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Preparing the Next Generation of Business Professionals

Gordon Ford College of Business

Preparing the Next Generation of Business Professionals

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Gordon Ford College of Business

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Preparing the Next Generation of Business Professionals

The Gordon Ford College of Business (GFCB) at Western Kentucky University (WKU) educates and empowers the next generation of business leaders through six academic departments offering high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as certificates and minors.

With a strong focus on student success, experiential learning, and career readiness, GFCB programs provide students with the skills, knowledge, and professional foundation needed to lead and adapt in today’s dynamic global business environment.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM INFORMATION

 

Accounting, Bachelor of Science (602)

  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Business
  • Accounting

Overview

Accounting is essential to all businesses, from startups to global corporations, and is needed across industries like finance, healthcare, government, and tech. An accounting background also provides career flexibility, allowing work in areas such as public accounting, corporate finance, auditing, and more. WKU’s Accounting Program strives to prepare students for entry into the accounting field by developing communication skills, technical competencies, critical thinking and problem solving skills, and data analytics proficiencies through an applied learning experience.

Program Highlights:

  • WKU Accounting graduates have one of the highest passage rates for the CPA Exam (for schools in Kentucky and surrounding areas with undergraduate accounting programs).
  • The Joint Undergraduate Master's Program (JUMP) allows undergraduates to pursue both the Bachelor and Master (MADA) degrees concurrently.
  • Accounting students receive support with career counseling, résumé writing, and mock interviews.
  • Accounting students participate in the University's Honors program and/or take advantage of Study Abroad & Global Learning opportunities.
  • Over 60% of senior accounting students have career-related experiences prior to graduation. WKU's Career Services Center and the Department of Accounting provide Academic and Career Orientation sessions designed specifically for accounting majors
  • WKU accepts the High School "Pilot Project" Advanced Placement (AP) course and gives students who successfully pass ( score a 3 or higher) on the AP test 3 hours credit for our ACCT 110 course.  WKU is among very few institutions in the U.S. offering this service to students!
  • Professional Certification - While not a requirement for successful completion of the program, the Department strongly encourages the student to pursue one or more professional certifications.  Two of the more common are CPA (certified public accountant) and CMA (certified management accountant).  Information regarding the certifications can be found through on following websites:

KY Board of Accountancy - https://cpa.ky.gov/becomingcpa/Pages/default.aspx

AICPA - https://www.aicpa.org/resources/toolkit/cpa-exam

NASBA - https://nasba.org/exams/cpaexam/

IMA - https://www.imanet.org/CMA-Campaign-2023?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI08_K0MTh_wIVMgR9Ch0ORQXSEAAYAiAAEgIf7_D_BwE#the-cma

Program Requirements (75 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

The undergraduate major in Accounting requires 75 hours of professional and elective courses and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. No minor is required, although approved minors and certificates inside or outside the college are encouraged.

Business Core

Employers are seeking business graduates who 1) are well-prepared in their specific major, 2) possess foundational knowledge about other business disciplines, and 3) are career ready and professional. All majors in the GFCB complete courses specific for their selected major, a common set of business and career preparation courses (the business core), and MATH 123 (Mathematical Applications for Business).

Course List
Business Foundations Courses
MATH 123Mathematical Applications for Business *3
ACCT 110Accounting for Decision Makers3
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
ECON 206Statistics3
FIN 330Principles of Finance3
BDAN 250Introduction to Analytics3
MGT 210Organization and Management3
MKT 220Basic Marketing Concepts3
MGT 498Strategy and Policy3
or ENT 496 Hilltopper Student Consulting Experience
Career Preparation Courses
BA 170Business Student Basics 11
or BA 175 University Experience-Business
or BA 220 Special Topics in Business Administration (Lower Division)
MGT 261Business Communication Fundamentals3
ACCT 399Career Readiness in Accounting1
ACCT 499Senior Assessment in Accounting1
Accounting Major (42 hrs)
ACCT 220Principles of Financial Accounting3
ACCT 300Intermediate Financial Accounting I3
ACCT 301Intermediate Financial Accounting II3
ACCT 303Intermediate Financial Accounting III3
ACCT 310Managerial Cost Accounting3
ACCT 311Managerial Cost Accounting II3
ACCT 312Accounting Information Systems3
ACCT 430Federal Income Taxation I3
ACCT 450Auditing and Assurance Services3
Select FOUR of the following courses:12
ACCT 401
Business Combinations and Related Topics
ACCT 410
Critical Thinking in Managerial Accounting
ACCT 412
Data Analysis for Accounting
ACCT 413
Accounting Analytics
ACCT 420
Governmental and Not for Profit Accounting
ACCT 431
Federal Income Taxation II
BDAN 430
Data Visualization
Select ONE of the following courses:3
ACCT 440
Business Law for the Accounting Professional
MGT 200
Legal Environment of Business
MGT 301
Business Law
Total Hours75
*

Or any calculus class, or math ACT score of at least 26, or math SAT score of at least 610.

1

BA175 is only for Business LLC students. BA220 is only for WKU students and transfer students who choose a business major as a sophomore or higher.

Pursuing a Second Degree in Accounting

Individuals who have already received a college degree have the opportunity of enrolling in WKU to pursue a degree in accounting.

Students with a first degree in the area of business should be able to complete the Bachelor of Science degree in accounting with approximately 30 additional hours. Those individuals without previous courses in business tend to need a higher number of hours to complete the second degree.

Second baccalaureate degree candidates are exempt from the Western Kentucky University Colonnade requirements. Accounting students must, however, complete the math requirement and an approved speech course, either in previous college work or as a part of the proposed course of study.

Only those accounting and professional business courses completed within five years of the time that the student enrolls for the second degree in accounting will be accepted. Because the business environment is ever changing, subject matter taken in courses completed several years ago is likely forgotten or not currently relevant.

The decision to accept coursework toward the second degree rests with the Department Chair of Accounting.

The prospective candidate for the second degree should contact the Department Chair of Accounting to schedule a meeting to evaluate their situation, to develop a program of study, and to obtain an estimate of the time necessary to complete the second degree in accounting.

Finish in Four Plans

Finish in Four

Students pursuing the Accounting JUMP Program will need to consult with their assigned Academic Advisor as the Finish in Four Plan will differ.  

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ACCT 1103ACCT 2203
BA 1701BDAN 2503
COMM 1453ECON 2023
ENG 1003HIST 101 or HIST 1023
MATH 1233Colonnade: Arts and Humanities3
General University Elective3 
 16 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ACCT 3003ACCT 3013
ACCT 3103ACCT 3113
ECON 2063ACCT 3991
MGT 2613MGT 2103
Colonnade: Literary Studies3Colonnade: Connections (Local to Global)3
 Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with lab3
 15 16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ACCT 3033ACCT 4303
ACCT 3123ACCT Elective (ACCT 401, 410, 412, 420; or BDAN 430)3
FIN 3303MGT 200, MGT 301, or ACCT 4403
MKT 2203Colonnade: Connections (Social and Culturial)3
Colonnade: Natural and Physical Sciences3Colonnade: Writing in the Disciplines3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ACCT Elective (ACCT 401, 410, 412, 420, 431; or BDAN 430)3ACCT 4503
ACCT Elective (ACCT 401, 410, 412, 420, 431; or BDAN 430 3ACCT Elective (ACCT 401, 410, 412, 420, 431; or BDAN 430)3
Colonnade: Connections (Systems)3ACCT 4991
General University Elective3MGT 4983
General University Elective3General University Elective3
 15 13
Total Hours 120

Business Data Analytics, Bachelor of Science (504)

  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Business
  • Analytics & Information Systems

Overview

The Business Data Analytics major requires 66 semester hours. The major is designed to prepare students for professional careers using data analytics and technology. Students are trained to use data to improve decision making and gain insight. Local and global businesses are increasingly relying on the acquisition, management, and analysis of data. As the amount of data increases from all aspects of society so does the need for employees trained in data analytics. The Business Data Analytics major will provide students with a solid business foundation combined with a relevant study of data analytics. This major will help strengthen the knowledge economy in Kentucky and increase the availability of trained data analysts. 

Program Requirements (66 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

Course List
Business Foundations
MATH 123Mathematical Applications for Business 13
ACCT 110Accounting for Decision Makers3
BDAN 250Introduction to Analytics3
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
ECON 206Statistics3
FIN 330Principles of Finance3
MKT 220Basic Marketing Concepts3
MGT 210Organization and Management3
MGT 498Strategy and Policy3
or ENT 496 Hilltopper Student Consulting Experience
Career Preparation
BA 170Business Student Basics 21
or BA 175 University Experience-Business
or BA 220 Special Topics in Business Administration (Lower Division)
MGT 261Business Communication Fundamentals3
BDAN 399Career Readiness in Business Data Analytics1
BDAN 499Senior Assessment in Business Data Analytics1
Required for All Business Data Analytics Majors
MGT 200Legal Environment of Business3
BDAN 305Data Modeling and Analysis3
BDAN 310Business Data Analytics3
BDAN 330Structured Data Analysis3
BDAN 350Data Management3
BDAN 410DSS Analysis and Design3
BDAN 420Predictive Modeling3
BDAN 430Data Visualization3
Select 9 hours from the following:9
CIS 141
Analytics and Technology 3
ACCT 3@
ACCT 4@
BDAN 3@
BDAN 4@
ECON 3@
ECON 4@
ENT 3@
ENT 4@
FIN 3@
FIN 4@
MGT 3@
MGT 4@
MKT 3@
MKT 4@
COMM 345
Advanced Presentational Speaking
COMM 346
Persuasion
COMM 349
Small Group Communication
COMM 362
Organizational Communication
CRIM 232
Introduction to Law Enforcement
CRIM 330
Criminology
CRIM 332
Juvenile Delinquency
ENG 301
Argument and Analysis in Written Discourse
ENG 306
Business Writing
ENG 307
Technical Writing
ENG 401
Advanced Composition
ENG 415
Writing and Technology
GISC 316
Geographic Information Systems I
GISC 317
Geographic Information Systems II
GISC 417
GIS Analysis & Modeling
GISC 419
GIS Programming
HCA 340
Health Care Organization and Management
HCA 342
Human Resources Management for Healthcare Managers
HCA 343
Quality Management for Healthcare
HCA 344
Health Systems Management
HCA 346
Ambulatory Care Administration
HCA 442
Principles and Methods of Health Planning
HCA 445
Health Care Finance
HCA 446
Health Care Informatics
MIL 301
Army Training Management and Warfighting Functions
MIL 302
Applied Tactical Army Leadership
MIL 401
Professional Leadership Skills
Total Hours66
1

Or any calculus class, or math ACT score of at least 26, or math SAT score of at least 610

2

BA175 is only for Business LLC students. BA220 is only for transfer students and students who choose a business major as a sophomore or later.

3

CIS 141 is highly recommended for Business Data Analytics majors, especially those without training on Microsoft Office

Finish in Four Plans

Finish in Four Plan 

Business Data Analytics

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BA 1701ACCT 1103
CIS 141 (or another elective)33COMM 1453
ECON 2023HIST 101 or HIST 1023
ENG 1003Colonnade: Arts & Humanities3
MATH 1233Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with lab3
General University Elective2 
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 2063BDAN 2503
MGT 2613MGT 2003
MGT 2103MKT 2203
Colonnade: Literary Studies3Colonnade: Connections13
General University Elective3Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BDAN 3053BDAN 3103
General University Upper-Division Elective3BDAN 3303
FIN 3303BDAN 3503
Colonnade: Connections23CIS 205 (Colonnade: Connections)3
General University Elective3BDAN 3991
 Colonnade: Writing in the Disciplines3
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BDAN 4103Business Data Analytics Upper-Division Elective3
BDAN 4203Business Data Analytics Upper-Division Elective3
BDAN 4303General University Elective3
Business Data Analytics Upper-Division Elective3General University Elective3
General University Upper-Division Elective3MGT 498 or ENT 4963
 BDAN 4991
 15 16
Total Hours 122

Applied Data Analytics, Certificate (1734)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Analytics & Information Systems

Overview

The certificate of Applied Data Analytics exposes students to how data is acquired, how to frame an analytic problem, determine which methodologies to use to solve a problem, and to build deployable models.

