Sharon Starcher, D.B.A.
Assistant Professor, Business and Undergraduate Program Director
When business strives to do good,
The possibilities are endless.
Business is about meeting the need – whether that’s the need of your client or meeting consumer demand. At Fresno Pacific, you’ll gain the knowledge and practical skills for business operations of all kinds.
Building on solid principles of economics and accounting, you’ll learn from experienced instructors that offer practical application and real-world experience.
Taking a team-based approach, they’ll guide you through a range of advanced classes in finance, management, organizational behavior, marketing, research and analysis, and business strategy. Threaded throughout every course is the question: what does it mean to do business ethically?
Together, the courses provide a practical guide to business operations – from entrepreneurial start-ups to well-established organizations.
Program Highlights
- Choose between face-to-face or fully online program options
- Meet for class one night per week
- Progress through the entire program with a cohort of 12-22 adult students
- Engage diverse classmates from a variety of life stages and cultural backgrounds
- Study under experienced faculty and who assign relevant coursework
- Apply innovative yet practical course material to your day job (e.g. "Business Plan Management")
Catalog
Program Director: Sharon L. Starcher, DBA
Overview
This major is designed to provide expansive knowledge of the business environment from a systems perspective. Classes such as management, organizational behavior, marketing and accounting provide the foundation for advanced classes in finance, economics, and statistics. Students in this emphasis create a business plan, utilizing prior learning and gaining and connected, high-level overview of business components. Together, all the courses provide a practical guide to leadership, management, and business operations in student selected organizations. Threaded throughout the major is an ethical employee and leadership perspective. The major is designed to provide a solid background for graduates to use in seeking responsible employment or promotion.
Admissions Requirements
- Application form and fee
- A minimum 2.4 GPA, below 2.4 can submit a petition
- Two years' postsecondary work experience.
- Need a minimum of 6 transferable units, below 6 units can submit a petition
- Note: need 60 units before starting the major
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Business Content Knowledge: the student demonstrates mastery of foundational knowledge in general management, organization development, human resource management, managerial accounting, the legal and ethical influences in business, and marketing. USLO Content Knowledge
- Critical Thinking: the student evaluates business conditions, identifies problems, and creates solutions within the business context utilizing critical thinking skills. USLO Critical Thinking
- Faith Integration: the student recognizes Christian ethics and values, and the student integrates his/her faith-based ethics and values as the student formulates decisions that affect the business community and its environment based on the course focus. USLO Moral Reasoning, Service
- Communication: the student conveys researched ideas clearly through professional written and oral communication that utilizes the current language of the business community. USLO Oral Communication, Written Communication
- Cultural Awareness: the student applies management practices that demonstrate the student's understanding and respect for organizational culture, for diverse cultures at large, and for the impact to society and the environment. USLO Perspective
- Reflection and Personal Growth: the student integrates advanced self-awareness and interpersonal effectiveness into supportive service as a professional, a team member, and a leader. USLO Reflection
Management Emphasis
- Need a minimum of 6 transferable units, below 6 units can submit a petition
- Note: need 60 units before starting the major
- Business Content Knowledge: the student demonstrates mastery of foundational knowledge in general management, organization development, human resource management, managerial accounting, the legal and ethical influences in business, and marketing. USLO Content Knowledge
- Critical Thinking: the student evaluates business conditions, identifies problems, and creates solutions within the business context utilizing critical thinking skills. USLO Critical Thinking
- Faith Integration: the student recognizes Christian ethics and values, and the student integrates his/her faith-based ethics and values as the student formulates decisions that affect the business community and its environment based on the course focus. USLO Moral Reasoning, Service
- Communication: the student conveys researched ideas clearly through professional written and oral communication that utilizes the current language of the business community. USLO Oral Communication, Written Communication
- Cultural Awareness: the student applies management practices that demonstrate the student's understanding and respect for organizational culture, for diverse cultures at large, and for the impact to society and the environment. USLO Perspective
- Reflection and Personal Growth: the student integrates advanced self-awareness and interpersonal effectiveness into supportive service as a professional, a team member, and a leader. USLO Reflection
Management Emphasis
M1. Research and Analysis: the student demonstrates the ability to analyze business-related data and derive accurate meaning in the business context. USLO Information Literacy
M2. Business Planning Analysis: the student evaluates business situations using relevant financial, statistical, and marketing analysis and proposes a new venture business plan. USLO Quantitative Reasoning
Credit-Bearing Grades
Students must earn a C- or higher to receive credit for their business management courses. Exceptions: Students may receive credit for BIB-314 and BIB-451, as well as any other general education or elective course, with a D -.
Program Length
24 month cohort program.
