Columbus State University is accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business . Accreditation by AACSB, recognized as the premier accrediting agency of business schools, is the hallmark of excellence in management education.
The mission of the Turner College of Business and Computer Science is to prepare students to add value to their communities, and to local and regional firms, our students' primary employers.
As a teaching institution serving a highly diverse student population primarily from west central Georgia, the Turner College of Business and Computer Science is committed to:
The Turner College of Business and Computer Science is located in the Center for Commerce and Technology and also serves students through online courses, the River Park campus, West Point, and Ft. Benning.
The Turner College of Business and Computer Science offers the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and several Bachelor of Science programs through the TSYS School of Computer Science. In the BBA, the major areas of specialization are:
With a degree from the Turner College, many jobs are open to graduates. Through post-baccalaureate and graduate coursework, accounting students are able to sit for the CPA exams. Our graduates find jobs in public accounting, financial planning, corporate finance, banking operations, government administration, military contracting and the IRS. The region is home to Fortune 500 financial services firms. In 2007 in Georgia, there were over 65,000 jobs in accounting and finance with average annual salaries between $34,000-76,000. There were over 2 million accounting and finance jobs nationally.
Management, marketing and business administration (general business) were recently identified by CareerBuilder.com as among the most popular majors for college students. Additionally, their report indicates that US average starting salaries in these fields are in the $50,000 to $60,000 range. According to the US Department of Labor, employment growth in these fields is generally expected to be at or above average. Management Information System majors often go into careers in network and systems analysis, data communication and database administration. The November 2007 Monthly Labor Review identified the above-mentioned MIS jobs plus several jobs in Finance as among the fastest growing occupations in the United States. The salaries in both groups were categorized as either "very high" or "high".
Computer science and information technology graduates find jobs in a wide array of jobs including software engineering, application, game, and web programming, network administration and security, and database administration. According to the US Department of Labor, five of the top ten fastest growing occupations are in computer science and information technology. The salaries were categorized as either "very high" or "high". See the Turner College of Business and Computer Science website for more detailed information on careers in these areas.
BBA Student Learning Goals: All students receiving a BBA degree from the D. Abbott Turner College of Business and Computer Science should be prepared to demonstrate:
All students entering the Turner College of Business and Computer Science with the intention of declaring a business major will be classified as Pre-Business. Before being formally admitted into the Turner College in one of six disciplines (Accounting, Finance, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, or General Business), Pre-Business students must complete the following courses with a minimum 2.5 GPA and a “C” or higher in each course:
ENGL 1101 and 1102; Area A Math: MATH 1111 College Algebra, MATH 1113 Pre-Calculus, MATH 1125 Applied Calculus, or MATH 1131 Calculus w/Analytical Geometry; ACCT 2101 and 2102; ECON 2105 and 2106; MISM 2115; BUSA 2106.
Pre-Business majors will be advised through the college's Student Services Center or by select faculty. All incoming students, whether new freshmen or transfer students, will be classified as Pre-Business majors until the criteria for admission to the Turner College are met.
Non-business majors may take a limited number of business courses provided they have satisfied the specific course prerequisites. Non-business majors may obtain no more than 25% of their total degree hours in business courses.
Business students may take additional courses to achieve a minor concentration in a field outside of their major. For BBA majors, the "Area I" electives may be utilized to complete a minor in another business discipline. (For minors outside the Turner College, see the "Undergraduate Minors" section of this catalog.) Courses applied to a minor must be in addition to Area H major core course requirements. A grade of “C” or better is required for all courses applied to the business minor.
The following minors are currently available to business majors in the Turner College:
Other minors offered by the Turner College include:
The following courses satisfy the Area F business core for University System of Georgia transfer credit to other member institutions:
The Office of the Dean of the Turner College of Business and Computer Science determines the specific credit for work completed at other institutions that will apply toward the BBA. Transfer students should go to the COB Student Services Center to have credits evaluated to determine which credits will be accepted for the BBA. Allowance of transfer credit by the Office of the Registrar does not mean that all credit will be accepted toward a BBA degree. Transfer credit will be accepted from AACSB accredited schools and senior institutions in the Georgia BOR system. Any exceptions must be approved by the discipline coordinator and the appropriate department chair. The following courses will not be awarded transfer credit: BUSA 4185, MISM 4185, FINC 4185, MKTG 4185.
Students who wish to work towards a BBA degree and have previously earned a bachelor's degree in a non-business discipline or non-degree seeking students should contact the COB Student Services Center to determine individual requirements.
Internship opportunities may be available to business and computer science students who meet the prerequisites. Placement in internships is restricted and cannot include an individual's current employment assignment. Approval of the Department Chair and a substantial written proposal are required. An average of nine hours work per week is required. Credit for internships may be applied only as a business elective (Marketing, Management, Finance, MISM, and General Business students see the BUSA 4698 course description; Accounting students see the ACCT 4698 course description) or CPSC 4698.
In conjunction with the Mission Statement of Columbus State University, the TYSY School of Computer Science will serve the educational needs of students of the university in the area of computing and the specific educational needs of the businesses and industries in our community. Computing will continue to play a larger part in the educational experience of each student at Columbus State University, and the School of Computer Science is committed to playing a leadership role in this process. The school will also maintain programs for its majors that are current, viable, and applicable to the computing technologies and the technologies of the present and future. And because we serve the community in which we live, we will maintain contact with the computing entities of our region, and strive to provide the educational opportunities needed to keep those entities viable for the future.
The School of Computer Science is committed to:
The TSYS School of Computer Science offers a Bachelor of Science degree program with concentrations in Computer Systems, Game Programming or Applied Computer Science; a Minor in Computer Science; and a Bachelor of Science degree program in Information Technology; including an online Bachelor of Science degree through the Georgia WebBSIT consortium.
The BS in Computer Science - Systems Track provides the student with skills required to compete in today's computing environment and to be able to adapt to tomorrow. Much effort is expended ensuring that the program is viable and current, focusing on the newer technologies and emphasizing applications of current methods for the design and engineering of software systems.
The BS in Computer Science - Games Track provides students with a thorough understanding of the theory, design and programming techniques required for producing games software. This track equips students with the theoretical and practical knowledge for careers in the games and simulation industries. Topics covered include games theory, design and programming; graphics techniques including virtual environments; artificial intelligence techniques; multi-player and Internet games programming; and games specific software tools.
The BS in Computer Science - Applied Track provides student a rigorous education in computer science with particular attention and practice given to mainframe business applications and web programming. This program was initiated by a joint study agreement with the IBM Corporation, and was expanded by funding from the Intellectual Capital Partnership Program (ICAPP). It is particularly geared to the large system computing needs of the companies that dominate the local economy.
The B.S. Information Technology (BSIT) program provides students with a combination of knowledge, hands–on experience, and application of theory to support their employment in the field of Information Technology. The curriculum emphasizes quantitative and communication skills as well as providing a basic foundation in understanding the business process and the role of Information Technology in supporting that process. The (BSIT) is also available online.
Graduates in the BS in CS Systems Track program will:
Graduates in the BS in CS Games Track program will:
Graduates in the BS in CS Applied Track program will:
Graduates in the BS in Information Technology (BSIT) program will:
Satisfactory completion of university requirements and a minimum grade of "C" in each computer science course counted towards the major.
The Turner College offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), an online MBA through the Georgia WebMBA consortium, the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, and the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a general-purpose management degree that prepares individuals for administrative positions in business, industry, or government. The program accommodates students who have business and non-business baccalaureate degrees. The interdisciplinary curriculum provides the student with a broad understanding of management and its role in a global society. Emphasis is placed upon economics, human behavior, organizations, accounting, communication skills, operations, marketing, finance, management information systems, and their impacts on managerial decision making. The program focuses on the practical application of these tools, techniques, and concepts. Teamwork, the international context of business, and the ethical dimensions of managerial decisions are stressed throughout the program.
An applicant seeking admission to the MBA program must submit the following:
Students must demonstrate, through their undergraduate preparation, the following skill sets:
Applicants are required to have earned an overall grade point average of no less than 2.5 (on a 4-point scale) in their undergraduate studies for consideration for regular admission to the program.
Columbus State University's GMAT registration code is R64-XW-20.
Only scores from the GMAT or GRE taken within the past five years are accepted. A minimum score of 450 on the GMAT (or equivalent GRE) is required before an application will be considered for regular admission. Students must also meet one of the following guidelines for regular admission to the MBA program:
(Note: The grade point average used in this admissions formula is based on a 4-point scale.)
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit evidence of English language proficiency from the TOEFL exam.
MBA students are admitted to the program in either the regular or provisional classification. Regular students have satisfied all program admission requirements. Students who are not admitted to the regular classification may be admitted on a provisional basis. Applicants with a minimum GMAT score of 430 (or GRE equivalent) or other professional/graduate degrees may be considered for provisional admission. Only a limited number of provisional students will be admitted to the program and must show high promise of success in graduate studies. Provisional students must complete the first nine semester hours of graduate study earning a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to continue in the program.
The MBA is a professional degree with no language or thesis requirement; however, case studies, field studies, research projects, and formal papers are required in specific courses. The curriculum is segmented into two cores: the Prerequisite Core and the MBA Core. Individuals with a business baccalaureate degree normally can obtain the MBA by completing the MBA Core. A student not possessing a baccalaureate degree in business will be required to take the MBA Core plus any prerequisites listed in the Prerequisite Core that haven't been satisfied in the applicant's undergraduate program of study. Students enrolled in other graduate programs may be allowed to enroll in MBA courses, provided that they have met the prerequisites or their equivalents.
Prerequisite Core. These courses provide an adequate background for students who have earned non-business baccalaureate degrees. The Prerequisite Core may be completed by CLEP exams for select courses or completing select courses with a “C” or better.
Students in the MBA program are expected to have a working knowledge of computer skills and computer applications as well as math skills. Students having background deficiencies in these areas are expected to remove them by taking the appropriate undergraduate courses.
MBA Core. Required of all MBA students and designed to provide the student with the analytical techniques and managerial concepts to assume positions of administrative responsibility. These are exclusively graduate courses and are open only to MBA students.
Upon completion of the Prerequisite Core, full-time students are able to complete the program in one year (three semesters). Most graduate students will require at least five semesters to complete the MBA Core. The MBA program is a year-round program which includes summer term.
Transfer Credit. A maximum of six hours with a minimum grade of "B" in each course may be accepted for transfer. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Graduate Program Committee. Transfer credit will not be used in computing the student's grade point average.
Approval of an application for the MBA degree is contingent upon the successful completion of an approved program with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on all MBA courses. All courses used to remove background deficiencies must be completed satisfactorily with a grade of "C" or better. Applications for degree conferral must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar one semester prior to completion of degree requirements. Students have a maximum of six years from the first term of enrollment to complete all MBA degree requirements.
The Turner College, through the Georgia WebMBA consortium, offers students an opportunity to earn an online, accelerated, AACSB-accredited degree. Our online program provides the same excellent quality and service as our regular program offered on campus. Consisting of ten courses taken two per semester, and no electives, the online program can be completed within five consecutive terms. Up to six credit hours of graduate transfer credit can be approved, provided the courses (1) were taken at a school accredited by AACSB, International, and (2) match specific courses in the college's WebMBA curriculum.
The Master of Science in Organizational Leadership is a professional degree with no language or thesis requirement. The curriculum consists of a 15 semester hour leadership core with the choice of two concentrations: Servant Leadership and Human Resource Management.
All graduates in the MS in Organizational Leadership program will be able to:
In addition, graduates in the Servant Leadership concentration will be able to:
In addition, graduates in the Human Resource Management concentration will be able to:
Admission
An applicant seeking admission to the MSOL program must submit the following:
Columbus State University's GMAT registration code is R64-XW-20.
Only scores from the GMAT or GRE taken within the past five years are accepted. Students must meet one of the following guidelines for regular admission to the MBA program:
(Note: The grade point average used in this admissions formula is based on a 4-point scale.)
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit evidence of English language proficiency from the TOEFL exam.
MSOL students are admitted to the program in either the regular or provisional classification. Regular students have satisfied all program admission requirements. Students who are not admitted to the regular classification may be admitted on a provisional basis. Applicants who come close to meeting the formula listed above, or have other professional/graduate degrees may be considered for provisional admission. Only a limited number of provisional students will be admitted to the program and must show high promise of success in graduate studies. Provisional students must complete the first nine semester hours of graduate study earning a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to continue in the program.
The TSYS School of Computer Science offers the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science, with three concentrations: Software Development, Information Assurance, and Modeling & Simulation.. To allow students with different backgrounds to benefit from and be successful in the program, students may also design a program of study without a concentration.
All graduates in the MS in Applied CS program will be able to apply techniques and technologies from at least four of the following areas:
In addition graduates in the Information Assurance concentration will:
In addition graduates in the Software Development concentration will:
In addition, graduates in the Modeling & Simulation concentration will:
Requirements for all applicants for admission into the program for the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science include the following:
Students may be admitted to the program unconditionally or conditionally (provisionally).
Additional requirements for unconditional admission into the MS program include:
AND
Students admitted conditionally to the program must show proficiency in Fundamentals of Computer Programming and Data Structures (CPSC 6106) and Fundamental Principles of Computer Science (CPSC 6105) before being allowed to take any 6*** course for graduate credit in Computer Science. Students who have not taken these courses, either at Columbus State University or at another accredited college or university may "test out" of the courses.
Students admitted conditionally to the program are required to take and obtain the minimum combined score described above on the Graduate Record Examination within the first semester of initial enrollment at Columbus State University.
The TSYS School of Computer Science offers the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science, with courses available both on campus and on-line. Although there is only a single degree track, it is the intent of the school that a student be able to attain the degree either by taking only on-campus courses, or by taking only on-line courses, or by taking a combination of the two types of courses, as best fits the student's schedule and travel requirements. Each graduate course in Computer Science will be scheduled for on-campus or on-line offering as the student demand requires.
Students who wish to take graduate courses on-line must meet all of the requirements stated above and, in addition, be aware of the following requirements specific to the process of taking courses via distance education.
Visit the MS in Applied Computer Science Online Support site, accessible through http://cs.columbusstate.edu. This site has a lot of general information useful to online students. It includes an FAQ page addressing common questions like logging in, technical support, taking course exams, managing your account, contact links, software, hardware, etc.
All applicants must submit to the Chair of the School of Computer Science
Applicants with significant industrial experience are invited, but not required, to include a resume to demonstrate practical experience in software development.
Approval of an application for the Master of Science degree in Applied Computer Science is contingent upon the successful completion of an approved program and recommendation for the degree by the Turner College of Business and Computer Science. Applications for degree conferral must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than the semester prior to completion of degree requirements.
The following requirements must be met for the completion of the degree program:
Using different but complementary direct measures of student performance in the Turner College of Business and Computer Science provides a robust set of performance data. Reviewed by individual faculty, discipline groups, the College's Assurance of Learning Committee, and administrators, results of these measures are used to make program improvements. In addition to course grades, direct measures of student performance include ETS Major Fields Tests in both Business and Computer Science as well as course-embedded measures such as exams, papers, and presentations that are modified to reveal performance data in ways that course grades might not.