Program Requirements (18 hours)

The 18 hour certificate is based on 15 hours of core courses and 3 hours of advisor-approved upper-division courses. The approved elective may be from the Gordon Ford College of Business or any other college.

Course List
ECON 206Statistics3
BDAN 250Introduction to Analytics 13
BDAN 305Data Modeling and Analysis 23
or FIN 389 Financial Analysis and Modeling
BDAN 310Business Data Analytics3
BDAN 330Structured Data Analysis 33
or BDAN 430 Data Visualization
Select 3 hours from the following or any data analytics course with department approval3
ACCT 312
Accounting Information Systems
ACCT 412
Data Analysis for Accounting
ECON 306
Statistical Analysis
ECON 307
Financial Data Modeling
ECON 465
Regression and Econometric Analysis
ECON 480
Economic Forecasting
ENT 496
Hilltopper Student Consulting Experience
FIN 389
Financial Analysis and Modeling
FIN 450
Financial Plan Development
MGT 313
Decision Modeling
MGT 314
Operations Management
MGT 383
Human Resource Information Systems
MKT 321
Consumer Behavior
MKT 421
Marketing Research
MKT 431
Advanced Social Media Marketing
Total Hours18
1

BDAN250 is required for all business majors.

2

Students pursuing the Business Finance Concentration may take FIN 389 (Financial Analysis and Modeling) instead of BDAN 305.

3

Students pursuing the Business Finance Concentration may take BDAN 430 (Data Visualization) instead of BDAN 330.  

Economic Data Analytics, Certificate (1785)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Economics

Overview

This undergraduate certificate will help prepare professionals for jobs in both public and private sector. Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge in quantitative economics disciplines including applied economic statistics, econometrics, time series analysis, and forecasting, as well as data management skills.

Program Requirements (18 hours)

Course List
ECON 206Statistics3
ECON 306Statistical Analysis3
or ECON 307 Financial Data Modeling
or BDAN 310 Business Data Analytics
or STAT 330 Introduction to Statistical Software
ECON 465Regression and Econometric Analysis3
ECON 480Economic Forecasting3
ECON 486Applied Statistical Methods in Economics3
ECON 487Data Methods in Economics3
Total Hours18

 

Economics, Bachelor of Arts (638)

  • Undergraduate
  • AB
  • Business
  • Economics

Overview

Economics is the study of how humans decide how to use the limited resources they have. Economic principles are at the core of decision-making by businesses, governments, non-profit organizations, individuals, and families, because the limited resources are not just money and raw materials – they are also time, attention, computing resources, food, water, hospital beds, or seats on a crowded subway. Economics is also a study of how individuals can create wealth though specialization and trade, as well as the role markets play in making this wealth creation possible.


Data analysis is one of the core skills in economics, and the students in this major will have an opportunity to develop strong data skills that are highly valued by employers. This combination of the economic way of thinking and data-analytic skills prepares students for many different employment opportunities. Our graduates pursue careers in finance, banking, insurance, local and federal governments, public utilities, research institutions, education, and international organizations. They hold a wide variety of jobs such as economist, loan officer, forecast analyst, financial analyst, business consultant, data analyst, energy analyst, bank examiner, research analyst, broker, market research analyst, policy analyst, professor, lawyer and many more. This multitude of possible career paths is what is great about choosing an economics major. Economics gives students an excellent foundation for employment in many areas of business and government service, as well as for advanced graduate studies.

The Bachelor of Arts (AB) in Economics requires a minimum of 35 hours and a minor or a second major. Students interested in combining the Economics major with another field of study should pursue this degree path. Students may choose any other major or minor at WKU. If students choose their second major or minor(s) from another department in the Gordon Ford College of Business, some courses may apply to both degrees. The AB in Economics offers students the most flexibility to customize their education and graduate with a potent combination of highly marketable skills.

Economics majors may also pursue the Joint Undergraduate/Master's Program, an accelerated graduate program that allows students to start working toward their Master of Arts in Applied Economics while completing their Bachelor's degree. Undergraduate students admitted into JUMP may take graduate courses that will count toward BOTH undergraduate and graduate degrees which will significantly lower the cost of obtaining a Master's degree.  For more information, visit the department website https://www.wku.edu/economics/ 

Program Requirements (35 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

The major in Economics requires 120 credit hours of coursework with 35 hours in Economics and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. The program requires completion of a second major or a minor.

Course List
Required Economics Courses
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
ECON 203Principles of Economics (Macro)3
ECON 206Statistics3
ECON 302Microeconomic Theory3
ECON 303Macroeconomic Theory3
ECON 306Statistical Analysis3
or ECON 307 Financial Data Modeling
ECON 399Career Readiness in Economics1
ECON 465Regression and Econometric Analysis3
ECON 499Senior Assessment1
Additional Courses
Select 12 hours from the following, excluding ECON 306, 307, and 497: 1, 212
ECON 3@
ECON 4@
Total Hours35
1

Some upper-level ECON electives may satisfy Colonnade Connections requirements: ECON 375 is in the Social and Cultural category, and ECON 385 and ECON 430 are in the Local to Global category. Note, only one of these courses can be used to satisfy the Connections requirement - the rest must be taken from other disciplines.

2

ECON 307 is an alternative for ECON 306 in the required courses, so it cannot be taken as an elective. ECON 306 may not be applied to electives. ECON 497 is reserved for Mathematical Economics majors.

Finish in Four Plans

Finish in Four Plan

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 202 (Colonnade Explorations - Social and Behavioral Sciences)3ECON 2033
COMM 1453HIST 101 or HIST 1023
ENG 1003Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3
MATH 123, MATH 136, or MATH 1373Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ lab3
General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 2063Colonnade - Connections Social & Cultural or Local to Global or Systems3
ENG 200 (or another approved Colonnade Foundations - Literary Studies course)3Colonnade - Connections Social & Cultural or Local to Global or Systems3
General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/o lab3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 3023ECON 3033
ECON 306 or ECON 3073ECON Elective3
Colonnade - Connections Social & Cultural or Local to Global or Systems3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
 ECON 3991
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 46513ECON 4991
ECON Elective3ECON Elective3
ECON Elective3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
ENG 3003General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
 General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course1
 15 14
Total Hours 120
1

It is recommended that ECON 465 should be taken during the second to last semester as it will help student prepare for the Senior Seminar. ECON 465 should not be taken concurrently with ECON 499.

 

Business Economics, Bachelor of Science (724)

  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Business
  • Economics

Overview

Economics is the study of how humans decide how to use the limited resources they have. Economic principles are at the core of decision-making by businesses, governments, non-profit organizations, individuals, and families, because the limited resources are not just money and raw materials – they are also time, attention, computing resources, food, water, hospital beds, or seats on a crowded subway. Economics is also a study of how individuals can create wealth though specialization and trade, as well as the role markets play in making this wealth creation possible. 

The Business Economics major combines courses in economics with those in accounting, business data analytics, finance, management, and marketing.  Data analysis is one of the core skills in economics, and the students in this major will have an opportunity to develop strong data skills that are highly valued by employers. 

This combination of the economic way of thinking, core business competencies, and data-analytic skills prepares students for many different employment opportunities. Our graduates pursue careers in finance, banking, insurance, local and federal governments, public utilities, research institutions, education, and international organizations.  They hold a wide variety of jobs such as economist, loan officer, forecast analyst, financial analyst, business consultant, data analyst, energy analyst, bank examiner, research analyst, broker, market research analyst, policy analyst, professor, lawyer and many more. This multitude of possible career paths is what is great about choosing an economics major. Economics gives students an excellent foundation for employment in many areas of business and government service, as well as for advanced graduate studies.

Business Economics majors may also pursue the Joint Undergraduate/Master's Program, an accelerated graduate program that allows students to start working toward their Master of Arts in Applied Economics while completing their Bachelor's degree. Undergraduate students admitted into JUMP may take graduate courses that will count toward BOTH undergraduate and graduate degrees which will significantly lower the cost of obtaining a Master's degree.  For more information, visit the department website https://www.wku.edu/economics/ 

 

Program Requirements (72 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

The Business Economics major does not require an additional minor or major, but the structure of the program leaves enough room for students to complete a minor or certificate, especially if that minor or certificate is in the Gordon Ford College of Business. 

Course List
Business Foundations Courses
MATH 123Mathematical Applications for Business *3
ACCT 110Accounting for Decision Makers3
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
ECON 206Statistics3
MGT 210Organization and Management3
MKT 220Basic Marketing Concepts3
BDAN 250Introduction to Analytics3
FIN 330Principles of Finance3
MGT 498Strategy and Policy3
or ENT 496 Hilltopper Student Consulting Experience
Career Preparation Courses
BA 170Business Student Basics 11
or BA 175 University Experience-Business
or BA 220 Special Topics in Business Administration (Lower Division)
MGT 261Business Communication Fundamentals3
ECON 399Career Readiness in Economics1
ECON 499Senior Assessment1
Economics Courses
ECON 203Principles of Economics (Macro)3
ECON 302Microeconomic Theory3
ECON 303Macroeconomic Theory3
ECON 306Statistical Analysis3
or ECON 307 Financial Data Modeling
ECON 375Moral Issues of Capitalism 23
or ECON 390 Economics, Law, and Public Choice
or ECON 434 The Economics of Poverty and Discrimination
ECON 414Managerial Economics3
ECON 465Regression and Econometric Analysis3
Economics Electives
Select 12 hours from the following: 212
ECON 3@
ECON 4@
Business Electives
Select 6 hours from the following:6
ACCT 220
Principles of Financial Accounting
ACCT 3@
ACCT 4@
BDAN 3@
BDAN 4@
ECON 3@
ECON 4@
ENT 3@
ENT 4@
FIN 3@
FIN 4@
MGT 3@
MGT 4@
MKT 3@
MKT 4@
Total Hours72
*

Or any calculus class, or math ACT score of at least 26, or math SAT score of at least 610.

1

BA175 (1 hour) is only for Business LLC students. BA220 (3 hours) is only for WKU students and transfer students who choose a business major as a sophomore or higher.

2

Some upper-level electives may satisfy Colonnade Connections requirements: ECON 375 is in the Social and Cultural category, and ECON 385 and ECON 430 are in the Local to Global category. Note, only one of these courses can be used to satisfy the Connections requirement - the rest must be taken from other disciplines. 

Finish in Four Plans

Finish in Four Plan

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BA 1701ACCT 1103
COMM 1453ECON 2033
ECON 202 (Colonnade Explorations - Social and Behavioral Sciences)3HIST 101 or HIST 1023
ENG 1003Colonnade Explorations - Arts & Humanities3
MATH 1233Colonnade Explorations - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ lab3
General Elective 3 
 16 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 2063MKT 2203
ENG 200 (or another approved Colonnade Foundations - Literary Studies course)3BDAN 2503
MGT 2613Colonnade - Connections Social & Cultural or Local to Global or Systems3
MGT 2103Colonnade - Connections Social & Cultural or Local to Global or Systems3
Colonnade Explorations - Natural & Physical Sciences w/o lab3General Elective3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 3023ECON 3033
ECON 306 or ECON 3073ECON Elective3
ECON 375, ECON 390, or ECON 4343ECON Elective3
Colonnade - Connections Social & Cultural or Local to Global or Systems3FIN 3303
Business Elective3Business Elective3
 ECON 3991
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON Elective3ECON 4143
ECON Elective3ECON 4991
ECON 46513MGT 498 or ENT 4963
ENG 300 (Colonnade Foundations - Writing in the Disciplines)3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 13
Total Hours 120
1

Mathematical Economics, Bachelor of Science (731)

  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Business
  • Economics

Overview

The BS in Mathematical Economics is for students wishing to pursue either a graduate degree in economics or a highly applied, analytical occupation with a heavy emphasis on quantitative skills such as an actuary. This degree does not require a second major or a minor. The BS in Mathematical Economics offers two concentrations: General concentration and Actuarial Science concentration.

International students who complete this program may qualify for the STEM OPT extension (the CIP Code of the program is 45.0603).

