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 are 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.
Academic Programs
The Business Administration degree program provides a solid foundation in business and sufficient electives to customize a degree plan for directed career paths.
The Entrepreneurship degree program prepares students to serve as chief executive officers of start-up and growth-oriented businesses and to apply entrepreneurial principles in positions of responsibility in larger business enterprises and not-for-profit organizations.
Highlights
The Department of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship participates in the certified Professional Golf Association of America’s Professional Golf Management program with participating students receiving the BBA degree in Business Administration with a concentration in PGA Professional Golf Management.
Career Opportunities
The Business Administration and Entrepreneurship degree programs are designed to prepare students for careers in business, government, or not-for-profit entities; to include the core business courses required for admission to master’s or other professional programs; or to be combined with a sequence of professional education courses and other requirements by the College of Education to earn a certificate to teach in secondary schools.
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Bachelor of Business Administration, Major in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Major in Business Administration: Real Estate Concentration
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Bachelor of Business Administration, Major in Business Administration with PGA Concentration
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Major in Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Science: Major in Integrated Studies: Land and Urban Property Development Concentration
- Undergraduate Certificate in Business Legal Analysis
- Undergraduate Certificate in Business Negotiation and Communication
- Undergraduate Certificate in Real Estate Analysis
- Minor in BPAA Bowling and Entertainment Business Management
- Minor in Business Education
- Minor in Entrepreneurship
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Minor in General Business Administration
- Minor in Real Estate
Student Organizations
- Bearkat Entrepreneurs Club
Internships
The department has historically been very successful in offering internships. This program has been expanded to include internship opportunities specifically designed to meet the PGA Professional Golf Management program requirement. Internships for students interested in other business environments are also becoming increasingly available.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available on a competitive basis for Business Administration, and Entrepreneurship majors. 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 department scholarships is December 31. Scholarship recipients are announced in April for the following academic year. The specific scholarships that are available through the department vary from year-to-year and may include:
- Brater Family Business Endowed Scholarship
- CB&A Realtors Scholarship for Entrepreneurial Studies
- Davis-Holden Entrepreneurship Scholarship
- Department of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Faculty Scholarship
- International Association of Administrative Professional-Houston Chapter/Dr. Rita B. Huff and Dr. Ronald D. Johnson Endowed Scholarship
- Lozano Family Scholarship
- Randy Wallace Business Plan Scholarship
Business Administration (BUAD)
BUAD 1211. PGA/PGM Professional Development Seminar. 2 Hours.
Students complete the Level 1 materials of the PGA of America Professional Golf Management Program with guided instruction. This course is only available to students enrolled in the PGA/PGM program. The course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 academic credit hours. Course Equivalents: BUAD 1011, BUAD 1111 .
BUAD 1301. Introduction to Business Careers. 3 Hours. [TCCN: BUSI 1301]
Students are provided a survey of all the major business disciplines with an emphasis on helping define career objectives and supporting academic interest areas as well as an overview of what is involved in accounting, marketing, management, legal aspects of business, economics and finance. This course is an ideal choice for any students wanting to learn of opportunities in business and how to pursue them. The course is not open to business majors with junior or senior standing.
BUAD 2189. Pga/Pgm Internship. 1 Hour.
Students apply academic knowledge and professional skills in an approved work setting to fulfill internship requirements of the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGA/PGM) Program. The internship provides supervised, hands‑on experience aligned with industry standards. (See Internship Coordinator prior to enrolling.) All internships must be approved in advance in order to receive credit. The course may be repeated for a maximum of 2 hours of academic credit and is only available to students enrolled in PGA/PGM program.
BUAD 2321. Design and Presentation of Business Projects. 3 Hours.
Students develop the skills needed to design and present effective business presentations. The course focuses on organizing ideas, designing clear and compelling materials, and delivering polished presentations in professional settings. Emphasis is placed on communicating ideas clearly and persuasively using both traditional and emerging media.
BUAD 3189. Pga/Pgm Internship III. 1 Hour.
Students apply academic knowledge and professional skills in an additional approved work setting to fulfill internship requirements of the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGA/PGM) Program. The internship provides supervised, hands‑on experience aligned with industry standards. (See Internship Coordinator prior to enrolling.) All internships must be approved in advance in order to receive credit. The course is only available to students enrolled in PGA/PGM program. Prerequisite: BUAD 2189.
Prerequisite: BUAD 2189.
BUAD 3190. BPAA Fundamentals: Preparation for Internships. 1 Hour.
Students complete pre-internship training under the direction of the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America. Students gain practical industry-specific knowledge, preparing them for success in required summer internships at BPAA facilities. This course is only available to students enrolled in the BPAA Bowling Entertainment Business Management Minor program.
BUAD 3269. Advanced PGA/PGM Professional Development Seminar. 2 Hours.
Students complete the Level 2 and 3 materials of the PGA of America Professional Golf Management Program with guided instruction. This course is only available to students enrolled in the PGA/PGM program. The course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 academic credit hours. Course Equivalents: BUAD 3069, BUAD 3169
Prerequisite: BUAD 1211.
BUAD 3301. Business Legal Environment. 3 Hours.
Students explore the dynamic intersection of law and business in today’s fast-moving economy. This course introduces students to the legal principles that shape business decisions and strategies, from the origins of law and the structure of the court system to the complexities of corporate structure and liability to intellectual property. Students examine real-world cases, while also considering ethical and regulatory challenges. Students learn how legal frameworks influence everything from entrepreneurship to corporate governance, and are equipped with the tools to manage risk and make informed business decisions. Course Equivalents: BUAD 2301 .
BUAD 3335. Business Communication. 3 Hours.
Students build the skills needed to communicate professionally and confidently in today’s business environment. The course focuses on crafting clear, strategic messages while strengthening digital literacy and professional writing skills. Students learn how to create, evaluate, and adapt internal and external communications by analyzing audience needs, purpose, and context. Through practical examples and applied activities, the course prepares students to communicate effectively across platforms and organizational settings.
BUAD 3336. Successful Workplace Relations. 3 Hours.
Students explore the interpersonal and communication skills most commonly used by successful business professionals. This course emphasizes strategies for ethical decision‑making, conflict management, trust building, and effective collaboration. Students explore the social and emotional intelligence skills essential for succeeding, managing, and leading in the business environment. Course Equivalents: BUAD 4348 .
BUAD 3337. Artificial Intelligence for Business Communication. 3 Hours.
Students examine the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in contemporary business communication. The course explores how AI tools support professional writing, presentations, collaboration, data‑driven messaging, and audience engagement in organizational settings. Emphasis may be placed on the effective and ethical use of AI technologies while strengthening critical thinking, professional judgment, and communication practices.
BUAD 3338. Entrepreneurial Law. 3 Hours.
Students examine the legal issues confronting entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses. This course focuses on the legal planning and protections necessary to successfully form, maintain, and grow a business. Through hands-on exercises and practical case studies, students learn to manage risk and keep ventures protected. Students also learn to avoid costly pitfalls by safeguarding their brand and protecting their innovations using intellectual property law. This course equips entrepreneurs with the knowledge to navigate legal complexities and make informed decisions that directly impact their venture's growth and sustainability.
BUAD 3340. Visualized Messaging in the Workplace. 3 Hours.
Students learn and apply the principles and conventions of visual design and data visualization appropriate for business settings and use that knowledge to create workplace-appropriate messages that include essential visual elements. Students develop the skills to select and visually design relevant information and data to compose compelling, ethical business messages for internal and external decision-makers.
Prerequisite: MGIS 1305 OR CSTE 1330.
BUAD 3345. Entrepreneurship I - Startup. 3 Hours.
Students develop entrepreneurial skills by transforming ideas into viable business ventures through hands‑on learning, strategic planning, and real‑world application. The course focuses on opportunity recognition, innovative business models, and value creation. Whether launching a new venture or fostering innovation within an existing organization, students gain the mindset and tools needed to create value in a rapidly changing business environment.
BUAD 3355. Business Law. 3 Hours.
Students explore the legal foundations that shape modern business transactions. The focus of this course is on areas of modern commercial law for business professionals. Emphasis may be placed on understanding how legal frameworks support business operations in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Through case studies and practical applications, students will develop the ability to interpret legal rules, assess risk, and apply legal reasoning to real-world business scenarios.
BUAD 3360. Human Resources Management Law. 3 Hours.
Students examine employment laws that define workplace rights and responsibilities. The course focuses on understanding the legal framework, analyzing real-world cases, and applying preventive strategies to reduce legal risk. Students also explore contemporary issues such as remote work, the gig economy, and emerging compliance challenges, while developing approaches to manage employment risk and ensure legal compliance within organizations.
BUAD 3370. Cyberlaw & E-Commerce Regulation. 3 Hours.
Students explore the legal aspects of shaping content creation, social media marketing, e-commerce, intellectual property, online communication, and digital privacy. Students also examine the legal and ethical challenges of cybersecurity risk and compliance—critical issues for any modern business. Students apply these concepts across the entire business life cycle while examining how legal and ethical decisions impact a company’s online presence. Students learn how to protect creativity, manage risk, and build trust in the digital marketplace.
BUAD 3375. Entrepreneurial Sales. 3 Hours.
Students explore the principles and practices essential for developing, managing, and executing successful sales strategies within new and growing ventures. The course integrates theoretical foundations with practice-based learning, allowing students to apply sales concepts, negotiation tactics, and relationship-building skills to real entrepreneurial situations. Students learn to identify target markets, analyze customer needs, and create value-driven conversations that spur business development. Emphasis may be placed on ethical sales practices, technological tools in sales, and adapting strategies for dynamic marketplaces. Students will design and implement sales strategies that support startup growth and long-term sustainability.
BUAD 3380. Ethics for Business Executives. 3 Hours.
Students explore the challenging ethical dilemmas shaping corporate decision-making. Students examine real-world ethical challenges and learn how to build a strong foundation for making responsible choices. From fiduciary duties to insider trading, whistleblowing, leveraged buyouts, and conflicts of interest, students uncover how ethics shape decisions across every business function. Through case studies and interactive discussions, students learn to navigate legal compliance, loyalty dilemmas, and high-stakes scenarios that define modern business leadership.
BUAD 4080. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.
Students pursue an independent study on a topic not offered as a regularly scheduled course, under the supervision of a faculty member. The subject matter, scope, and requirements of the study are to be determined with the agreement of the instructor. Variable Credit (1 to 3). Course Equivalents: BUAD 4380
Prerequisite: Agreement of instructor.
BUAD 4085. Special Topic. 1-3 Hours.
Students explore new business topics and concepts in a structured course led by faculty. Variable Credit (1 to 3). Course Equivalents: BUAD 4385 .
BUAD 4191. BPAA Internship. 1 Hour.
Students gain hands-on, real-world experience in the daily operations of bowling entertainment venues, developing skills in management, marketing, finance, operations, hospitality, event management, and customer service. The course consists of a supervised off-campus internship at an approved Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America venue, providing exposure to industry expectations, career pathways, and professional work environments. Internships must be approved in advance for credit, may be repeated for up to 2 hours, and are limited to students in the BPAA Bowling Entertainment Business Management Minor program.
Prerequisite: BUAD 3190.
BUAD 4289. Pga/Pgm Internship IV. 2 Hours.
Students apply advanced academic knowledge and professional skills in an approved work setting to fulfill internship requirements of the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGA/PGM) Program. The internship provides supervised, hands‑on experience aligned with industry standards. (See Internship Coordinator prior to enrolling.) All internships must be approved in advance in order to receive credit. The course is only available to students enrolled in PGA/PGM program.
Prerequisite: BUAD 3189.
BUAD 4300. Social Entrepreneurship: A Practice-Based Approach. 3 Hours.
Students develop creative solutions to real societal challenges through experiential and collaborative learning. The course examines how entrepreneurial principles and innovative, market‑based strategies can be applied to address social, environmental, and community needs while driving positive social change. Topics include opportunity recognition, mission‑driven business models, sustainable value creation, impact measurement, funding strategies, and ethical decision‑making. Through case studies and applied activities, students learn how ventures can generate meaningful social impact while maintaining financial viability and gain the skills necessary to launch and grow social ventures.
Prerequisite: BUAD 3345.
BUAD 4310. Securities Regulation. 3 Hours.
Students examine the legal framework governing securities markets and capital formation in the United States, including federal and state securities laws and the strategies companies use to fund growth. Students explore the entire capital‑raising process—from initial public offerings and secondary offerings to crowdfunding and angel investing—while analyzing the disclosure rules that promote market transparency. This course covers hot topics like crypto assets and digital security regulation, insider trading, market manipulation, and whistleblower protection to understand how these laws shape modern finance. Through real‑world examples and interactive discussions, students gain practical insight into how securities laws shape modern financial markets and business decision‑making.
BUAD 4321. Advanced Business Project Design and Presentation. 3 Hours.
Students develop expertise in strategic business communication design and delivery. Students combine theoretical frameworks and practical application to create sophisticated communication strategies and projects; topics may include, but are not limited to, personal professional branding, podcasting, and training materials. Students apply interpersonal skills necessary for leading, managing, and collaborating effectively in professional environments.
BUAD 4325. Negotiation in Business. 3 Hours.
Students explore proven strategies and techniques to influence outcomes, build relationships, and create value in personal and business settings. Students move beyond theory by planning, adapting, and executing business negotiations. Through interactive exercises, role-playing, and real-world case studies, students develop the confidence and skills to negotiate effectively in high-stakes situations. This course is designed to prepare future leaders to manage conflict, gain competitive advantage and achieve results in today’s competitive business environment.
Prerequisite: None.
BUAD 4335. Intercultural Business Communication. 3 Hours.
This course prepares students for the complex leadership roles and communication tasks they will encounter in an increasingly multicultural, global work environment. The course familiarizes students with the cultural impacts on global business, managing culturally diverse work forces, transitions, relocations, diversity and performance; and explores cultural specifics of various countries.
BUAD 4340. International Business Law. 3 Hours.
Students examine the legal systems that shape global trade and multinational enterprises. Topics may include import–export regulation, foreign investment, anti corruption laws, and ethical challenges in global business operations. Emphasis is placed on understanding legal risk, compliance, and decision making in a dynamic international business environment through case studies, interactive discussions, and practical examples. Students learn how global laws impact real-world business decisions and influence innovation, trade, and entrepreneurship worldwide.
BUAD 4345. Entrepreneurship II - Growth. 3 Hours.
Students explore strategies for scaling startups, including growth models, funding rounds, operational efficiency, team dynamics, marketing, and ethical considerations. This course dives into the strategies that turn small ventures into industry leaders. Students design a comprehensive growth plan and financial forecast that captures investor attention. Through hands-on projects and real-world case studies, students learn to think big, move fast, and scale smart.
Prerequisite: BUAD 3345.
BUAD 4348. Entrepreneurship III - Cases. 3 Hours.
Designed for the aspiring entrepreneur or for those who are curious as to how wealth is created in a free market economy, this course provides a practical experience of how to evaluate business opportunities, how ventures are started with little or no capital, how wealth is realized, and how to develop innovative entrepreneurial skills and planning techniques to minimize the cost of experience. By the end of the course, students develop their own Personal Entrepreneurs Plan useful in focusing the direction of their personal careers. Course Equivalents: BUAD 3336
Prerequisite: BUAD 3345.
BUAD 4389. Internship. 3 Hours.
Students gain practical experience by applying academic business concepts in a business environment. Prior to enrolling, students must consult with the Internship Coordinator. All internships require prior approval to receive credit.
Prerequisite: Department approval and a minimum overall and COBA GPA of 2.5.
Real Estate (REAL)
REAL 3310. Real Estate Principles. 3 Hours.
Students explore the nature of real estate, its value, and related decision analysis. This course is a hands-on introduction to the world of property—from understanding what drives value to making smart investment decisions. Students will learn how to appraise properties, analyze investments, and apply concepts to real-world scenarios. Through interactive projects and case studies, students gain practical skills to evaluate opportunities and think like a real estate professional.
REAL 3365. 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 how 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. Course Equivalents: BUAD 3365 .
REAL 4350. Real Estate Debt. 3 Hours.
Students examine the financial framework powering real estate investments. Through hands-on exercises and practical case studies, students gain the skills to evaluate deals, structure financing, and approach opportunities with the mindset of an investment professional.
REAL 4351. 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 4352. 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.
Director/Chair: Diana Michelle Brown
Ma Aruf Al Hassan, PHD, Assistant Professor of Business Communication, Department of Business Admin & Entrep, PHD, Iowa State University; MA, Univ of Texas-El Paso; BA, University of Ghana
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
Dana Elaine Bible, EDD, Lecturer of Business Administration, Department of Business Admin & Entrep, EDD, Sam Houston State University; MBA, Sam Houston State University; BBA, Sam Houston State University
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
Robert Lloyd Milner, MBA, Associate Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurship, Department of Business Admin & Entrep, MBA, University of Phoenix; BS, Park University
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
Arun P Narayanasamy, PHD, Assistant Professor of Business Administration, Department of Business Admin & Entrep, PHD, Univ of Texas-Arlington; MS, Univ of Texas-Arlington; MA, Univ of Texas-Arlington; MS, Univ of Texas-Arlington; BE, Univ of Madras; CERT, Univ of Texas-Arlington
Bethany Paige Pitchford, PHD, Assistant Professor of Business Communication, Department of Business Admin & Entrep, PHD, Texas Tech University; MA, Texas Tech University; BA, Texas Tech University; AS, Midland College
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
Christopher Lee Thompson, JD, Associate Professor of Business Administration, Department of Business Admin & Entrep, JD, St Mary's University; BA, Stephen F Austin University


