2019-2020 Samford University Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Samford University Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Education (IDTE Program)

  
  • IDTE 550 - Foundations of Instructional Design (3)


    This course provides an historical overview of the field and outlines the foundational knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed by professionals in the field of instructional design and educational technology. Offered: Fall.
  
  • IDTE 551 - Instructional Design I (3)


    This course examines theoretical perspectives (behavioral, cognitive, and constructivist) to learning as related to the instructional design process. Motivation theory, as well as new developments in educational neuroscience, will be explored as students learn how these principles are applied to practical settings using a variety of design models. Offered: Jan Term and Spring.
  
  • IDTE 553 - Instructional Design II (3)


    This course provides students with experiences necessary to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for designing effective instruction utilizing technology. Students will explore the instructional design and development process from analysis through evaluation and engage in authentic instructional design activities. Offered: Spring.
  
  • IDTE 556 - Designing Multimedia for Instruction (3)


    In this course, students will be introduced to principles and current technologies of multimedia systems. Issues in effectively representing, processing, and retrieving multimedia data such as sound and music, graphics, image, and video will be addressed. This course incorporates lectures, tutorials, and hands-on activities to build the skills necessary to create and edit multimedia content. Offered: Spring and Summer.
  
  • IDTE 563 - Organizational Leadership in Instructional Design and Technology (3)


    Through extensive case study analysis and research, this course explores the theories and principles that form the foundation of organizational leadership. The influences of culture, diversity, ethics, mission, vision, motivation, communication, and technology on organizational dynamics and leadership will be examined. Utilizing research theory, students will determine and analyze their own philosophies of leadership as they relate to leading, management, conflict resolution, and other organizational dynamics. Offered: Spring and Summer.
  
  • IDTE 566 - Assessment and Evaluation in Instructional Design and Technology (3)


    This course is designed to help students understand the importance of valid and reliable assessments to support learning, the interplay between instructional assessments and larger scale assessments, and how to utilize assessment and evaluation data. Students will also learn how to lead a process of analyzing assessment data for instructional decision-making. Offered: Spring and Summer.
  
  • IDTE 570 - E-Learning (3)


    This course is designed to expose students to the latest innovations in e-learning technologies and environments as well as the theoretical issues central to e-learning. The course will cover online learning environments including, but not limited to, online learning communities, communication and sharing tools, content creation tools, and communities of practice. Students will research and present various emerging e-learning applications and how new approaches to learning can be integrated into today’s education/training environments. Issues of target audience, design, usability, and accessibility will be addressed. Students will also work in teams to design, develop and implement e-learning modules using one or more of the technologies explored during the course. Prereq: IDTE 556 . Offered: Spring and Summer.
  
  • IDTE 575 - Issues and Trends in Instructional Design and Technology (3)


    This course explores trends and issues of current and historical significance to instructional design. Readings will include contributions of key scholars, past and present, in instructional design and related fields. Includes analysis of trends and issues to track and predict their impact on the future of the field. Offered: Every semester.
  
  • IDTE 599 - Advanced Practices in Instructional Design and Technology (3)


    In this capstone course, students create, use, evaluate, and manage effective learning environments, and demonstrate effective implementation of educational technologies and processes based on contemporary content and pedagogy. Students also complete a professional portfolio. Prereqs: IDTE 518 , IDTE 550 , IDTE 551 , IDTE 553 , IDTE 556 , IDTE 563 , IDTE 566 , IDTE 570 , and IDTE 575 . Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Education - Doctoral

  
  • EDLD 731 - Educational Policy Development and Analysis (3)


    Conduct in-depth analyses of legal and policy issues inherent in instructional, non-instructional, and administrative positions with particular emphasis on the political process and advocacy as the major driving force in the policy-making arena. Offered: Every semester.
  
  • EDLD 734 - Leadership Planning (3)


    Acquire leadership skills for successful planning strategies such as strategic, improvement, scenario, short-term and long-term planning processes. Offered: Fall and Spring.
  
  • EDLD 735 - Ethical Issues in Education (3)


    Investigate economic, social, religious, and cultural issues that affect schooling and have ethical implications for educational leaders administering a program, department, school, or school district. Offered: Fall and Spring.
  
  • EDLD 737 - Organizational Dynamics (3)


    Investigate emerging organizational theories and their applications to the development of the school and school system, including re-engineering human capital. Offered: Fall and Spring.
  