The General concentration in the BS in Mathematical Economics requires a minimum of 50 hours. This major is strongly recommended for students considering either a PhD in Economics or highly applied, analytical occupations, especially in data analytics. Because doctoral programs in economics are highly mathematical, this degree combines the economics coursework with the mathematics courses that are necessary to succeed in an economics doctoral program.

The Actuarial Science concentration in the BS in Mathematical Economics requires a minimum of 64 hours. This degree is strongly recommended for students pursuing careers as actuaries. Actuaries are professionals who specialize in modeling and managing risks. Actuaries typically work for health, life, and property insurance companies, but individuals with actuarial training may work in many other areas such as banking, investment, energy, government, employee benefits, predictive analytics, and many more.  Actuaries use a combination of strong analytical skills, business knowledge, and an understanding of human behavior. It takes five to seven years on average to become an actuary after completing an undergraduate degree. To become an actuary, one must pass a series of exams to earn an actuarial designation by either the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) or the Society of Actuaries (SOA). Students in the Actuarial Science concentration will take courses that will help them prepare for the first two actuarial exams. As a part of becoming an actuary, candidates must also earn Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) credits, which demonstrate that as students they received academic training in certain required areas. The course work in this concentration is designed for students to receive all three of the VEE credits required by the SOA: Economics, Mathematical Statistics, and Accounting and Finance.

Concentrations

  • General Mathematical Economics (MEGM)
  • Actuarial Science (MEAS)

Program Requirements (50-65 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

The major in Mathematical Economics requires a total of 120 credit hours with a core of 18 hours in economics, 15 hours in mathematics, and 1 hour of an interdisciplinary seminar course. The concentration in general mathematical economics requires an additional 9 hours in economics, 6 hours in mathematics, and 1 hour in a career readiness course. The concentration in actuarial science requires an additional 3 hours in economics, 9 hours in mathematics, 12 hours in finance, 3-4 hours in computer science, and 3 hours in actuarial science. 

The program of study does not require completion of a second major or minor.

Course List
Core Courses
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
ECON 203Principles of Economics (Macro)3
ECON 206Statistics3
or STAT 301 Introductory Probability and Applied Statistics
ECON 302Microeconomic Theory3
ECON 303Macroeconomic Theory3
Select one of the following:3
ECON 465
Regression and Econometric Analysis
ECON 480
Economic Forecasting
STAT 401
Regression Analysis
MATH 136Calculus I4
MATH 137Calculus II4
MATH 237Multivariable Calculus4
MATH 306Applied and Computational Linear Algebra 13
or MATH 307 Introduction to Linear Algebra
ECON 497Senior Seminar in Mathematical Economics1
Total Hours34
1

Students who plan to pursue a PhD in Economics should take MATH 307.

Additionally, majors must choose a concentration in either General Mathematical Economics or Actuarial Science. 

General Mathematical Economics Concentration

Course List
ECON 306Statistical Analysis3
or ECON 307 Financial Data Modeling
ECON 464Introduction to Mathematical Economics3
Select 3 hours of 300- and 400-level economics electives3
MATH 331Differential Equations3
or MATH 310 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
Select one of the following:3
MATH 331
Differential Equations
MATH 310
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
MATH 305
Introduction to Mathematical Modeling
MATH 382
Probability and Statistics I
MATH 435
Partial Differential Equations
MATH 405
Numerical Analysis I
ECON 399Career Readiness in Economics1
Total Hours16

Actuarial Science Concentration

Course List
ECON 307Financial Data Modeling3
MATH 310Introduction to Discrete Mathematics3
ACTU 382Probability and Statistics I3
ACTU 482Probability and Statistics II3
FIN 330Principles of Finance3
FIN 332Investment Theory3
FIN 350Risk Management and Insurance3
FIN 437Corporate Asset Management3
CS 170Problem Solving and Programming3-4
or CS 180 Computer Science I
or STAT 330 Introduction to Statistical Software
ACTU 301Financial Mathematics for Actuarial Science3
Total Hours30-31

Finish in Four Plans

Actuarial Science Concentration

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BA 1701COMM 1453
ENG 1003MATH 1374
MATH 1364ECON 2023
Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3HIST 101 or HIST 1023
General University Elective3Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ lab3
 14 16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 2033CS 170, CS 180, or STAT 330 (STAT 330 is recommended.)3-4
ACCT 110 (Pre-requisite for FIN 330)3FIN 3303
MATH 306 or MATH 30713ECON 206 or STAT 3013
MATH 3103MATH 2374
Colonnade - Literary Studies3Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences3
 15 16-17
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 3023ECON 3033
ECON 3073FIN 3323
ACTU 3823FIN 3503
ACTU 3013ACTU 4823
Colonnade - Connections Social & Cultural or Local to Global or Systems3Colonnade - Writing in the Disciplines3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 465, STAT 401, or ECON 48023ECON 4971
FIN 4373Colonnade - Connections Social & Cultural or Local to Global or Systems3
FIN 43833General University Elective3
Colonnade - Connections Social & Cultural or Local to Global or Systems3General University Elective3
General University Elective3General University Upper-Division Elective3
 General University Elective1
 15 14
Total Hours 120-121
1

Students who plan to pursue a PhD in Economics should take MATH 307.

2

It is recommended that ECON 465 should be taken during the second to last semester as it will help student prepare for the Senior Seminar. ECON 465 should not be taken concurrently with ECON 497

3

ECON 480 and FIN 438 are not required for the degree. However, FIN 438 can used toward a VEE credit, and ECON 480 will help students prepare for actuarial exams. 

General Concentration

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BA 1753COMM 1453
ECON 2023HIST 101 or HIST 1023
ENG 1003MATH 1374
MATH 1364Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3
Colonnade - Natural Sciences w/ lab3Colonnade - Literary Studies3
 16 16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
MATH 306 or MATH 30713CS 170 or CS 1803-4
ECON 2033ECON 206 or STAT 3013
MATH 310 or MATH 3313MATH 2374
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ no lab3Colonnade - Social & Cultural or Local to Global or Systems3
Colonnade - Connections Social & Cultural or Local to Global or Systems3General Elective3
 15 16-17
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 3023ECON 3033
ECON 3063ECON 465, ECON 480, or STAT 4013
General upper-division Elective3Colonnade - Writing in the Disciplines3
General Elective3Colonnade - Connections Social & Cultural or Local to Global or Systems3
MATH 305, MATH 310, or MATH 3313General Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 4643ECON 4971
ECON 46523General upper-division Elective3
General upper-division Elective3General upper-division Elective3
General upper-division Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective2
 15 12
Total Hours 120-121
1

Students who plan to pursue a PhD in Economics should take MATH 307.

2

It is recommended that ECON 465 should be taken during the second to last semester as it will help student prepare for the Senior Seminar. ECON 465 should not be taken concurrently with ECON 497.

Economic Data Analytics, Certificate (1785)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Economics

Overview

This undergraduate certificate will help prepare professionals for jobs in both public and private sector. Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge in quantitative economics disciplines including applied economic statistics, econometrics, time series analysis, and forecasting, as well as data management skills.

Program Requirements (18 hours)

Course List
ECON 206Statistics3
ECON 306Statistical Analysis3
or ECON 307 Financial Data Modeling
or BDAN 310 Business Data Analytics
or STAT 330 Introduction to Statistical Software
ECON 465Regression and Econometric Analysis3
ECON 480Economic Forecasting3
ECON 486Applied Statistical Methods in Economics3
ECON 487Data Methods in Economics3
Total Hours18

Economic Data Analytics, Certificate (1785)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Economics

Overview

This undergraduate certificate will help prepare professionals for jobs in both public and private sector. Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge in quantitative economics disciplines including applied economic statistics, econometrics, time series analysis, and forecasting, as well as data management skills.

Program Requirements (18 hours)

Course List
ECON 206Statistics3
ECON 306Statistical Analysis3
or ECON 307 Financial Data Modeling
or BDAN 310 Business Data Analytics
or STAT 330 Introduction to Statistical Software
ECON 465Regression and Econometric Analysis3
ECON 480Economic Forecasting3
ECON 486Applied Statistical Methods in Economics3
ECON 487Data Methods in Economics3
Total Hours18

 

Finance, Bachelor of Science (664)

  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Business
  • Finance

Overview

Why Choose Finance?

Finance is the art and science of managing money. Today's financial managers play a critical role in the process of raising and spending money, whether it is in a corporate, government, or personal setting. Career opportunities in Finance are both numerous and exciting in our fast-paced global marketplace.

Finance offers both a major and a minor, and within the major there are five concentrations: 1. Business Finance - General, 2. Business Finance - Investment, 3. Business Finance - Analyst, 4. Business Finance - Financial Services, and 5. Personal Financial Planning. In addition, we offer two Certificates: a Certificate in Financial Planning and an Accredited Financial Counselor Certificate. Certification opportunities are available to current students and individuals who already hold an undergraduate degree.

Business Finance majors generally start the program in the Business Finance - General concentration. The General concentration allows students to choose topics of interest among the Finance courses before deciding whether to specialize. Please contact Professor Chhachhi for additional information about the Business Finance - General Concentration.

The decision to choose a particular Business Finance Concentration generally takes place in a student's junior year with guidance from Finance faculty and GFCB advisors.

The Investment Concentration focuses on the proper use of investment instruments, how financial markets work, proper portfolio construction and the allocation of resources to meet financial goals. Students are exposed to both theoretical concepts and applied investments. Important skills and responsibilities include formulating investment strategies, making investment decisions/recommendations, managing portfolios, and managing investment risks. Please contact Professor Ling Lo or the department chair for more information about the Business Finance - Investment Concentration.

The Analyst Concentration is designed to develop financial and data analysis skills necessary to support various analyst roles including financial analyst, risk analyst, valuation analyst, and investment analyst. The Analyst Concentration focuses on skills for gathering and parsing financial data, analyzing and interpreting financial statements, evaluating a company's performance, and communicating findings.

Analyst jobs typically involve a great deal of data analytics and the use of financial technology (a fast-growing area in finance). The role of an analyst is often both analytical and client-facing. Students pursuing the Analyst Concentration can expect to have a range of job functions and career paths across multiple industries from which to choose.

The Analyst Concentration also completes the requirements for a Certificate in Applied Data Analytics. Note: Students must apply for the certificate after completing requirements. Please contact Professor Joseph or the department chair for more information about the Business Finance - Analyst Concentration.

The Financial Services Concentration provides students with analytical and problem-solving skills to prepare students for careers in the financial services industry. Financial Services is the sector of the economy that addresses the management of money. Banks and other depository institutions, insurance companies, finance companies, and mortgage lending companies are examples of companies in the financial services industry.

Possible careers in financial services include bank examiner, credit analyst, insurance adjuster, insurance agent, depository institution management and underwriter. Please contact Professor Brown or the department chair for more information about the Business Finance - Financial Services Concentration. 

Financial Planning concentrates on the various aspects of personal financial planning for individuals including investing, personal budgeting, tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and insurance.

Students wishing to pursue a concentration in Business Finance and also Personal Financial Planning (PFP) may combine the General Business Finance Concentration with the PFP Concentration and use PFP courses to meet the 15 hours of elective credits for the General Business Finance requirements. There are then an additional 9 credit hours in the PFP concentration. However, students are not limited to this combination. They can also create other combinations as long as they meet the requirements of each concentration.

The Finance faculty at WKU work closely with students in small classes, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom. The Finance curriculum includes hands-on opportunities and state-of-the-art technology.

There are several notes of distinction regarding our programs. First, our Personal Financial Planning concentration  and our Certificate in Financial Planning program are registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). As of December 2023, we are one of only three institutions in the state of Kentucky with Board registered degree programs! This registration confers a special advantage on our graduates.

Second, the WKU Finance Group is one of 25 programs in the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) service region to be part of its Investment Challenge Program. As of January 2024, the student-managed investment portfolio was valued at $500,000! Read more about this program under TVA Investment Challenge.

Third, the Gordon Ford College of Business holds dual AACSB accreditation in business and accounting. The AACSB Accreditation is the world's highest standard of excellence in business education.  Learn why AACSB accreditation matters. 

