Department of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship
Chair: Dr. Diana Brown
Phone: (936) 294-2578
Website: Department of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship
Vision
To deliver outstanding Business Administration and Entrepreneurship programs with faculty that is recognized for excellence in instruction, research, and service.
Mission
The mission of the Department of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship is to assist in fulfilling the mission of the University and the College of Business Administration by providing students with an academic foundation to become productive citizens, to develop successful careers, and to provide interested students with the background to pursue graduate or professional studies. The academic foundation leading to a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business Administration or Entrepreneurship is designed to arouse intellectual curiosity, develop analytical reasoning, and provide historical and current information relative to the global environment.
Graduate Programs
The Department of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship provides curriculum for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program.
Graduate Programs in the Department of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship
Graduate Programs in the College of Business Administration
Student Organizations and Activities
- Bearkat Entrepreneurs Club
Scholarships
Scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships using the Scholarship4Kats program on the Financial Aid website. The Scholarships4Kats program is a single application that will allow the student to apply for most scholarships available on campus whether at the departmental, college, or university-level. The deadline for applying for scholarships is February 15.
Business Administration (BUAD)
BUAD 5080. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.
This course is designed for the directed study of individual students who wish for intensive supervision in some vital aspect of Business Administration. Variable Credit (1 to 3). . Course Equivalents: BUAD 5380
Prerequisite: Approval of Department Chair and Graduate Coordinator.
BUAD 5085. Special Topic. 1-3 Hours.
Students explore new business topics and concepts in a structured course led by faculty. Variable Credit (1 to 3).
BUAD 5310. Managerial Communication. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to expand students' understanding of management and corporate communications and enhance managerial writing and speaking skills. Research projects and case studies prepare students to conduct business research and to report results.
BUAD 5340. Ethics for Business Executives. 3 Hours.
Students examine ethical problems in business and the foundations for management decisions involving ethical issues. Students identify ethical decision making with regard to fiduciary obligations, use of corporate resources, organizational culture, legal compliance obligations, whistleblowers, company loyalty and conflicts of interest as they impact the management decision-making process.
BUAD 5348. Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice. 3 Hours.
Students explore the art and science of entrepreneurship in today’s dynamic global economy. Through an immersive, hands-on approach, students explore advanced theories of innovation, venture creation, and intellectual entrepreneurship. The course emphasizes transforming ideas and intellectual capital into sustainable business models and financial success. Students develop a Personal Entrepreneurship Plan and engage in real-world case studies and simulations. Key topics include opportunity recognition and validation, strategic growth and scaling strategies, ethical and practical integration of emerging technologies (including AI), marketing systems and customer acquisition, and financial modeling and funding strategies. Whether launching a new venture or fostering innovation within an existing organization, students will gain the tools, mindset, and strategic frameworks to launch and scale ventures that create meaningful impact.
BUAD 5350. Tech-Enhanced Business Communication. 3 Hours.
Students explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and other emerging technologies for executive communication. Students will evaluate the impact of AI tools and other emerging technologies on executive communication strategies, engage in practical decision-making, and explore ethical considerations when using these technologies.
BUAD 5355. Managerial Law. 3 Hours.
Students apply legal and strategic tools to create value while managing risk in today’s complex business environment. This course prepares executives to recognize legal and ethical issues in business, apply legal reasoning to real-world scenarios, and make strategic decisions as business professionals. Through case studies and practical applications, students learn to navigate legal challenges, protect organizational and stakeholder interests, identify and mitigate risk, resolve conflict, apply sound legal and ethical judgment.
Real Estate (REAL)
REAL 5350. Real Estate Debt. 3 Hours.
Students apply concepts, techniques, and instruments integral to the financing of real estate. Students perform the application of discounted cash flow, net present value, internal rate of return, and amortization fundamentals to real estate analysis. Mortgage debt structures and calculations involving loan origination costs, servicing fees, and prepayment penalties are explored.
Prerequisite: 42 Credit Hours.
REAL 5351. Real Estate Equity. 3 Hours.
Students prepare to step into the world of real estate investing by applying strategies that maximize returns while managing risk. Students master key financial metrics and forecasting to guide the acquisition, development, and sale of property. Through hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios, students gain the confidence to evaluate opportunities and create investment plans that capture investor attention.
REAL 5352. Real Estate Market and Development Feasibility Analysis. 3 Hours.
Students explore the real estate development process from concept to execution, examining each stage from idea inception and site selection to design, regulatory approval, market analysis, and financial feasibility. The course provides a comprehensive, real‑world view of how development projects are evaluated, structured, and brought to market.
REAL 5365. Real Estate Law. 3 Hours.
Students explore the legal framework that shapes every real estate deal - from deeds and titles to contracts and financing. Students examine the laws, principles, and instruments that drive property transactions. Through practical examples and real-world case studies, students learn to navigate complex regulations, protect their interests and manage risk in property transactions. This course provides the essential legal foundation for success in today’s dynamic property market.
Director/Chair: Diana Michelle Brown
Traci Leigh Austin, PHD, Professor of Business Administration, Department of Business Admin & Entrep, PHD, Univ of Nebraska-Lincoln; MED, Sam Houston State University; MA, University of Tulsa; BA, Univ of Nebraska-Lincoln; BA, Univ of Nebraska-Lincoln
Diana Michelle Brown, JD, Associate Professor and Chair of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship, Department of Business Admin & Entrep, JD, South Texas College of Law; BA, Rice University
Fred Allen Forgey, PHD, Associate Dean COBA, Department of Business Admin & Entrep, PHD, Texas Tech University; MBA, Univ of North Texas; BBA, Univ of Texas-Arlington
Ashton Michelle Mouton, PHD, Associate Professor of Business Administration, Department of Business Admin & Entrep, PHD, Purdue University; MA, Colorado State University; BA, Sam Houston State University
Tommy J Robertson, JD, Professor of Business Administration, Department of Business Admin & Entrep, JD, South Texas College of Law; BS, Texas A&M University
Danica Lee Schieber, PHD, Associate Professor of Business Administration, Department of Business Admin & Entrep, PHD, Iowa State University; MA, Minnesota State Univ-Mankato; BA, Austin Peay State University
Ashly Lynn Bender Smith, PHD, Associate Professor Business Administration, Department of Business Admin & Entrep, PHD, Univ of Louisville; MA, New Mexico State University; BA, Texas State Univ-San Marcos
Laura Louise Sullivan, JD, Professor of Business Administration, Department of Business Admin & Entrep, JD, South Texas College of Law; MBA, Sam Houston State University; BBA, Univ of Houston-Main


