| Convener: | Fleszar, Krzysztof |
| Professors: | Osman, Ibrahim; Fleszar, Krzysztof Araman, Victor; Azad, Bijan; Moussawi, Lama |
| Associate Professors: | Bou Hamad, Imad; Nasr, Walid, Zablith, Fouad |
| Assistant Professors: | Khreich, Wael; Salamoun, Randa
|
Visiting Assistant Professor:
| Taleb, Sirine
|
| Senior Lecturer: | Geutcherian, Rita |
| Lecturers: | Majdalani, Elie |
History and Overview
Business Education at AUB started in 1900 and was provided either by a department or by a semi-autonomous school under the university’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences for approximately one hundred years. In celebration of the hundred-year anniversary of offering business programs, AUB established an independent school of business (later named the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business, OSB) in September 2000 as the sixth faculty of the university.
To date, AUB has graduated over 8,000 students from its undergraduate business programs and over 1,750 from its graduate business programs. Since its formal establishment as a distinct school, OSB has grown its full-time faculty complement from 13 members in the academic year 2000-2001 to 48 members today. It now graduates approximately 290 students from its undergraduate program and more than 180 students from its graduate programs.
OSB currently offers five degree programs which include an Executive Master of Business Administration (herein referred to as the Executive MBA), a Master of Business Administration (herein referred to as the MBA), a Master’s in Finance (herein referred to as the MFIN), a Master’s in Human Resource Management (herein referred to as the MHRM), a Master’s in Business Analytics (herein referred to as the MS-BA) and a Bachelor of Business Administration (herein referred to as the BBA).
The First AUB Faculty to be Named
In June 2003, the AUB School of Business was named the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (herein referred to as OSB) in honor of the late international Saudi businessman and AUB trustee whose family has always been a major supporter of AUB.
This watershed event triggered a series of major developments intended to broaden and deepen the delivery of quality undergraduate and graduate business programs at AUB. An entirely new curriculum was introduced for the BBA and MBA degrees in Fall 2001. Both degrees were redesigned to follow leading trends in international business education. In Spring 2004, OSB launched the Executive MBA program in response to the professional development needs of senior corporate leaders in the region. In 2012, OSB introduced a Specialized Master’s in Finance and a Specialized Master’s in Human Resource Management, and in 2017 introduced a Master of Science in Business Analytics, to its suite of graduate degree program offerings as part of its strategy to better serve the region, increase its graduate enrollment and further enhance AUB’s global brand as the regional business education leader.
Accreditation
The degree programs of OSB are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).
Requiring rigorous quality audits and adherence to best academic practices, AACSB accreditation, which is attained by fewer than 5 percent of business schools worldwide, is the international quality assurance standard for business education programs. Initial accreditation was achieved in 2009, and as per AACSB re-accreditation guidelines, OSB was re-accredited in 2014 and more recently in 2019, marking 10 years of AACSB accreditation.
Vision
The Suliman S. Olayan School of Business’ vision is to transform business thinking in the MENA region.
Mission
The Suliman S. Olayan School of Business’ mission is to enable world-class business research, learning and knowledge transfer from our authoritative anchor point within the MENA region.
LEADERS Values
Lifelong Learning | We see business education as an enduring journey perpetually nurturing curiosity and fostering innovation. We aim to remain at the cutting edge of business thought and practice, embodying the belief that learning never ceases.
Empowerment | We inspire individuals to explore new horizons, innovate boldly, and take on leadership roles. We foster a culture where leaders are cultivated to drive change and make significant contributions.
Agility | Agility underscores our adaptability to rapidly changing business environments. We strive to remain proactive, flexible, and robust in strategy and action, embodying versatility in academic, research, and community engagement.
Diligence | Diligence drives us to continually refine our processes, enhance our programs, and achieve exceptional results with integrity and responsibility. We are passionate about preparing leaders who are deeply devoted to their craft and community.
Excellence | Excellence in teaching, research, and service inspires us to push boundaries, innovate tirelessly, and uphold the highest standards of quality, preparing future leaders for unrivaled success in the global marketplace.
Respect | Respect fosters an environment where dignity, diversity, and dialogue flourish. We are committed to honor the perspectives and contributions of all stakeholders, fostering a culture of psychological safety where everyone thrives.
Sustainability | We strive to integrate environmental stewardship, societal well-being, and economic prosperity into our curriculum, intellectual contributions, and operations. We aspire to develop leaders with the skills and passion to provide sustainable solutions for global challenges.