If you have any questions about our programs, please contact the Department of Finance. 

Concentrations

  • Personal Finance Planning (FNPP)
  • Business Finance Concentrations
    • Business Finance - General (FNBF)
    • Business Finance - Investment (FNIN)
    • Business Finance - Analyst (FNAN)
    • Business Finance - Financial Services (FNFS)

Students majoring in a program in this department may refer to the Gordon Ford College of Business introductory section for sample course schedules for the freshman and sophomore years.

When planning a program of study in this department, each student should be aware of the University’s academic requirements and regulations contained in this catalog in the chapter “Academic Information.” Specific attention should be given to the subsections in the chapter entitled (a) Academic Programs, (b) Colonnade Requirements, and (c) Academic Requirements and Regulations. Students should be aware that some academic programs may require additional scholastic regulations and standards not specified in the catalog. To obtain a copy of these regulations, students should contact the department chair.

The undergraduate finance program offers five areas of concentration within the major:

  • Personal Financial Planning
  • Business Finance Concentrations:
    • Business Finance - General
    • Business Finance - Investment
    • Business Finance - Analyst
    • Business Finance - Financial Services

Finance majors must earn a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in 300 and 400 level finance courses. In addition, finance majors must earn a “C” or better in FIN 330 and FIN 332. 

Program Requirements (78/88 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

Business Core

Employers are seeking business graduates who 1) are well-prepared in their specific major, 2) possess foundational knowledge about other business disciplines, and 3) are career ready and professional. All majors in the Gordon Ford College of Business complete MATH 123 (Mathematical Applications for Business) and a common set of business and career preparation courses (the business core) in addition to the courses specific for their selected major. 

Course List
Business Foundations Courses
MATH 123Mathematical Applications for Business *3
ACCT 110Accounting for Decision Makers3
BDAN 250Introduction to Analytics3
ECON 206Statistics3
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
FIN 330Principles of Finance3
MGT 210Organization and Management3
MKT 220Basic Marketing Concepts3
MGT 498Strategy and Policy3
or ENT 496 Hilltopper Student Consulting Experience
Career Preparation Courses
BA 170Business Student Basics 11
or BA 175 University Experience-Business
or BA 220 Special Topics in Business Administration (Lower Division)
MGT 261Business Communication Fundamentals3
FIN 399Career Readiness in Finance1
FIN 499Senior Assessment in Finance1
Total Hours 33
*

Or any calculus class, or math ACT score of at least 26, or math SAT score of at least 610.

1

BA 175 is only for Business LLC students. BA 220 is only for WKU students and transfer students who choose a business major as a sophomore or higher.

All Finance Majors

All Finance majors will complete the following courses regardless of concentration. All majors must earn a C or better in FIN 330 and FIN 332 and must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all finance classes.

Course List
Finance Major Required Courses
ACCT 220Principles of Financial Accounting3
ECON 307Financial Data Modeling3
FIN 161Personal Finance3
FIN 332Investment Theory3
FIN 389Financial Analysis and Modeling3
FIN 433Financial Markets and Institutions3
FIN 437Corporate Asset Management3
FIN 438Corporate Funds Management3
Total Hours24

Business Finance Concentrations (78 hours)

All four Business Finance Concentrations require 78 hours of professional and elective courses and lead to a Bachelor of Science degree. No minor or second major is required or prohibited. Business Finance has four concentrations:

1. Investment

2. Analyst

3. Financial Services

4. General Business Finance

All Business Finance Majors must complete the following courses

Course List
Common Courses for all Business Finance Majors
FIN 436International Financial Management3
Select 3 hours of Upper-Level Business Electives, including prefixes ACCT, BDAN, CIS, ECON, ENT, FIN, MGT, and MKT 3
Total Hours6

Investment Concentration

The Investment concentration focuses on the proper use of investment instruments, how markets works, proper portfolio construction and the allocation of resources to meet financial goals. Students are exposed to both theoretical concepts and applied investments.  

Career paths for students include financial analyst, investment consultant, portfolio manager, private wealth manager, stockbroker, and risk manager. Potential employers include investment firms, investment banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, hedge funds, pension funds, securities firms, private equity groups, venture capital firms, and government agencies.

Course List
Investment Required Courses
FIN 331Applied Investments3
FIN 419Behavioral Finance and Investing1.5
FIN 439Security Analysis and Portfolio Management3
FIN 449Practicum in Portfolio Management3
Upper-Level Finance Electives4.5
Total Hours15

Analyst Concentration

The Analyst Concentration is designed to develop financial and data analysis skills necessary to support various analyst roles including financial analyst, risk analyst, valuation analyst, and investment analyst. Analyst jobs typically involve a great deal of data analytics and the use of financial technology (a fast-growing area in finance). The role of an analyst is often both analytical and client-facing. The Analyst Concentration focuses on skills for gathering and parsing financial data, analyzing and interpreting financial statements, evaluating a company's performance, and communicating findings.

Students in the Analyst Concentration can expect to have a range of job functions and career path possibilities across multiple industries from which to choose upon graduation.

The Analyst Concentration also completes the requirements for a Certificate in Applied Data Analytics. Note: Students must apply for the certificate after completing requirements.

Course List
Analyst Required Courses
BDAN 310Business Data Analytics3
BDAN 330Structured Data Analysis3
or BDAN 430 Data Visualization
Upper-Level Finance Electives6
Select one of the following:
FIN 439Security Analysis and Portfolio Management3
or FIN 449 Practicum in Portfolio Management
Total Hours15

Financial Services Concentration

The Financial Services Concentration provides students with analytical and problem-solving skills to prepare students for careers in the financial services industry. The financial services industry is made up of companies dealing specifically with the management of money. Banks, and other depository institutions, insurance companies, finance companies, and mortgage lending companies are examples of businesses in the financial services industry. 

Possible careers for Financial Services graduates include bank examiner, credit analyst, insurance adjuster, insurance agent, depository institution management, and underwriter.

Course List
Financial Services Required Courses
FIN 333Advanced Topics in PFP3
FIN 350Risk Management and Insurance3
FIN 405Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Personal Financial Planning1.5
FIN 419Behavioral Finance and Investing1.5
FIN 435Commercial Bank Management3
MKT 325Personal Selling3
Total Hours15

General Business Finance Concentration

Course List
General Business Finance Required Courses
Upper-Level Finance Electives12
Choose one of the following:
FIN 439Security Analysis and Portfolio Management3
or FIN 449 Practicum in Portfolio Management
Total Hours15

Personal Financial Planning Concentration

The Personal Financial Planning concentration requires 87-88 hours of professional and elective courses and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. The personal financial planning concentration deals with the process of developing comprehensive financial plans for individuals. Financial planners help individuals determine financial goals and objectives and the best strategies for obtaining these goals. The rapid growth of multi-income families in the U.S. has placed more and more people in a position of need to apply sophisticated financial planning techniques to their personal economic affairs. As a result, one of the fastest growing career paths in the financial services industry is financial planning, and the Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP) ® designation has become the most widely recognized financial planning credential among consumers.

The Personal Financial Planning concentration is registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards in Washington D.C. We are one of only three registered universities in the state of Kentucky! This registration confers a special advantage on our graduates. Upon completion of our CFP® board certified program, students are allowed to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination.

Western Kentucky University does not certify individuals to use the CFP®, Certified Financial PlannerTM, and CFP® (with flame logo) certification marks. The CFP certification is granted only by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards to those persons who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met its ethics, experience, and examination requirements.

The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the marks CFP®, Certified Financial PlannerTM, and CFP® (with flame logo) which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Course List
Personal Financial Planning Concentration Required Courses
FIN 331Applied Investments3
FIN 333Advanced Topics in PFP3
FIN 350Risk Management and Insurance3
FIN 405Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Personal Financial Planning1.5
FIN 419Behavioral Finance and Investing1.5
FIN 444Retirement Planning3
FIN 445Estate Planning3
FIN 450Financial Plan Development3
FIN 439Security Analysis and Portfolio Management3
or FIN 449 Practicum in Portfolio Management
Upper-Level Finance Elective3
Choose 3-4 hours from the following:3-4
BDAN 310
Business Data Analytics
BDAN 430
Data Visualization
FIN 435
Commercial Bank Management
FIN 436
International Financial Management
FIN 449
Practicum in Portfolio Management
FIN 403
Security Licensing and Investment Accreditations Lab
MKT 325
Personal Selling
Total Hours30-31

Finish in Four Plans

Finance majors must earn a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in 300 and 400 level finance courses. In addition, finance majors must earn a “C” or better in FIN 330 and FIN 332.

Business Finance Concentrations

Investment Concentration 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BA 1701ACCT 1103
FIN 161 (E-SB)3Colonnade: Arts & Humanities (E-AH)3
COMM 145 (F-OC)3HIST 101 or HIST 102 (F-SB)3
ENG 1003Colonnade: Literary Studies (F-AH)3
MATH 123 (F-QR)3ECON 2023
General University Elective3 
 16 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ACCT 2203ECON 2063
MGT 2613MKT 2203
BDAN 2503Colonnade: Connections (K-SC or K-LG or K-SY)13
MGT 2103Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences (E-NS)3
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with lab (E-SL)3General University Elective3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
General University Elective3FIN 3323
ECON 3073FIN 3893
FIN 3991FIN 4191.5
FIN 3303FIN 3313
Colonnade: Connections (K-SC or K-LG or K-SY)23Colonnade: Connections (K-SC or K-LG or K-SY)33
Colonnade: Writing in the Disciplines (F-W2)3 
 16 13.5
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
FIN 4373FIN 4393
FIN 4383Finance Upper-Division Elective3
Business Elective3Finance Upper-Division Elective1.5
FIN 4333MGT 498 or ENT 4963
FIN 449 (by application only)3FIN 4991
 FIN 4363
 15 14.5
Total Hours 120

Analyst Concentration

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BA 1701ACCT 1103
FIN 161 (E-SB)3Colonnade: Arts & Humanities (E-AH)3
COMM 145 (F-OC)3HIST 101 or HIST 102 (F-SB)3
ENG 1003Colonnade: Literary Studies (F-AH)3
MATH 123 (F-QR)3ECON 2023
General University Elective3 
 16 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ACCT 2203ECON 2063
MGT 2613MKT 2203
BDAN 2503Colonnade: Connections (K-SC or K-LG or K-SY)13
MGT 2103Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences (E-NS)3
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with lab (E-SL)3General University Elective3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
General University Elective3FIN 3323
ECON 3073FIN 3893
FIN 3991Finance Upper-Division Elective3
FIN 3303Business Elective3
Colonnade: Connections (K-SC or K-LG or K-SY)23Colonnade: Connections (K-SC or K-LG or K-SY)33
Colonnade: Writing in the Disciplines (F-W2)3 
 16 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
FIN 4373Finance Upper-Division Elective3
FIN 4383BDAN 330 or BDAN 4303
BDAN 3103FIN 4363
FIN 4333MGT 4983
FIN 439 or FIN 449 (by application only)3FIN 4991
 15 13
Total Hours 120

Financial Services Concentration

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BA 1701ACCT 1103
FIN 161 (E-SB)3Colonnade: Arts & Humanities (E-AH)3
COMM 145 (F-OC)3HIST 101 or HIST 102 (F-SB)3
ENG 1003Colonnade: Literary Studies (F-AH)3
MATH 123 (F-QR)3ECON 2023
General University Elective3 
 16 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ACCT 2203ECON 2063
MGT 2613MKT 2203
BDAN 2503Colonnade: Connections (K-SC or K-LG or K-SY)13
MGT 2103Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences (E-NS)3
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with lab (E-SL)3General University Elective3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
General University Elective3FIN 3323
FIN 3333ECON 3073
FIN 3991FIN 4191.5
FIN 3303FIN 4051.5
Colonnade: Connections (K-SC or K-LG or K-SY)23Colonnade: Connections (K-SC or K-LG or K-SY)33
Colonnade: Writing in the Disciplines (F-W2)3FIN 3503
 16 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
FIN 4373MKT 3253
FIN 4383FIN 4353
FIN 3893FIN 4363
FIN 4333MGT 498 or ENT 4963
Business Elective3FIN 4991
 15 13
Total Hours 120