  • EDLD 744 - The Emerging School Superintendency (3)


    Explore complex issues driving the changing role of school superintendents, including problem-based learning, case study analysis, and research to develop the skills necessary for leading a complex organization operating in an evolving environment. Required for Ed.D. students, but an elective option for others, if department approval granted. Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
  
  • EDLD 745 - Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (3)


    Examine strategies of negotiation and conflict resolution, such as managing organizational issues and conflicts, avoiding litigation, mediating differences, defusing crises, and dealing with difficult individuals. Required for Ed.D. students, but an elective option for others, if department approval granted. Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
  
  • EDLD 780 - Research Design I (3)


    Explore the purposes, components, and research paradigms, with attention to strategies to analyze scholarly research studies including meta-analyses stylistic requirements, converting ideas into research questions and design, all with an overall focus on mixed methodology. Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer. (Formerly EDLD 732)
  
  • EDLD 781 - Foundations of Qualitative Inquiry (3)


    Gain knowledge of qualitative research methods by designing and collecting, analyzing, and reporting observations, interviews, and archival information. Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer. (Formerly EDLD 739)
  
  • EDLD 782 - Foundations of Quantitative Statistics (3)


    Explore quantitative procedures and analyses, including descriptive and parametric and non-parametric inferential statistics, through one-way analysis of variance and correlation using a computer software package. Prereq: EDLD 780 . Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer. (Formerly EDLD 746)
  
  • EDLD 783 - Research Design II (3)


    Provide advanced research design practices and issues while engaging with the collecting of data and writing of the results through focus groups methodology. Prereq: EDLD 780 . Co-req: EDLD 781  or EDLD 782 . Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer. (Formerly EDLD 733)
  
  • EDLD 797 - Ed.D. Dissertation Proposal Seminar (3)


    Focus on the design, writing, defense, and completion of the dissertation proposal. Grading is pass/fail. Prereq: EDLD 780 . Co-req: EDLD 781  or EDLD 782 . Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer. (Formerly EDLD 750)
  
  • EDLD 798 - Ed.D. Dissertation Seminar (3)


    Focus on the writing, defense, and completion of the dissertation and presentation development and defense. Grading is pass/fail. Prereq: EDLD 797 . Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
  
  • EDLD 799 - Directed Doctoral Study (1-3)


    Support and provide direction to doctoral candidates who have completed all required coursework toward the dissertation. May be repeated a maximum of 10 times. Grading is pass/fail. Prereq: EDLD 798 . Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer. (Formerly EDLD 741)

Entrepreneurship

  
  • ENTR 531 - Entrepreneurship: Concepts and Consulting (3)


    Study of critical concepts in new ventures and small businesses. Key topics will include management, marketing, and financial issues related to successfully starting a new business or operating a small or family business.
  
  • ENTR 543 - Corporate Entrepreneurship and Innovation (3)


    Graduate-level examination of the role of innovativeness in managerial processes, product design, and process design. The shrinking global environment is forcing a shift in emphasis from management of stability and control to leadership directed toward speed of product or service delivery, empowerment, flexibility, and continuous improvement. Any existing organization, whether a business, a church, a labor union, or a hospital is faced with the task of promoting and managing organizational innovation.
  
  • ENTR 544 - Social Entrepreneurship and Non-Profit Management (3)


    Graduate-level examination of management topics unique to the particular objectives of nonprofit firms, including mission setting, governance, assessment, and fundraising. Using case studies and practitioner writings, the course develops an applied framework for analyzing key strategic issues for the nonprofit firm. Students integrate course content by developing a strategic plan for a new or existing nonprofit.
  
  • ENTR 545 - New Product Development and Strategy (3)


    A team-based, consulting-type course focusing on crafting a sustainable growth strategy for new product development in the early stage technology sector. This course can serve as an elective for either the entrepreneurship or marketing concentration. Prereq: BUSA 505 .
  
  • ENTR 555 - New Venture Business Planning (3)


    Examination of entrepreneurs and their activities. Critical course objective is the development of an entrepreneurial perspective, helping students to understand and evaluate diverse entrepreneurial situations while providing practice responding to those situations. Secondary course objective includes preparation of a first-cut business plan for a new business. Prereq: BUSA 505 .
  
  • ENTR 597 - Topics in Entrepreneurship (3)


    Advanced study in entrepreneurship. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits, if topics vary.

Environmental Management

NOTE: The environmental management graduate program follows the calendar of one summer term, one fall term, and one spring term. Unless otherwise indicated, all environmental management (ENVM) courses are offered on rotation.

  
  • ENVM 501 - Biological and Environmental Chemistry (3)


    Application of chemical and biochemical principles to environmental problems and solutions. Course provides the nonscientist with the necessary chemical/biochemical concepts to assimilate the scientific aspects of environmental management. Required. Offered: Fall.
  