Ethics and Integrity at OSB
OSB is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and expects its faculty and students to exhibit exemplary behavior in this regard. All business students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with and always abiding by the AUB policies, rules and regulations that define standards for academic integrity.
Organization and Governance
The Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) is managed by the dean, associate deans, track conveners, program directors and the professional administrators of the school. Track conveners report directly to the dean of the school. The school is guided by the Middle East Advisory Board, a board composed of accomplished regional thought leaders and trendsetters in business. It operates under a set of school bylaws available at the following web address:
https://aub.policytech.eu/dotNet/documents/?docid=149&public=true
OSB is organized into the functional equivalent of multidisciplinary departments, referred to as tracks. While each track has its distinct identity and designated faculty members, a track is markedly different from a department; it allows for multiple faculty membership, offers fertile soil for cross-disciplinary synergy and facilitates faculty cooperation.
The school has three tracks, each encompassing a cluster of distinct academic business disciplines and headed by a track convener:
The tracks are:
- Finance, Accounting and Managerial Economics (FAME)
- Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (MME)
- Business Information and Decision Systems (BIDS)
Undergraduate Program: BBA Program
OSB currently offers a bachelor’s degree in business administration (BBA).
Philosophy
The BBA program is for university entrants focused on translating their thinking and interests into career opportunities in business. The program combines business and arts and sciences in a rigorous learning environment to help students gain a holistic understanding of the social, cultural and economic environment in which they operate. The curriculum’s liberal arts-based operational focus is deeply grounded in analytics while emphasizing soft skill areas such as leadership, decision-making and ethical reasoning.
Admission to the Program
Normally, there are two admission deadlines a year which are in February, for enrollment the following fall, and in November, for enrollment the following spring.
Criteria for Admission to the BBA Program
Students are admitted as sophomores to the BBA program either through direct admission, transfer from other faculties at AUB or transfer from other universities. Students may also be admitted as junior transfers from other faculties at AUB or from outside AUB.
Direct Admission
These students are normally admitted directly from secondary school into the sophomore class at OSB. For complete and detailed information regarding admission to the university, see the Admissions section of this catalogue. All direct admissions are decided by the university Unified Admissions Committee.
Transfer into OSB
As per OSB’s bylaws, all transfer decisions are made by the school’s Undergraduate Admissions Committee.
Transfer from the Freshman Class of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Eligibility conditions are:
- Successful completion of at least 26 freshman credits (advanced placement credits inclusive)
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- A minimum grade of B in one of the following courses: MATH 100, MATH 101, MATH 102 or MATH 203
All final admission decisions depend on the overall quality of the eligible applicant pool and the number of available places for the term in question.
Transfer from Other Faculties at AUB
Non-OSB students at AUB, other than those from the freshman class of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, may apply for a transfer to OSB in order to pursue a BBA degree. To be eligible for an internal transfer, the applicant must:
- have completed at least 24 sophomore credits (or 54 credits including freshman credits).
- not be on probation.
- have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Students with an overall GPA of less than 3.0 and have met the above conditions may be considered (through a petition at OSB) for an internal transfer, provided they have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in any 5 of the following courses: ACCT 210, FINA 210 (or FINA 211), INFO 200, DCSN 200, MNGT 215, MKTG 210, ACCT 215, DCSN 205 and BUSS 215.
All final admission decisions depend on the overall quality of the eligible applicant pool and the number of available places for the term in question.
It is important to note that for transfer purposes, late freshman students who have taken more than 30 credits but less than or equal to 45 credits are treated as freshman students (i.e., they must meet freshman transfer requirements).
Transfer from Outside AUB (Other Universities)
Students currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at another university in Lebanon or abroad may apply for transfer to the OSB sophomore or junior class. To be eligible for admission to AUB and to OSB’s business program, the applicant must:
- be transferring from an appropriately accredited university or institution of higher education recognized by AUB.
- have completed at least 24 sophomore credits (or 54 credits inclusive of the freshman year).
- have achieved a minimum overall cumulative average equivalent to the AUB GPA of 3.0; applicants should meet the Readiness for University Studies in English before registration.
All final admission decisions depend on the overall quality of the eligible applicant pool and the number of available places for the term in question.
It is important to note the following:
- Transfer of credit is considered only for courses completed in the five-year period preceding the proposed date of joining the BBA program.