Business Finance General Concentration

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BA 1701ACCT 1103
FIN 161 (E-SB)3Colonnade: Arts & Humanities (E-AH)3
COMM 145 (F-OC)3HIST 101 or HIST 102 (F-SB)3
ENG 1003Colonnade: Literary Studies (F-AH)3
MATH 123 (F-QR)3ECON 2023
General University Elective3 
 16 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ACCT 2203ECON 2063
MGT 2613MKT 2203
BDAN 2503Colonnade: Connections (K-SC or K-LG or K-SY)13
MGT 2103Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences (E-NS)3
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with lab (E-SL)3General University Elective3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
General University Elective3FIN 3323
ECON 3073Finance Upper-Division Elective3
FIN 3991Finance Upper-Division Elective3
FIN 3303Business Elective3
Colonnade: Connections (K-SC or K-LG or K-SY)23Colonnade: Connections (K-SC or K-LG or K-SY)33
Colonnade: Writing in the Disciplines (F-W2)3 
 16 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
FIN 4333Finance Upper-Division Elective3
FIN 4373FIN 439 or FIN 449 (by application only)3
FIN 4383FIN 4363
FIN 3893MGT 498 or ENT 4963
Finance Upper-Division Elective3FIN 4991
 15 13
Total Hours 120

Personal Financial Planning Concentration

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BA 1701ACCT 1103
FIN 161 (E-SB)3HIST 101 or HIST 102 (F-SB)3
ENG 100 (F-W1)3ECON 2023
MATH 123 (F-QR)3Colonnade: Literary Studies (F-AH)3
COMM 145 (F-OC)3Colonnade: Arts & Humanities (E-AH)3
Colonade: Connections (K-SC or K-LG or K-SY)13 
 16 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ACCT 2203ECON 2063
MGT 2613MKT 2203
BDAN 2503Colonnade: Connections (K-SC or K-LG or K-SY)23
MGT 2103Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences (E-NS)3
Colonnade: Natural and Physical Sciences (E_SL)3Colonnade: Writing in the Disciplines (F-W2)3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
FIN 3313FIN 3323
ECON 3073FIN 3893
FIN 3303FIN 4191.5
FIN 3991FIN 4051.5
FIN 3503FIN 4453
Colonade: Connections (K-SC or K-LG or K-SY)33 
 16 12
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
FIN 4373FIN 439 or FIN 449 (by application only)3
FIN 4383FIN 4503
FIN 4443FIN 4991
FIN 3333MGT 498 or ENT 4963
FIN 4333One Upper-Level Finance Elective and one Business Elective from approved list6
 15 16
Total Hours 120

Finance, Minor (357)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Finance

Program Requirements (27 hours)

Course List
FIN 161Personal Finance3
FIN 330Principles of Finance3
FIN 389Financial Analysis and Modeling3
Select 6 hours of approved finance electives from 300- or 400-level FIN courses6
ACCT 110Accounting for Decision Makers3
MATH 123Mathematical Applications for Business 13
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
or ECON 203 Principles of Economics (Macro)
ECON 206Statistics3
Total Hours27
1

Students must complete MATH 123 or (MATH 136 or MATH 137 or MATH 237) or have a Math ACT of at least 26 or a Math SAT of at least 610.

Accredited Financial Counselor, Certificate (1758)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Finance

Overview

WKU’s Accredited Financial Counselor certificate program is designed to fulfill the educational requirements of the Accredited Financial Counselor® certification, awarded following passage of a separate test administered by the AFCPE. The program prepares individuals to: (1) educate clients in sound financial principles; (2) assist clients in the process of overcoming their financial indebtedness; (3) help clients identify and modify ineffective money management behaviors; (4) guide clients in developing successful strategies for achieving their financial goals; (5) support clients as they work through their financial challenges and opportunities; and (6) help clients develop new perspectives on the dynamics of money in relation to family, friends and individual self-esteem. The AFC® certification also requires 1,000 hours of relevant financial counseling experience, three letters of reference, and adherence to a code of ethics.

Program Requirements (9 hours)

 
Course List
Required Courses
FIN 161Personal Finance3
FIN 350Risk Management and Insurance3
CNS 432Helping Skills 13
or FIN 422 Personal Financial Planning Practice Management
Total Hours9
 
1

Financial Planning students may choose FIN 422 in place of CNS 432 if they have completed all prerequisites.

Financial Planning, Certificate (200)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Finance

Overview

The certificate program in Financial Planning requires 30 semester hours and is intended to qualify non-finance majors or degree-holding individuals who wish to pursue a career in financial planning. After successful completion of the required eleven courses, the student receives a Certificate of Financial Planning from Western Kentucky University and is allowed to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination. There may be additional course requirements for students not meeting pre-requisites.

Western Kentucky University does not certify individuals to use the CFP®, Certified Financial PlannerTM, and CFP® (with flame logo) certification marks. The CFP certification is granted only by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards to those persons who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met its ethics, experience, and examination requirements.

The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the marks CFP®, Certified Financial PlannerTM, and CFP® (with flame logo) which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Program Requirements (27 hours)

Course List
FIN 161Personal Finance3
FIN 331Applied Investments3
FIN 332Investment Theory3
FIN 333Advanced Topics in PFP3
FIN 350Risk Management and Insurance3
FIN 405Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Personal Financial Planning1.5
FIN 419Behavioral Finance and Investing1.5
FIN 444Retirement Planning3
FIN 445Estate Planning3
FIN 450Financial Plan Development3
Total Hours27

 

Management, Bachelor of Science (723)

  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Business
  • Management

Overview

Students pursuing a major in Management may choose one of the following concentrations: Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship, Global Business, or Supply Chain Management. 

The Business Administration concentration of the Management major provides a broad business perspective for students who eventually wish to be involved in profit or goal management responsibilities. This program of study is not intended to prepare students for a career in any one type of industry or profession. Rather, it provides the graduate with a knowledge of basic managerial skills required by managers from small business owners to corporate presidents. 

The Human Resource Management concentration of the Management major is designed to develop skills for managing an essential resource of any organization--its employees. Because of the importance of increasing human productivity, human resource management is viewed as a key contributor to organizational effectiveness. Human resource managers are frequently involved in top-level decision making.

The Entrepreneurship concentration allows students to develop the skills needed to start and own a business, to develop or grow an existing company, or to create an entrepreneurial environment within an organization.  Entrepreneurial students are not only prepared to operate a business, they are trained to innovate within existing organizations to increase productivity and performance. Students are encouraged to develop creative and impactful solutions by thinking critically about problems relevant to a variety of organizations, and continually practice and hone these skills through hands-on engagement in real-world exercises and projects.

The Global Business concentration is designed to increase students’ knowledge and develop the necessary skills in order to function effectively in today’s dynamic global environment. Students learn business practices around the world, international economics and trade regulations, geopolitical impacts on organizations, and cross-cultural management. Students are encouraged to take on an internship in a firm engaged in international business or participate in study abroad.

The Supply Chain Management concentration prepares students to work in the fast-paced and growing environment of supply chain, transportation and logistics. Students learn about operations, and how supply chains are created, defined, operated, maximized and examined across multiple industries. With the exciting supply chain environment in the Southern Kentucky region, students have opportunities to see examples from and work with supply chain professionals. 

Concentrations

  • Human Resource Management (MGHP)
  • Business Administration (MBUS)
  • Entrepreneurship (MENT)
  • Global Business (MGBU)
  • Supply Chain Management (MSCM)

Program Requirements (78 hours)

The undergraduate major in management requires 78 hours of professional and elective courses and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. No minor is required, although approved minors inside or outside the Gordon Ford College of Business are encouraged.

The undergraduate management program offers four areas of concentration within the major:

  1. Business Administration 
  2. Human Resource Management
  3. Entrepreneurship
  4. Global Business
  5. Supply Chain Management

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

Business Administration Concentration

The Business Administration concentration develops student’s abilities to analyze and to manage a wide range of business situations. This development occurs by building on fundamental business functions studied in the core courses. The program is for students who intend to manage an independent business or a unit of a larger organization and who want a broad curriculum. 

Course List
Business Foundations Courses
MATH 123Mathematical Applications for Business *3
ACCT 110Accounting for Decision Makers3
BDAN 250Introduction to Analytics3
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
ECON 206Statistics3
MGT 210Organization and Management3
MKT 220Basic Marketing Concepts3
FIN 330Principles of Finance3
MGT 498Strategy and Policy3
or ENT 496 Hilltopper Student Consulting Experience
Career Preparation Courses
BA 170Business Student Basics 11
or BA 175 University Experience-Business
or BA 220 Special Topics in Business Administration (Lower Division)
MGT 261Business Communication Fundamentals3
MGT 399Career Readiness in Management1
MGT 499Senior Assessment in Management1
Management Required Courses
MGT 200Legal Environment of Business3
MGT 305Ethics and Critical Thinking3
MGT 311Human Resource Management3
MGT 313Decision Modeling3
MGT 314Operations Management3
MGT 417Organizational Behavior3
Management - Business Administration Concentration Required Courses
ECON 414Managerial Economics3
Select one of the following BDAN courses or other Professional Elective: 23
BDAN 310
Business Data Analytics
BDAN 320
Web Analytics
BDAN 330
Structured Data Analysis
BDAN 410
DSS Analysis and Design
BDAN 420
Predictive Modeling
BDAN 430
Data Visualization
Professional Elective 26
Select a MGT or ENT Elective 39
Select a MKT Elective 43
Select a FIN Elective 53
Total Hours78
*

Or any calculus class, or math ACT score of at least 26, or math SAT score of at least 610.

1

BA 175 is only for Business LLC students. BA 220 is only for WKU students and transfer students who choose a business major as a sophomore or higher.

2

The professional electives may be chosen from any 300- or 400- level course within the Gordon Ford College of Business not already required for the major.

3

The management or entrepreneurship electives may be chosen from any 300- or 400- level course within the Management Department not already required for the major.

4

The marketing elective may be chosen from any 300 or 400 level course beyond MKT 220.

5

The finance elective may be chosen from any 300 or 400 level course beyond FIN 330.

Human Resource Management Concentration

The Human Resource Management concentration is designed to develop skills for managing an essential resource of any organization—its employees. Because of the importance of increasing human productivity, human resource management is viewed as a key contributor to organizational effectiveness and achievement of strategic goals. Human resources managers are frequently involved in top-level decision making. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) acknowledges that our HR curriculum aligns with its guidelines. We are one of only a few dozen U.S. universities with this recognition.

The HRM concentration is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career as a specialist in an area such as recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits administration, or labor relations.  

Course List
Business Foundations Courses
MATH 123Mathematical Applications for Business *3
ACCT 110Accounting for Decision Makers3
BDAN 250Introduction to Analytics3
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
ECON 206Statistics3
MGT 210Organization and Management3
MKT 220Basic Marketing Concepts3
FIN 330Principles of Finance3
MGT 498Strategy and Policy3
or ENT 496 Hilltopper Student Consulting Experience
Career Preparation Courses
BA 170Business Student Basics 11
or BA 175 University Experience-Business
or BA 220 Special Topics in Business Administration (Lower Division)
MGT 261Business Communication Fundamentals3
MGT 399Career Readiness in Management1
MGT 499Senior Assessment in Management1
Management - Human Resource Concentration Required Courses
MGT 200Legal Environment of Business3
MGT 305Ethics and Critical Thinking3
MGT 311Human Resource Management3
MGT 314Operations Management3
MGT 417Organizational Behavior3
MGT 383Human Resource Information Systems3
MGT 400Employment Law3
MGT 411Effective Staffing Practices3
MGT 413International Human Resource Management3
MGT 414Compensation Administration3
MGT 473Training in Business and Industry3
MGT 495Strategic Human Resources Management3
Choose 3 of the following courses:9
MGT 490
Practicum in Management
ECON 305
Labor Economics
MGT 405
Business Negotiation
MGT 416
Management of Labor Relations
MGT 419
Management of Organizational Conflict
MFGE 390
Project Management
or MGT 326
 Managing Projects in Organizations
ENV 120
Introduction to Occupational Safety and Health
EMDS 400
Emergency Management Policy and Practices
EMDS 403
Advanced Disaster Planning, Management, and Preparedness
EMDS 404
Trends in Disaster Preparedness and Management
Any MGT 400 level course
Total Hours78
*

Or any calculus class, or math ACT score of at least 26, or math SAT score of at least 610.

1
BA 175 is only for Business LLC students. BA 220 is only for WKU students and transfer students who choose a business major as a sophomore or higher.

Entrepreneurship Concentration

The Entrepreneurship concentration allows students to develop the skills needed to start and own a business, to develop or grow an existing company, or to create an entrepreneurial environment within an organization.  Entrepreneurial students are not only prepared to operate a business, they are trained to innovate within existing organizations to increase productivity and performance. Students are encouraged to develop creative and impactful solutions by thinking critically about problems relevant to a variety of organizations, and continually practice and hone these skills through hands-on engagement in real-world exercises and projects.

Course List
Business Foundations Courses
MATH 123Mathematical Applications for Business *3
ACCT 110Accounting for Decision Makers3
BDAN 250Introduction to Analytics3
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
ECON 206Statistics3
MGT 210Organization and Management3
MKT 220Basic Marketing Concepts3
FIN 330Principles of Finance3
ENT 496Hilltopper Student Consulting Experience3
Career Preparation Courses
BA 170Business Student Basics 11
or BA 175 University Experience-Business
or BA 220 Special Topics in Business Administration (Lower Division)
MGT 261Business Communication Fundamentals3
MGT 399Career Readiness in Management1
MGT 499Senior Assessment in Management1
Management - Entrepreneurship Concentration Required Courses
MGT 200Legal Environment of Business3
MGT 305Ethics and Critical Thinking3
MGT 311Human Resource Management3
MGT 313Decision Modeling3
MGT 314Operations Management3
MGT 417Organizational Behavior3
ENT 312Entrepreneurship3
ENT 380New Venture Business Planning3
ENT 463Small Business Management3
MKT 427Entrepreneurial Marketing3
FIN 441Entrepreneurial Finance3
ENT Elective (Choose any unduplicated course with the ENT prefix)3
Professional Elective (Any 300- or 400-level course within GFCB not already required for the major.9
Total Hours78
*

Or any calculus class, or math ACT score of at least 26, or math SAT score of at least 610.

1
BA 175 is only for Business LLC students. BA 220 is only for WKU students and transfer students who choose a business major as a sophomore or higher.

Global Business Concentration

The Global Business concentration is designed to increase students’ knowledge and develop the necessary skills in to function effectively in today’s dynamic global environment. Students learn business practices around the world, international economics and trade regulations, geopolitical impacts on organizations, and cross-cultural management. Students are required to do an internship in a firm engaged in international business or participate in study abroad.

Course List
Business Foundations Courses
MATH 123Mathematical Applications for Business *3
ACCT 110Accounting for Decision Makers3
BDAN 250Introduction to Analytics3
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
ECON 206Statistics3
MGT 210Organization and Management3
MKT 220Basic Marketing Concepts3
FIN 330Principles of Finance3
MGT 498Strategy and Policy3
or ENT 496 Hilltopper Student Consulting Experience
Career Preparation Courses
BA 170Business Student Basics 11
or BA 175 University Experience-Business
or BA 220 Special Topics in Business Administration (Lower Division)
MGT 261Business Communication Fundamentals3
MGT 399Career Readiness in Management1
MGT 499Senior Assessment in Management1
Global Business Concentration Required Courses
MGT 200Legal Environment of Business3
MGT 305Ethics and Critical Thinking3
MGT 311Human Resource Management3
MGT 313Decision Modeling3
MGT 314Operations Management3
MGT 417Organizational Behavior3
MGT 303International Business3
MGT 316International Management3
Choose 6 hours (from the same prefix) in a world language6
Choose one of the following courses to fulfill the Cultural Component: 3
CHIN 333
Chinese Culture and Civilization
COMM 365
Intercultural Communication
COMM 371
Communication in Multinational Organizations
CSJ 380
Our Future: Local and Global
FREN 323
French Civilization and Culture
GEOG 465
Geography of East Asia
GERM 333
Germanic Civilization and Culture
SOCL 363
Population, Society, and Development
SOCL 376
Sociology of Globalization
SPAN 372
Latin American Civilization and Culture
SPAN 373
Spanish Civilization and Culture
ARBC 201
Intermediate Arabic I
CHIN 201
Intermediate Chinese I
FREN 201
Intermediate French I
GERM 201
Intermediate German I
JAPN 201
Intermediate Japanese I
RUSS 201
Intermediate Russian I
SPAN 201
Intermediate Spanish I
Choose 4 of the following courses:12
MKT 324
International Marketing
MKT 423
Supply Chain Management
MGT 405
Business Negotiation
MGT 413
International Human Resource Management
MGT 490
Practicum in Management
MGT 415
Logistics and Transportation Management
MGT 423
Sourcing and Procurement Management
ENT 425
International Entrepreneurship
MGT 495
Strategic Human Resources Management
FIN 436
International Financial Management
ENT 312
Entrepreneurship
ECON 380
International Economics
ECON 385
Economic Development
ECON 430
Environmental and Resource Economics
Total Hours78
*

Or any calculus class, or math ACT score of at least 26, or math SAT score of at least 610.

1
BA 175 is only for Business LLC students. BA 220 is only for WKU students and transfer students who choose a business major as a sophomore or higher.

Supply Chain Management Concentration

The Supply Chain Management concentration prepares students to work in the fast-paced and growing environment of supply chain, transportation and logistics. Students learn about operations, and how supply chains are created, defined, operated, maximized and examined across multiple industries. With the exciting supply chain environment in the Southern Kentucky region, students have opportunities to see examples from and work with supply chain professionals. 

Course List
Business Foundations Courses
MATH 123Mathematical Applications for Business *3
ACCT 110Accounting for Decision Makers3
BDAN 250Introduction to Analytics3
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
ECON 206Statistics3
MGT 210Organization and Management3
MKT 220Basic Marketing Concepts3
FIN 330Principles of Finance3
MGT 498Strategy and Policy3
or ENT 496 Hilltopper Student Consulting Experience
Career Preparation Courses
BA 170Business Student Basics 11
or BA 175 University Experience-Business
or BA 220 Special Topics in Business Administration (Lower Division)
MGT 261Business Communication Fundamentals3
MGT 399Career Readiness in Management1
MGT 499Senior Assessment in Management1
Supply Chain Concentration Required Courses
MGT 200Legal Environment of Business3
MGT 305Ethics and Critical Thinking3
MGT 311Human Resource Management3
MGT 313Decision Modeling3
MGT 314Operations Management3
MGT 417Organizational Behavior3
MKT 423Supply Chain Management3
MGT 415Logistics and Transportation Management3
MGT 423Sourcing and Procurement Management3
BDAN 310Business Data Analytics3
MGT 405Business Negotiation3
Choose 4 of the following courses:12
MGT 410
Senior Seminar-Management
MGT 490
Practicum in Management
BDAN 330
Structured Data Analysis
BDAN 410
DSS Analysis and Design
BDAN 420
Predictive Modeling
BDAN 430
Data Visualization
ECON 451
Games and Strategy
ECON 465
Regression and Econometric Analysis
FIN 437
Corporate Asset Management
MKT 329
Business-To-Business Marketing
MFGE 310
Safety in Industry
MFGE 342
Manufacturing Operations
MFGE 371
Quality Assurance
MFGE 390
Project Management
or MGT 326
 Managing Projects in Organizations
MFGE 394
Lean
Total Hours78
*

Or any calculus class, or math ACT score of at least 26, or math SAT score of at least 610.

1

BA 175 is only for Business LLC students. BA 220 is only for WKU students and transfer students who choose a business major as a sophomore or higher.

Finish in Four Plans

Management, Business Administration Concentration (723P, 723) 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences3Colonnade: Arts and Humanities3
BA 1701ACCT 1103
ECON 2023General University Elective3
ENG 1003COMM 1453
MATH 1233HIST 101 or HIST 1023
General University Elective2 
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
MGT 2103MGT 2003
BDAN 2503MGT 2613
Colonnade: Literary Studies3MKT 2203
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with lab3Colonnade: Connections13
ECON 2063Colonnade: Connections23
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
FIN 3303MGT 3991
MGT 3053MGT 3113
MGT 3143MGT 4173
Business Data Analytics Upper-Division or Professional Elective3Marketing Upper-Division Elective3
Colonnade: Connections33Colonnade: Writing in the Disciplines3
 General University Elective2
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 4143MGT 4991
MGT 3133MGT 498 or ENT 4963
Finance Upper-Division Elective3Professional Upper-Division Electiv3
MGT or ENT Upper Division Elective3MGT or ENT Upper-Division Elective3
MGT or ENT Upper Division Elective3Professional Upper-Division Elective3
 General University Elective2
 15 15
Total Hours 120

Management, Human Resource Management Concentration (723P, 723)  

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences3Colonnade: Arts and Humanities3
BA 1701ACCT 1103
ECON 2023COMM 1453
ENG 1003HIST 101 or HIST 1023
MATH 1233General University Elective3
General University Elective2 
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 2063Colonnade: Connections13
BDAN 2503MGT 2613
Colonnade: Literary Studies3MGT 2003
MGT 2103MKT 2203
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with lab3Colonnade: Connections23
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Colonnade: Connections33General University Elective2
FIN 3303MGT 4173
MGT 3053MGT 383 or MGT 3133
MGT 3113Human Resources Management Upper-Division Elective3
MGT 3143MGT 3991
 Colonnade: Writing in the Disciplines3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
MGT 4113MGT 4143
MGT 4133MGT 498 or ENT 4963
MGT 4003MGT 4953
MGT 4733MGT 4991
Human Resource Management Upper-Division Elective3General University Elective2
 Human Resources Management Upper-Division Elective3
 15 15
Total Hours 120

Management, Entrepreneurship Concentration (723P, 723)  

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences3Colonnade - Arts and Humanities 3
BA 1701COMM 1453
ECON 2023ACCT 1103
ENG 1003HIST 101 or HIST 1023
MATH 1233General University Elective3
General University Elective2 
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 2063ENT 312 (K-SY)13
BDAN 2503MGT 2613
Colonnade: Literary Studies3MGT 2003
MGT 2103MKT 2203
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with lab3Colonnade Connections23
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ENT 463 or PROFESSIONAL ELECTIVE3MKT 4273
Colonnade Connections33MGT 3133
FIN 3303MGT 3991
MGT 3053Colonnade - Writing in the Disciplines3
MGT 3143Colonnade: Connections33
 General University Elective2
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
MGT 3113General University Elective2
Professional Upper-Division Elective3Professional Upper-Division Elective3
ENT 3803ENT Upper Division Elective3
FIN 4413Professional Upper Division Elective3
MGT 4173ENT 4963
 MGT 4991
 15 15
Total Hours 120

Management, Global Business Concentration (723P, 723)  

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences3Colonnade: Arts & Humanities3
BA 1701ACCT 1103
ECON 2023COMM 1453
ENG 1003General University Elective3
MATH 1233HIST 101 or HIST 1023
General University Elective2 
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 2063Colonnade - Connections13
BDAN 2503MGT 2613
Colonnade: Literary Studies3MGT 2003
MGT 2103MKT 2203
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with lab3Colonnade: Connections23
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Foreign Language (Same Prefix)3Foreign Language (same prefix)3
FIN 3303MGT 3133
MGT 3053Colonnade - Connections33
MGT 3163Colonnade - Writing in the Disciplines3
MGT 3143MGT 3991
 General University Elective2
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Cultural Component3General University Elective2
MGT 3113Professional Upper-Division Elective3
MGT 3033Professional Upper-Division Elective3
Professional Upper-Division Elective3Professional Upper Division Elective3
MGT 4173MGT 498 or ENT 4963
 MGT 4991
 15 15
Total Hours 120

Management, Supply Chain Management Concentration (723P, 723)

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences3Colonnade: Arts & Humanities3
BA 1701ACCT 1103
ECON 2023COMM 1453
ENG 1003General University Elective3
MATH 1233HIST 101 or HIST 1023
General University Elective2 
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 2063Colonnade - Connections13
BDAN 2503MGT 2613
Colonnade: Literary Studies3MGT 2003
MGT 2103MKT 2203
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with lab3Colonnade: Connections23
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
MGT 3143MGT 4153
FIN 3303MGT 3133
Colonnade - Connections33Colonnade: Writing in the Disciplines3
MGT 3053MGT 3113
MKT 4233General University Elective2
 MGT 3991
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BDAN 3103General University Elective2
MGT 4233MGT 4173
SCM Elective3SCM Elective3
SCM Elective3SCM Elective3
MGT 4053MGT 498 or ENT 4963
 MGT 4991
 15 15
Total Hours 120

Finance, Minor (357)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Finance

Program Requirements (27 hours)

Course List
FIN 161Personal Finance3
FIN 330Principles of Finance3
FIN 389Financial Analysis and Modeling3
Select 6 hours of approved finance electives from 300- or 400-level FIN courses6
ACCT 110Accounting for Decision Makers3
MATH 123Mathematical Applications for Business 13
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
or ECON 203 Principles of Economics (Macro)
ECON 206Statistics3
Total Hours27
1

Students must complete MATH 123 or (MATH 136 or MATH 137 or MATH 237) or have a Math ACT of at least 26 or a Math SAT of at least 610.

