The Leeds School of Business holds accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB-International). Leeds awards four types of degrees: the bachelor of science (BS), the master of science (MS), the master of business administration (MBA), and the doctor of philosophy (PhD).
Course codes for these programs are ACCT, BADM, BCOR, BPOL, BSLW, CESR, ESBM, FNCE, INBU, MGMT, MKTG, MBAC, MBAX, OPMG, OPIM, ORMG, PHPM, and REAL.
The following areas of knowledge are central to the undergraduate degree in business administration:
In addition, students completing a degree in business administration are expected to acquire:
Having acquired these skills and knowledge, students are able to conceptualize and analyze the concept of business and problem solving as a system. They have the ability to present solutions to business problems in an understandable and useful form. Their education provides them with excellent working knowledge, not only in the field of business, but also in related academic disciplines.
Business students receive academic counseling from a staff of advisors in the Office of Undergraduate Student Services. During the semester, advisors are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and by appointment.
Faculty advisors are available to discuss the various areas of emphasis as well as career opportunities. Faculty advising hours will vary each semester.
Students are expected to assume responsibility for planning their program in accordance with college rules and policies.
Students are encouraged to discuss the various emphases available as well as career opportunities with the faculty of the college.
All business students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration must complete the prescribed courses in at least one area of emphasis. The school offers programs in four areas of emphasis: accounting, finance, management, and marketing. An area of emphasis consists of a minimum of 18 semester hours taken at the University of Colorado Boulder. A cumulative grade point average of 2.000 is mandatory for the required area of emphasis courses and all courses must have a grade of C- or higher.
In addition to the area of emphasis, students also may complete an area of application. The school offers the following areas of application: entrepreneurship and small business management, international business, and real estate. An area of application consists of a minimum of 9 semester hours taken at the University of Colorado Boulder. A 2.000 cumulative GPA is required for the required area of application courses. Successful completion of additional requirements in some of these areas of application entitles students to a certificate issued by the dean of the college.
The school also offers a minor program in business for nonbusiness students.
The accounting area of emphasis prepares students for careers in which they will develop, analyze, and interpret complex financial data. Accounting majors become experts in “the language of business.” This expertise prepares them for careers in CPA firms, business consulting, industry (from Fortune 500 companies to small entrepreneurial enterprises), not-for-profit enterprises, or government. Accountants who develop careers in public accounting may become partners in public accounting and consulting firms. Those who make their careers in industry may have positions as a chief executive officer (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO), chief accounting officer (CAO) or controller, tax specialist, internal auditor, accounting systems analyst, financial analyst, or managerial accountant. Many students begin their careers in CPA firms and move to industry or government after several years of experience. Employers seek students with skills in communication, interpersonal interactions, analytical thinking, problem solving, and integrity.
The major areas of study in the accounting area of emphasis are 1) Financial Accounting Analysis and Audit and 2) Tax Planning and Compliance. Basic course work in accounting focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of the theory and concepts underlying the presentation of financial and operating information about an enterprise to external and internal users. Additional course work exposes the student to income taxation of business enterprises and individuals, the practice and principles of auditing and assurance services, and cost management. Specialization is available through graduate work.
Most accounting students from the University of Colorado earn professional credentials within a year of completing their degrees. The two major types of professional certification are certified public accountant [CPA] and certified management accountant [CMA]. The CPA’s expertise focuses on presentation and analysis of financial information for an external user. The CMA’s primary focus is improving information for the internal user. Professional accountants’ expertise in financial matters and their understanding of company operations through financial information prepare them to become key players and critical decision makers for all aspects of business creation, operation, and transformation.
Requirements for the CPA license vary significantly by state. Every state requires that the candidate pass the Uniform CPA Examination (a standard national exam), but the requirements regarding educational background and work experience are state-specific. All states, including Colorado, have passed rules requiring 150 hours of university education. All states write their own rules about the number of hours, specific courses, and experience required for becoming a CPA in that state. It is very important that the accounting student obtain the guidelines for the relevant state to ensure proper development of his or her degree plan (see NASBA.org).
The degree options are:
This degree may be earned by a student who takes 18 hours of accounting beyond the core. The 18-hour requirement for the degree does not qualify the student to sit for the CPA exam in any state. This option may be chosen by a student who does not want to become professionally certified but who seeks a career involving accounting and financial analysis in industry, government, or not-for-profit enterprises.
The undergraduate area of emphasis in accounting consists of at least 18 semester hours of course work beyond the undergraduate core requirements.