- A student transferring to OSB from another institution will not be granted equivalency credits for core business courses. Core business courses are: ACCT 210, ACCT 215, BUSS 200, BUSS 211, BUSS 215, BUSS 239, BUSS 245, BUSS 249, DCSN 200, FINA 210, INFO 200, MKTG 210 and MNGT 215.
- The student is required to achieve a minimum grade of “B” in all business courses for which transfer credit is sought.
- The Undergraduate Student Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee reserves the right to require the student to sit for an exemption test prior to the approval of transferred courses. An exemption test may be taken only once.
Business as a Second Degree
The OSB Undergraduate Admissions Committee evaluates all applications for the BBA as a second degree and makes recommendations to the Dean. To be eligible for admission, the student must have a first degree from an appropriately accredited institution of higher education recognized by AUB with a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.0 (or its equivalent).
All final admission decisions depend on the overall quality of the eligible applicant pool and the number of available places for the term in question.
Application process is available in the General University Academic Information section of the catalogue.
Dual Degree
Students may, upon approval of the concerned faculty, complete the requirements for a second degree while registered in another faculty at AUB. In such a case, a student will be granted two degrees at the same time upon graduation. If tuition differs, students will pay the higher of the tuitions. To be eligible for a dual degree with OSB, the applicant must:
- have completed at least 24 sophomore credits (or 54 credits including freshman credits).
- not be on probation.
- have completed all minor business courses: ACCT 210, FINA 210 (or FINA 211), INFO 200, DCSN 200, MKTG 210, and MNGT 215.
- achieved a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.0.
All final admission decisions depend on the overall quality of the eligible applicant pool and the number of available places for the term in question.
Students interested in a dual degree must submit a dual degree petition form through the Online Petitions and Forms System (OPFS).
Business as a Minor Field of Study
Students who wish to obtain a minor in Business are required to:
- Complete a minimum of 18 credit hours in the following business courses: ACCT 210 (Financial Accounting, 3 cr.), DCSN 200 (Operations Management, 3 cr.), FINA 210 (Business Finance, 3 cr.) or FINA 211 (Introduction to Finance for Engineers, 3 cr.), INFO 200 (Foundations of Information Systems, 3 cr.), MKTG 210 (Principles of Marketing, 3 cr.) and MNGT 215 (Fundamentals of Management and Organizational Behavior, 3 cr.)
- Pass the required six courses (ACCT 210, FINA 210 or FINA 211 (Introduction to Finance for Engineers, 3 cr.), MNGT 215, MKTG 210, INFO 200 and DCSN 200) and maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in all business courses taken. FINA 211 waives FINA 210 for Engineering students. Other non-business students will receive credits only for either FINA 210 or FINA 211.
It is important to note the following: No business courses required by the faculty in which the student is pursuing her/his major field of study (the “major faculty”) may be counted toward the business minor. In cases where a student has taken business courses as required by the student’s major faculty, the student must take additional business electives to achieve the total 18 credits required for the minor. In all cases, course prerequisites, as stipulated in OSB’s curriculum, apply and are strictly enforced.
Business Sustainability as a Minor Field of Study
Students who wish to obtain a minor in Business Sustainability are required to complete 18 credit hours as follows:
- A required course in corporate sustainability BUSS 224 (Business and Sustainability, 3 cr.)
- Two business courses from the following list: ACCT 210 (Financial Accounting, 3 cr.), DCSN 200 (Operations Management, 3 cr.), FINA 210 (Business Finance, 3 cr.) or FINA 211 (Introduction to Finance for Engineers, 3 cr.), MKTG 210 (Principles of Marketing, 3 cr.), and MNGT 215 (Fundamentals of Management and Organizational Behavior, 3 cr.).
- One business sustainability course from the following list: DCSN 214 (Sustainable Supply Chain Management, 3 cr.), FINA 249 (Introduction to Sustainable Finance, 3cr.), ENTM 240 (Social entrepreneurship, 3 cr.), or another pre-approved business sustainability course. (Course prerequisites apply and are strictly enforced. DCSN 200 is a prerequisite for DCSN 214, ACCT 210 and FINA 210 are prerequisites for FINA 249)
- Two courses in the science of sustainability and/or sustainability policy from the list below or other pre-approved courses.
- CHEM 202 Introduction to Environmental Chemistry (3 cr.)
