Southern Christian University Academic Catalog

Amridge University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; Telephone number 404.679.4501) to award Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

Amridge University is authorized by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education to operate a private school pursuant to the Alabama Private School License Law.

Amridge University is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility.

Amridge University’s Turner School of Theology is an Associate Member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada.

Amridge University is authorized by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education to operate a private school pursuant to the laws of the State of Arizona.

Amridge University is authorized by the Idaho Higher Education Commission. This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility.

Amridge University is authorized by the Utah Higher Education Commission. This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility.

Amridge University is a 501(c) (3), non-profit corporation as determined by the United States Department of Treasury and incorporated in the State of Alabama.

Amridge University is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Amridge University is a private Christian university open to any qualified student. In a manner consistent with all applicable laws and regulations including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 or other federal, state or local laws, or executive orders, Amridge University does not discriminate in admission, employment or administration of its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap except where necessitated by specific religious tenets held by the institution.

In addition, in compliance with federal, state, or local laws, or executive orders, Amridge University does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs on the basis of religion, creed, ancestry, belief, age, or veteran status except where necessitated by specific religious tenets held by the institution. The University does maintain its religious freedom and rights. Inquiries concerning application of these statements should be directed to: Dr. Rex A. Turner, Jr, President, Amridge University, 1200 Taylor Road, Montgomery, AL 36117-3553.

Section 6: The College of Business and Leadership

This section includes important information on the programs, courses, and degrees offered through the Amridge University College of Business and Leadership. Exceptions may be noted in the respective sections for specific programs and services specified elsewhere in this publication, noted in later editions of this publication, and/or published addenda (paper- and web-based) [Version 1.3, Effective 9.23.2008].

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP

In his landmark book, Technofutures: How Leading-Edge Innovations Will Transform Business in the 21^st Century, Dr. James Canton wrote about how successful business leaders must be a futurist. Specifically, Dr. Canton wrote, “The entire idea of being a leader is shifting, given the rapid changes in technology, markets, and society. The need for leaders to develop a futurist perspective, to be able to be more aware of the business-critical trends that will shape tomorrow, is now essential. Every day, presidents of companies are losing their jobs for not moving forward fast enough. Companies are losing market share for not understanding change. Customers are hungry to exchange their loyalty – not for name brand or tradition – but for innovation.”[i]

The Amridge University administration and faculty of the Amridge University College of Business and Leadership understand the need for the business and business leadership skills needed to succeed in the new businesses of the 21^st Century. Through this understanding, the Amridge University College of Business and Leadership offers three undergraduate programs of study that prepare our graduates with the business and business-related technology skills to successfully compete in today’s business environment using leading-edge technologies in the most innovative ways. Likewise, the College offers two graduate-level leadership programs that provide our graduates with a broad range of leadership and business skills that are critical to effectively guide today’s businesses through the rapidly changing marketplace – in an innovative manner.

Thank you for choosing the Amridge University College of Business and Leadership as your ticket to the future.

Best regards,

Ervin Jackson, Ph.D.

Interim Dean, Amridge University College of Business and Leadership

PURPOSE OF THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP

The purpose of the College of Business and Leadership is to provide instruction and training on the undergraduate and graduate levels as well as prepare students for careers and professions that provide support and services for the well-being of individuals, family, or society. Within this purpose, the College of Business and Leadership provides bachelor-level degree programs that include the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a General Business Concentration, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an Information Communication Concentration, and the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an Information Systems Management Concentration as well as graduate-level degree programs that include the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and the Master of Arts in Organizational and Behavioral Leadership. All of these programs are designed within the mission of the University for preparing men and women, through a commitment to academic excellence and spiritual vitality, so that they can serve in their chosen vocations in the church, community, or society. Also, the programs in the College of Business and Leadership provide a foundation that prepares undergraduate students for graduate study and graduate students for advanced study.

Additionally, the University provides a program of continuing education, through the Amridge University School of Continuing Education, for those who are not pursuing degrees.

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATIONAL GOALS OF THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP

To provide educational opportunity to students at the undergraduate level through a carefully planned and implemented program of study.

1. To provide scheduled and effectively utilized distance learning technologies to foster the ability for students to learn anytime and anywhere.

2. To provide foundation programs of study to undergraduate students that complement the University’s graduate programs and encourage students to further their studies for careers and professions to serve in the church, community, and/or society.

3. To recruit, retain, and promote professional development of qualified faculty, staff, and administrators.

4. To develop and maintain periodic internal evaluation to ensure that all programs are operating within a manner consistent with the mission of Amridge University.

5. To provide students with instruction on the use of the latest technologies used in the fields associated with their respective program of study.

6. To provide and maintain learning resources and an environment conducive for student learning, scholarly research, and quality teaching in the 21^st Century.

GRADUATE EDUCATIONAL GOALS OF THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP

To provide educational opportunity to students in leadership programs at the graduate level through a carefully planned and implemented program of study.

1. Each student will acquire a basic core of knowledge of leadership, related disciplines, and practical methods as a foundation for a productive professional life.

2. Each student will develop intellectual capacities for critical thinking and problem solving, for analyzing and utilizing information, and for reasoning ethically and morally in decision-making.

3. Each student will develop skills for research, human relations, leadership, and oral and written communication appropriate to that student’s profession.

4. Through gaining essential knowledge, developing proper attitudes, and acquiring important skills, each student will be prepared for more advanced studies, for employment in a chosen profession, and/or for life-long learning.

5. To provide students with instruction on the use of the latest technologies used in the fields associated with their respective program of study.

6. Through developing proper attitudes and values and through acquiring skills in communication and human relations, each student will be prepared to function responsibly and effectively in the familial, social, and civic arenas of life.

DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS OF STUDY

The business-related bachelor degrees were created to give students the tools to operate successfully in the community, business, and home. The specific programs of study include the following:

Bachelor of Science: Business Administration – General Business

The focus of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a General Business Concentration will be on foundations of business operations providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to help organizations be successful in today’s globally competitive environment. With knowledge gained from an integrated general education and business core program coupled with the business concentration courses, graduates will especially be prepared in the essential areas of economics, accounting, management, organizational communications, and marketing. With this preparation, graduates will be equipped with the knowledge to analyze and synthesize company data and other data elements in support of business operations critical to the success of the respective organization, business, or corporation. Graduates will especially be prepared to assume entry-level positions in the areas of business operations, management, customer service, purchasing, costs estimation, finances, and marketing as well as the positions of adjusters, public relations specialists, buyers, compensation, and benefits specialists, and other similar positions.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with the General Business Concentration, the graduate will have:

1. Gained basic knowledge of business principles required for entry level jobs in the business and non-profit organizations such as churches;

2. Acquired skills and knowledge in general education areas that are foundation to life skills and further education;

3. Developed a basic understanding of business principles and process in accounting, project management, economics, marketing, and management to effectively work and contribute positively to the respective company or organization; and

4. Developed basic teaming, collaboration, and leadership skills and learn how to apply these skills in the workplace for improvement and effective operations at the individual, workgroup, corporate, and organizational levels.

These outcomes are assessed in the following course. A student may demonstrate achievement of these outcomes by receiving a passing grade in the course and on the comprehensive exam administered in the following capstone course:

BS4452 – ePortfolio in General Business Management

Bachelor of Science: Business Administration – Information Communication

The focus of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an Information Communication Concentration program is on information communication and interaction. Students successfully completing this program will be able to enter business careers in areas where people and information come together to help provide their respective company or organization with a grounded competitive advantage. With knowledge gained from an integrated general education and business core program coupled with the human communication information concentration courses, graduates will especially be prepared in the essential areas of communications; effective communication via the web and email; other technology enhanced communication systems; the analysis and organization of information; and project collaboration locally and via distance using leading-edge technologies. Graduates of this program will be prepared to enter the workforce at entry levels in a broad spectrum of business–based positions or areas including technical communications specialists, technical writers, editors, public relations, marketing, web content specialists, customer relations management (CRM), information management, and other management and human interaction areas where effective communication is critical to the success of the respective organization, business, or corporation.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with the Information Communication Concentration, the graduate will have:

1. Gained basic knowledge of business principles required for entry level jobs in the business and non-profit organizations such as churches;

2. Acquired skills and knowledge in general education areas that are foundation to life skills and further education;

3. Developed a basic understanding of communication between individuals, within organizations, and with customers or clients using a multitude of communications processes, systems, and leading-edge technologies to effectively work and contribute positively to the respective company or organization; and

BS4453 – ePortfolio in Information Communication

Bachelor of Science: Business Administration – Information Systems Management

The focus of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an Information Systems Management Concentration will be on the use of technology in the workplace that will range from working with computer workstations, networks, intranets, the Internet, and training employees how to use these systems for the establishment of web servers and maintenance and security of Internet and Intranet systems. With knowledge gained from an integrated general education and business core program coupled with the business information services concentration courses, graduates will especially be prepared in the essential areas of information systems security, network systems, data communications systems, wireless technologies, voice–over-IP systems, training and development in information services, web design, applications management, and collaboration technologies in areas where business information services is critical to the success of the respective organization, business, or corporation. Graduates will especially be prepared to assume positions in information technology, technical support and training, data communications specialists or analysts, management of information technology systems and services, database specialists, and internal and external customer service technology operations positions.

Upon complet