Business to the Core

BBA requirements are changing to meet the demands of business. Learn how the new core curriculum will shape the future for Rawls students and their paths to success.

The Future of Business Education

The business world is evolving rapidly, and so is the Rawls College of Business Core Curriculum. Through extensive collaboration with faculty, industry experts, and students, we have redesigned our curriculum to ensure that our graduates are well-equipped to succeed in an AI-influenced, data-driven business environment.

These curriculum changes affect all or most students, ensuring you graduate with the skills needed for the modern business world. Meet with your Academic Advisor to understand how these updates impact your degree plan and future career.

Schedule an Appointment

How Were These Changes Developed?

The Curriculum Review Process involved:

Input from faculty, staff, and industry leaders
Alignment with industry demands and future job market trends
Collaboration across departments for an interdisciplinary approach
Incorporation of student feedback to ensure relevance and engagement

These changes are not just updates, they are a transformation aimed at preparing students for the modern business world.

Rawls Foundations

Adapting to a Changing Business Landscape

The business world is evolving at an unprecedented pace due to advancements in technology, globalization, and data analytics.

To prepare students for the challenges ahead, the Rawls Foundations Curriculum was developed, focusing on four core competencies:

Business Minded
Human Centric
Data Driven
Tech Savvy

Future-Proofing Our Graduates

Our mission is to ensure that every graduate is prepared for the future of business by integrating:

Industry engagement opportunities
Practical learning experiences
Innovative curriculum updates
A focus on business ethics and global perspectives

What's Changing?

Course Redesigns & New Signature Experiences

All core courses have been reviewed or redesigned to align with Rawls Foundations Competencies.

ISQS 2377 is a new course designed to strengthen analytical skills for business decisions.

Formerly "Business Communication," this course now focuses on real-world business communication in partnership with the College of Media & Communication.

A strategic shift from basic tech tools to understanding AI, Machine Learning, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, and Data Visualization in business.

All students now will take SCM 3353 (Supply Chain and Operations Management) instead of ISQS 3344 "Operations Management," this course now emphasizes modern supply chain strategies together with Operation management.

Ethics is now fully integrated into all courses and particularly in BLAW 3391.

Excel training has been moved to the first year to equip students with essential analytical skills early on.

Rawls Business Core Impact Experiences

To enhance experiential learning, Rawls College is launching Business Core Impact Experiences designed to provide hands-on business skills. These include:

Ignite

First Year Experience
(Introduced in BA 1301)

Spark your business passion with the roadmap to Rawls Success

Inspire

Sales Experience
(Embedded in MCOM 2310)

Develop influence skills in real-world business problems

Connect

Mentoring Experience
(Key component of MGT 3370)

Build meaningful relationships and networks through mentorship

Expand

Global Experience
(Embedded in MKT 3350)

Broaden your horizons in a global marketplace

Industry-Engaged Practical Learning (IEPLR)

Students entering Rawls in 2025 will be required to complete an Industry-Engaged Practical Learning (IEPLR) such as an industry-related project, internship, or applied experience before graduation. These hands-on experiences are key in today's fast-paced business world. At Rawls, we prioritize practical learning to shape adaptable, forward-thinking business leaders.

Enhance practical skills development
Foster problem solving in unstructured contexts
Encourage transfer skills development

Promote industry connection and networks
Facilitate career readiness and enhance employability

Answers to Common Questions

These hands-on, real-world learning experiences are embedded in core courses helping students understand how marketing works across different cultures and economies.

First Year Experience (FYE) – Introduced in BA 1301: Foundations of Business, this experience involves first-year students in a culture of connection through alumni engagement, peer support, industry awareness, as well as professionalism and career development.
Sales Experience – Integrated into MCOM 2310: Business and Professional Communication, this experience introduces students to foundational sales techniques, persuasion, and negotiation, helping them develop essential communication skills for any business career.
Mentoring Experience – A key part of MGT 3370: Managing People and Organizations, this program pairs students with Rawls Alumni mentors, offering career guidance, leadership insights, and networking opportunities.
Global Experience – Offered in MKT 3350: Marketing for a Global Marketplace, this experience provides exposure to international business strategies.

Starting in Fall 2025, students must complete industry-related projects, internships, or applied experiences to ensure they gain practical business knowledge and career readiness before graduation.

Many core courses have been redesigned or renamed:

Business Communication → Applied Workplace Communication
Operations Management → Supply Chain and Operations Management
New Course: Decision-Making in Business
Business Law now includes Ethics
Information Technology for Business now focuses on AI, ML, and Cybersecurity

The new curriculum applies to students entering Fall 2025 and later. Current students will follow the existing degree plan but may have opportunities to take redesigned courses, in this case. In most cases ISQS 3344 can be replaced with the redesigned SCM 3353. Please contact your advisor to learn how these changes apply to you.

This new requirement applies to students entering Fall 2025 and later. Current students will have the option to take an IEPLR but is not mandatory.

You can schedule an appointment with the Rawls Student Experience Hub or email Adrienne Carnes for assistance.