Archie W. Dunham College of Business Catalog |

Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs

The Archie W. Dunham College of Business offers the following degree programs: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Professional Master of Business Administration (PMBA), Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM), Master of Science in Human Resource Management – People Analytics (MSHRMPA), Master of International Business (MIB), Master of Science in Management and Entrepreneurship (MSME), and Master of Science in Leadership (MSL). The MIB, MSHRMPA, and PMBA programs are STEM designated.

Undergraduate Programs

The Dunham College of Business offers undergraduate degree programs leading to the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and the Bachelor of Arts (BA). A student in the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree program may choose from the following majors: Accounting, Finance, International Business, Management, or Marketing. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program is a major in Business Administration.

Information Technology Policy

Undergraduate and graduate students taking courses offered in the Dunham College of Business will be expected to use e-mail, the university’s intranet system, the World Wide Web, as well as word processing, spreadsheets, analytical databases, and presentation software and applications. Students will primarily use business centric software products (e.g, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and some specialized software for presentations, analytics, and visualization assignments. It is incumbent upon the student to have a working level of knowledge and proficiency with these applications. Details of these requirements change from time to time, and current statements are available on the undergraduate and graduate web sites as well as from program or departmental offices.

Dunham College of Business Exit Exam Policy

All BBA and BA graduates from the Dunham College of Business must complete the Dunham College of Business Exit Exam. The Dunham College of Business Exit Exam is normally taken in the last semester prior to graduation and is taken as part of the MGMT 4936, Global Business Strategy class. All students must earn a score of 70 percent or higher on the exam in order to graduate. Students who do not pass the exit exam will be given one opportunity during the graduating semester to re-take and pass the exit exam. If the exit exam is not passed, graduation will be delayed, and students may be asked to take additional coursework to demonstrate proficiency in business administration.

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree is available only to students who major in the Dunham College of Business. Every undergraduate seeking the BBA degree must complete a major in an academic area – Accounting, Finance, International Business, Management, or Marketing. This degree option is designed to prepare candidates for leadership positions and careers as professionals, entrepreneurs, or for continued study towards graduate education.

The Business Administration core (required for all BBA students) consists of the business core requirements necessary for the study and practice of all business principles.

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration degree is available only to students who major in the Dunham College of Business. The BA core (required for all BA in Business Administration students) contains many of the same courses as the BBA majors but is a narrower set of essential business courses. While the degree offers a single major, it is a flexible degree with 26 elective hours and allows students to choose courses across the college’s content areas of study to satisfy the major requirements. Transfer students or new incoming freshmen students with significant dual credit hours may find value in the degree program’s flexibility and large quantity of elective hours.

Major/Minor Options

Students pursuing a BBA or BA will choose a major from the departments below.

Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance

Accounting

The undergraduate major in accounting is designed to prepare students for careers in public accounting, industry, or government as professional accountants. Emphasis is placed on accumulating, communicating, and analyzing financial data to determine its relevance for effective management and to make better business decisions.

Accounting Major Requirements

Finance

The undergraduate major in finance is designed to prepare students for a career in financial management, banking, financial planning, and investment management. This major recognizes that financial decisions and financial management are critical to the success of the enterprise.

Finance Major Requirements
Finance Minor Requirements

Department of Management, Marketing And Business

Business Administration

The Business Administration program is designed to offer students the opportunity to maximize the benefit of attending a University with a strong liberal arts focus, while simultaneously gaining marketable skills in the business disciplines. The BA in Business Administration infuses the market value of a business major into the broad liberal arts preparation of a Bachelor of Arts degree. A liberal arts foundation allows students in this discipline to develop strong skills in interpersonal communication, writing, and critical analysis.

Business Administration Major Requirements
Business Administration Minor Requirements
Certificate in Business Administration Requirements

Entrepreneurship

There is no major in Entrepreneurship. However, certificates in Entrepreneurship and Business for Entrepreneurs are offered.

Certificate in Entrepreneurship
Certificate in Business for Entrepreneurs

Data Analytics

There is no major in Data Analytics. However, a minor and a certificate are offered.

Data Analytics Minor Requirements
Certificate in Data Analytics Requirements

International Business

The undergraduate major in international business provides students with a solid foundation in business concepts, along with key international skills to prepare the student for a career in the global business environment.

International Business Major Requirements
International Business Minor Requirements

Management

The undergraduate major in management is designed to provide students with an understanding of key business concepts and technologies, along with principles and procedures to manage resources for globally competitive business organizations.

Management Major Requirements
Management Minor Requirements

Marketing

The undergraduate major in marketing is designed to prepare students for a career in marketing and provides the background necessary for subsequent advancement to higher-level marketing positions. Marketing majors work for many different types of companies such as advertising and PR firms, digital marketing firms, social media firms, marketing research firms, non-profit organizations, retailing, or service firms.

Marketing Major Requirements
Marketing Minor Requirements

Graduate Programs

International Management Experience (Residential MBA, PMBA, and MIB Only)

Residential MBA, PMBA, and MIB students have the opportunity to participate in an expenses-paid International Management Experience (IME) trip. The trip is hosted annually directly after the Spring semester and is tied to the BUSA 6395 International Management Experience course. Faculty and students typically travel to two different countries for a 7 to 10-day immersive experience that emphasizes cultural and historical differences in countries that produce different managerial styles and contrasting business practices. Each customized trip considers direct contact with local business executives, entrepreneurs, NGOs, community volunteers, and non-profit directors to provide a broad spectrum of practices and viewpoints. Recent destinations have included Czech Republic/Austria, Spain/Portugal, and Costa Rica/Panama. While highly encouraged, the international travel is an optional activity for students enrolled in BUSA 6395. Participating students often comment that the IME trip is the highlight of their academic career at HCU.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The MBA program is structured to develop the knowledge and skills vital for all aspects of management. The program offers an intensive curriculum focused on globalization, ethics and leadership. This curriculum is also uniquely innovative and flexible. Students will select a nine-credit hour concentration from one of the following areas: General Management, Accounting, Organizational Development & Change, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Data Analytics, International Business, Healthcare Administration, or Sustainability. The program length is 36-48 hours, depending on the student’s undergraduate coursework.

Master of Business Administration Certificates

Certificate in Accounting Requirements
Certificate in Data Analytics Requirements
Certificate in Entrepreneurship Requirements
Certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership Requirements
Certificate in General Management Requirements
Certificate in International Business Requirements
Certificate in Marketing Requirements
Certificate in Organizational Development and Change Requirements
Certificate in Sustainability Requirements

Professional Master of Business Administration (PMBA) [STEM Designated Program]

The Professional MBA program at HCU is structured to benefit the working professional who is seeking to advance his or her career by obtaining new knowledge and skills in a collaborative and rigorous Christian learning environment. The 33 credit-hour program can be completed on campus or online at the student’s desired pace. On campus classes are offered during the work week evenings, frequently through a hybrid format for flexibility. The program is open to all candidates meeting the admissions criteria, and it is not necessary to have an undergraduate degree in business. There is also no set requirement for years of work experience, although students will benefit from having at least 2 to 3 years of professional experience before entering the program. There are three program tracks. First is the Management track which is suited for those who are seeking roles in operations, sales, strategy, or general management. Second is the Accounting and Finance track which is suited for those who are seeking roles in the financial areas of organizations. And third is the Business Data Analytics track which is suited for those who are quantitatively minded and seeking roles where data and technology intersect to drive business decisions. All tracks include the BUSA6395 International Management Experience course and optional international travel. An optional internship course is offered.

The college actively maintains a business alumni database for opportunity connections into the marketplace.

Professional Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance Requirements
Professional Master of Business Administration in Business Data Analytics Requirements
Professional Master of Business Administration in Management Requirements

Master of International Business (MIB) [STEM Designated Program]

The MIB provides students with specialized knowledge that is required in today’s vibrant global economy. Major connections to the Houston marketplace are utilized to supplement the academic scope and to provide for experiential learning opportunities. Students will explore topics in supply chain management, data analytics, international marketing, global economics, international finance, and human resource management in the global context. The program is 33 credit hours and is currently offered through the hybrid residential format primarily via work week evening classes on campus, with some classes available online. The MIB includes the BUSA6395 International Management Experience course and optional international travel. An optional internship course is offered.