  • ENVM 502 - Environmental Law and Regulation (3)


    Broad overview of how environmental issues are addressed in legal systems. Examines common law legal remedies and federal, state, municipal, and international environmental regulation through statutes, regulations, ordinances, and treaties. Salient topics include environmental justice and rulemaking by government agencies. Required. Offered: Fall.
  
  • ENVM 504 - Basic Toxicology (3)


    Examination of the basics of applied toxicology for the non-technician. Course covers experimental toxicology, definitions, biochemical mechanisms, and signs of exposure and insult. Includes an overview of how toxic materials enter the body, how they interact with the body, and how they are eliminated. Students learn specific toxic effects of metals, pesticides, and solvents. Required.Prereq: ENVM 501 . Offered: Fall and Spring.
  
  • ENVM 505 - Sustainability (3)


    Examination of the basic principles of sustainability and how to apply those principles in decision making and green imaging. Students will develop these skills through a group project where they will evaluate the sustainability of an assigned entity (e.g., a company, city government, or organization) and identify recommendations for improving that entity’s sustainability and green image.
  
  • ENVM 507 - Technology and Management of Hazardous Materials (3)


    Review of current technology in storage, handling, and transportation of hazardous materials and wastes. Emphasis on safe, efficient, and legally sufficient management techniques. Includes presentation of methods for identification and classification of hazardous and toxic materials, substances, and wastes; review of spills and specific procedures to prevent incidents and to protect human health and the environment; and examination of OSHA training requirements, packaging and labeling procedures, storage compatibility and capacity, transportation requirements, and legal responsibilities. Prereqs: ENVM 501 , ENVM 502 , and ENVM 504 .
  
  • ENVM 508 - Ecotoxicology for the Environmental Manager (3)


    Students in ecotoxociology will become familiar with the key concepts of ecology at the individual, population, community, and ecosystem scales, and obtain knowledge of best practices and current advances in evaluating and understanding of the effects of toxicants on plants and animal across a range of scales, from cellular and tissue to ecosystem. Prereq: ENVM 504 .
  
  • ENVM 509 - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Environmental Management Issues (3)


    Introduction to the basics of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Overview of relevant theory, software, hardware, databases, and applications. Trends in GIS technology are examined from the managerial perspective. Examples are drawn from current environmental projects.
  
  • ENVM 510 - Environmental Ethics and Values (3)


    This course exposes students to the main ethical issues involving the environment, such as the value of nature, climate change, sustainability, over-population, effects of industrialization, animal rights, pollution, impact on the poor, and more. Students learn the major ethical theories and principles and how to apply them (e.g., duty-based ethics, utilitarianism, religious-based ethics, virtue ethics, etc.). The goal is for students to be able to recognize an ethical issue and then reason in an informed and intelligent way to an ethical conclusion. To foster application of the class material, each student selects a particular environmental issue (e.g., water runoff on the Samford campus or toxic waste sites in poor Alabama counties), ethically analyzes it, and then presents a solution to the issue.
  
  • ENVM 512 - Project Management (3)


    Examination of basic project management concepts in the context of selecting, developing, and implementing projects to achieve organizational objectives in support of an organization’s mission or purpose. Concepts of strategic planning, team leadership, risk management, public relations, and controlling projects will be explored to prepare students to effectively manage projects.
  
  • ENVM 514 - Wetlands (3)


    Introduction to the development, structure, and importance of wetlands, including the background necessary to understand the current controversies concerning wetland protection. Instructional methods include lecture, problem sheets, and field exercises.
  
  • ENVM 515 - Conservation and Policy of Endangered Species (3)


    A management overview of the study of the evolutionary mechanisms, species concepts, and taxonomic and systematic principles as applied to species-level taxon. Includes examination of how federal, state, and international laws relating to rare, threatened and endangered species affect the decision-making of environmental managers. Field projects will build skills to identify methods of species endangerment and the protocol for conducting threatened and endangered species field surveys. Regulations that impact business and development are presented through a series of case studies that provide managers with decision-making tools for compliance. The conservation methods and challenges of managing populations of rare and endangered species are also emphasized. Prereq: None.
  
  • ENVM 516 - Research (3)


    Students pursue a research topic of special interest under the direction of an ENVM faculty member or an outside expert jointly agreed upon by course coordinator and student. This research provides an opportunity for senior graduate students to integrate their knowledge in real-world, problem-solving situations. Prereqs: ENVM 501 , ENVM 502 , ENVM 504 , ENVM 505 .
  