Required Courses and Semester Credit Hours
Plus 6 credit hours from the following courses:
The student who aspires to earn the CPA credential must always go beyond the basic college requirements for earning an area of emphasis. These requirements vary by state, but always include significantly more hours in accounting. Each student is responsible for determining the relevant requirements for the desired state of residence following graduation (see NASBA.org). These undergraduate courses may not be available at the University of Colorado Boulder.
The finance area of emphasis is designed to provide students with in-depth exposure to the theoretical concepts and applied tools and techniques necessary for entry-level positions in various areas of financial management. The principal areas of study include business financial management, investments and derivative securities, and financial markets and institutions.
Finance is an applied discipline with an analytical orientation. Effort is made to develop students’ ability to think logically about financial problems and to formulate sound financial decisions and policies. Although the emphasis is on financial management of profit-oriented organizations, the principles and concepts developed are also applicable to not-for-profit and governmental organizations.
It is strongly recommended that finance students take additional accounting courses.
Required Courses and Semester Credit Hours
Plus any three of the following courses:
In addition, one of the following elective courses can be substituted for one of the above FNCE elective courses to meet finance area of emphasis requirements.
The Management Area of Emphasis addresses the effective management of people, organizations, operations, information, and technology to improve the performance of diverse private and public organizations. A management emphasis provides students with the managerial skills necessary for success in entry-level positions, and builds foundations for success in management positions of greater responsibility, authority, and leadership. Students completing the management area of emphasis are viewed by potential employers as having the broad-gauged education required in the team-oriented, horizontally organized, and globally competitive environments of the 21st century. The management area of emphasis prepares students for careers managing people, operations, information, and technology, and can serve as a strong complement to a second area of emphasis.
Management students must choose one of three tracks: the first emphasizes human resource management; the second focuses on the management of operations; and the third emphasizes the management of information.
The human resource management track provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to earn certification in human resources from the Society of Human Resources, the principal professional society in the field. Graduates are qualified to act as human resource generalists in small, medium, and large companies; specialists in organizations with focused human resource units; or well-rounded general managers in any organization. There are three required courses in the HR Management track:
Required Courses and Semester Credit Hours
In addition, students in the HR Management track must complete three of the following elective courses:
Students focusing on HR are also encouraged to take INBU 4300 International Management.
Advances in business knowledge and technology have radically changed business systems and processes. As a result, critical to today’s businesses is the ability to get the right information to the right people at the right time, so that both strategic and operational decisions are made properly and quickly. Students majoring in information management will learn to recognize the pivotal roles that information systems play in the business world and to use their knowledge to increase business competitiveness. They are exposed to a range of tools, methods, and techniques for addressing issues such as the selection and implementation of new technologies, and the creation of processes that effectively connect with customers, suppliers, and distributor channels. Students are prepared to be leaders in the effective utilization of information in business. There are three required courses in the Information Management track:
Required Courses and Semester Credit Hours
In addition, students in the Information Management track must complete three of the following elective courses:
IM students inclined toward careers in technical information systems are encouraged to take programming courses as business electives (MGMT 3210 Visual-language Programming) or as non-business electives (such as CSCI 1300 Programming or ATLS 3519 Applied Java Programming).
The principal function of any organization is the efficient creation and delivery of products and services to its customers (operations). The operations management track focuses on this creative process and identifies how organizations use productivity, quality, flexibility, timeliness, and technology to compete and prevail in their markets. Students graduating from the operations management track will have a broad understanding of the importance of operations in the success of any organization, and will be qualified to serve in entry-level line management positions and as general managers later in their careers. There are three required courses in the Operations Management track:
Required Courses and Semester Credit Hours
In addition, students in the Operations Management track must complete three of the following elective courses:
Students focusing on Operations are also encouraged to take MGMT 4150 International Operations.
The marketing area of emphasis hones skills in analysis and decision-making for a wide spectrum of marketing careers in fields such as advertising, market research, brand management, e-business, selling and sales management, distribution, industrial and business-to-business marketing, international marketing, the marketing of services, and marketing for not-for-profit organizations.
Marketing strategies are essential to the communication and sale of both products and services. They are applied across consumer and business markets, across domestic and global boundaries, and across traditional and electronic business environments. Key concepts focus on identifying customer needs and wants, developing products and/or services to satisfy these needs and wants, establishing channels and communications to move products and services through intermediaries to end users, and monitoring transactions and customer responses to guide future activities.
Students should choose from one of the following two plans for taking required marketing courses. Students with a marketing emphasis must take 18 hours of marketing courses beyond BCOR 2400. These students should select Plan A. Plan B is intended for those students wishing to take marketing courses as part of their business electives.
Students pursuing a marketing emphasis (Plan A) will need three semesters to complete the required course work (beyond BCOR 2400).
For students with marketing as their area of emphasis
Required Courses and Semester Credit Hours
At least two of the following three courses must be taken as prerequisite to MKTG 4850. The remaining course (if not taken as a prerequisite) must be taken as a corerequisite to MKTG 4850.
Plan B
The following marketing courses are offered as business elective only:
Required Courses and Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisite courses for marketing 4000 level courses:
The entrepreneurship and small business management area of application reflects that practically all new job creation in the United States is produced by new ventures and small- to medium-sized emerging growth businesses. In addition, Boulder and the Leeds School of Business are highly recognized for a unique entrepreneurship climate. This application area provides the knowledge, understanding, and skills to create, organize, and manage new ventures or small- to medium-sized and emerging growth businesses as independent entities, or within corporate structures.
Students examine theory and research, but the fundamental thrust of this application area is to experience entrepreneurial cultures through professional experiences such as field projects, meeting entrepreneurs in the classroom, internships, writing feasibility and business plans, and developing other practical skills.
After completing the required lower-division core courses, students may begin the study of entrepreneurial environments in their junior year. Entrepreneurial finance, business plan preparation, and an internship may be taken in the junior and/or senior year.
Students who complete the three required entrepreneurship courses with a 3.000 GPA or better, and who complete an approved 60-hour internship, will qualify to sit for the entrepreneurship honors oral exam. Those who pass the exam will be awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Entrepreneurial Studies.
Required Courses and Semester Credit Hours
NOTE: Students seeking internships should have completed ESBM 3700 by the end of their junior year.
The globalization of the marketplace has created a need for managers who can function effectively in the international business environment. Despite this movement toward globalization, there remains significant environmental differences (cultural, economic, and political) between countries and/or regions. Managers in an international business must be sensitive to these differences and also must adopt the appropriate policies and strategies for dealing with them.
To address these issues, the Leeds School of Business offers an area of application in international business. In addition to this area of application, students can complete additional requirements that result in an international business certificate. The area of application and certificate program build on the student’s understanding of the functional areas of business and provide her or him with an appreciation of the international environment and a framework for developing policies and strategies appropriate for this environment.
Required Courses and Semester Credit Hours
In addition, the certificate program requires completion of the following:
Finally, it is recommended that students in the international business area of application or the certificate program consider additional electives from the following courses:
The real estate area of application is designed to provide students with exposure to the concepts, tools, and techniques necessary for entry-level positions. A career in real estate provides an opportunity for individuals to operate as entrepreneurs whether they are brokers, appraisers, developers, property managers, consultants, or investors. An integrated process is followed in the three application area courses to prepare students for real estate careers.
Area of Application
Required Courses and Semester Credit Hours
The real estate certificate program allows students to broaden their knowledge and understanding of real estate through a multidisciplinary focus, whereby courses are taken outside of the Leeds School of Business. For this program, students must complete the courses listed above (REAL 3000, 4000, and 4100), 9 credits of nonbusiness electives listed below, and an academic internship. See the Real Estate center for a list of the approved electives and internships.
Certificate
Required Courses Semester Hours
The Leeds School of Business also offers a unique program that allows undergraduates the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree simultaneously. The joint program graduates students with a bachelor’s degree from the Leeds School of Business and a master’s degree from the College of Engineering in telecommunications. For more information, see itp.colorado.edu.
The Leeds School of Business offers programs leading to the master of business administration (MBA), master of science (MS) emphasis in accounting, and doctor of philosophy in business administration (PhD) degrees. The Leeds School also offers a part-time MBA program called the Evening MBA that leads to the same degree as the full-time MBA program. Dual degree options available in the MBA program include juris doctor/master of business administration (JD/MBA), master of business administration/master of arts (MBA/MA) in fine arts, master of business administration/master of arts (MBA/MA) in anthropology, master of business administration/master of arts (MBA/MA) in Germanic and Slavic Languages, master of business administration/master of arts (MBA/MA) in theatre and dance, master of business administration/master of science (MBA/MS) in environmental studies, master of business administration/master of science (MBA/MS) in computer science, master of business administration/master of science (MBA/MS TLEN) in telecommunications. The Leeds School of Business, in conjunction with the Peace Corps, also offers a Master’s International (MBA-MI). Dual degree options are not available in the Evening MBA program.
These programs are open to qualified individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or a recognized international university, without regard to their undergraduate major. The Leeds School of Business also offers a concurrent BS/MS program in accounting that awards the bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously.
There are two paths to the master of science in business administration (MS) degree with an emphasis in accounting or taxation. The first is the concurrent bachelor’s and master’s degree program. In this program, both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees are awarded following the completion of 150 specified hours of course credit. An academic internship is a highly recommended option within this requirement. The program is designed for students pursuing the 150-hour educational background requirement for CPAs (required by most states) and is a carefully integrated and challenging program of study. Upon completion of 90 credit hours, undergraduate students in the Leeds School of Business may apply to the program and begin taking graduate courses and an internship during their senior year. This program provides an excellent foundation for careers in professional accounting.
The second path is an independent “stand alone” master’s degree program. Students with undergraduate degrees other than accounting or business may also be admitted to the program, but may have to fulfill deficiency requirements in addition to the regular program requirements.
Students in both programs choose an area of study that focuses on financial accounting or taxation.
Note that stand alone MS students are required to complete all degree requirements within four years. Graduate students are not given preferential enrollment in undergraduate courses needed for the deficiency requirements.
Minimum Requirements. Accounting and taxation students must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate-level work. The newly accepted student should consult with the faculty advisor for the program to develop an individualized degree plan. No thesis is required.
Students in the Master of Science in Business Administration programs are governed by the rules of the Graduate School.
The expanding role and increased breadth of knowledge expected of accountants make graduate study in accounting highly desirable. Courses offered for the accounting area of emphasis prepare students for high-level, professional careers in the field. The graduate programs in accounting are designed to provide a broad understanding of accounting issues as well as to enhance an undergraduate degree in accounting. They also provide the opportunity to develop knowledge in a related minor area, such as economics, finance, information systems, management, marketing, taxation, or telecommunications. Note that these supporting fields may require some undergraduate level course work beyond core requirements.
The master of science in business administration that emphasizes taxation integrates accounting and law school courses. Some of the tax and law courses are strictly tax-related while others include related legal aspects of a particular subject area. The combination of courses is designed to give exposure to taxation from the accounting and law faculty perspectives.
The purpose of this program is to prepare students for professional careers as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) specialized in taxation. Therefore, the student will:
The breadth of training that master of business administration graduates receive prepares them to become high-level managers or lead in a challenging and evolving business environment.
The MBA program is rigorous and comprehensive, and demands student commitment. The curriculum develops a set of broad-based, integrative skills. Core courses provide a solid foundation in both business management and analytical disciplines, a foundation that fosters continued career growth. In addition to core courses stressing key functional areas of business, students can choose electives specific to a chosen area of concentration.
The case study method and student field projects are used broadly throughout all courses, and common areas of study such as ethics, technology, communications, and international issues are integrated throughout much of the curriculum. Students learn about management theory and its practical applications in “real-world” situations. Lectures, seminars, team teaching, team projects, and guest lectures are various approaches taken by the faculty to generate new ideas and encourage student input.
For all MBA programs, the admissions committee reviews the applicant’s complete application, with consideration given to the following:
In addition, a nonrefundable application fee is required of all applicants. See the specific MBA application for more information. The online application is on the MBA program website at leeds.colorado.edu.
The mailing address for additional materials is Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder, 419 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0419, or call 303-492-8397.
The Leeds School of Business encourages qualified individuals to apply regardless of gender, race, religion, national origin, age, physical limitation, or sexual orientation.
For current, detailed information regarding the MBA program, contact the Leeds School of Business.
Advising. During the first semester of study, to ascertain degree requirements, MBA students should check in with the student services manager for the MBA program.
Minimum Hours Required. Students entering the MBA program take a prescribed sequence of classes before beginning elective courses. A minimum of 55 credit hours is needed to graduate. Students entering the MBA program are expected to complete the degree in two years. Transferred course work is not accepted into the MBA program.
Core Course Waiver. Students may not waive core courses.
Courses Taken Outside the Leeds School of Business (limits). MBA students may enroll in up to 12 hours of elective course work outside the Leeds School of Business with approval from the MBA Programs office, provided the remaining 18 hours of electives are taken within the MBA program. Course work taken outside the Leeds School of Business must be at the graduate program level. Students may not take courses outside the University of Colorado Boulder and count them toward the degree. Students should contact individual departments for course listings and registration requirements for nonbusiness courses.
Grades and Quality of Work. All courses applied toward the 55 credit hours must be taken for a grade. Courses in which a C- or below is received are not accepted for credit toward the 55 credit hours and may have to be retaken. In this case, both grades are factored into the GPA. To withdraw from an elective course and receive a grade of W, a student must be earning a passing grade in that course. Students normally are not permitted to withdraw from courses after the sixth week of the semester. Students in the MBA program may not withdraw from specified, lock-step course work. An I is an incomplete grade. Use of the I is at the discretion of the course instructor and/or the dean. Students must ask for an incomplete grade. An I is given only when students, for reasons beyond their control, have been unable to complete course requirements. A substantial amount of work must have been satisfactorily completed before approval for such a grade is given.
Calculating GPAs. For the purpose of calculating GPAs for MBA student rankings and probation, only course work taken within the business school is counted.
Withdrawal. Students who choose to leave the program must formally withdraw. Failure to do so will result in assessment of full tuition and fees. Students who withdraw must reapply to the program if they wish to continue their studies. Applicants who reapply are evaluated with current applicants to the program. Students who are granted re-admission must complete the requirements of the current program. Course work taken more than five years earlier must be validated by examination in order to count toward the degree and may be considered elective credit.
Probation. A student whose cumulative GPA falls between a 2.500 and 3.000 is placed on academic probation. The student is allowed to remain on probation for one semester as long as reasonable progress is made to improve the GPA. The MBA director for academic programs determines whether reasonable progress is being made and whether the student can graduate with a 3.000 in the stated time limit.
Suspension. A student whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.500 at any time is automatically suspended from the program. A suspended student is eligible to petition for readmission after one year.
The Leeds School of Business, in conjunction with the Peace Corps, offers a program resulting in a master of business administration (MBA) combined with Peace Corps service. Students spend the first year at Leeds developing a base level of core business skills, followed by two years of volunteer service with the Peace Corps. MI-MBA students will then return to Leeds to complete the remaining MBA degree requirements.
A PhD degree recognizes scholarly achievement and is the highest academic honor that CU-Boulder bestows. The PhD in business administration prepares scholars to be preeminent in their field of expertise. The program focuses on developing the necessary skills for the design and execution of original, innovative research and for the dissemination of knowledge through teaching and writing.
Requirements for Admission. To preserve the individualized character of the PhD program and its quality, the number of students is limited and the application process is very competitive. Students are admitted for study in a specific area for doctoral work. The Leeds School of Business currently offers the following areas of study: accounting; finance; marketing; information management; operations management; and strategic, organizational, and entrepreneurial studies.
For more information on the application requirements and process, write Leeds School of Business, PhD Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 419 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0419; call 303-492-4984; or visit leeds.colorado.edu/phd.
Background, Prerequisites, and Deficiencies. Each student must have a background in mathematics at or beyond calculus. Based on experience, background, and at the discretion of the academic advisor and/or division chair and/or the doctoral program director, additional prerequisites may be required of the PhD student.
Requirements for the Degree. Most curriculum and program requirements are decided by the division. Consult the PhD program advisor of the appropriate division for information regarding course selection, graduate teaching program certification, research internships, and other division requirements. Students must complete all Graduate School, Leeds School of Business, and division requirements to be conferred the PhD in business administration.
The newly accepted PhD student should consult with the division chair and/or academic advisor to develop an individualized degree plan. Students are required to become proficient in their primary area of study. In addition, all students are required to complete course work in a field outside their division. These “second fields” are governed by the departments offering the course work but typically require 6 to 12 credit hours. The second field may also require an additional preliminary or comprehensive exam.
Course Work. All doctoral students are required to complete at least 30 hours of course work and 30 hours of dissertation credit at CU-Boulder. Additional course work may be required as determined by the academic advisor. To comply with this 30-hour requirement, a course must have been taught by a member of the university’s graduate faculty, must be at the 5000 level or above, and the student must achieve a grade of B- or better.
Courses must be approved by the student’s academic advisor before registration. Most students are required to complete 7000- and 8000-level doctoral seminars.
For full-time status, the Leeds School of Business requires successful completion of 5 credit hours of course work each semester. During and after comprehensive exams, full-time status requires completion of a minimum of 5 dissertation hours each semester.
Transfer of Credit. A maximum of 9 semester hours of courses taken at other schools (this includes other University of Colorado campuses) or taken as a special student at the university may be transferred into the doctoral program. Course work must be recent and of doctoral-level quality. A doctoral student must establish a satisfactory record of residence in the doctoral program before the course work is eligible for transfer. The transfer of credit must be approved by the division, the doctoral program director, and the Graduate School. There is no guarantee any course work will be accepted for transfer.
Residency. The Leeds School of Business adheres to the Graduate School rules regarding residency. All students in the doctoral program are expected to be full-time students on the Boulder campus (at least during residency and prior to completing the comprehensive examinations). Doctoral students are expected to be available to participate in colloquia and other informal academic discussions. Full-time employment outside the university is prohibited during the residency period. Any off-campus status must be approved by the division and the doctoral program director.
Time Limit. Doctoral students have six years from the commencement of course work to complete all requirements of the degree, but most students complete their program within five years.
Comprehensive Examination. Before admission to candidacy, a doctoral student must pass a comprehensive examination in the field of concentration. The examination may be oral, written, or both, and will test the student’s mastery of a broad field of knowledge, not merely the formal course work completed. Each division will determine the required content, length, and standards of evaluation for the exam. Check with the division as to the specific requirements for the comprehensive exam.
Admission to Candidacy. Students are admitted to candidacy according to Graduate School procedures and requirements. Students shall complete all course work and any other requirements listed on their degree plans, earn at least four semesters of residence, and successfully pass the comprehensive exams before admission to candidacy is approved by the Graduate School. In addition, requirements related to academic quality of work, graduate-level course work, the minimum number of course hours, and graduate faculty membership must be met before admission to candidacy is approved.
Dissertation. A dissertation based upon original investigation showing mature scholarship and critical judgment, as well as competence with research tools and methods, must be written on a subject approved by the candidate’s dissertation committee. To be acceptable, the dissertation must be a significant contribution to knowledge in the candidate’s primary field.
Final Examination (Defense). Upon recommendation of the candidate’s doctoral dissertation committee, a final oral examination shall be given. This examination covers both the dissertation and the primary field of study. The oral examination is open to the public.
Filing the Dissertation. The dissertation must comply in mechanical features with the University of Colorado Graduate School Thesis and Dissertation Specifications. The dissertation must be filed with the Graduate School by the posted deadline for the semester in which the degree is to be conferred.
The purpose of this dual-degree program is to allow students admitted to both the School of Law and the Leeds School of Business to obtain the juris doctor (JD) and the master of business administration (MBA) degrees in four (or fewer) years of full-time study. The program is designed to train students for careers in which business administration and law overlap.
Admission. To be eligible for the JD/MBA dual-degree program of the School of Law and the Leeds School of Business, a student must apply separately to and be admitted by each of the two schools under their respective admission procedures and standards.
Students may elect the dual-degree program at the time of initial application to both schools, or they may apply for the dual-degree program during their first year of study in the degree program of either school.
Course of Study. A student enrolled in the JD/MBA program may commence studies under the program in either the School of Law or the Leeds School of Business. Dual-degree students are strongly encouraged to begin their course of study at the School of Law. However, a student must take the first year of the JD curriculum as a unit exclusively in the School of Law. Likewise, a student must take the first year of the MBA curriculum as a unit exclusively in the Leeds School of Business. Students can then take additional courses necessary to meet the requirements of the degree programs of the two schools.
No student in the dual-degree program shall be allowed to take fewer than 9 semester hours or more than 16 semester hours during any term (excluding summer terms) without receiving the consent of the program advisor in each school in which courses are being taken.
Credit for Law Courses in the JD/MBA Program. The Leeds School of Business grants credit toward the MBA degree for up to 12 semester hours of acceptable performance in law courses taken by a JD/MBA student at the School of Law. Core courses required in the law school program cannot be counted toward the 12 hours. A student must earn at least a 77 grade in a law school course to be accepted for Leeds School of Business credit. For credit to be granted, the law school courses must be approved before enrollment by an MBA advisor. Only courses taken after admission into the MBA program are credited toward the degree.
Grading in the Dual-Degree Program. Leeds School of Business credit for courses completed in the School of Law as part of the joint degree program is recorded on a pass/fail basis and is not included in the required MBA 3.00 cumulative average.
The Leeds School of Business, in conjunction with the College of Engineering and Applied Science, offers a dual-degree program resulting in a master of business administration (MBA) and master of science in telecommunications (MS/TLEN). The dual-degree program combines broad-based business management study with an in-depth understanding of telecommunications technology. This program prepares students to be competent, effective managers in the telecommunications industry.
Admission. An individual must apply separately and be admitted to both programs under each school’s or college’s admission procedures and standards. Applicants are encouraged to apply to the programs concurrently.
Course of Study. Students in the MBA/MS in telecommunications spend the first year of the dual-degree program exclusively in either the business school or the telecommunications program. In the second year, courses are taken exclusively in the other department. In the third year students will take both MBA and telecommunications elective courses to complete both master’s degrees.
Credit for Courses. Dual degree students are required to complete 43 hours of MBA course work and 36 hours of telecommunications course work. A minimum of 79 approved credits must be completed to earn both degrees.
The Leeds School of Business, in conjunction with the Department of Art and Art History, offers students the ability to earn an MBA and an MA in fine arts through a three-year dual-degree program. Students in the MBA/MA dual-degree program pursue careers in digital marketing, web design, e-commerce, gallery/museum administration, and private art consulting.
Admission. Applicants must apply to both programs and must meet the application requirements for each program separately. Students may apply simultaneously to both programs or may apply to the second program after starting the first master’s program, provided they do so during the first year of study.
Course of Study. Students in the MBA/MA in fine arts spend the first year of their dual-degree program exclusively in either the business school or the fine arts program. In the second year, courses are taken exclusively in the other department. The third year offers students the opportunity to take both MBA and fine arts elective courses.
Credit for Fine Arts Courses in the MBA/MA Fine Arts Program. Dual-degree students in studio arts are required to complete 43 hours of MBA course work and 45 hours of fine arts course work. Dual-degree students in art history are required to complete 43 hours of MBA course work and 30 hours of fine arts course work.
The Leeds School of Business, in conjunction with the Department of Theatre and Dance, offers students the ability to earn an MBA and an MA in theatre or dance through a three-year dual-degree program. Students in the MBA/MA dual-degree program pursue careers in a wide variety of fields and jobs in the world of the performing arts. Types of organizations include theatre companies, dance companies, opera companies, symphonies, arts councils, performing arts complexes, civic auditoriums, and arts presenters.
Admission. Applicants must apply to both programs and must meet the application requirements for each program separately. Students may apply simultaneously to both programs or may apply to the second program after starting the first master’s program, provided they do so during the first year of study.
Course of Study. Students in the MBA/MA in theatre and dance spend the first year of their dual-degree program exclusively in either the business school or the theatre/dance program. In the second year, courses are taken exclusively in the other department. The third year offers students the opportunity to take both MBA and theatre/dance elective courses.
Credit for Courses. Dual degree students are required to complete 43 hours of MBA course work and 24 hours of theatre/dance course work. A minimum of 67 approved credits must be completed to earn both degrees.
The MBA/MS in environmental studies enables students to earn an MBA and an MS in environmental studies over three or four years. Students in the MBA/MA program have career interests that combine corporate business and environmental protection, the management of renewal energy, water conservation, or environmental programs.
Admission. Applicants must apply to both programs and must meet the application requirements for each program separately. Students may apply simultaneously to both programs or may apply to the second program after starting the first master’s program, provided they do so during the first year of study.
Course of Study. Students in the MBA/MS in environmental studies spend the first year of the dual-degree program exclusively in either the business school or the environmental studies department. In the second year, courses are taken exclusively in the other department. The remaining year(s) students may take both MBA and environmental studies electives.
The MBA/MS in computer science enables students to earn an MBA and an MS in computer science over three or four years. Students in this MBA/MS program have career interests that combine corporate business and technology.
Admission. Applicants must apply to both programs and must meet the application requirements for each program separately. Students may apply simultaneously to both programs or may apply to the second program after starting the first master’s program, provided they do so during the first year of study.
Course of Study. Students in the MBA/MS in computer science spend the first year of the dual-degree program exclusively in either the business school or the computer science department. In the second year, courses are taken exclusively in the other department. The remaining year(s) students may take both MBA and computer science electives.
The MBA/MA in anthropology dual-degree program enables students to earn an MBA and an MA in anthropology simultaneously over three or four years depending on the student’s subdiscipline in anthropology. Students in this MBA/MA program pursue careers in managing the business aspects of archaeological projects, working in the growing field of corporate cultural anthropology, and ethnography or museum management.
Admission. Applicants must apply to both programs and must meet the application requirements for each program separately. Students may apply simultaneously to both programs or may apply to the second program after starting the first master’s program, provided they do so during the first year of study.
Course of Study. Students in the MBA/MA in anthropology spend the first year of their dual-degree program exclusively in either the business school or the department of anthropology. In the second year, courses are taken exclusively in the other department. The remaining year(s) offers students the opportunity to take both MBA and anthropology elective courses.
The MBA/MA in Germanic and Slavic languages dual-degree program enables students to earn an MBA and an MA in Germanic and Slavic languages simultaneously over three or four years. Students in this MBA/MA program pursue careers in international business.
Admission. Applicants must apply to both programs and must meet the application requirements for each program separately. Students may apply simultaneously to both programs or may apply to the second program after starting the first master’s program, provided they do so during the first year of study.
Course of Study. Students in the MBA/MA in Germanic and Slavic languages spend the first year of their dual-degree program exclusively in either the business school or the department of Germanic and Slavic languages. In the second year, courses are taken exclusively in the other department. The remaining year(s) offers students the opportunity to take both MBA and Germanic and Slavic languages elective courses.
CU-Boulder’s Leeds School of Business is one of the few undergraduate business schools in the nation that emphasizes socially responsible conduct in business throughout its curriculum. CESR helps undergraduate students become outstanding business leaders of tomorrow by preparing them to meet the ethical challenges posed by an increasingly competitive, globally-connected business world.
CESR offers the Certificate in Socially Responsible Enterprise (SRE) to business students to further develop students’ ability to meet these future challenges by crossing the boundaries of traditional functional areas of business and those that separate business from other academic disciplines. Students who complete the certificate will see and understand the social and environmental impacts of business and their ethical implications from a broader perspective. They will also graduate with practical knowledge and marketable experiences that will guide them in conducting business in an informed, responsible, and ethical manner. Requirements for entrance into the program are:
Required Courses and Semester Credit Hours
General Courses
It is recommended that students complete six hours (2 courses) in the areas of philosophy, environmental studies, political science, economics, communication, civil engineering, or sociology from the following list. Check prerequisites before enrolling.
Business-related Courses
Complete three of the following (all these courses qualify as business electives):
NOTE: These courses are in addition to BCOR 1010, 3010, the capstone course for the Area of Emphasis, as well as any other prerequisites. See course descriptions for prerequisite details.
Students must sign up for their experiential learning for the SRE Certificate. The SRE Certificate advisor has information on the opportunities listed below and on other ways to fulfill the practical experience requirement. Students may also want to contact Career Connections for information about internships that have been approved for the SRE Certificate. With advisor approval, students can undertake projects that are not included in the following examples of experiential learning:
Sign up for the experiential learning requirement with the SRE Certificate advisor (associate director of CESR). Complete experiential learning through one of the following:
Note: Completion of CESR 4005 Business Solutions for the Developing World will count toward the experiential learning requirement or toward the 9-course credit requirement, but not toward both. For course descriptions and program details, visit leeds.colorado.edu/CESR.
Upon completion, students will reflect on their learning and draft a short reflection paper and a statement of purpose, setting out the values that will guide their conduct and their careers. They will then be interviewed by the director or associate director of CESR. This final requirement is to remind students why they elected to pursue the certificate and how it will continue to have an impact on their lives after college. Students are encouraged to truly “live” the statement of purpose.
Advances in business knowledge and technology have radically changed business systems and processes—for example, how organizations buy and sell goods and services, integrate their supply chain and logistic systems, and reach or retain customers. As a result, critical to today’s businesses is the ability to get the right information to the right people at the right time, so that both strategic and operational decisions are made properly and quickly. To help students develop this ability, the Leeds School of Business offers the OPIM Certificate.
Students who are not in the OM or IM track in the Management and Entrepreneurship Division can take any three courses listed in the course description section below. Students majoring in the OM track can take any three IM track courses, while students majoring in the IM track can take any three OM track courses. To complete the OPIM certificate requirements, all students must also complete a faculty-supervised OPIM research project (MGMT 4900 Independent Study) or faculty-supervised OPIM internship (MGMT 4910 Academic Internship in Management).
In addition, students are required to maintain an overall GPA of 3.000 or higher for the selected courses and receive a letter grade of B- or higher in each of the three courses. Successful completion of the certificate program will appear on the student’s transcript.
The following illustrates some of the courses that students not majoring in IM or OM might want to take:
Accounting Students
Finance Students
Management (HR Track) Students
Marketing Students
The Quantitative Finance Track is one of two tracks that make up the Actuarial Studies and Quantitative Finance Certificate Program and is co-sponsored by the Leeds School of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences. The program is interdisciplinary and rigorous. The goal of the program is to augment the financial education provided by the Leeds School with a more extensive mathematical base.
The analytical demands of business are increasing rapidly and constantly. This program is designed to prepare students for the increased requirements of the most attractive financial analyst positions. In addition, the program provides a solid base for success in graduate studies.
Program requirements are extensive and challenging. Students must meet two separate GPA requirements. First, the overall GPA for all courses applied to certificate requirements must be at least 3.000. In addition, students must meet a requirement specifically for mathematics and statistics courses applied to certificate requirements. This requirement can be met one of two ways, either by achieving a GPA of 2.870 or greater in calculus courses or a GPA of 3.000 or greater in the six mathematics and statistics courses required for the certificate. Most students will begin study during the freshman year and continue throughout their undergraduate career. A brief summary of course requirements is presented below. For a complete list of requirements and further information regarding the quantitative finance track and the related actuarial studies track, see the Actuarial Studies Program website. The certificate program is also described in the College of Arts and Sciences section. Interested students should contact Jerry Madigan, Madigan@colorado.edu, Leeds School of Business.
Area of Study and Semester Credit Hours*
* Number of credit hours may vary according to the specific courses completed.