- ENHL 220 Fundamentals of Environmental Health Sciences (3 cr.)
- GEOL 227 Alternative Energy and Climate Change (3 cr.)
- GEOL 290B/ AROL 235AJ/ Climate and Human Societies (3 cr.)
- LDEM 203 The Environment and Sustainable Development (3 cr.)
- LDEM 230 Water and the Environment (3 cr.)
- LDEM 262 Healing Nature: Theoretical Perspectives and Applications (3 cr.)
- MSCU 201 Coastal and Marine Environments: Introductory Course (3 cr.)
- MSUC 204 Coastal and Marine Environments: Maritime Cultural Heritage (3 cr.)
- PHIL 209 Environmental Ethics (3 cr.)
- Capstone project (3 cr.)
- Other pre-approved courses from OSB or outside OSB
It is important to note the following: No business courses required by the faculty in which the student is pursuing her/his major field of study (the “major faculty”) may be counted toward the business minor. In cases where a student has taken business courses as required by the student’s major faculty, the student must take additional business electives to achieve the total 18 credits required for the minor. In all cases, course prerequisites, as stipulated in OSB’s curriculum, apply and are strictly enforced.
For further information on Minors, refer to the General University Academic Information section of the catalogue.
Academic Policies
For more information on registration requirements, categories of students, class attendance, correct use of language, cross registration, course (and credit) loads, dean’s honor list, directed study, disclosure of student records, English proficiency, grading system, graduation with distinction and high distinction, and policy on transfer within the university, refer to the General University Academic Information section of this catalogue.
Other OSB-specific academic rules and regulations follow
Academic Advisors
Each BBA student is assigned an academic advisor who plays the role of a mentor. The advisor communicates the culture of the institution, mainly as it relates to “life-long learning, personal integrity and civic responsibility and leadership” (AUB Mission Statement) and plays an important role in guiding students through a curriculum that balances broad liberal arts exposure with deep knowledge of business fundamentals. In addition, the advisor helps students assess future graduate studies opportunities and career choices.
Classification of Students
A BBA student shall be considered to have completed a class level (i.e. freshman, sophomore, junior or senior) when s/he has successfully completed 30 or more credits beyond the requirements for the previous class. A student may be granted a certificate stating that s/he has completed a class only when s/he has completed the specified courses in the regular program for that class and has acquired the requisite number of credits.
The credit requirements are as follows:
- For the completion of the freshman class: 30 credits
- For the completion of the sophomore class: 60 credits (cumulative)
- Requisite number of credits
Credit Load
Students may register for up to 17 credit hours in a regular academic term (e.g. fall or spring) and up to 9 credit hours in the summer term. Junior and senior, but not sophomore, students who wish to increase their credit load to 18 credit hours a term must have completed ENGL 203 and ENGL 204 and then petition the OSB Undergraduate Student Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee for permission to do so. Normally, junior and senior students with an overall GPA of at least 3.3 or a GPA of at least 3.3 in the last two terms are given such permission
The credit load of students who are placed on probation is available in the General University Academic Information section of the catalogue.
Students who are registered in the BUSS 245 course (internship) may register for no more than 3 other credit hours, provided that the other course(s) taken do not conflict with the working hours of the summer internship. Honor students may petition to be allowed to register for a maximum of 7 credit hours, including internship.
Internship Requirements
All BBA students must successfully complete the internship requirement (BUSS 245). Normally, the internship takes place in the summer term directly following the completion of the junior year. Students must register for the summer internship and provide the school with an employer’s acceptance. All students applying for the internship program must:
- Be juniors or seniors who have completed the following courses by the end of the spring term: FINA 210, MNGT 215, MKTG 210 and INFO 200.
- Have completed the following by the end of the fall term:
- at least 38 credit hours if they were admitted to the university as sophomores.
- or at least 68 credit hours if they were admitted to the university as freshmen.
Internship Guidelines
- The internship is normally eight weeks in duration and takes place during the summer
- term (i.e., any eight weeks between mid-May and end of August).
- The student must comply with the policy of the host company regarding working days and working hours.
- The workweek must not be less than 5 working days.
- Working hours are according to host company policies.
- The student may choose to complete his internship locally or abroad.
- The student will be supervised by a faculty member from OSB and the work supervisor at the company throughout the internship period.
- The internship is graded. The grade is based on the evaluations of both the direct work supervisor and the OSB faculty supervisor.
- The internship grade is included in the computation of the student’s overall average.
- The student cannot do her/his internship at a family business
Career Readiness Program
Career Readiness is an optional structured program that allows students to complete the requirements of the BBA degree while gaining significant work experience. It is a committed partnership between OSB and a selective number of companies to provide students with experiential learning opportunities and an in-depth understanding of the workplace by the time they graduate. Based on the principle that learning works best when academic achievement is enriched with practical experience, the program provides a match between employers seeking well-educated student talents and students seeking to reskill and upskill in a work integrated learning environment.
The program offers two courses:
CO-OP education (BUSS 255) and
Advanced COOP education (BUSS 256). These are 3 credits courses that are optional. Students who successfully complete BUSS 255 (3 credits) are exempted from the BUSS 245 Internship course; only one credit will count towards the 120 credits required to complete the BBA degree. All other CO-OP credits are not counted towards the BBA degree requirements.
Upon completing the CO-OP and/or Advanced CO-OP education, students will receive a Certificate of Completion (specifying the work duration) in addition to their BBA degree.
After each CO-OP education course, students must spend one semester as a full-time student at OSB.
To enroll in the
CO-OP education course (BUSS 255), students must have applied and be selected in the preceding semester. Selection to the course is based on academic performance, CV, interview, and a reference letter. Moreover, students must have completed 36 credits by the time of enrollment, including all the prerequisite courses, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
To enroll in the
Advanced CO-OP education course (BUSS 256), students must have successfully completed the CO-OP education course (BUSS 255) followed by one semester as a full-time student. Students must have applied and be selected in the preceding semester. Selection to the course is based on academic performance, CV, interview, and a reference letter. Moreover, students must have completed 48 credits by the time of enrollment, including all the prerequisite courses, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
Note: The final enrollment into either course is subject to the availability of vacancies approved by the Career Readiness Program office and the partner company’s requirements.
Academic Probation
Placement on Academic Probation
University regulations apply. Refer to the General University Academic Information section of this catalogue.
Dismissal
University regulations apply. Refer to the General University Academic Information section of this catalogue.
Readmission
University regulations apply. Refer to the General University Academic Information section of this catalogue.
Normally, transfer credits are considered from AACSB accredited universities and after evaluation of a student’s coursework. The student must have achieved a minimum grade equivalent to the AUB GPA of 3.0 in each of the courses for which transfer of credits may be granted.
Regulations on readmission also apply to students who are dropped from other AUB faculties and apply for admission to OSB.
Readmission of students dropped from the school by the Undergraduate Student Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee requires the approval of that Committee, whereas readmission of students dropped from other AUB faculties requires the approval of the OSB Admissions Committee.
Failing and Repeating Courses
University regulations apply. Refer to the General University Academic Information section of this catalogue.
A student who at the end of the senior year fails to fulfill the graduation requirements pertaining to cumulative grade averages and is not dismissed must repeat the courses with low grades in order to raise the overall averages to the required minimums.
Incompletes (Final Exam Policy)
A student who, at the end of a term, is missing a major requirement of a course (e.g., final examination), s/he (or her/his family member) must, within 72 hours of the final exam date, submit a paper or online makeup petition along with evidence of a valid excuse. Medical reports and/or qualified professional opinions issued by an AUBMC doctor or by the University Health Services are normally accepted. Should the validity of an excuse be in question, the OSB Undergraduate Student Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee may not allow the student to sit for a makeup examination.
If granted permission, the student should be ready to take the makeup exam during the final exams period. In rare and exceptional circumstances, the OSB Undergraduate Student Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee may grant the student additional time, normally no later than the first month of the subsequent term. A student who has already sat for a final examination may not re-take that examination.
Incomplete coursework is reported as an “I” followed by a numerical grade reflecting the evaluation of the student based on available information. The evaluation is based on a grade of zero on all missed work and is reported in units of five. If the work is not completed within the period specified, the “I” is dropped and the numerical grade becomes the final grade.
Examinations and Quizzes
Undergraduate business courses, other than tutorial and seminar courses, have final examinations unless otherwise authorized by the OSB Undergraduate Student Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee. In all courses in which final examinations are given, a student would not receive a passing grade without taking a final examination. Even though final examinations are not required in tutorial and seminar courses, the instructor may choose to give a final examination.
- A student who misses a major quiz or a midterm exam or the final exam without a valid reason will receive a grade of zero. No make-up is allowed.
- No shift in weight to the final exam is allowed.
- The midterm exam policy should be stated clearly in the syllabus of the course.
- No extra sessions will be given during the reading period.
- No final exams will be held during or before the reading period.
- Students should be informed that any form of solicitation of grades will be subject to disciplinary action.
In order to receive permission for a make-up, and only for serious medical reasons, the student must provide to the instructor, within 72 hours of the missed quiz or exam, an approved medical report signed by an ER or a University Health Services (UHS) doctor at AUB Medical Center (AUBMC), and/or qualified professional opinions issued by an AUB employee for further consideration. If the make-up quiz or midterm exam is approved, then the student will sit for the make-up on any of the following three days: the last day of term classes or the first two days of the reading period as decided by the director of the undergraduate program. Should the student appeal the instructor’s decision, the matter should be referred to the OSB’s Student Affairs Committee.
Cross-Registration
A business student who wants to register for a course at another recognized institution must meet all requirements for cross-registration as stipulated in the General University Academic Information section of this catalogue.
Study Abroad and Exchange Program
A business student who has started her/his undergraduate program at AUB and who wishes to study abroad must seek prior approval from the OSB Undergraduate Student Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee if the student wishes to spend up to one year and earn up to 30 credits at another university. However, the student must spend her/ his last term at AUB. The student must achieve an average grade of “B” in all the courses (business or non-business) for which transfer credit may be granted. Courses with a grade less than “C” will not be transferred. Courses with online or hybrid method of delivery will not be transferred. A business student wishing to study abroad through an exchange program (mainly AACSB accredited schools) approved by the Office of International Programs, is allowed to transfer two core and two concentration business courses provided s/he receives an average grade of “B” in all the courses with a minimum grade equivalent to a “C+” in any of the courses. A non-business student, who is working towards a minor in business and wishing to study abroad through an exchange program approved by the Office of International Programs, is allowed to transfer one of the six courses that are required for a minor in business.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements for the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) are as follows:
- A minimum of six terms beginning with the sophomore class is required.
- A maximum of six calendar years is allowed for the graduation of students who begin with the sophomore class, four calendar years for juniors and two calendar years for seniors. A student who fails to complete her/his degree program within these specified times must petition the OSB Undergraduate Student Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee for an extension.
- A student transferring to AUB from another recognized institution of higher learning must register in the final three regular terms and complete at least 45 credits at AUB, of which a minimum of 24 credits must be in business before s/he is allowed to graduate with a BBA. For the purpose of this requirement, two summer sessions shall be considered equivalent to one term.
- A transfer student from within AUB must meet the residency requirement before s/he graduates with a BBA degree. The residency requirement stipulates that a student must spend a minimum of one regular term (i.e. fall or spring) and one summer session in the school, during which he/she must complete a minimum of 24 credits, 12 of which are business credits. During this period, the student must meet all minimum academic standards set forth by the school.
- Sophomore students should complete a minimum of 90 credits. With the approval of the OSB Undergraduate Student Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee, tracks may establish programs that exceed these minimum credit requirements.
- Students should complete 51 credits in business courses comprising 36 credits of core courses and 15 credits of business electives in a concentration area. Students must achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.3 in these 51 credits and GPA of 2.3 on the 36 credits of core courses.
- For students to graduate with a concentration, the 15 credits in the concentration area must be completed with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.3. Normally a maximum of two courses completed outside OSB may count toward the concentration.
- Students must complete two required 0-credit business workshops: Business Communication Skills workshop and one Technical Skills workshop in the student’s chosen concentration. Students may enroll in one optional Critical Thinking Skills workshop.
- Students must successfully complete the Assurance of Learning Requirements.
- When a student repeats a course, the highest grade obtained in the course is used in computing the student’s average for graduation purposes. The student may repeat any course.
- Students must have grades of C+ or more in at least 50 credits numbered 200 or above.
- All students entering at sophomore, junior or senior level must satisfy the Arabic Language requirements by taking one Arabic course.
- All business students must take Understanding Communication - English courses as determined by placement upon matriculation. These required courses may be taken immediately upon matriculation and must be continued without interruption until completed.
- For example, a student entering at the lowest level may take four terms of English (Intensive ENGL 100A or 100B, if required, and/or 102, 203 and 204); a student entering at the third level must take two terms (203 and 204; i.e., six credits). If ENGL 203 was taken during Freshman year, students must substitute it with any 3-cr elective.
- All business students must take MATH 203, MATH 204 and CMPS 208. A student who is exempted from MATH 203 must take, in addition to MATH 204 and CMPS 208, any other free elective course offered at AUB faculties. If MATH 203 or MATH 101 was taken during Freshman year, students must substitute it with any 3-cr elective.
- All business students must take ECON 211 and ECON 212.
- As per the university General Education requirement, all business students must take three courses (9 credits) from the General Education Cultures and Histories courses. Of those, 3 credits should be in the History of Ideas and 3 credits should hold both “Cultures and Histories” AND “Social Inequalities” attributes. In addition, students are required to take BUSS 215, which is designated as a Human Values course for the General Education requirement. Students must also take a course (3 credits) in Community Engaged Learning.
- All business students must take one course (3 credits) from Understanding the World from the General Education Program.
- Students must complete ACCT 210, FINA 210, INFO 200, MNGT 215 and MKTG 210 as prerequisites to BUSS 245.
- All business students must take 1 free business elective course from OSB offerings. A student pursuing a minor at any other AUB faculty or a dual degree may use this free business elective to take a non-business course towards fulfilling the minor or dual degree requirements.
- All Business students must satisfy the General Education requirements as specified for all AUB students.
- Students already holding a bachelor’s degree outside business and wishing to obtain a BBA must complete 51 business credit hours after admission. However, students who have completed a minor in business or who have taken 18 or more business credit hours prior to applying for the BBA as a second degree must take no fewer than 33 business credit hours. All second-degree students must also fulfill other non-business graduation requirements.
Program Outline
The undergraduate program, leading to a BBA degree, requires students to complete 120 credit hours for those beginning at the freshman level and 90 credit hours for those joining the university as sophomores. Of the total required credit hours, the BBA program requires 51 credit hours, including a 1-credit internship program, to be satisfactorily completed in business courses, with the remainder allocated to liberal arts/non-business courses. In addition, and as a condition for graduation, all students are required to successfully complete two 0-credit pass/fail workshops designed to enhance their business communication skills and technical skills within the business concentration. Students have the option to enroll in an additional 0-credit workshop designed to enhance their critical thinking skills.
Assurance of Learning Requirements
To comply with AACSB Assurance of Learning guidelines and standards, all students are required, as a condition for graduation, to successfully complete work assigned by the school for this purpose during their last term.
Business Requirements
Of the total required credit hours, 51 must be satisfactorily completed in business courses. Of these 51, a general business core comprising 33 credit hours is common to all business students, and one free 3-credit business elective. In addition to this general business core (which includes the two 0-credit workshops mentioned above), the student must complete 15 additional credit hours of business electives in one of the following concentration areas which include Accounting, Finance, General Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Management and Organization, Information Systems, and Operations Management. Students selecting the Finance concentration have the option to specialize in Corporate Finance or Investment Management. All courses qualifying as business electives must be offered by OSB.
The student must declare concentration(s) no later than the end of the junior year. A BBA student is allowed to graduate with a maximum of two concentrations by completing 15 credits in the first concentration, 12 credits in the second concentration and one technical skills workshop in each concentration; however, the free business elective course can be counted towards the second concentration provided that the free business elective course is listed in the second concentration courses.
Required Core Business Courses (36 credits)
Code
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
ACCT 210
| Financial Accounting
| 3
|
ACCT 215
| Management Accounting
| 3
|
BUSS 200
| Business Data Analysis
| 3
|
BUSS 211
| Business Law
| 2
|
BUSS 215
| Business Ethics
| 3
|
BUSS 239
| Business Communication Skills Workshop
| 0
|
BUSS 245
| Internship/Practicum
| 1
|
BUSS 249
| Strategic Management
| 3
|
DCSN 200
| Operations Management
| 3
|
FINA 210
| Business Finance
| 3
|
INFO 200
| Foundations of Information Systems
| 3
|
MNGT 215
| Fundamentals of Management and Organizational Behavior
| 3
|
MKTG 210
| Principles of Marketing
| 3
|
Free Business Elective
| Any business elective course
| 3
|
|
Total Business Credit Hours | 36
|
Note:
-
Students will neither receive credits for ECON 213, EDUC 219, EDUC 227, STAT 201, ENGM 500, AGSC212, nor waive any of the business courses of similar nature.
-
STAT 210 is considered as equivalent to BUSS 200 for students who completed STAT 210 with a minimum grade of B- prior to transferring to business.
-
Business students may not take STAT 210 and receive credits for it.
General Education Requirements
Starting at the sophomore level, of the required 90 credit hours of the BBA program, 39 credit hours must be satisfactorily completed in general education courses. These include 6 credit hours of English, 6 credit hours of Economics (Societies and Individuals), 9 credit hours of Cultures and Histories including 3 credits from the History of Ideas and 3 credits that hold both “Cultures and Histories” and “Social Inequalities” attributes, 6 credit hours of Mathematics (quantitative reasoning), 3 credit hours of Computer Science (quantitative reasoning), 3 credit hours of Arabic, 3 credit hours of Understanding the World, and 3 credits of Community Engaged Learning. For a list of specific required general education courses, refer to the next section.
Students who took required general education courses in their freshman year are exempted from them in the sophomore year. These students, as well as sophomore students who are exempted from specific general education course(s), must take additional free electives to fulfill the minimum of 39 credit hours of general education courses required for graduation. These free electives may be taken in business or non-business courses.
Program Outline Important Notes:
It is important to note the following:
- Holders of the Literature & Humanities or the Sociology & Economics BACC II must take MATH 203 and MATH 204. Holders of the General Sciences or Life Sciences BACC II must take only MATH 204 and an additional free elective to substitute for MATH 203 as per the minimum credit hour requirement for degree completion.
- French Baccalaureate holders who did not take math in grade 12 (Terminale) must take MATH 203 and MATH 204. French Baccalaureate holders who completed mathématiques expertes or spécialité mathématiques or mathématiques complémentaires in grade 12 (Terminale) must take only MATH 204 and an additional free elective to substitute for MATH 203 as per the minimum credit hour requirement for degree completion.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma holders who completed math at the Standard Level (SL) or at the Higher Level (HL) must take only MATH 204 and an additional free elective to substitute for MATH 203 as per the minimum credit hour requirement for degree completion.
- IGCSE Diploma holders who completed math at the Ordinary Level (O-Level) must take MATH 203 and MATH 204. IGCSE Diploma holders who completed math at the Advanced Level (A-Level) must take only MATH 204 and an additional free elective to substitute for MATH 203.
- In order to complete the Humanities requirement, students must complete 9 credit hours of Cultures and Histories courses. In addition, 3 credits must be completed from Human Values (BUSS 215). Please refer to the General Education section of this catalogue for more detail.
- Understanding the World courses must be chosen as per the university General Education guidelines (please refer to the General Education section of this catalogue).
- The Business Communication Skills workshop, the Technical Skills workshop and the Critical Thinking Skills workshop are graded on a P/F basis.
- ECON 213, EDUC 219, EDUC 227, ENMG 500, AGSC 212, STAT 201, STAT 210, as well as any other course that significantly overlaps with OSB core courses cannot be given equivalence to OSB required courses. These courses cannot be counted for credit as business or non-business free electives.
- Courses that may significantly overlap with business elective courses, such as SOAN 231, SOAN 234, SOAN 235 and SOAN 243, may be taken as free electives. However, students will not receive credit for any of these courses if they have taken the respective equivalent business elective.
- Students who are exempted from any required courses such as MATH 203 have to meet the 90 credit-hour graduation requirement by taking additional free electives.
Program Delivery
The following is a proposed study plan for the BBA program with a General Business concentration:
Required concentration courses:
- Any combination of 5 concentration courses
Required Technical Skills Workshop:
- ACCT 253, DCSN 253, INFO, 253, ENTM 253, FINA 253, MNGT 253 or MKTG 253
Year I
Freshman Year Total Credit Hours 30.
Refer to the Admissions section of this catalogue.
Year II
|
Semester 1 |
Credits |
| ACCT 210 | 3 |
| ENGL 203 | 3 |
| MATH 203 | 3 |
| ECON 211 or ECON 212 | 3 |
CMPS 208
| 3 |
|
Semester 2 |
Credits |
| FINA 210 | 3 |
| ENGL 204 | 3 |
| MATH 204 | 3 |
| DCSN 200 | 3 |
| MNGT 215 | 3 |
BUSS 239
| 0
|
The following is a proposed study plan for the BBA program with an Entrepreneurship and Innovation concentration: