Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Concentration in Decision Sciences

Program Overview

The Decision Sciences concentration at San Francisco State University equips students with analytical skills to address real-world business challenges. The program focuses on decision-making through business software, forecasting, and simulation tools. Graduates can pursue careers in computer information systems, finance, operations, marketing, and other business-related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Decision Sciences concentration within the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program at San Francisco State University equips students with the analytical skills needed to address real-world business challenges. The curriculum focuses on developing competence in decision-making through the use of professional business software like spreadsheets, forecasting, and simulation tools. Students can tailor their elective choices to prepare for careers in computer information systems, finance, operations, marketing, design and industry, accounting, international business, general management, or other related fields within both the private and public sectors.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate discipline-based knowledge in accounting, economics, finance, information systems, international business, management, marketing, operations, and statistics.
• Integrate knowledge from various functional areas to create effective business solutions.
• Communicate effectively by producing well-written business documents and delivering effective oral presentations on business topics.
• Analyze business situations by employing quantitative and analytical techniques, identifying and analyzing alternatives, articulating and defending courses of action, and applying information systems and technologies to solve problems.
• Work effectively in diverse teams by contributing effectively, leveraging diverse viewpoints, and demonstrating effective team leadership.
• Solve business problems with ethical and environmental implications by identifying ethical dilemmas, exploring company performance from a triple bottom line perspective, demonstrating ethical decision-making skills, and identifying sustainable solutions.
• Develop global business solutions by analyzing legal, political, social, and cultural factors.

Careers:

The Decision Sciences concentration prepares students for careers in various fields, including:

• Finance
• Operations
• Marketing
• Design and industry
• Accounting
• International business
• General management
• Government

Other:

• Prerequisites: Students must complete specific prerequisites before enrolling in certain core courses, including DS 110, ECON 101, and ECON 102.
• Core Courses: The program requires 39 units of core courses, encompassing subjects like accounting, finance, management, marketing, and information systems.
• Concentration Courses: The program demands 12 units of concentration courses, covering areas such as critical data analysis, data analytics, data mining, and quality management.
• Approved Electives: Students need to choose three courses from a list that includes upper-division courses in accounting, computer science, economics, finance, information systems, mathematics, and other related subjects.
• General Education Requirements: Students must fulfill the SF State University's general education requirements, including courses in oral and written communication, critical thinking, science, mathematics, arts, humanities, and social sciences.
• First-Time Student Roadmap: The Bulletin provides a suggested four-year roadmap for first-time students, along with specific roadmaps for SF State Scholars and transfer students.
• Credit for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or College-Level Examination Program Courses: Information is provided on how to obtain transfer credit for AP, IB, and CLEP courses, emphasizing the need to submit official score reports.
• General Advising Information for Transfer Students: Transfer students are encouraged to complete lower-division requirements before transferring, and a list of essential courses is provided.
• Students pursuing majors in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines: Advice is given to STEM students to consider deferring some lower-division general education courses until after transferring to focus on major preparation.