ideal of “service to others” in their leadership and business practices.

Our students will understand the importance of and techniques for measuring the impact of firms on people and their natural environment.

Global Perspective

Learning Goal

Our graduates will develop a global and multi-cultural perspective on the business enterprise and acquire the leadership skills necessary to be a successful leader in a global organization.

Learning Outcomes

Our students will learn about the ways national culture, law, and other social structures affect organizations and the ways that organizations affect their host countries.

Our students will develop the skills and perspective needed for effective leadership in a multi-cultural environment.

Our students will learn to apply the analytical content of their major in an international setting.

Communication Skills

Learning Goal

Our graduates will be able to communicate effectively in a variety of settings to advance organizational objectives and to meet challenges.

Learning Outcomes

Our students will be able to synthesize and summarize information and to professionally communicate their analyses, arguments, and recommendations to a variety of audiences.

Our students will be skilled in written, oral, and visual communication and will be able to effectively choose communication methods that are appropriate to the topic, objective, and setting.

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 or four credits (6-credit language courses count as two courses);
3. 3A final cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher;
4. Completion of the Liberal Arts Core requirements;
5. Completion of McDonough’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.

Credit and Withdrawals/Tuition Refunds
for 1.5-credit Courses

Tuition Refunds

Should a student withdraw from a 1.5 credit course and drop below 12 credits, credit for tuition will be calculated from the date the Office of the Undergraduate Dean is notified according to the following percentages:

• 1st week: 100%
• 2nd week: 80%
• 3rd week: 70%
• 4th week: 50%
• 5th week: 40%

Withdrawal from a Course

To withdraw from a course a student must complete an official drop slip in the Undergraduate Dean’s Office. If a student does not complete a course for which the student is registered and from which the student has not officially withdrawn, a failure will be recorded for that course. The add/drop period for 1.5-credit courses will last 5 weeks into the course (one-half the length of a withdrawal period for a 3-credit course). Courses dropped through this add/drop period will not be shown on a student’s record; thereafter, dropped courses are indicated by a “W” grade. No student at any time may withdraw from courses to the point of becoming a part-time student (i.e., registered for eleven or fewer credits) without the permission of the Undergraduate Dean.

Degree Requirements

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

• A minimum of 120 credits.
• Successful completion of 40 courses of three credits or more; thus two 1.5 credit courses count as one course credit.
• A final cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher.
• Completion of all course requirements (Liberal Arts Core, MSB Core, and Major(s))

Given that two 1.5-credit courses are needed to count as one course, students are encouraged to enroll in two 1.5-credit courses within one academic year.

In addition, students are not permitted to take more than two 200-level 1.5 credit courses each semester. Students who take two such courses in a semester must take one in each quarter.

First Year Seminar: International Business,
Public Policy, and Society

The First Year Seminar (FYS) is an exciting way for first-year business students to explore the nature of scholarship, think about important ideas in business, and foster intellectual and personal growth while adapting to the rigor of college-level courses. The program offers small seminars (approximately 20 students) that create a supportive learning and service community. Throughout the program, students strengthen critical academic reading and writing skills necessary for success in college and explore intellectual links to a variety of business disciplines, including global public policy.

An integral part of the FYS is the case competition, which challenges students to develop a business solution for strategic problems and issues facing a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C. Faculty and advanced undergraduates coach each team, and the finalists present their strategic recommendations to executives at the client organization.

Students in FYS meet several times during the semester to hear lectures by members of the world-class faculty at Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business, who will introduce the various fields of study in business, as well as illustrate how scholarly research in the different fields can inform important questions in international business, public policy, and society. At least one of these lectures will be delivered by the head of the client organization of the program’s case competition.

THE CORE REQUIREMENTS

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

Liberal Arts Core (18 courses):

MSB Core (12 courses):

Economics Requirement

The economics requirement is fulfilled by completing Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics (ECON-001, ECON-002). These courses must be completed by the end of the second year.

Humanities and Writing Requirement

The humanities and writing requirement is fulfilled by first completing a course in Humanities and Writing (HUMW-011), followed by a HUMW II course (English 100–299). Students with appropriate AP credit may begin with a HUMW II, followed by an advanced English course.

Mathematics Requirement

The mathematics requirement is four hours at the calculus level or above and must be completed by the end of the first year. 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.

Philosophy Requirement

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 may be an introductory or “bridge” course in philosophy. See department course listing for further details.

Theology Requirement

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.

History/Government/Classics/INAF Requirement

Students may choose any two introductory courses from the Departments of Government, History, or International Affairs (INAF), 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.

Liberal Arts Electives

The seven 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

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 twelve-course business core requirement, all students should complete Accounting, Computational Business Modeling, and Business Statistics the first year. During the second and third years, all students must complete the following: Accounting II, Business Law I (or Business Government Relations), Organizational Behavior, Principles of Marketing, Management Science ( prerequisite: Business Statistics) and Business Financial Management ( prerequisites: Calculus, Business Statistics, Microeconomics, and Accounting I). 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 Responsibility 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).

FIRST YEAR (all areas of concentration)

Fall Semester

• Computational Business Modeling (1 credit)
• FYS or Liberal Arts Core
• Calculus I
• Liberal Arts Core
• Theology or Philosophy
• HUMW-011 or HUMW II (with AP credit)

Spring Semester

• Accounting I
• Humanities and Writing II or Liberal Arts Core
• Business Statistics
• Theology or Philosophy
• Liberal Arts Core

SOPHOMORE YEAR
(all areas of concentration except Accounting)

Fall Semester

• Accounting II
• Principles of Microeconomics
• Management Science*
• Liberal Arts Core or Humanities and Writing II
• Principles of Marketing or
  Management Organizational Behavior

Spring Semester

• Production and Operation Management or
  Business Law
• Principles of Macroeconomics
• Liberal Arts Core
• Business Financial Management
• Principles of Marketing or
  Management Organizational Behavior**

*Accounting majors are recommended to enroll in Intermediate Accounting I instead.

**Accounting majors are recommended to enroll in Intermediate Accounting II instead.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

ACCOUNTING (15 CREDIT HOURS)

Required Courses:

• 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)

Required Courses:

• Advanced Financial Management
• Principles of Investment
• Global Financial Markets and Institutions or
  International Finance

Two electives, which could include:

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

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
(18 CREDIT HOURS)

Track 1: Regional Business Studies

This option requires 6 courses, one of which can count toward other McDonough majors and two of which can, where applicable, count towards the Liberal Arts electives requirements.

• International Business: MARK-261
• Successfully complete the proficiency equivalence of an intermediate level language (minimum of 12 credits or 4 semesters; note that some languages require 24 credits e.g., Chinese and Arabic)
• Advanced International Business: STRT-270
• 2 Area Courses (The area courses should be a politics or economics course specific to a single region of language study from approved list.
• Choose two courses from the following list:
• Global Fin. Markets and Institutions: FINC-249
• Global Logistics: OPIM-262
• Intercultural Communications: MGMT-205
• International Finance: FINC-250
• International Marketing: MARK-223
• International Operations: OPIM-296

Track 2: International Political Economy and Business

This option requires 6 courses, one of which can count toward other McDonough majors and two of which can, where applicable, count towards the Liberal Arts electives requirements.

• Successfully complete the proficiency equivalence of an intermediate level language (minimum of 12 credits or 4 semesters; note that some languages require 24 credits e.g., Chinese and Arabic)
• International Business: MARK-261
• International Trade: ECON-243
• Advanced International Business: STRT-270
• International Political Economy: GOVT-288 or Business Government Relations: STRT-265 or INAF-252
• Choose one course from the following list:
  Global Fin. Markets and Institutions: FINC-249
  International Finance: FINC-250
  International Finance: ECON-244
  International Marketing: MARK-223
• Complete an approved internationally focused Washington, D.C. internship (MGMT-310) or an approved international study abroad program

MANAGEMENT, LEADERSHIP, AND INNOVATION
(15 CREDIT HOURS)

Required Course:

• Managing Human Capital

Two courses from the following:

• Communicating for Business Leadership
• Creativity and Innovation
• Leadership

Two courses from either the above list or:

• Organizational Design and Change
• Negotiations
• Intercultural Communications
• Managing Corporate Communication
• Communication Tech for Managers
• Innovation and New Idea Management
• Micro-Enterprise Program Design
• Project Management
• eCommerce
• Entrepreneurship
• New Product Management
• Social Entrepreneurship: Leading Social Change

MARKETING (15 CREDIT HOURS)

Required courses:

• Marketing Analytics (3 credits)
• Consumer Behavior (3 credits)
• Marketing Intelligence (3 credits)
• Branding (1.5 credits)
• Communications/Digital Media (1.5 credits)

Electives for 3 credits, which could include:

• Advertising Management (1.5 credits)
• Electronic Commerce
• Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Corporate Communications
• International Marketing
• Consumer Brand Management (1.5 credits)
• Luxury Marketing (1.5 credits)
• Entrepreneurial Finance
• Sports Marketing (1.5 credits)
• Social Marketing (1.5 credits)

Operations and Information
Management (15 Credits)

Track 1: Operations, Analytics and Systems

Curriculum

• A total of 15 credits, including two required courses and three electives.

Required Courses

• Decision Analysis and Support Systems: OPIM-258 (Prerequisite: OPIM-284)
• Global Logistics/Supply Chain Management: OPIM-262 (Prerequisite: OPIM-294)

Electives

• Two electives must be from Section A; the third can be from Section A or B.

Section A: OPIM Courses

• Information Technology and Systems Management: OPIM-251
• Electronic Commerce: OPIM-256
• Developing and Managing Databases: OPIM-257
• Project Management: OPIM-259
• Business Forecasting: OPIM-274 (Prerequisite: OPIM 173 or 172)
• Real Options Valuation: OPIM-277 (Prerequisite: OPIM-284 and FINC-211)
• International Operations: OPIM-296 (Prerequisite: OPIM-262)

Section B: Cross-Disciplinary Courses

• Derivatives: FINC-255 (Prerequisite: FINC-211)
• Financial Mathematics: MATH-322 (Prerequisites: MATH-137 and MATH-150)
• Entrepreneurial Finance: FINC-265 (Prerequisite: FINC-211)
• Marketing Research: MARK-221 (Prerequisite: MARK-220)

Track 2: Managerial Computing

Curriculum

• A total of 18 credits, including three required courses and three electives*.

Required Courses

• Decision Analysis and Support Systems: OPIM-258 (Prerequisite: OPIM-284)
• Introduction to Computer Science Using Ruby: COSC-015
• Introduction to Information Systems: COSC-016 or OPIM-251**

Electives (Choose 3)

• Global Logistics/Supply Chain Management: OPIM-262 (Prerequisite: OPIM-294)
• Electronic Commerce: OPIM-256
• Project Management: OPIM-259
• Developing and Managing Databases: OPIM-257
• Introduction to Information Privacy: COSC-011

*At most two of these courses can be counted as Liberal Arts Electives.

**Credit cannot be given for both COSC-016 and OPIM-251.

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 will be assigned a 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. Students may not pursue a triple major. 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. Business students may not elect a minor within The McDonough School of Business, School of Foreign Service, or School of Nursing and Health Studies.

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, one or more Assistant Deans, and several Associate Directors or 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 (http://msb.georgetown.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.

WWith the exception of summer school courses listed in the usual departments of the four undergraduate schools on campus (College, SFS, MSB and NHS), MSB students may not enroll in courses offered through the School of Continuing Studies for its various degrees, certificates and special programs.

Transfer Admissions Policy

External applicants for transfer admission must have completed one semester of at least 12 credit hours prior to being accepted to McDonough. Internal candidates for transfer must have completed one year of study at Georgetown prior to being accepted to McDonough. 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 (at most 12 credits) 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 (along with a letter from the registrar of the college where courses were taken, verifying above criteria were met), 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).

Transfer Credit for 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 (not community colleges) 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 typically meets over a period of at least four weeks.
8. One on-line summer course may be accepted for credit from an accredited institution. The course and syllabus requires approval from the Undergraduate Program Office.

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 Academic Standards Committee is composed of the professional staff in the Undergraduate Program Office. 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 in the case of probation and the Associate Dean notifies the student in the case of suspension or dismissal.

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.

The Board of Academic Appeals shall be appointed by the Associate Dean in consultation with the Deputy Dean and consist of three faculty members. 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 of two weeks from the time of notification. 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.

The student may be present for the hearing or if 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. 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.

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 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 McDonough 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.

The Undergraduate Program Office offers need-based Undergraduate Dean’s Scholarships for summer study abroad.

Shanghai Program

Georgetown University jointly with the Fudan University in Shanghai conducts a summer program in comparative business with a special focus on the Asia-Pacific market. Participating students take Comparative Strategic Management (MGMT-353), fulfilling the Strategic Management core requirement for MSB students, and Intercultural Communications (MGMT-205), fulfilling one of the upper-level business course requirements of the International Business major and one of the electives for the Management 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 (MGMT-353), 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 satisfying one of the requirements of finance majors.

ESADE Summer Program

The Georgetown-Escuela Superior de Administracion y Direccion de Empresas (ESADE) Summer program offers Georgetown business students the rare opportunity to study global entrepreneurship and international marketing at one of the world’s most prestigious business schools. The five-week program combines intensive classroom instruction with cultural activities and visits to key centers of economic activity, with particular emphasis on the many small local businesses that play a vital role in Barcelona’s economy and exemplify the city’s entrepreneurial environment.

Case Competitions and Leadership Conferences

The Undergraduate Program Office 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, called The McDonough-Hilltop Business Strategy Challenge.

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. McDonough strongly encourages students to participate in community service activities, either on their own or through opportunities offered by the University. Students have 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 Alumni Mentor Program

Recognizing the benefits of connecting students with established alumni, McDonough’s Alumni Mentor Program links current undergraduates with local alumni who have made great strides within their professional fields. The 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 alumni and undergraduate students. During the summer, the 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 co-curricular activities 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) and providing course critiques, surveys, and newsletters to alumni and students.

The Georgetown Accounting Society encourages scholarship among its members, provides accounting and auditing services to the University community, provides student assistance in accounting instruction, and develops 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, and to do some investing as a group. 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 2012-2013 Table of Contents
Copyright 2012, Georgetown University.