Master of International Business Requirements

Master of Science in Management and Entrepreneurship (MSME)*

This program is open to all students, business and non-business who have previously earned an undergraduate degree regardless of discipline. The innovative curriculum is designed to challenge students to solve business problems with entrepreneurial spirit while being grounded in traditional managerial, marketing, financial, and leadership foundations. The 33 credit hour program is completed over 11 courses in three sequential semesters starting each Fall semester, making it an ideal fifth year program. Students may enter the program in the Spring and Summer semesters with the understanding that the course sequence is designed for a Fall start. Students will have access to the network of business professionals and mentors associated with the McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise, which is housed on the HCU campus. The program is 100% online.

* The closure of the MS in Management and Entrepreneurship program has been submitted to SACSCOC and is currently in teach-out. No new students are being admitted to the program after Fall 2024.

Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM)

The Master of Science in Human Resources Management (MSHRM) provides students with the latest and most useful strategic knowledge and skills needed by successful business managers, leaders, organizational consultants, and human resources professionals. To ensure currency, the faculty contains an effective mix of successful practitioners and those with a rigorous academic background. The program length is 36-48 hours, depending on the student’s undergraduate coursework. The MSHRM program is recognized as being fully aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) HR Curriculum Guidebook. The program was first certified in 2015 and earned recertification in December 2020. This recognition by SHRM, the preeminent professional organization in the HR profession, indicates the level of excellence that the program delivers.

Master of Science in Human Resources Management Requirements
Master of Science in Human Resources Management (Online) Requirements

Master of Science in Human Resource Management – People Analytics (MSHRM – PA) [STEM Designated Program]

The Master of Science in Human Resources Management – People Analytics (MSHRMPA) is a business graduate program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in HR, talent management, and workforce analytics. The curriculum combines core HR competencies—such as staffing, compensation, and employee relations—with advanced training in HR technology, data analytics, and organizational strategy. To ensure academic and professional relevance, the faculty includes a blend of experienced practitioners and scholars with strong academic credentials.

The program requires 33 credit hours and is taught through both online and on-campus hybrid modality options. It is fully aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) HR Curriculum Guidebook. This recognition underscores the program’s commitment to excellence and alignment with industry standards. Graduates are equipped for strategic roles in HR, analytics, and organizational leadership. An optional internship course is offered.

A 9-credit hour Certificate is available for those individuals who may already possess a graduate level degree or work experience in the field and who are seeking additional industry specific knowledge and training without completing a full graduate degree.

The college supports a highly active SHRM student chapter that is open to all undergraduate and graduate students. The college actively maintains a business alumni base for opportunity connections into the marketplace.

Master of Science in Human Resources Management – People Analytics Requirements
Certificate in Human Resources Management with People Analytics Requirements

Master of Science in Leadership (MSL)

The Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) is a 100% online program that utilizes a blend of Scripture and biblical teachings as the baseline content and is supplemented by academic and practitioner literature. The program is intended for a wide audience of individuals, from corporate professionals to non-profit leaders to ministry leaders to veterans, who are seeking a Christian academic experience to broaden their knowledge and skills in leadership. Numerous leadership theories and assessments are explored including but not limited to servant, transformational, LMX, and authentic. Other courses offered include Executive Communication, Organizational Change, Ethics, Non-Profit and Board Governance, and Project Management. The course sequencing is designed to leverage the online format and allow a student to complete the full program within 3 academic semesters. If students follow the recommended sequence, students will be working on a maximum of 2 courses at a given time, but students are able to complete the program at their own pace. Students are encouraged to build a leadership portfolio of their major assignments. The program is 30 credit hours and is taught by doctoral qualified faculty. Students have the flexibility to complete courses tailored for non-profit, ministry, and corporate outcomes. An undergraduate degree is required for admission, but it is not necessary for students to have a business degree or background in business to be successful in the program.

Master of Science in Leadership Requirements