Accredited Financial Counselor, Certificate (1758)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Finance

Overview

WKU’s Accredited Financial Counselor certificate program is designed to fulfill the educational requirements of the Accredited Financial Counselor® certification, awarded following passage of a separate test administered by the AFCPE. The program prepares individuals to: (1) educate clients in sound financial principles; (2) assist clients in the process of overcoming their financial indebtedness; (3) help clients identify and modify ineffective money management behaviors; (4) guide clients in developing successful strategies for achieving their financial goals; (5) support clients as they work through their financial challenges and opportunities; and (6) help clients develop new perspectives on the dynamics of money in relation to family, friends and individual self-esteem. The AFC® certification also requires 1,000 hours of relevant financial counseling experience, three letters of reference, and adherence to a code of ethics.

Program Requirements (9 hours)

 
Course List
Required Courses
FIN 161Personal Finance3
FIN 350Risk Management and Insurance3
CNS 432Helping Skills 13
or FIN 422 Personal Financial Planning Practice Management
Total Hours9
 
1

Financial Planning students may choose FIN 422 in place of CNS 432 if they have completed all prerequisites.

Financial Planning, Certificate (200)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Finance

Overview

The certificate program in Financial Planning requires 30 semester hours and is intended to qualify non-finance majors or degree-holding individuals who wish to pursue a career in financial planning. After successful completion of the required eleven courses, the student receives a Certificate of Financial Planning from Western Kentucky University and is allowed to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination. There may be additional course requirements for students not meeting pre-requisites.

Western Kentucky University does not certify individuals to use the CFP®, Certified Financial PlannerTM, and CFP® (with flame logo) certification marks. The CFP certification is granted only by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards to those persons who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met its ethics, experience, and examination requirements.

The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the marks CFP®, Certified Financial PlannerTM, and CFP® (with flame logo) which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Program Requirements (27 hours)

Course List
FIN 161Personal Finance3
FIN 331Applied Investments3
FIN 332Investment Theory3
FIN 333Advanced Topics in PFP3
FIN 350Risk Management and Insurance3
FIN 405Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Personal Financial Planning1.5
FIN 419Behavioral Finance and Investing1.5
FIN 444Retirement Planning3
FIN 445Estate Planning3
FIN 450Financial Plan Development3
Total Hours27

Creativity and Innovation Management (1773)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Management

Overview

The certificate in creativity and innovation management will prepare students to learn about legal and ethical implications of innovation and intellectual property development, while obtaining skills in creativity, problem-solving, opportunity identification, and innovation processes. 

Program Requirements (12 hours)

Course List
MGT 200Legal Environment of Business3
MGT 305Ethics and Critical Thinking3
ENT 312Entrepreneurship3
ENT 308Innovation Management3
MGT 497ACertificate Assessment - Creativity and Innovation Management0
Total Hours12

Economics, Bachelor of Arts (638)

  • Undergraduate
  • AB
  • Business
  • Economics

Overview

Economics is the study of how humans decide how to use the limited resources they have. Economic principles are at the core of decision-making by businesses, governments, non-profit organizations, individuals, and families, because the limited resources are not just money and raw materials – they are also time, attention, computing resources, food, water, hospital beds, or seats on a crowded subway. Economics is also a study of how individuals can create wealth though specialization and trade, as well as the role markets play in making this wealth creation possible.


Data analysis is one of the core skills in economics, and the students in this major will have an opportunity to develop strong data skills that are highly valued by employers. This combination of the economic way of thinking and data-analytic skills prepares students for many different employment opportunities. Our graduates pursue careers in finance, banking, insurance, local and federal governments, public utilities, research institutions, education, and international organizations. They hold a wide variety of jobs such as economist, loan officer, forecast analyst, financial analyst, business consultant, data analyst, energy analyst, bank examiner, research analyst, broker, market research analyst, policy analyst, professor, lawyer and many more. This multitude of possible career paths is what is great about choosing an economics major. Economics gives students an excellent foundation for employment in many areas of business and government service, as well as for advanced graduate studies.

The Bachelor of Arts (AB) in Economics requires a minimum of 35 hours and a minor or a second major. Students interested in combining the Economics major with another field of study should pursue this degree path. Students may choose any other major or minor at WKU. If students choose their second major or minor(s) from another department in the Gordon Ford College of Business, some courses may apply to both degrees. The AB in Economics offers students the most flexibility to customize their education and graduate with a potent combination of highly marketable skills.

Economics majors may also pursue the Joint Undergraduate/Master's Program, an accelerated graduate program that allows students to start working toward their Master of Arts in Applied Economics while completing their Bachelor's degree. Undergraduate students admitted into JUMP may take graduate courses that will count toward BOTH undergraduate and graduate degrees which will significantly lower the cost of obtaining a Master's degree.  For more information, visit the department website https://www.wku.edu/economics/ 

Program Requirements (35 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

The major in Economics requires 120 credit hours of coursework with 35 hours in Economics and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. The program requires completion of a second major or a minor.

Course List
Required Economics Courses
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
ECON 203Principles of Economics (Macro)3
ECON 206Statistics3
ECON 302Microeconomic Theory3
ECON 303Macroeconomic Theory3
ECON 306Statistical Analysis3
or ECON 307 Financial Data Modeling
ECON 399Career Readiness in Economics1
ECON 465Regression and Econometric Analysis3
ECON 499Senior Assessment1
Additional Courses
Select 12 hours from the following, excluding ECON 306, 307, and 497: 1, 212
ECON 3@
ECON 4@
Total Hours35
1

Some upper-level ECON electives may satisfy Colonnade Connections requirements: ECON 375 is in the Social and Cultural category, and ECON 385 and ECON 430 are in the Local to Global category. Note, only one of these courses can be used to satisfy the Connections requirement - the rest must be taken from other disciplines.

2

ECON 307 is an alternative for ECON 306 in the required courses, so it cannot be taken as an elective. ECON 306 may not be applied to electives. ECON 497 is reserved for Mathematical Economics majors.

Finish in Four Plans

Finish in Four Plan

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 202 (Colonnade Explorations - Social and Behavioral Sciences)3ECON 2033
COMM 1453HIST 101 or HIST 1023
ENG 1003Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3
MATH 123, MATH 136, or MATH 1373Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ lab3
General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 2063Colonnade - Connections Social & Cultural or Local to Global or Systems3
ENG 200 (or another approved Colonnade Foundations - Literary Studies course)3Colonnade - Connections Social & Cultural or Local to Global or Systems3
General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/o lab3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 3023ECON 3033
ECON 306 or ECON 3073ECON Elective3
Colonnade - Connections Social & Cultural or Local to Global or Systems3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
 ECON 3991
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 46513ECON 4991
ECON Elective3ECON Elective3
ECON Elective3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
ENG 3003General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course3
 General Elective/Second Major/Minor Course1
 15 14
Total Hours 120
1

It is recommended that ECON 465 should be taken during the second to last semester as it will help student prepare for the Senior Seminar. ECON 465 should not be taken concurrently with ECON 499.

Executive Influence in Organizations (1774)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Management

Overview

The certificate in Executive Influence in Organizations will prepare students with knowledge of general management principles, as well as more specific understanding of human motivation and behavior. With the optional courses, students can enhance their talent management, negotiation, project management, global management, and decision-making skills, along with their capability to problem solve and think critically. 

Program Requirements (12 hours)

Course List
MGT 210Organization and Management3
MGT 417Organizational Behavior3
MGT 497BCertificate Assessment - Executive Influence in Organizations0
Choose 1 course from the following3
MGT 311
Human Resource Management
MGT 326
Managing Projects in Organizations
MGT 419
Management of Organizational Conflict
MGT 313
Decision Modeling
Choose 1 course from the following3
MGT 301
Business Law
MGT 405
Business Negotiation
MGT 316
International Management
Total Hours12

Applied Data Analytics, Certificate (1734)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Analytics & Information Systems

Overview

The certificate of Applied Data Analytics exposes students to how data is acquired, how to frame an analytic problem, determine which methodologies to use to solve a problem, and to build deployable models.

Program Requirements (18 hours)

The 18 hour certificate is based on 15 hours of core courses and 3 hours of advisor-approved upper-division courses. The approved elective may be from the Gordon Ford College of Business or any other college.

Course List
ECON 206Statistics3
BDAN 250Introduction to Analytics 13
BDAN 305Data Modeling and Analysis 23
or FIN 389 Financial Analysis and Modeling
BDAN 310Business Data Analytics3
BDAN 330Structured Data Analysis 33
or BDAN 430 Data Visualization
Select 3 hours from the following or any data analytics course with department approval3
ACCT 312
Accounting Information Systems
ACCT 412
Data Analysis for Accounting
ECON 306
Statistical Analysis
ECON 307
Financial Data Modeling
ECON 465
Regression and Econometric Analysis
ECON 480
Economic Forecasting
ENT 496
Hilltopper Student Consulting Experience
FIN 389
Financial Analysis and Modeling
FIN 450
Financial Plan Development
MGT 313
Decision Modeling
MGT 314
Operations Management
MGT 383
Human Resource Information Systems
MKT 321
Consumer Behavior
MKT 421
Marketing Research
MKT 431
Advanced Social Media Marketing
Total Hours18
1

BDAN250 is required for all business majors.

2

Students pursuing the Business Finance Concentration may take FIN 389 (Financial Analysis and Modeling) instead of BDAN 305.

3

Students pursuing the Business Finance Concentration may take BDAN 430 (Data Visualization) instead of BDAN 330.  

Economic Data Analytics, Certificate (1785)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Economics

Overview

This undergraduate certificate will help prepare professionals for jobs in both public and private sector. Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge in quantitative economics disciplines including applied economic statistics, econometrics, time series analysis, and forecasting, as well as data management skills.

Program Requirements (18 hours)

Course List
ECON 206Statistics3
ECON 306Statistical Analysis3
or ECON 307 Financial Data Modeling
or BDAN 310 Business Data Analytics
or STAT 330 Introduction to Statistical Software
ECON 465Regression and Econometric Analysis3
ECON 480Economic Forecasting3
ECON 486Applied Statistical Methods in Economics3
ECON 487Data Methods in Economics3
Total Hours18

Marketing, Bachelor of Science (720)

  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Business
  • Marketing

Overview

Marketing

Marketing is a people-oriented, dynamic business function that leads to goal-oriented exchanges between individuals and organizations. Important marketing activities include developing an idea, good or service intended to satisfy consumer wants and needs, promoting/advertising it to likely customers, selling it at a mutually agreeable price, and distributing it in acceptable locations.

The objectives of the marketing program are to teach students

  1. The importance of marketing in an economy characterized by free consumer choice
  2. The knowledge and skills required to perform marketing activities
  3. The interaction between marketing and diverse environmental forces which impact marketing decisions.

The marketing student is prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in business and non-business, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Entry-level business positions serve as a step into professional selling and sales force management, pricing, product or brand management, social media marketing, advertising, market research, physical distribution, retail management and merchandising, sports and event marketing or purchasing.  Marketing also provides a solid foundation for those who hope to own their own business in the future.

Careers in marketing often lead to high-level management positions. Non-business and not-for-profit organizations (hospitals, educational institutions and charitable groups) also seek well-trained marketing graduates.

When planning a program of study in this department, each student should be aware of the University’s academic requirements and regulations contained in this catalog in the chapter “Academic Information.” Specific attention should be given to the subsections in the chapter entitled (a) Academic Programs, (b) Colonnade Requirements, and (c) Academic Requirements and Regulations. Students should be aware that some academic programs may require additional scholastic regulations and standards not specified in the catalog. To obtain a copy of these regulations, students should contact the department chair.

Concentrations

  • Strategic Marketing (MKGM)
  • Marketing Sales (MKSA)
  • Social Media Marketing (MKSM)

Program Requirements (84 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

The major in marketing requires 84 hours of professional and elective courses and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Marketing majors must earn a “C” or better in all Marketing classes (MKT prefix) used as part of the major. Transfer marketing classes with a grade lower than a “C” will not count towards the Marketing major. No minor or second major is required, although minors and certificates inside and outside the Gordon Ford College of Business are encouraged.

Core Courses

Course List
Business Foundations
MATH 123Mathematical Applications for Business *3
ACCT 110Accounting for Decision Makers3
BDAN 250Introduction to Analytics3
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
ECON 206Statistics3
MGT 210Organization and Management3
MKT 220Basic Marketing Concepts3
FIN 330Principles of Finance3
MGT 498Strategy and Policy3
or ENT 496 Hilltopper Student Consulting Experience
Career Preparation
BA 170Business Student Basics 11
or BA 175 University Experience-Business
or BA 220 Special Topics in Business Administration (Lower Division)
MGT 261Business Communication Fundamentals3
MKT 399Career Readiness in Marketing1
MKT 499Senior Assessment in Marketing1
Required Courses for All Marketing Majors
FIN 161Personal Finance3
BDAN 305Data Modeling and Analysis3
ECON 306Statistical Analysis3
MKT 321Consumer Behavior3
MKT 325Personal Selling3
MKT 421Marketing Research3
MKT 422Marketing Management3
MKT 423Supply Chain Management3
Skillset 1: Ethics and Critical Thinking
Select 1 of the following courses or any ethics course with department approval:3
MGT 200
Legal Environment of Business
MGT 305
Ethics and Critical Thinking
Skillset 2: Data Analysis
Select 1 of the following courses or any data analysis course with department approval:3
BDAN 330
Structured Data Analysis
MKT 420
Senior Seminar-Marketing
MKT 328
Digital Marketing
Skillset 3: Creative Execution
Select 1 of the following courses or any creative course with department approval:3
MKT 322
Integrated Marketing Communications
MKT 331
Social Media Marketing
ART 243
Digital Media
Skillset 4: Negotiation
Select 1 of the following courses or any negotiation course with department approval:3
MGT 405
Business Negotiation
MKT 425
Advanced Personal Selling Strategies
Total Hours69
 
*

Or any calculus class, or math ACT score of at least 26, or math SAT score of at least 610.

1

BA 175 is only for Business LLC students. BA 220 is only for WKU students and transfer students who choose a business major as a sophomore or higher.

 

Choose one concentration from below:
 

Strategic Marketing Concentration

Course List
Select one of the following:3
MKT 322
Integrated Marketing Communications
MKT 328
Digital Marketing
MKT 331
Social Media Marketing
Select 1 of the following:3
MKT 327
Retailing Management and Strategy
MKT 329
Business-To-Business Marketing
MKT 331
Social Media Marketing
Select 6 hours of marketing electives:6
MKT 3@
MKT 4@
Select 3 hours of professional electives:3
ACCT 3@
ACCT 4@
BA 3@
BA 4@
BDAN 3@
BDAN 4@
CIS 3@
CIS 4@
ECON 3@
ECON 4@
ENT 3@
ENT 4@
FIN 3@
FIN 4@
MGT 3@
MGT 4@
MKT 3@
MKT 4@
Total Hours15

Sales Concentration (MKSA)

Course List
MKT 329Business-To-Business Marketing3
MKT 424Sales Force Management3
MKT 425Advanced Personal Selling Strategies3
Select 3 hours of marketing electives:3
MKT 3@
MKT 4@
Select 3 hours of professional electives3
ACCT 3@
ACCT 4@
BA 3@
BA 4@
BDAN 3@
BDAN 4@
CIS 3@
CIS 4@
ECON 3@
ECON 4@
ENT 3@
ENT 4@
FIN 3@
FIN 4@
MGT 3@
MGT 4@
MKT 3@
MKT 4@
Total Hours15

Social Media Marketing Concentration (MKSM)

Course List
MKT 322Integrated Marketing Communications3
MKT 328Digital Marketing3
MKT 331Social Media Marketing3
Select 3 hours of marketing electives:3
MKT 3@
MKT 4@
Select 3 hours of professional electives:3
ACCT 3@
ACCT 4@
BA 3@
BA 4@
BDAN 3@
BDAN 4@
CIS 3@
CIS 4@
ECON 3@
ECON 4@
ENT 3@
ENT 4@
FIN 3@
FIN 4@
MGT 3@
MGT 4@
MKT 3@
MKT 4@
Total Hours15
 
 

Finish in Four Plans

Marketing, Marketing Sales Concentration (720)

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BA 170, BA 175, or BA 22011-3HIST 101 or HIST 1023
ECON 2023ACCT 1103
FIN 1613BDAN 2503
ENG 1003COMM 1453
MATH 1233Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences3
 13-15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
MGT 2103MKT 2203
ECON 2063MGT 2613
Colonnade: Literary Studies3Colonnade: Connections (Social & Cultural)3
Colonnade: Arts and Humanities3General University Elective3
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with Lab3Colonnade: Connections (Local to Global)3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
FIN 3303ECON 3063
MKT 3213MKT 331, MKT 322, or ART 243 (Creative Execution Skillset)3
BDAN 3053MKT 3293
MKT 3253MKT 4243
MGT 200 or MGT 3053ENG 3003
MKT 3991 
 16 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
MKT 4213ENT 496 or MGT 4983
MKT 4233MKT 4223
MKT 3@ or MKT 4@ (Marketing Elective)3MKT 4253
MKT 4203MKT 4991
Colonnade: Connections (Systems)3Professional Elective3
 General Elective3
 15 16
Total Hours 120-122

Marketing, Social Media Marketing Concentration (720P, 720)

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BA 170, BA 175, or BA 22011HIST 101 or HIST 1023
ECON 2023ACCT 1103
FIN 1613BDAN 2503
ENG 1003COMM 1453
MATH 1233Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences3
 13 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
MGT 2103MKT 2203
ECON 2063MGT 2613
Colonnade: Literary Studies3Colonnade: Connections (Social & Cultural)3
Colonnade: Arts and Humanities3Colonnade: Connections (Local to Global)3
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with Lab3General University Elective3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
FIN 3303ECON 3063
MKT 3213MKT 3313
MKT 3253MKT 3283
MKT 3223BDAN 3303
MGT 200 or MGT 3053MGT 4053
MKT 3991 
 16 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
MKT 4213ENT 496 or MGT 4983
Professional Upper-Division Elective OR Marketing Upper-Division Elective4MKT 4223
MKT 3293MKT 3@ or MKT 4@ (Marketing Elective)3
MKT 4233Professional Elective3
 MKT 425 or MGT 4053
 MKT 4991
 13 16
Total Hours 118

Marketing, Strategic Marketing Concentration (720P, 720)

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BA 170, BA 175, or BA 22011HIST 101 or HIST 1023
ECON 2023ACCT 1103
FIN 1613BDAN 2503
ENG 1003COMM 1453
MATH 1233Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences3
 13 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
MGT 2103MKT 2203
ECON 2063MGT 2613
Colonnade: Literary Studies3Colonnade: Connections (Social & Cultural)3
Colonnade: Arts and Humanities3Colonnade: Connections (Local to Global)3
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with Lab3General University Elective3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
FIN 3303ECON 3063
MKT 3213MKT 3293
MGT 305 or MGT 2003MKT 3313
MKT 3253MKT 3283
BDAN 3053MKT 3@ or MKT 4@ (Marketing Elective)3
MKT 3991 
 16 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
MKT 4213MKT 4223
MKT 4233ENT 496 or MGT 4983
MKT 3223MKT 4991
BDAN 3303MGT 4053
MKT 3@ or MKT 4@ (Marketing Elective)3MKT 3273
 Professional Elective3
 15 16
Total Hours 120

Finance, Minor (357)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Finance

Program Requirements (27 hours)

Course List
FIN 161Personal Finance3
FIN 330Principles of Finance3
FIN 389Financial Analysis and Modeling3
Select 6 hours of approved finance electives from 300- or 400-level FIN courses6
ACCT 110Accounting for Decision Makers3
MATH 123Mathematical Applications for Business 13
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
or ECON 203 Principles of Economics (Macro)
ECON 206Statistics3
Total Hours27
1

Students must complete MATH 123 or (MATH 136 or MATH 137 or MATH 237) or have a Math ACT of at least 26 or a Math SAT of at least 610.

Accredited Financial Counselor, Certificate (1758)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Finance

Overview

WKU’s Accredited Financial Counselor certificate program is designed to fulfill the educational requirements of the Accredited Financial Counselor® certification, awarded following passage of a separate test administered by the AFCPE. The program prepares individuals to: (1) educate clients in sound financial principles; (2) assist clients in the process of overcoming their financial indebtedness; (3) help clients identify and modify ineffective money management behaviors; (4) guide clients in developing successful strategies for achieving their financial goals; (5) support clients as they work through their financial challenges and opportunities; and (6) help clients develop new perspectives on the dynamics of money in relation to family, friends and individual self-esteem. The AFC® certification also requires 1,000 hours of relevant financial counseling experience, three letters of reference, and adherence to a code of ethics.

Program Requirements (9 hours)

 
Course List
Required Courses
FIN 161Personal Finance3
FIN 350Risk Management and Insurance3
CNS 432Helping Skills 13
or FIN 422 Personal Financial Planning Practice Management
Total Hours9
 
1

Financial Planning students may choose FIN 422 in place of CNS 432 if they have completed all prerequisites.

Financial Planning, Certificate (200)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Finance

Overview

The certificate program in Financial Planning requires 30 semester hours and is intended to qualify non-finance majors or degree-holding individuals who wish to pursue a career in financial planning. After successful completion of the required eleven courses, the student receives a Certificate of Financial Planning from Western Kentucky University and is allowed to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination. There may be additional course requirements for students not meeting pre-requisites.

Western Kentucky University does not certify individuals to use the CFP®, Certified Financial PlannerTM, and CFP® (with flame logo) certification marks. The CFP certification is granted only by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards to those persons who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met its ethics, experience, and examination requirements.

The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the marks CFP®, Certified Financial PlannerTM, and CFP® (with flame logo) which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Program Requirements (27 hours)

Course List
FIN 161Personal Finance3
FIN 331Applied Investments3
FIN 332Investment Theory3
FIN 333Advanced Topics in PFP3
FIN 350Risk Management and Insurance3
FIN 405Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Personal Financial Planning1.5
FIN 419Behavioral Finance and Investing1.5
FIN 444Retirement Planning3
FIN 445Estate Planning3
FIN 450Financial Plan Development3
Total Hours27

 

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ABOUT GORDON FORD COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
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Gordon Ford College of Business

1906 College Heights Blvd. #11056

Bowling Green KY 42101

Deans Office: Chandler Hall 3003A

Phone: 270-745-2279

Text:  270-721-4490

E-mail: gfcb@wku.edu 

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