Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 General Catalog 
    
2022-2023 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Program/Degree Changes and Updates


The following is a list of program/degree corrections appended to this catalog:

(alpha order by program/degree)


Business Administration, B.S.

Early Child Education Certificate - This program has been discontinued.

Early Childhood Studies, B.A.

Education, M.A.

Education with a Concentration in Early Childhood Education, M.A. - This program has been discontinued.

NEW! Education, Minor

Electrical Engineering, B.S.

Geography and Environment, Minor

Management Concentration, (for Business Administration, B.S.)


Business Administration, B.S.


Bachelor of Science in Business Administration The bachelor’s degree in Business Administration includes a set of lower-division courses, a core of upper-division course requirements, and a broad range of fields of concentration. All students in the major take: (1) preparatory courses, (2) lower-division core courses, (3) upper-division core courses, and then (4) select concentrations based on individual interest and career plans. The fields of concentration include: accounting, finance, financial management, management, marketing, wine business strategies, and a special concentration designed by the student with the approval of the department chair. A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration prepares students for careers in an increasingly globalized world and trains them to be responsible citizens and effective leaders.

Department Mission


The Department of Business Administration at Sonoma State University offers high-quality, relevant education in business to aspiring and practicing professionals, managers, and entrepreneurs in the private and public sectors. It does this in a liberal arts and sciences environment in which faculty emphasize the development and continuous improvement of the skills of critical thinking, effective communication, ethical reasoning, maintaining a global perspective, and applying disciplinary tools.

Program Learning Outcomes


  • Demonstrate general business problem-solving skills
  • Employ ethical reasoning
  • Apply global perspectives
  • Interpret quantitative applications
  • Demonstrate written communication skills
  • Show oral communication skills

Careers in Business Administration


The Department of Business Administration offers a wide selection of specialized courses designed to meet a variety of career objectives. These career objectives include, but are not limited to, management-level accounting positions in business, government, or public accounting; financial management, financial analysis and planning, investment banking, and insurance; general management, personnel, labor relations, public relations, wage and salary administration, training, and international business; advertising and promotion, product development, marketing research, and sales management; and positions in sales and management within the wine industry.

Degree Requirements


See the “Degree Requirements” in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

General Education Requirements (48 units)

See the “General Education Program” requirements in the University Catalog for information on General Education requirements. Some major requirements may double count for GE requirements.

Advising


The Department of Business Administration believes that advising is essential for students’ success. Students are encouraged to meet regularly with their advisor and are required to seek advising at certain critical junctures. These junctures occur when creating a 4-year plan and planning a concentration, when applying for graduation, and when experiencing academic difficulties.

When students join the Business Administration major, they are assigned an advisor from the School of Business and Economics’ (SBE) advising office. Students should consult with their SBE advisor on matters regarding general education (GE) coursework, graduation requirements, University requirements, and routine major issues. Upon declaring a concentration in the major, students are assigned a faculty advisor from their concentration. 

Required Lower-Division Business Major Courses


Lower-division coursework in the major consists of both (a) lower-division preparatory courses for the Business Major and (b) lower-division business core courses.

Lower-Division Preparatory Courses for the Business Major


(units are not included in the GPA major calculation)

Lower-Division Business Core Courses


(units count in the major)​​​​​​​

Upper-Division Business Core Courses


All business students must complete the following seven upper division core requirements. (Note that coursework in the selected area of concentration usually may be taken concurrently with the core courses.) Completion of all (1) lower-division preparatory courses and (2) lower-division core business major courses is a pre-requisite of all 300-level or higher business courses.

Minimum units needed for graduation: 120


A minimum of 120 semester units is required to graduate with a bachelor of science degree in business administration.