  • ENVM 517 - Environmental Biomonitoring (3)


    This course will provide the student with an introduction to environmental sampling and analysis. Topics include proper field sampling and preservation, legal aspects, traceability, and chain of custody records. Aspects of a quality assurance and quality control program will also be addressed, as well as regulatory water quality and biological monitoring. Field activities will include water chemistry analysis of streams and surveys of biological communities such as algae, fish and benthic macroinvertebrates. All classes will be held at Samford University’s Oak Mountain Interpretive Center. Prereqs: ENVM 501 , and ENVM 505 .
  
  • ENVM 518 - Environmental Litigation (3)


    Study of the process of environmental litigation, focusing on the role of an environmental manager, commonly litigated issues, and alternatives to litigation. Prereq: ENVM 502 .
  
  • ENVM 519 - Natural Resource Management and Policy (3)


    The groundwork for the sustainable management of renewable and non-renewable natural resources is outlined in a combination of lecture and field projects. Basic biological methods, models, and techniques that are used to document and manage wildlife populations provide environmental managers with the tools to develop strategic plans in the workplace. The course content provides field opportunities that develop skills in data collection and analysis of wildlife populations. Environmental challenges that occur during the development and extraction of non-renewable mineral and fossil fuel resources are discussed and summarized. Prereq: None.
  
  • ENVM 520 - Occupational Safety and Health Law and Policy (3)


    Examination of the relationship between federal occupational safety and health statutes to the work environment. Introduces concepts and practical approaches to occupational safety and health, including regulatory agencies, financial and human impact of occupational injuries and illnesses, and workers’ compensation. Field trip to local industrial facility is optional. Prereqs: ENVM 502  and ENVM 504 .
  
  • ENVM 521 - Risk Analysis (3)


    Exploration of the risk analysis framework, focusing on its interplay between science and politics as an approach to managing health and environmental hazards. “Risk Analysis” is defined broadly to encompass the interrelated tasks of risk assessment, risk evaluation, risk management, and risk communication. Students are exposed to a synoptic perspective on how environmental problems, goals, and policies are actually shaped in the complex world of competing interests, conflicting ideologies, and incomplete understanding. Prereq: Permission of the instructor.
  
  • ENVM 522 - Environmental Economics (3)


    Policy orientation to environmental issues, focusing on the economic theory which drives the policy. Emphasis on the strong international thrust which integrates economic development with environmental policy. Prereqs: ENVM 502 , ENVM 504 , ENVM 505 , and ENVM 507 .
  
  • ENVM 524 - Environmental Geology (3)


    Application of geological and hydrogeological principles to environmental management issues including geologic hazards, groundwater and soil assessment, site remediation, and risk assessment. Environmental managers are provided a basic introduction to geologic and hydrogeologic terminology and methods necessary to understand environmental geology as related to management, policy, and applicable regulations. Applications of groundwater modeling, aquifer testing techniques, map reading, groundwater regulations, and the application of geology to current soil and groundwater remediation technology, landfill siting, and wellhead protection are introduced. Prereq: None.
  
  • ENVM 525 - Environmental Forestry (3)


    Review of the principles of forest ecology and management and the subsequent environmental concerns that occur with various practices. Includes: examination of the historical developments of American forests and comparison of past conditions with current health; study of abiotic and biotic components of forest habitats, including forest soils, productivity, climatic factors, and biological diversity; and discussion of principles of silviculture, including forest regeneration, intensive forest management and best management practices for the control of nonpoint pollution. Students gain a basic understanding of management principles enabling them to balance both economic and environmental forest concerns.
  
  • ENVM 526 - Environmental Auditing (3)


    Study of the fundamentals of environmental auditing. Topics include: elements of the audit process, real estate transfer assessments, waste contractor audits, waste minimization audits, air audits, international audits, and managing and critiquing an audit program. Students are required to perform practical classroom and field exercises individually or in small groups.
  
  • ENVM 527 - Environmental Justice and Society (3)


    At the center of this course of study is the fundamental assumption that “environmental change is as much a social science as a natural science issue.” This course focuses on the reflexive relationship between the environment and society from a sociological perspective with associated societal decisions and policy. Features of the environment produce both constraint and opportunity for human order and activity. Humans construct their environment framed by political, economic, technological, moral/ethical, and socio/cultural understanding and interpretation of the environment. Human values, knowledge and organization are considered powerful influences leading to the tension between exploiting and sustaining the environment. All of these considerations and understandings are further impacted by humans living in a global community where isolationism is virtually impossible when considering the fact that land, air, water, and shelter are considered needs as basic to moral and ethical decisions about human rights. In fact, because of the modern globalized world and the integration of bio systems, we live in a global ecosystem. Moral/ethical considerations will frame much of the discussion and lead to implications for environmental justice and sustainable development within a context of governance that is inclusive of multiple voices. Offered: Fall.
  
  • ENVM 529 - Energy and the Environment (3)


    Study of the fundamentals of the science of energy and its applications to technology, issues of a global energy policy, and associated environmental regulations including climate change. Includes a comprehensive discussion of the different types of commercially produced energy and the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Offered: Summer.
  
  • ENVM 530 - Environmental Management Internship (3)


    Supervised internship with a private, public, or non-profit organization with exposure to various aspects of environmental management. Prereqs: ENVM 502  and ENVM 505 . Offered: As needed.
  
  • ENVM 531 - Environmental Management International Studies (3)


    An introduction to environmental management, technology, and policy issues within another country or region of the world. Examination of environmental technologies, practices, and policies that might have beneficial application within Alabama, the United States, or other countries and regions. Domestic and/or international travel required. Offered as needed.
  
  • ENVM 533 - Communication in Environmental Management-Professional Presentations and Scientific Writing (3)


    The role of communication is to provide information that changes knowledge and behavior. This course provides an introduction to and practice of communication approaches, principles, and strategies that are effective in environmental management and protection. Offered: Fall, on rotation.
  
  • ENVM 534 - Research Methods and Techniques (3)


    The goal of this course is to develop a comprehensive understanding of how research is conducted in environmental sciences. By the end of the course, students’ comprehensive understanding of research in environmental health will include all parts of the research process from development of a research question to execution of a research project to dissemination of scientific findings. In addition to creating a comprehensive understanding of the research process, the course will also cover the controversies and debates that are ongoing within the environmental field. Offered: Spring, on rotation.
  
  • ENVM 537 - Water and the Environment (3)


    This course is designed to give the student a deeper understanding of the interaction between our use of water resources and the environment we live in. The student will be able to conduct general research and computations around water topics, and discuss how these issues affect the environment that we inhabit. A foundation of water properties and the hydrologic cycle will be built early in the course before moving into discussions with a finer focus on human interaction with water and the environment. Current topics in water resources will be discussed to expose students to real problems facing us today and in the future. Offered: Spring, on rotation.
  
  • ENVM 538 - Current Topics in Environmental Issues (3)


    The course will provide exposure to and discussion of current theoretical topics or research in environmental sciences. Students will read a book of their choosing on a current issue or topic which will be a starting point for more in depth exploration of that topic. Further insights into the topic will come from the book, the student’s own knowledge and expertise, readings from primary literature or other valid sources, and from presentations prepared by the students, either individually or in teams. Offered: Spring, on rotation.
  
  • ENVM 539 - You are What You Eat: Agricultural and Environmental Approaches to Sustainable Food and Health (3)


    This course emphasizes how the food choices we make every day have profound implications for human health and our environment. We live in a world where undernourishment is a severe challenge for over a billion people, and yet more than a billion and a half people are overnourished or obese. We will discuss the interactions among food, human health, and the environment at the individual scale and at the population scale, with focuses on food security, food production and distribution systems, population pressure, and the economic, historical, and political forces that shape food choices. Offered: Spring, on rotation.
  
  • ENVM 540 - Environmental Masters Report Capstone (3)


    The objective of this course is to synthesize and apply the knowledge, skills, and values acquired in the core curriculum to an environmental health, policy and management problem. The active use and integration of material from core courses in environmental management informs issues faced by policy analysts and managers. The course also prepares students to critically assess policy and management analysis, and prepares students to produce their own analysis that informs a real world policy or management issue. In preparing the paper, students will be expected to produce high-quality policy and/or management analysis while operating under a tight deadline. Grading is pass/fail. Offered: Spring.

Finance

  
  • FINC 514 - Corporate Finance (3)


    Study of concepts and skills used in financial decision-making and analysis. Includes valuing assets, determining the cost of capital, calculating the most appropriate leverage and capital structure, understanding the dynamics of international finance, analyzing working capital needs, and forecasting funds flow. Prereqs: ACCT 511  and ECON 512 .
  
  • FINC 521 - Managerial Finance (3)


    Study of the strategies and tactics of acquiring and applying financial assets, measuring results, and matching requirements with funding sources. Includes coverage of international financial issues.
  
  • FINC 523 - Behavioral Finance (3)


    Study of the various behavioral barriers to appropriate financial decisions and actions, how these behavioral patterns often conflict with the underlying assumptions of classical finance theory, and how these contradictions can be dealt with most appropriately. Prereq: FINC 514  or permission of the instructor.
  
  • FINC 524 - Investments (3)


    Focus on the great ideas that have helped to shape modern investment thought and practice. Particular emphasis is placed upon an inquiry into a central theorem of investing: is the market efficient? Throughout the course, practical aspects of individual and institutional investing will also be discussed. The course structure will be a seminar format. Contemporary topics and events will be discussed each week. Prereq: FINC 514 .
  
  • FINC 525 - Bulldog Investment Fund (3)


    Students are selected to participate in The Bulldog Fund, a student-managed investment portfolio. They analyze existing positions, research new investment ideas, present their proposals, and report results to Samford’s Investment Committee. Prereqs: FINC 521  and permission of the instructor.
  
  • FINC 528 - Financial Markets and Institutions (3)


    Study of the various types of financial institutions-banks, insurance companies, and mutual funds-and the regulatory and competitive environment in which they exist. Specific areas addressed include: the role of government in financial markets, the changing competitive boundaries of financial services firms, the markets for various financial instruments including money markets, bonds, stocks, futures, options, swaps, foreign exchange, and the measurement and management of risk among financial institutions. Prereq: FINC 514 .
  
  • FINC 530 - Personal Financial Planning (3)


    Provides students with a broad-based knowledge of the key elements of financial planning. Key topics include: budgeting, credit issues, taxation, investments, insurance, retirement planning, and estate planning. Course goals include both an understanding of current practice and the development of analytical abilities that should prove useful as options change due to new products, new technologies, and changes in the law. Prereq: FINC 514  or permission of the instructor.
  
  • FINC 560 - Treasury Management (3)


    This course covers the principals and practices used by corporate finance and treasury professionals to optimize cash resources, maintain liquidity, ensure access to short-term and long-term financing, judge capital investment decisions, and control exposure to financial risk. Prereq: FINC 514 . Offered: Jan Term.
  
  • FINC 570 - Financial Statement Analysis (3)


    Analysis of corporate financial reports from a decision-maker’s perspective. This course is case-and-applications-oriented and will emphasize the fundamental techniques of financial statement analysis. Building upon a review of accounting and investment concepts, we will cover the analysis (including ratio analysis) and interpretation of financial accounting information including the balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows. Additionally, we will examine the use of accounting information in investment and credit decisions, including valuation and debt ratings. Cross-listed as ACCT 570 . Prereqs: ACCT 519  and FINC 521 , or by permission of instructor.
  
  • FINC 594 - Topics in Finance (3)


    Advanced study in finance. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits, if topics vary. Prereq: FINC 514 .

Health Informatics & Information Management

  
  • HIIM 500 - Introduction to Biomedical Informatics and Analytics (3)


    This course serves as the introduction to the knowledge base of biomedical informatics and analytics. It provides an overview of the five broad areas of biomedical informatics (translational, clinical research, clinical, consumer health, and public health) and introduces students to a range of topics covered in greater detail in subsequent core courses. Offered: Fall.
  
  • HIIM 501 - Survey of Health Informatics and Analytics Infrastructure (3)


    This course covers all of the computer hardware and software elements, along with the network infrastructure designs, necessary for running secure and reliable health informatics and analytics systems. Prereq/Co-req: HIIM 500  or HIIM 650 . Offered: Fall.
  
  • HIIM 502 - Electronic Health Records in Diverse Practice Settings (4)


    Through lecture and hands-on experience with an electronic health record (HER) system, this course teaches students the design and application of EHR systems and the differences encountered in various healthcare practice settings. Prereqs: HIIM 500  or HIIM 650 ; PHLT 500 . Offered: Spring.
  
  • HIIM 503 - Structured/Unstructured Data Design and Analysis (4)


    This course introduces the student to the design and use of relational databases, data modeling, data warehousing, clinical data repositories and data analysis tools, such as SQL and NoSQL. In addition, the course provides an overview of semi-structured and unstructured data (e.g. scanned documents, typed procedural notes, etc.) analysis using tools such as natural language processing, data visualization, and other analysis tools for deriving information from unstructured “Big Data.” Prereqs: HIIM 500  or HIIM 650 ; PHLT 500 . Offered: Spring.
  
  • HIIM 504 - Current Topics in Health/Biomedical Informatics (2)


    In this course students explore current topics and issues in healthcare where health informatics is a major component. Students will engage in individual and group research that identifies and analyzes the structure, importance and use of new informatics capabilities. Students will present their research findings to the class and lead discussions about their research topic. Prereqs: HIIM 500  or HIIM 650 ; PHLT 500 . Offered: Spring.
  
  • HIIM 505 - Healthcare Information Technology Project Management (3)


    This course trains students in the skills necessary to lead informatics-focused projects in a healthcare setting. Students will be exposed to and practice essential skills as defined by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Forming and working with interprofessional teams will be emphasized. Prereq: HIIM 502 . Offered: Summer.
  
  • HIIM 506 - Quantitative Methods for Healthcare (3)


    This course builds on prior courses in statistics and data analysis to deepen understanding of the various methods of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods analysis used for research and how research hypotheses are created and tested. It explores ways that these analysis methods are used in the clinical, administrative, and patient health aspects of healthcare. Prereq: HIIM 503  or HIIM 653 . Offered: Summer.
  
  • HIIM 600 - Managing the Health Informatics and Analytics System (3)


    This course teaches the fundamentals of how to plan, build, and run health informatics systems. The student learns the roles and responsibilities of the various management and technical personnel and reviews important management policies specific to health informatics. Informatics systems Service Delivery and Service Assurance are discussed in relation to the total quality management of health informatics systems. Prereqs: HIIM 501  and HIIM 502 . Offered: Fall.
  
  • HIIM 601 - Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues in Health Informatics and Analytics (3)


    This course covers the ethical guidelines, legal and regulatory rules, and social concerns relevant to the use of health informatics systems and the data included in them. Reviews regulatory policies and mandates, principals of ethical guidance, and social obligations involved in health systems and the data they contain, both within and outside of the healthcare organization. Prereqs: HIIM 502 ; HIIM 503  or HIIM 653 . Offered: Fall.
  
  • HIIM 650 - Introduction to Biomedical Informatics and Analytics (3)


    This course serves as the introduction to the knowledge base of biomedical informatics and analytics. It provides an overview of the five broad areas of biomedical informatics (translational, clinical research, clinical, consumer health, and public health) and introduces students to a range of topics covered in greater detail in subsequent core courses. Offered: Summer, Fall.
  
  • HIIM 653 - Structured/Unstructured Data Design and Analysis (3)


    This course introduces the student to the design and use of relational databases, data modeling, data warehousing, clinical data repositories, and data analysis tools, such as SQL and NoSQL. In addition, the course provides an overview of semi-structured and unstructured data analysis (e.g., scanned documents, typed procedural notes, etc.) using tools such as natural language processing, data visualization, and other analysis tools for deriving information from unstructured “Big Data.” Prereqs: PHLT 500  and HIIM 650 . Offered: Spring.
  
  • HIIM 661 - Visual Analytics and Predictive Modeling (3)


    This course enhances student capabilities to explore, navigate, analyze, and model data sets using interactive visualizations. Students will additionally learn the theory and taxonomy of predictive models, including applications of these models, e.g., outcome forecasting and classification. Offered: Summer.
  
  • HIIM 699 - Health Informatics and Analytics Capstone (3)


    This capstone course is an opportunity for students to utilize their training and skills in health informatics and analytics to identify, analyze, solve, and present findings related to a health informatics and/or analytics situation at a working healthcare facility chosen by the student and approved by the advisor. Capstone deliverables include a document given to management of the facility outlining the student’s findings and recommendations, and a presentation of the same to faculty. Prereqs: HIIM 500  or HIIM 650 ; HIIM 503  or HIIM 653 ; plus HIIM 501 , HIIM 502 , HIIM 504 , HIIM 505 , HIIM 506 , HIIM 600 , and HIIM 601 . Offered Spring.

Healthcare Administration

  
  • MHCA 500 - Healthcare Systems (3)


    In-depth analysis of all aspects of the US healthcare delivery system, including the funding system and regulatory structure. In-depth exploration of the history of healthcare delivery in the United States. Distinguishing factors in the US healthcare delivery system and other global healthcare delivery systems are explored. Offered: Fall.
  
  • MHCA 501 - Healthcare Statistics and Research Methods (3)


    Examination of complex healthcare issues from a management perspective using decision analysis tools. The course emphasizes data collection, analysis, and interpretation based upon appropriate statistical analysis, evidence-based practices, and scientific research methodology. Offered: Fall.
  
  • MHCA 502 - Healthcare Information and Informatics Management (3)


    Examination of medical records and applied IT management issues and strategies through the study of health information and health informatics theories, concepts, and practices. Offered: Fall.
  
  • MHCA 503 - Healthcare Management (3)


    Study of general management knowledge and skills for healthcare professionals to address management needs in healthcare and healthcare delivery organizations. In-depth analysis of administration approaches appropriate in private and public sector healthcare organizations. Analysis of management theories, principles and concepts. Offered: Fall.
  