Locations Offered
North Fresno, Visalia, and Merced Campuses, Online
Degree Pathways
Business Administration - Business Management, B.A. (DC) Two Year Pathway
Program Co-requisite Courses (6 units)- ECON 101 - Principles of Microeconomics Credits 3 or
- ECON 102 - Principles of Macroeconomics Credits 3
- MATH 250 - Introduction to Statistics Credits 3
Required Courses (33 units)- ACCT 301 - Accounting for Management Credits 3
- BIB 314 - Jesus and the Christian Community Credits 3
- BIB 451 - Biblical Perspectives for Leadership Credits 3
- BUS 430 - Business Information Systems Credits 3
- BUS 431 - Organization Behavior Credits 3
- BUS 434 - Individual in the Organization Credits 3
- BUS 442 - Ethics and Values in Organizations Credits 3
- BUS 475 - Law and the Business Environment Credits 3
- FIN 460 - Business Finance Credits 3
- INTB 370 - International Business Credits 3
- MKT 320 - World of Marketing Credits 3
Emphasis Courses (9 units)- BUS 448 - Introduction to Project Management Credits 3
- BUS 466 - Statistics for Management Credits 3
- MGT 315 - Principles of Management Credits 3
Capstone Courses (3 units)- BUS 478A - Business Plan I Credits 1
- BUS 478B - Business Plan II Credits 1
- BUS 478C - Business Plan III Credits 1
Electives
- Select business courses offered in any emphasis area to meet total number of required units
- ACCT 301 - Accounting for Management Credits 3
- BIB 314 - Jesus and the Christian Community Credits 3
- BIB 451 - Biblical Perspectives for Leadership Credits 3
- BUS 430 - Business Information Systems Credits 3
- BUS 431 - Organization Behavior Credits 3
- BUS 434 - Individual in the Organization Credits 3
- BUS 442 - Ethics and Values in Organizations Credits 3
- BUS 475 - Law and the Business Environment Credits 3
- FIN 460 - Business Finance Credits 3
- INTB 370 - International Business Credits 3
- MKT 320 - World of Marketing Credits 3
Emphasis Courses (9 units)- BUS 448 - Introduction to Project Management Credits 3
- BUS 466 - Statistics for Management Credits 3
- MGT 315 - Principles of Management Credits 3
Capstone Courses (3 units)- BUS 478A - Business Plan I Credits 1
- BUS 478B - Business Plan II Credits 1
- BUS 478C - Business Plan III Credits 1
Electives
- Select business courses offered in any emphasis area to meet total number of required units
- BUS 478A - Business Plan I Credits 1
- BUS 478B - Business Plan II Credits 1
- BUS 478C - Business Plan III Credits 1
Electives
- Select business courses offered in any emphasis area to meet total number of required units
Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
You already have a lot going on in your life, which is why our degree completion programs are designed to meet you where you are. You'll be surrounded by other students who will support and encourage you, by faculty mentors who are invested in your success, by opportunities to connect what you learn in the classroom to the real world, and by connections to the employers who will help you move forward in your career.
First Steps to Admission
- Submit an application for admission (online)
* Admission applications are free, no discount codes required. - Request official transcripts from previously attended colleges, universities and high schools and send electronically to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu
- GED Transcripts OR any AA, AS, AS-T, AA-T from an accredited College or University as proof of High School graduation
- This includes any military transcripts you may have, along with your military release forms (DD214).
- Complete the FAFSA as early as October 1. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
Enroll in the minimum number of units per semester to qualify for loans. - Schedule an appointment with your Student Financial Services Advisor 559-453-2041 sfs@fresno.edu
Requirements
-
University Admission Prerequisites
- Minimum 6 transferable baccalaureate-level units
- Minimum 2.4 GPA
- 2 years post-secondary experience
-
Program Admission Prerequisites
- 60 transferable baccalaureate-level units
- Minimum 2.4 GPA
- 2 years post-secondary experience
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Information
Business Administration (AS-T) to Business Administration: Business Management, B.A.
BA courses fulfilled through ADT:
- All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
- BA major has no lower-division major or co-requisite courses that could be fulfilled by the ADT.
- All BA major courses are upper-division and are completed at FPU.
- This program is offered as evening accelerated and online accelerated
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
Transfer Agreements
The following guidelines are used when considering transfer credit:
- Courses completed at a regionally or ABHE, ATS, TRACS, or AARTS accredited institution
- Baccalaureate-level courses
- Grade of C- or better
- Courses are not duplicate to credit already received
- All GE and major courses must be taken for a letter grade, not pass/fail
- No lab is required for Area 5 Physical & Biological Sciences
- Some majors have lower division prerequisites. Select an institution below to see the school's general education and lower division major requirements
View full transfer policy Find agreements for your school State Fire Training Agreement
*Transfer Agreements are only a tool. Transfer work is not considered official until it has been evaluated by the FPU Registrar’s Office.
Non-traditional Admission
Two-year Graduation Guarantee
FPU Degree Completion program guarantees you can complete your degree in just two years. If you meet the qualification requirements, fulfill your responsibilities under the program, and are unable to complete your major in a 2-yr. period, FPU will assume all additional tuition costs needed to complete your undergraduate degree.
Two-Year Transfer Guarantee for ADT Pathways
FPU guarantees a student with an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) from the California Community College system, can complete their degree in just two years. If a student meets the qualification requirements, fulfills the responsibilities under the program, and are unable to complete their major in a 2-year period, FPU will assume all additional tuition costs needed to complete their undergraduate degree at FPU.
State Authorization
State authorization is a federal requirement in the HigherEducation Act that requires institutions to be authorized in the state in which online programs are offered. Fresno Pacific University works regularly with individual state authorization agencies to meet each state's requirements. Currently, Fresno Pacific University has received authorization to offer online degree programs in all but six states: Georgia, Michigan, New York, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.
For the latest updates on the status of FPU's authorization in your state, contact your FPU Admissions representative.
Cost & Financial Aid
The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in education your journey. We can help you find all the possible opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.
Tuition & Financial Aid
* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.
Types of aid
Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.
Alexandra Green
Mathematics
The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.
Career Opportunities
The program provides an essential business foundation, equipping graduates to work in nearly any sector.
Career Possibilities
- Executive manager
- Sales manager
- Marketing manager
- Business analyst
- Human resources professional
- Retail and service manager
- Operations manager
Career Development Happens Here
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.
- Resume writing classes
- Career assessments, exploration & planning
- Job search and networking opportunities
- and much more