Preparatory Courses: 11 (3 units count for GE)

Total Major Core units: 40 

GE units: 48

Concentration units: 17

University Electives: 7

Total units needed to graduate: 120​​​​​​​

Concentrations for Business Administration Majors


Every business student must complete an area of concentration within the major. Each concentration consists of five courses. Students should plan carefully and consult their faculty advisor regularly and before enrolling in concentration courses. Those wishing to complete a double concentration must take at least eight concentration courses beyond the core. Many concentration courses can be taken while completing core requirements. Most courses in the concentrations have prerequisites. At times, appropriate courses from other majors, such as psychology, sociology, public administration, economics and environmental studies, may be substituted in a concentration with the approval of the concentration advisor and the department chair. Except for the special concentration, at least 3 of the concentration courses must be taken at SSU.

Concentrations

 

Accounting Concentration

   Advisors: Kathryn Chang, Kirsten Ely, Elizabeth Stanny, Jinglin Jiang

Finance Concentration

    Advisors: Aidong Hu, Michael Santos, Zachary Wong

Financial Management Concentration

    Advisors: Kathryn Chang, Kirsten Ely, Aidong Hu, Michael Santos, Elizabeth Stanny, Zachary Wong

Management Concentration

   Advisors: Angelo Camillo, Naga Damaraju, Armand Gilinsky, Sandra Newton, Nadiya Parekh, Janejira Sutanonpaiboon, Elizabeth Thach, Karen Thompson, John Urbanski

Marketing Concentration

   Advisors: Thomas Atkin, Angelo Camillo, Richard Campbell, David Horowitz, Kyuho Lee,

Wine Business Strategies Concentration

   Advisors: Thomas Atkin, Angelo Camillo, Armand Gilinsky, Sandra Newton, Elizabeth Thach, Damien Wilson

Special Concentration

   Advisor: Zachary Wong

Certificates for Business Majors


 

French Language Certificate for Wine Business

Professional Sales Certificate

Undergraduate Program Special Requirements


Residency

At least one-half of the courses of the major, including three of the courses in the concentration, must be completed at Sonoma State University.

Change of Major

The catalog year for a student declaring a major in Business Administration will be the catalog in effect at the time of such declaration.

B.S. in Business Administration at College of Marin


The School of Business and Economics is offering a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree completion program in partnership with the SSU School of Extended & International Education and the College of Marin. The degree completion program provides a pathway for students in the greater San Francisco North Bay area to earn a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. Courses are taught by SSU faculty, scheduled evenings and Saturdays on the Kentfield campus of the College of Marin. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is designed specifically for students with work, family, or other commitments who are not able to join traditional Business degree programs on the main SSU campus in Rohnert Park.

Program Roadmaps


Sample Four-Year Program


Total required semester units are 120 and the Four Year Plan is a sample study plan. The sequence and specific courses given are suggestive; please see an advisor each semester to plan your personal program and track your progress using the Academic Requirements Report (ARR) in MySSU.

Some major and GE courses may be interchanged fall and spring semester depending on course offering each semester.

General Education Notes:

  • GE Areas A2 and B4 should be completed by the end of the first year. Some students may take year-long courses for GE A2 and/or B4.
  • GE Area A1 and A3 should be completed by the end of the second year
  • Students should enroll in Upper Division GE courses after completion of Areas A1, A2, A3, and B4 with a C- or better, lower division GE in that area, and 45 units total.
  • Not all First-Year Learning Communities (FLC’s) meet the same GE areas.
  • GE Area D must be taken in two different subject areas across the nine total required units in lower division (LD) and upper division (UD).
  • Students must take American Institution requirements in U.S. History and U.S. Constitution/California State and Local Government. These requirements may be met in GE.

Transfer Students: The Junior and Senior year, in most cases, are representative of a two-year plan for transfer students. Please see the department advisor or department chair to be advised. The department will assign you a faculty advisor, based on your chosen concentration, who will help you to plan your concentration courses and set career goals.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration


Please note: This is one possible four-year schedule. Other schedules may also be feasible. It is important to see your advisor each semester to confirm that you are taking the correct courses.

Freshman Year: 27-30 Units

Avoid Upper-Division GE until junior year.

Fall Semester (13-15 Units)

Spring Semester (14-15 Units)

Sophomore Year: 33 Units

Select a lab with one GE Area B course; select an Ethnic Studies (i.e., Critical Race Studies) course for GE Areas C, D, or E.

Fall Semester (16 Units)

  • BUS 230A - Financial Accounting Unit(s): 4
  • GE Area C1: Arts Credits / Units: 3
  • GE Area B1: Physical Science or  Area B2: Life Science (with Lab) Credits / Units: 4
  • GE Area F: Ethnic Studies Credits / Units: 3
  • University Elective Credits / Units: 2
Spring Semester (17 Units)

Junior Year: 30 Units

Fall Semester (15 Units)

  • UD BUS Core, Unit(s): 4
  • UD BUS Core, Unit(s): 4
  • UD BUS Core, Unit(s): 4
  • LD GE Area D (American Institution): Social Science, Unit(s): 3
Spring Semester (15 Units)

  • UD BUS Core, Unit(s): 4
  • UD BUS Core, Unit(s): 4
  • BUS Concentration, Unit(s):​​​​​​​ 4
  • UD GE Area: B or C or D, Unit(s):​​​​​​​ 3
Senior Year: 30 Units

Apply for graduation at beginning of senior year.

Fall Semester (15 Units)

  • UD BUS Core, Unit(s):​​​​​​​ 4
  • BUS Concentration, Unit(s):​​​​​​​ 4
  • BUS Concentration, Unit(s):​​​​​​​ 4
  • UD GE Area B or C or D, Unit(s):​​​​​​​ 3
Spring Semester (15 Units)

Total Units: 120


*Completion of all required lower division Business major courses is the prerequisite for any upper-division Business class.

**Students should take BUS 344 in their first semester in the Business major if they are planning to complete the Management concentration; 360 first for the Marketing concentration; 370 first for the Finance or Financial Management concentration.

***BUS 491 is designed to be taken in the last semester of the program (prerequisites: all 300-level Business Core courses and submission of graduation application.)

 

Early Childhood Studies, B.A.


The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Studies is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to work effectively with children in early childhood (birth to age 8). Students study multi-disciplinary theories, research, and best practices, with an emphasis on socio-cultural factors that affect learning and development. They learn how to use theories and research from anthropology, child development, education, health, psychology, sociology, and multicultural studies to promote the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of diverse young children. Students study the science of assessing children’s growth and development, and they acquire skills in effectively communicating these findings to families and community partners. The program also prepares professionals to be leaders and advocates on behalf of all children and families.

Career Opportunities

Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education concentration prepares students for a career in an early education setting, including:

  • Infant, toddler, and preschool teacher
  • Administrator of an early education program
  • Support services in agencies that serve young children and families
  • Elementary teacher (requires completion of a post-baccalaureate Multiple Subject credential program
  • Special Education teacher (requires completion of a post-baccalaureate Special Education credential program)

Early Childhood Development

The Early Childhood Development concentration prepares students for a career working with young children and families in non-education settings. Students work with an advisor to prepare for a career in entry-level positions in social services or for graduate school in counseling, social work, child life specialist, etc.

Admission Requirements

For admissions to the major, students must have a GPA of 2.5.

Goals of the Early Childhood Studies Major

The goals of the Early Childhood Studies major are aligned with the mission of the SSU School of Education and the mission of the Department of Early Childhood Studies. The Early Childhood program seeks to prepare graduates who:

  1. Are agents of individual growth and social change as well as models and advocates of the broader intellectual and social values of a democratic society.
  2. Are knowledgeable and thoughtful about the field of early childhood studies.
  3. Promote physical, cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and moral growth and learning in their professional work with young children, as well as respecting and encouraging the contributions of families and caregivers in the care and education of children and youth.
  4. Design and carry out inclusive practices that respect human differences and aim to include all children and families.
  5. Continually use inquiry, observation, study, and reflection to improve their professional practices.

Degree Requirements


See the “Degree Requirements” in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

General Education Requirements (48 units)

See the “General Education Program” requirements in the University Catalog for information on General Education requirements. Some major requirements may double count for GE requirements.

Program Coursework


Major Core Requirements (all concentrations, 29 units)


Concentrations


Early Childhood Education Concentration (8 units)


Early Childhood Development Concentration (8 units)


Integrated Teacher Education Concentration


Common Core for Education Specialists (35 units)

Credential-Specific Tracks (16-17 units)

Mild/Moderate Disabilities Track (16 units)

Moderate/Severe Disabilities Track (17 units)

Major Electives (Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Development Concentrations, 6 units)


Electives should be chosen in consultation with an advisor. Students intending to apply to the Multiple Subjects Credential program should choose EDMS 419 and EDUC 417 as electives.

Program Roadmaps


Sample Four -Year Program for Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies: Early Childhood Education Concentration


Freshman Year: 30 Units


Fall Semester (14 units)

Spring Semester (16 units)

Sophomore Year: 31 Units


Fall Semester (14 units)

Spring Semester (17 units)

Junior Year: 29 Units


Fall Semester (15 units)

Spring Semester (15 units)

Senior Year: 30 Units


Fall Semester (14 units)

Spring Semester (16 units)

  • EDEC 478 - ECS Senior Portfolio Unit(s): 1
  • Major Elective 2 Credits / Units: 3
  • University Elective Credits / Units: 4
  • University Elective Credits / Units: 4
  • University Elective Credits / Units: 4

Sample Four-Year Plan for Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies: Development Concentration


Freshman Year: 30 Units


Fall Semester (14 units)

Spring Semester (16 units)

Sophomore Year: 30 Units


Fall Semester (14 units)

Spring Semester (16 units)

Junior Year: 30 Units


Fall Semester (15 units)

Spring Semester (15 units)

Senior Year: 30 Units


Fall Semester (14 units)

Spring Semester (16 units)

  • EDEC 478 - ECS Senior Portfolio Unit(s): 1
  • Major Elective Credits / Units: 3
  • University Elective Credits / Units: 4
  • University Elective Credits / Units: 4
  • University Elective Credits / Units: 4

Education, M.A.


Sonoma State University’s School of Education offers a Master of Arts in Education degree with three distinct concentrations. Each of these concentrations reflects the philosophy, purpose, and goals of the School of Education. In our M.A. program, students critically examine educational theories and research through a variety of empirical and theoretical lenses with a focus on social justice to develop an informed educational vision and innovative pedagogy in a variety of educational settings. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and colleagues to examine and influence current educational practice through research, project development, and advocacy. We expect graduates to emerge from their work at Sonoma State University as leaders in their field and agents of change.

The five M.A. in Education areas of concentration offered at Sonoma State University are:

  • Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning (see Department of Curriculum Studies and Secondary Education);
  • Reading and Language (see Department of Literacy Studies and Elementary Education);
  • Special Education (see Department of Educational Leadership and Special Education)

Throughout their years in an M.A. program, students are required each semester to meet with the graduate advisor in their area of concentration to plan collaboratively their progress in the M.A. program. Students may also confer with other graduate program faculty and the Graduate Studies Coordinator for advice and guidance in their coursework and professional development. Students must maintain a 3.00 grade point average in all coursework in the approved M.A. program.

For more information about the M.A. in education, read our M.A. handbook.

Program Learning Outcomes


  1. Students can articulate how the MA coursework has contributed to their personal, intellectual, and professional growth in relationship to the social justice framework of the School of Education.
  2. Students demonstrate how their breadth and depth of knowledge about advancing social justice in schools and communities has changed in regard to reading and applying educational research.
  3. Students demonstrate their ability to critically analyze multiple historical, philosophical and theoretical perspectives in relationship to issues of educational and social inequities.
  4. Students can explain how the MA program has contributed to their understanding of equity and access for all learners.
  5. Students can explain how the MA program has contributed to their ability to be an advocate for social justice in education.
  6. Students demonstrate the ability to write at a graduate level.
  7. Students complete a culminating activity in which they cogently demonstrate:
  • their ability to draw from appropriate and adequate peer-reviewed research
  • connections between their project and their work as an educator
  • the significance of the project to the local educational context

M.A. Core Courses


Pathways to Program Completion


The M.A. program of study requires 33 semester units of course work, depending on the M.A. pathway a student selects. There are two pathways to program completion: thesis or project. In both pathways, graduate students take 18 units of MA core courses. All MA students work with a three-member committee, most closely with the committee chair, to complete a culminating activity, which is presented to the committee in a public forum. In addition to these points in common, there are distinct differences among the two pathways to program completion. Students should meet with their initial advisor and then their committee chair in planning their pathway to completing the degree.

The Program Portfolio


In order to advance to candidacy, all students must complete a satisfactory program portfolio and present it to their committee. In most cases, this presentation occurs at the same meeting where the student presents a proposal for the culminating activity.

The program portfolio contains artifacts (papers, projects, etc.) produced by the student throughout the M.A. program which demonstrate the student’s proficiency and growth in the areas listed below. The portfolio should be reflective in nature and should show personal, professional, and intellectual growth. It should also demonstrate how the student’s M.A. program has prepared the student to undertake the culminating activity (thesis/project, cognate project, or individual examination).

See the MA Handbook for a detailed explanation of the portfolio and the advancement to candidacy process.

http://education.sonoma.edu/programs/ma/ma-education-handbook

Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy:

  • Completion of MA core courses
  • Presentation and approval of program portfolio
  • Presentation of culminating activity proposal
  • Filing of Advancement to Candidacy form (GSO 1) with Committee and School of Education Graduate Studies Coordinator.

Education, Minor


The Minor in Education provides students opportunities to obtain knowledge and focused experience in the education field.  It is appropriate for students who are interested in teaching in public and private schools or who wish to pursue educational positions in non-classroom settings, such as parks and recreation program educators, museum docents, etc.  Students will examine the foundations of teaching and learning, analyze the institution of public education broadly and across social contexts, and explore equitable educational practices and policies. For students interested in a teaching career, courses can be chosen to satisfy all of the prerequisites needed for admission into a teacher credential program at Sonoma State University. 

Course offerings will focus on: 

  • Educating students to be critical participants in and creators of educational contexts—formal and non-formal—that are powerful for all learners
  • Promoting the value of diversity in strengthening learning environments and our society
  • Building critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
  • Promoting reflection and creativity in educational design, curriculum, assessment, research, and policy development

Course Requirements


Choose courses as indicated from each of the four categories below.  A total of 18 units is required.  Please work with the Education Minor advisor to select courses that best meet your interests and career goals.

Human Development and Learning


Choose one course from the following options (3 units)

Education and Democracy


Choose two courses from the following options (6 units)

Equity and Social Justice in Education


Choose two courses from the following options (6 units)

Electives


Choose an additional course from the above categories or from the following options to complete at least 18 units

Electrical Engineering, B.S.


Consistent with the mission of the University, the mission of the BSEE Program is to prepare students to be learned men and women who are capable of pursuing fulfilling careers in a changing world, and to fulfill the undergraduate technical education needs of the community, business, and industry of the North Bay region. A broader mission is to enable graduating engineers to acquire knowledge and experiences to prepare them to pursue lifelong learning, advanced study, and leadership roles in business and community.

The Electrical Engineering (EE) Program at Sonoma State University is an innovative program in which the curriculum has been designed to provide students with education in electrical engineering in electronics and communications.