  • MHCA 510 - Healthcare Financial Management and Budgeting (3)


    Study of the use of accounting and financial planning in healthcare organizations. Emphasis is placed on the application of finance theory in the decision-making and problem-solving. This course provides a conceptual and practical knowledge of healthcare finance. Offered: Spring.
  
  • MHCA 511 - Healthcare Policy and Law (3)


    Study of the process used to create internal and external policy. Overview of important healthcare laws that impact the management and administration of healthcare organizations. Cases will be used to enrich students’ understanding of the laws and concepts. Development of skills and strategies utilizing the analysis and synthesis of policy into daily organization operations. Offered: Spring.
  
  • MHCA 512 - Healthcare Economics (3)


    Study of the terminology, principles, and concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. An in-depth analysis of resource management and allocation is explored in relation to the delivery of healthcare in the US. This course provides an appreciation for the uniqueness of the healthcare market compared to the free market. Offered: Spring.
  
  • MHCA 520 - Healthcare Project Management (3)


    Study of project management theories, concepts, and principles. Content will fulfill the education requirements for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam. Prereqs: MHCA 500 ; MHCA 503  or MHCA 603 ; and MHCA 510  or MHCA 614 . Offered: Summer.
  
  • MHCA 521 - Healthcare Human Resource Management (3)


    Examination of theory and best practices used to manage people along the continuum in healthcare organizations. Offered: Summer.
  
  • MHCA 522 - Healthcare Leadership and Professionalism (3)


    In-depth exploration of different leadership styles and theories. This course provides opportunities for students to hone personal skills in both leadership and professionalism. Interaction with professionals from the industry through guest lecturers, workshops, conferences, and networking events. Offered: Summer.
  
  • MHCA 600 - Healthcare Patient Safety and Quality (3)


    Overview of best practices used to manage the quality improvement efforts of an organization in delivering care. This course focuses on the application of continuous process improvement principles and tools within healthcare organizations. This course provides the requisite knowledge for Yellow Belt Certification. Offered: Fall.
  
  • MHCA 601 - Healthcare Ethics (3)


    Study of principles and theories of ethics. Emphasis placed on ethical decision making in the context of Christian principles and practices. In-depth exploration of unethical incidents in healthcare management, governance, research, and patient care delivery. Offered: Fall.
  
  • MHCA 602 - Healthcare Organizational Dynamics and Governance (3)


    Study of organization theory, behavior principles, and concepts of an in-depth understanding on healthcare organizational dynamics. The course examines the governance in healthcare organizations including board composition, member roles and responsibility, ethics, and healthcare governance theories. Offered: Fall.
  
  • MHCA 603 - Healthcare Management (3)


    Study of the principles and theories of healthcare management, and the analysis and application of these principles and theories to effective leadership, management, and decision making. Students will learn knowledge and skills for healthcare professionals to address management needs in healthcare and healthcare delivery organizations, including private and public sector healthcare organizations. Offered: Fall.
  
  • MHCA 610 - Healthcare Strategic Management and Marketing (3)


    Overview of strategic management concepts, tools, and skills to understand all phases of the process. Emphasis placed on understanding the roles marketing plays in the strategic management of healthcare organizations, and how to identify and address marketing opportunities and problems using a variety of tools and strategies. Prereqs: MHCA 500 ; MHCA 503  or MHCA 603 ; and MHCA 510  or MHCA 614 . Offered: Spring.
  
  • MHCA 611 - Healthcare Administration Graduate Capstone (3)


    Examination of the role of healthcare administrators in managing and resolving healthcare organizational issues through the completion of a capstone project. Students utilize knowledge, skills, and behaviors acquired throughout the program to demonstrate mastery of program competencies. Prereq: Permission of the program director. Offered: Spring.
  
  • MHCA 612 - Healthcare Administration Graduate Internship (3)


    Field-based exploration of knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to master competencies to become a high performing healthcare manager. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Prereq: Permission of the program director. Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
  
  • MHCA 613 - Healthcare Administration Advanced Leadership Practice (3)


    Advanced leadership practice is an option for students who have a minimum of five (5) years clinical or management experience in healthcare to complete a student-developed leadership project instead of an internship under the leadership of a senior healthcare executive as a mentor. The project may be coordinated with the student’s current employer but must extend beyond the normal scope of his/her current position. The project must identify specific competencies that will be targeted through the development, execution, and evaluation of the leadership project. A project synopsis, including a mentorship agreement, must be approved by the program director prior to enrolling in the course. Students will not be approved to take the course before completing MHCA 600  and MHCA 601 . Prereqs: MHCA 600  and MHCA 601 , and/or permission of the program director. Offered: Spring and Summer.
 

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 -> 12