BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - OPUS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Opus College of Business
McNeely Hall (MCH) 128, (651) 962-5544
Thompson Interim Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs 

Opus College of Business Web Site

The programs in Business Administration provide a carefully designed curriculum that balances practice and theory. Students begin by building a foundation of knowledge and basic with first year business courses as well as allied courses in economics, statistics and mathematics. They then take a series of core courses that span the functional areas of business. These include accounting, finance, business law, operations and management, and marketing. An ongoing, in-depth study of business ethics and decision-making is woven into the curriculum, helping students not only align their values with their future business practices, but helping them understand the conflicts and challenges modern business leaders face. Students may build greater knowledge in several different concentrations (listed below). Students may also combine a general business concentration with a minor in another field, such as economics, data analytics, music, foreign language, etc. A plan of study is available for students interested in both a B.A. in business administration and a B.S. in mechanical or electrical engineering. See the Department of Engineering section of this catalogue or contact the Opus College of Business for further information. 

Students may choose to provide a practical element to their academic experience through consulting projects developed by the Small Business Development Center or through internships and other opportunities to work with businesses in the Twin Cities.

Opus College of Business faculty provide students with hands-on, interactive learning experiences such as presentations, group projects, case studies, simulations, guest speakers - as well as stimulating discussion and debate.

It is expected that students majoring in business administration will take their business courses at St. Thomas. Students must have prior approval before registering for a business course at another school. All students who major in business administration must take a minimum of 28 credits in Opus College of Business courses at the University of St. Thomas; at least 16 of these 28 credits must be from courses in the department of the student’s major concentration. For students with a concentration in general business, the residency requirement is a minimum of 22 credits in Opus College of Business courses at the University of St. Thomas with at least 8 of these 22 credits in the general business concentration. Credits earned at ACTC colleges and through affiliated programs abroad do not count toward this residency requirement with the exception of the London Business semester program.  Students majoring in business administration must complete a minimum of 76 credits that are outside the Opus College of Business.

All Opus College of Business courses taken by business administration majors and minors must be taken for a letter grade. These courses may not be taken on a pass/fail basis.

Credits for Opus College of Business courses taken more than eight years ago (or more than five years ago for credits in a major concentration) will be accepted but may not fulfill current requirements.

Student Honor Pledge

It is the expectation that Opus College of Business students will become highly principled global business leaders, and students are expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity while enrolled in the business program. Honesty and integrity in the conduct of academic life is fundamental to the principle of independent learning and growth. The Honor Pledge (below) is signed by undergraduate business students at the time they declare their business major or minor, as an affirmation of their commitment to accept personal responsibility for their own behavior, and conduct themselves in an ethical manner with academic honesty and integrity. 

As a student in the Undergraduate Program of the Opus College of Business, I will adhere to the University academic integrity policy, and I will act with honesty, integrity, respect, and accountability in all my actions.

Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society

Beta Gamma Sigma is the International Honor Society for business students at AACSB accredited business schools. The organization recognizes students in the top 10% of the sophomore, junior, and senior classes annually by institutional GPA. Each spring, eligible students receive invitations to join from the college. This is the highest academic honor that can be achieved in the Opus College of Business.