The curriculum includes 48 units of General Education courses (9 units overlap with the required Physics, and Mathematics courses and 4 units of ES 210, GE A3); a 20-unit core in mathematics, computer science, and basic sciences; a 44-unit core in Electrical Engineering which includes electrical, computer, electronics, and communications engineering subjects such as circuits, analog/digital electronics, electromagnetic fields, microprocessors, analog and digital communications, and networking; and 6 units of Electrical Engineering electives which provides senior-level choices for more depth in students’ areas of interest. Theoretical and practical learning experiences are an important part of all course work. The senior year also gives students the opportunity to consolidate their educational experiences with a capstone design project. The curriculum develops students’ abilities to formulate problems, analyze alternatives, make decisions, and solve problems. Internship and co-op experiences will be encouraged to provide the students a real-world experience and to enhance students’ communication and interpersonal skills.

BSEE Program Educational Objectives

The program produces BSEE graduates who

1- Design creative solutions to electrical engineering problems.

2. Demonstrate professional ethics.

3. Connect to their community and contribute to society.

4. Value lifelong learning and selfimprovement as demonstrated by taking part in professional development opportunities.

5. Lead and build teams.

Career Paths and Opportunities

The BSEE Program has been designed to prepare students for an exciting career in industries or to pursue graduate degrees. The graduates will find opportunities in industry in areas such as:

  1. Electronic systems;
  2. Communications systems;
  3. Networking;
  4. Computer engineering;
  5. Telecommunications;
  6. Optical fiber communications;
  7. Integrated circuits;
  8. Research and development in the areas above; and/or
  9. Sales, marketing, and management in the areas above.

Some examples of the corresponding job titles are electronics engineer, computer engineer, hardware designer, systems engineer, communications engineer, communications analyst, telecommunications engineer, network engineer, network analyst, sales engineer, applications engineer, and field engineer.

Graduate degrees can be pursued in any one of the many fields such as electronics, communications, networking, computer engineering, and computer science.

Degree Requirements


See the “Degree Requirements” in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

General Education Requirements (48 units)

See the “General Education Program” requirements in the University Catalog for information on General Education requirements. Some major requirements may double count for GE requirements.

Electrical Engineering (47 units)


The Electrical Engineering program includes 3-unit toward A3:Critical Thinking

Approved Technical Electives (11 units)


Any 300 or 400-level EE courses. 

Supporting Courses (29 units)


Basic Sciences (Course Requirement)


In addition to required Mathematics and Physics courses, the EE program requires 3 additional units in chemistry, physics, or other natural sciences including life, earth, and space sciences. To meet this requirement EE majors can take BIOL 110, BIOL 115, BIOL 130, or BIOL 131, and concurrently satisfy the General Education B2 requirement. Other acceptable courses include the following:

  • GE Area B1: ASTR 100, ASTR 150, ASTR 231, CHEM 105, CHEM 110, CHEM 115AB, GEOL 102, GEOL 105, GEOL 110, GEOL 120, PHYS 209AB, PHYS 216
  • GE Area B4: MATH 160, MATH 165
  • GE Area UDB: ASTR 303, ASTR 305, GEOL 301, GEOL 303

Transfer students should contact an EE advisor to ensure they meet the requirement. This course does not count towards the major.

Units (120 units)


Total Units for Graduation: 120

Geography and Environment, Minor


Note: Courses required for the minor must be taken for a traditional letter grade, except for courses that are offered CR/NC only. Students must earn a C- or better in any course applied to the minor.

Students take the required GEP Foundational courses

Society, Environment, and Development


(choose one)

Environmental Systems


Environmental Inquiry and Analysis


Upper-division courses: 13 Units


Upper-division courses chosen in consultation with advisor; no more than 3 units in the 310-319 practical experience category

Units


Total units in the minor: 20

Management Concentration


Advisors: Angelo Camillo, Sergio Canavati, Naga Damaraju, Armand Gilinsky, Sandra Newton, Nadiya Parekh, Janejira Sutanonpaiboon, Elizabeth Thach, Karen Thompson, John Urbanski

Five courses are required. The management concentration is designed to prepare students for entry-level management positions.

Required Courses:


Select at least two courses: