Degree  Plan

Major Requirements: 
The BBA in International Business requires 72 hours of major coursework.

General Education Requirements: 
All majors require 44 hours of general education that students complete over four years, in addition to their major courses.

View and download the full degree plan for our International Business major (PDF).
 

A few examples of the International Business courses students take:

• International Management – Examine the scope of managing organizations in an integrated and interdependent global economy, including markets, production, services, sourcing and intellectual capital.
• International Trade and Finance – Study the theories of trade, the international monetary system, and the financing of international trade and economic development — with issues unique to multinational business.
• International Marketing – Explore the impact of foreign competition in domestic markets and the challenges of penetrating foreign markets. Readings, case studies, and individual and group assignments are used.

As an International Business major, you’ll have the chance to study or intern abroad, applying your language skills and learning how business works in an international context. Closer to home, you’ll take classes that engage you with active learning, and you’ll have the opportunity to intern at a global organization based in Austin.

Experiential Education

In the Social Responsibility of Business course, you’ll participate in a service activity in the community and write a paper about the experience. You’ll also work in a team to create a new product or service for a company that will meet a social need for an underserved community.

In the Organizational Behavior and Leading Teams course, students work in teams to analyze an organization, seeing organizational behavior come alive. Students recently worked with Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, a wilderness resort in Michigan, and with Austin businesses and nonprofits.

Study Abroad

Immerse yourself in a new culture and language, and learn how business works from an international perspective by studying or interning abroad. Choose from among 18 university exchange partners and other study abroad programs offered at St. Edward’s — opportunities that span five continents and 30+ countries. Find out more about our study abroad programs.

Internships

Take on an internship abroad or with a transnational organization based in the United States. In addition, International Business majors have recently completed internships at these organizations:

• Office of Congressman Lloyd Doggett
• SailPoint Technologies
• Walt Disney World Resort
• Sherwin Williams
• Aesthetic Medical Educators Training
• Yardbird Outside, an Austin-area company that makes outdoor-living products for kids and families
• Marketing communications for Visit Austin, the city’s convention and visitors’ bureau
• Seasoned.co, a company that matches job seekers and employers in the service industry

Student Organizations

Delta Sigma Pi is the coed business fraternity that is both a professional and social club. In recent semesters, members have attended a panel presentation about digital marketing and a talk about real estate investment careers; traveled to a leadership conference in Kansas City; networked at a happy hour with alumni; and made sandwiches for people living on the street.

Develop your startup ideas with the help of a professional mentor and practice pitching them at the iChallenge Pitch Competition and the Business Plan Pitch Competition.

Students who complete the International Business minor are better equipped to understand facets of the global economy and apply a global perspective to their field of interest.

Required Courses:

• International Management – IBUS 3338
• International Trade and Finance – IBUS 3336 
  OR 
  International Finance – IBUS 4346 
• Special Topics (can be repeated) – IBUS 3399
• International Marketing – IBUS 4341
• International Business Administration – IBUS 4380

Up to 9 hours of the minor can be completed at international institutions.

Total Hours: 18

Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for next steps in declaring your major or minor.

Degree Plan

Major Requirements: 
The BBA in Finance requires 66–67 hours of major coursework.

General Education Requirements: 
All majors require 44 hours of general education that students complete over four years, in addition to their major courses.

View and download the full degree plan for our Finance major (PDF)

A few examples of the Finance courses students take:

• Intermediate Financial Management – Study corporate finance theories and examine how they apply to corporate decisions in the areas of capital structure, working capital, corporate structuring, mergers and acquisitions, and more.
• Investment Principles and Analysis – Analyze investment vehicles and consider investment decisions in the context of risk-return analysis. Discuss security market operation and portfolio management.
• Financial Institutions and Markets – Develop an understanding of money and capital markets; the flow of funds in the economy; the role of credit; the term structure of interest rates; risk management; regulation and deregulation; and financial crises.
• Special Topics in Finance: Student Managed Investment Fund – The Student-Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) course offers finance majors a unique, hands-on experience in managing a real investment portfolio. Students will take on the roles of fund managers and analysts making investment recommendations intended to achieve long-term growth. This course covers the essential principles of portfolio management, financial analysis, and investment strategies. Additionally, the course considers ethical aspects in investing. Throughout the semester, students will work collaboratively in teams, present their investment recommendations to an advisory board, and provide regular performance reports. The course is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for careers in finance, investment management, and related fields.

Finance students gain relevant work experience in internships and local, national and even international organizations during their time at St. Edward’s. Many serve as campus and community leaders, obtaining the skills they need to advance in their careers post-graduation.

Internships

Finance students make huge contributions at their respective internship sites. They assist with data mining and mapping, analyze financial data, and develop predictive metrics. They put complex financial concepts to practice, such as modern portfolio theory, portfolio development and investor behavior. These experiences prepare them for both the job search and graduate school. Our students have interned at BBVA Compass, Merrill Lynch, Chase, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Kestra Financial, Tech Ranch and NXP Semiconductors, to name a few.

Financial Management Association International (FMA)

Student organizations, like the FMA, offer Finance students the opportunity to connect with local professionals. In addition to hosting speaker series and other events, the FMA sponsors the FMA National Honor Society, the only international honor that specifically recognizes the achievement of Finance majors and demonstrates their expertise in areas such as financial economics and decision-making.

S.E.R.V.E.

Service is at the heart of the St. Edward’s University community, and the S.E.R.V.E. program exemplifies how dedicated students, faculty and staff are committed to making a difference. Finance major Amanda Rodriguez ’19 gained experience as one of five student coordinators who help plan monthly S.E.R.V.E. 1 Day events, which can include gardening, painting and other one-time tasks.

Finance students are encouraged to set a goal of obtaining a professional certification after graduation. Such certifications can further establish their credibility and expertise in an area of specialty. These can include:

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) – This credential has become the most respected and recognized investment designation in the world.
• Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM) – This certificate program is for those who want to develop advanced, globally relevant, practice-based investment performance and risk evaluation skills.

Degree Plan

Major Requirements: 
The BBA in Entrepreneurship requires 72 hours of major coursework.

General Education Requirements: 
All majors require 44 hours of general education that students complete over four years, in addition to their major courses.

View and download the full degree plan for our Entrepreneurship major (PDF).
 

A few examples of the Entrepreneurship courses students take:

• Entrepreneurial and Design Thinking – Learn methods used by entrepreneurs to identify needs, apply design thinking and propose solutions in order to create successful business models.
• New Venture Creation – Approach business plan development with both the Lean Startup and traditional frameworks, and experience working in teams to create a business plan that you pitch to an investor.
• Special Topics in Entrepreneurship – Gain the skills to succeed in your entrepreneurial venture. Topics to include international entrepreneurship, challenges for small and family businesses, social enterprise and new venture funding.

Austin is the ideal place to study entrepreneurship, and St. Edward’s encourages you to take advantage of networking events, internships and volunteer opportunities at showpiece events like the South by Southwest Conference and Festivals. But you’ll have opportunities to learn by doing on campus, too, through student organizations, pitch competitions and talks by visiting professionals.

Experiential Education

Your classes will send you into the community to research and create potential businesses.

• New Venture Creation – You’ll interview local entrepreneurs and work with a local startup entrepreneurial entity.
• Social Responsibility of Business – You’ll participate in a service activity in the community and write a paper about the experience. You’ll also work in a team to create a new product or service for a company that will meet a social need for an underserved community.
• Entrepreneurial Practicum – You’ll focus on starting up a venture that serves the community and is based on strong social justice values. The course requires extensive interaction with potential customers and stakeholders to research the market for your business and determine how you would sustain it.

Student Organizations

Develop your startup ideas with the help of a professional mentor and practice pitching them at the iChallenge Pitch Competition and the Business Plan Pitch Competition. 

Entrepreneur students can also pitch their new business ideas at the Battle of the Brains business competition, as well as Austin Startup Week and Austin Tech Week.

Participate or volunteer at the annual ATX Hack for Change, in which teams spend a weekend developing technology-based solutions to city- and community-wide problems.

Top students are invited to join Sigma Nu Tau, the entrepreneurship honor society.

Internships

Students can also volunteer at the South by Southwest Conference and Festivals (SXSW) and attend meetups at venues like Capital Factory practically every night of the week.

In addition, Entrepreneurship majors have interned at the following organizations:

• C3Nami, a digital marketing agency
• Orange Coworking
• On Vinyl Media, a digital music aggregator promoting local Austin music
• Ragland Capital
• Matchday Soccer

Our Entrepreneurship faculty members work closely with Austin business leaders and local co-working communities to bring expertise to the classroom. Capital Factory, TechStars, Impact Hub Austin and SKU have collaborated with The Bill Munday School of Business to support Entrepreneurship students. 

Faculty members also have affiliations with a variety of professional organizations, including the American Marketing Association, Austin Technology Council and United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Management webpage.

Degree Plan

Major Requirements: 
The Economics degree plan requires 70 hours of major coursework.

General Education Requirements: 
All majors require 44 hours of general education that students complete over four years, in addition to their major courses.

View and download the full degree plan for our Economics major (PDF).
 

A few examples of the Economics courses students take:

• Microeconomic Theory – Analyze how pricing, output and employment are determined; the role of markets in the allocation of resources; and the types of market structure in a mixed economy.
• Money and Banking – Study the nature of money, the role of the Federal Reserve System, monetary theory and policy, commercial banking, credit structure, financial markets and international finance.
• Law and Economics​ – Learn the basics of our legal and economic systems and examine how regulatory constraints and judicial decisions affect our market economy. Areas of study will include property rights, contract law, criminal law and antitrust.

Because an Economics degree develops intellectual ability, quantitative strength and critical thinking, students in this program bring relevant skills to their experience outside the classroom. They participate in internships, conduct research and practice leadership in student organizations.

Economics Club

The Economics Club promotes an interest in economic ideas at St. Edward’s University. The club acts as a forum for discussion of economic issues and as an information exchange regarding economics careers and graduate programs. It also fosters social interactions among students interested in economics. Learn more about the Economics Club and other student organizations recommended by The Bill Munday School of Business.

Research

Faculty in the Finance and Economics Department are dedicated to conducting research that influences the profession and benefits the Austin community. They often include interested Economics students in the research and reporting process. For example, professors and students collaborated on research that determined the economic impact of the Austin Marathon. Their work revealed that the sports event created $34 million in revenue for the city and the local business community

Students pursuing the Economics minor analyze and comprehend global, regional and local issues by learning how goods and services are produced and distributed worldwide.

Required Courses:

• Microeconomic Principles – ECON 2301
• Macroeconomic Principles – ECON 2302
• Any Upper-Division ECON Courses (12 hours) – ECON 3000+

Total Hours: 18

Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for next steps in declaring your major or minor.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals, and celebrating your successes.

Our faculty members stay active in their fields, specializing in areas such as industrial organization, asymmetric information, data analysis, heterodox economics, statistics, and the economics of networks and high-technology markets. With years of industry expertise, they help connect students to valuable learning and growth opportunities that enhance career development.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance webpage.

Degree Plan

Major Requirements: 
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Digital Media Management requires 72 hours of major coursework.

General Education Requirements: 
The Digital Media Management degree requires 44 hours of general education requirements that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.

View and download the full degree plan for our Digital Media Management major (PDF).
 

A few examples of the Digital Media Management major courses students take:

• Social Media Marketing – Learn to apply social networking for personal and corporate branding, and gain the analytical skills you need to manage and measure social marketing efforts.
• Digital Interactive Technology – How is digital content created and delivered? Gain hands-on experience developing a website with publishing software, server technologies and transaction systems.
• Digital Marketing and Analytics – Apply digital marketing concepts to analyze an organization’s online presence — through a customer’s eyes — and analyze the effects of creating this online identity.

Are you seeking a digital marketing emphasis?

Learn about our Digital Marketing minor that prepares you to enter the workforce ready and able to use the latest digital marketing technologies — and with industry-recognized certifications to prove it.

Our location in Austin, Texas, a booming tech hub, puts Digital Media Management students in the perfect position to interact with business leaders in the tech or startup industries.

Austin Partnerships

The Bill Munday School of Business offers a roster of local partnerships where students can get their foot in the door and gain hands-on experience in the field — Austin Inno, Austin Technology Council, United States Liability Insurance (USLI) and Women Who Code, to name a few.

Conferences

South by Southwest (SXSW), a tech conference and festival, brings innovation and industry leaders to Austin each March. Students can volunteer or attend and gain access to global thought leadership in their industry.

Sponsorship to Events

Each year, several Digital Media Management students attend conferences to present their research findings and network with digital professionals. Some have even received funding to attend conferences through Marketing EDGE.

Our faculty brings digital media management expertise and a wealth of industry experience to the classroom. They are passionate about connecting and cultivating lifelong learners, and many are involved with business communities and professional organizations that students can leverage as they pursue internships or full-time employment. 

Major Requirements: 
The BBA in Business Administration requires 69 hours of major coursework.

General Education Requirements: 
All majors require 44 hours of general education that students complete over four years, in addition to their major courses.

View and download the full degree plan for our Business Administration major (PDF).
 

A few examples of the Business Administration courses students take:

• International Business Administration – Work in teams to research current business environments, and gain an understanding of the business ethics and concepts used in developed versus developing nations.
• Strategic Business Analysis and Practice – Learn to gather, analyze and use data in making executive decisions. This course examines business practice from the executive team’s perspective.
• Internship – Participate in a public or private, paid or unpaid, internship at an organization, and reflect on the experience by demonstrating your accomplishments and development of skills.

Business Administration majors at St. Edward’s complete internships, take advantage of the Munday School of Business’ close connections with Austin organizations and earn valuable certifications that give them an edge.

Learn by Doing

In the Social Responsibility of Business course, you’ll participate in a service activity in the community and write a paper about the experience. You’ll also work in a team to create a new product or service for a company that will meet a social need for an underserved community.

In the Organizational Behavior and Leading Teams course, students work in teams to interview top leaders in local businesses and non-profit organizations. In addition to learning about leadership and building their networks, students devise plans to develop their own leadership skills.

St. Edward’s has a full-scale, state-of-the-art Bloomberg Finance lab (with 12 terminals). Students can earn three Bloomberg certifications on campus. Earn a Bloomberg Certification to boost your skill set and marketability. The eight-hour, self-directed course on Bloomberg Market Concepts covers economics, fixed income, equities and currencies; how to use the Terminal; and portfolio management. Including a Bloomberg Certification or @bloomberg.net email address on your resume and LinkedIn profile shows prospective employers you know how to use the Terminal.

Internships

You’ll complete at least one internship before graduation. In recent semesters, Business Administration majors have completed internships at the following organizations:

• GTS Technology Solutions
• Moody Center
• U.S. Embassy in Mexico City
• Urbanspace Interiors and Realty
• Adlucent digital marketing agency
• Austin FC
• CrowdStrike
• Dell
• J.P. Morgan Chase
• Marsh McLennan Agency
• Texas Instruments
• NXP Semiconductor
• Visit Austin convention services
• Transamerica Financial Advisers
• Pearl Events Austin, which specializes in weddings and social and corporate functions
• Texas International Education Consortium
• OpenStack Foundation

Student Organizations

Beta Gamma Sigma is the international honor society for AACSB accredited business schools.

Delta Sigma Pi is the coed business fraternity that is both a professional and social club. It has been a key presence on the hilltop for more than 50 years. In recent semesters members have attended a panel presentation about digital marketing and a talk about real estate investment careers; traveled to a leadership conference in Kansas City; networked at a happy hour with alumni; and made sandwiches for people living on the street.

Develop your startup ideas with the help of a professional mentor and practice pitching them at the iChallenge Innovators’ Summit, the iChallenge Pitch Competition, and the Business Plan Pitch Competition.

Minor for Non-Business Students

This minor is designed for all students majoring in degrees outside of The Bill Munday School of Business as a way to enhance their business knowledge and skill set.

Required Courses (9 Hours):

• Quantitative Methods for Business – MATH 1312  
• Introduction to Business –BUSI 1301 

Choose one of the following:

• Financial Accounting – ACCT 2301
• Principles of Market Analysis – ECON 2301  
• Money and Markets – ECON 2302  
• Business Statistics – BUSI 2305  
• Introduction to Entrepreneurship – ENTR 2301 

Electives (Choose 3):

• Social Enterprise – BUSI 3322
• The Art and Science of Negotiation – BUSI 3324
• Project Management – BUSI 3326
• Social Responsibility of Business – BUSI 3328
• Business Communication – BUSI 3330
• Human Resources Management – MGMT 3332
• Organizational Behavior / Leading Teams and Organizations – MGMT 3334
• International Management – MGMT 3338
• Principles of Operations (BUSI 2305 is a prerequisite) –MGMT 3340
• Business Intelligence (BUSI 2305 is a prerequisite) – BUSI 3333
• Special Topics – BUSI 3399
• International Business – IBUS 4380

Total Hours: 18

Students interested in a quantitative or operations track can choose Business Statistics (BUSI 2305), Business Intelligence (BUSI 3333), and Principles of Operations (MGMT 3340).

Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for next steps in declaring your major or minor.

Our Business Administration faculty members have a broad range of business experience, which informs their teaching and provides a balance between theory and practice. Faculty members have students consult with organizations in the Austin area on real-world projects that encourage teamwork and problem-solving.

Kathleen Wilburn, professor of Management, knows that business is about more than just money. She teaches courses in leadership and social responsibility. Her advice for graduates?

"Identify your own values first; then find a company that shares those values. Look for an organization that has a purpose beyond the profit. It should include people, planet and profit in its strategy."

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Management webpage.

Degree Plan

Major Requirements: 
The Accounting Information Technology degree program requires 97 hours of major coursework.

General Education Requirements: 
All majors require 44 hours of general education that students complete over four years, in addition to their major courses.

View and download the full degree plan for our Accounting Information Technology program (PDF).

A few examples of the Accounting Information Technology courses students take:

• Accounting Information Systems – Examine fundamental accounting information systems. The course focuses on semantic modeling and systems design; the relationship of system and organization; and objectives, policies, procedures and plans.
• Database Theory and Applications – Receive an introduction to database concepts, data models, data description languages, query facilities, file organization, file security and data integrity/reliability.
• Web Programming – Learn online programming concepts, including form processing scripts, data structure, basic database connectivity and the appropriate structure and style for the World Wide Web.

As a student in the Accounting Information Technology program, you’ll have the chance to apply what you’ve learned in internships, classes and student organizations that connect you with Austin companies.

Internships

Accounting Information Technology students apply what they learn during internships at “Big Four” firms such as Deloitte and KPMG, national firms such as RSM, and local accounting firms.

 At St. Edward’s, Accounting majors can complete a full-time, “busy season” internship from January to March. These students take accounting courses in a compressed semester after busy season, allowing them to be fully immersed in the professional world for this important time. Students have recently interned with RSM, KPMG and Deloitte as part of this program and have been extended full-time offers after the internship. This option is also available to Accounting Information Technology majors who plan ahead carefully; because AIT requires 150 hours of course work the scheduling is more complicated, but students can make it happen. Some AIT majors choose to intern over the summer to focus on completing their courses during the school year.

Case Studies

In the Accounting Information Systems course, you’ll learn how accounting systems work and how data flows in and out of a system. You’ll interview people at an Austin company — past examples include a major grocery chain and a driving range — about one of its processes, such as payroll, collections or inventory. You’ll document the process and the company’s internal controls and offer suggestions for improvement based on what you’ve learned in the course.

Research

Accounting Information Technology majors take a research course that prepares you for the CPA exam. The exam requires you to understand and analyze an accounting database to answer questions, and the course is designed to help you develop this skillset. You’ll work with your professor to choose a topic, develop an argument, research the topic and present your conclusions. Students have presented their work at SOURCE, the on-campus undergraduate research forum, and at the Honors Thesis Symposium. Recent topics include:

• “Bounty Hunting on Wall Street: How to Become a Successful Activist Short Seller”
• “Examining U.S. GAAP’s [Generally Accepted Accounting Principles] updated Revenue Recognition Standard and its Impact on the Software Industry”

Student Organizations

Get to know your fellow students and learn about career options in the Accounting Club. The Accounting club holds several events and invites guest speakers. At Meet the Firms, students hear from representatives of accounting firms about hiring expectations, what their work life really looks like, and the CPA exam.

Delta Sigma Pi is a coed business fraternity that is both a professional and social club. In recent semesters members have attended a panel presentation about digital marketing and a talk about real estate investment careers; traveled to a leadership conference in Kansas City, networked at a happy hour with alumni; and made sandwiches for people living on the street.

Our Accounting faculty members bring experience in the accounting profession — as auditors, tax practitioners, business consultants and government administrators — to their instruction and research. They teach students a combination of qualitative, quantitative and ethical reasoning skills that prepare them for the global economy.

Our Computer Information Technology faculty bring knowledge in database management, software application design and consulting for process improvements. Their courses ensure students gain experience with ever-changing technologies.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance webpage.

Degree Plan

Major Requirements: 
The BBA in Accounting requires 66 hours of major coursework.

General Education Requirements: 
All majors require 44 hours of general education that students complete over four years, in addition to their major courses.

A few examples of the Accounting courses students take:

• Federal Tax – Learn to identify tax issues, understand and apply tax law, prepare tax filings and conduct professional research.
• Audit – Get introduced to the theory, concepts and principles of auditing. The course will emphasize audit evidence, audit risk, ethical conduct and legal restrictions, professional standards, audit planning, data analytics and audit reports.
• Accounting Internship – Gain course credit and accounting experience, and make connections between classroom theory and its application in professional practice.

View the full degree plan PDF for our Accounting major (Option 1 – Traditional course sequencing).

Mini-Mester Option

Take advantage of a mini-mester option, allowing you to work full time in an internship, stay on track for your degree and complete additional courses in a compressed time frame.

The mini-mester option includes a co-requisite of a six-credit hour internship (at least 240 hours of work in a public accounting environment), followed by two three-credit hour courses in a compressed mini-mester. These three-credit hour courses include Legal Environment of Business for Accountants and Accounting Ethics and are offered from mid-April until the end of the spring semester.

View the full degree plan PDF for our Accounting major  (Option 2 – Full-time internship and mini-mester sequencing).

Speak with your advisor to determine which degree-plan option is the best fit for your academic and career objectives.

Companies frequently look for CEOs with a strong foundation in accounting because these candidates understand the financial consequences of business decisions.

Professional Certifications

Career advancement generally requires attaining professional credentials such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

To earn a CPA credential, students must:

• Meet with an Accounting faculty advisor early on to make sure their degree plan will satisfy CPA requirements.
• Complete 150 semester credit hours in specific, approved academic courses (the minimum required to sit for the Texas CPA exam). All Accounting courses meet the requirements of the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.

The St. Edward’s Accounting program will prepare you to become an ethical, detail-oriented professional. You’ll develop your skills in internship, volunteer and student organization settings. And you’ll have the chance to conduct research into accounting topics and present your work at professional conferences.

Internships

In the spring, Accounting students can complete a full-time, “busy season” internship during either the audit busy season (January to mid-March) or the tax busy season (January to mid-April). Your Accounting courses will begin in a compressed semester after the busy season, allowing you to be fully immersed in the professional world for this important time. Students have recently interned with KPMG and Deloitte as part of this program and have been extended full-time offers after the internship.

Additional Accounting internships include the following:

• The “Big Four” firms: KPMG, Deloitte, PwC and EY
• Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM
• Salling Madeley, PLLC
• WP Engine in Austin
• Disney College Program
• New York Mets
• Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
• BDO USA, Assurance, Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services
• BKD, CPA Firm, Accountants & Financial Accounting
• Maxwell, Locke & Ritter
• Weaver,  Assurance, Tax & Advisory Firm

Service Experiences

Accounting majors help residents of an Austin affordable housing community complete their tax returns. This is a good opportunity to give back to the community while learning what tax preparation looks like in practice.

Student Organizations

Get to know your fellow students and learn about career options in the Accounting Club and the annual Accounting Student Retreat.

A minor in Accounting can be useful for students in almost any discipline because accounting plays a role in nearly every type of organization.

Required Courses:

• Financial Accounting – ACCT 2301
• AManagerial Accounting – CCT 2303 
• Intermediate Accounting I – ACCT 3331 
• Intermediate Accounting II – ACCT 3332
• Cost Accounting – ACCT 3333
• Federal Taxation – ACCT 3334 
• Accounting Information Systems – ACCT 4346  

Total Hours: 21

Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for next steps in declaring your major or minor.

Our Accounting faculty members bring experience in the accounting profession — as auditors, tax practitioners, business consultants and government administrators — to their instruction and research. They teach students a combination of qualitative, quantitative and ethical reasoning skills that prepare them for the global economy.

In addition to holding the CPA license, many of the faculty members hold credentials such as Certified Fraud Examiner and Chartered Global Management Accountant.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance webpage.

The Medical Laboratory Science program prepares you to spend your last year of college immersed in a hands-on, hospital-based clinical training program. Your other three years at St. Edward’s will be full of science courses with labs, research opportunities and time to build relationships with fellow Hilltoppers through clubs focused on science, service and health.

Coursework establishes fundamental knowledge in such disciplines as microbiology, hematology, immunology, clinical chemistry and molecular biology. Research and clinical training at Partner Institutions of St. Edward’s allows students to pursue personal interests and develop skill sets that align with professional objectives.

Major Requirements: The BS in Medical Laboratory Science requires 53–54 hours of major courses. Requirements include a combination of Biology, Chemistry and Math. In addition, 30 hours of coursework is taken at a Partner Institution, including Microbiology, Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, Coagulation, Phlebotomy, Blood Bank/Immunology/Serology and Urinalysis.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for the Medical Laboratory Science major (PDF).

A few examples of courses students in this major take:

• Microbiology - Microbiology is the study of microorganisms with an emphasis on their structure, function and role in sickness, health and research.
• Immunology - Immunology is the scientific discipline that seeks to understand the nature of the human immune system. The immune system is of paramount importance to the success of humans, as the human body is inundated daily by a multitude of potentially pathogenic microorganisms that left unchallenged would quickly destroy all human bodies. Throughout this course, students will discover the molecular nature of the human immune system, including the cellular and noncellular components involved and how these factors interact to combat disease. 
   

Interested in earning a Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science? Learn about our dual degree program in partnership with The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

What You Will Learn

The Medical Laboratory Science program provides in-depth training that prepares you to test and analyze a variety of biological specimens for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. 

• Study the theoretical and practical aspects of the major laboratory disciplines: clinical chemistry, hematology/coagulation, microbiology, transfusion medicine, urinalysis and clinical research.
• Learn to use sophisticated equipment like microscopes, hematology analyzers, cell counters and incubators to gather and analyze data that will help identify and treat diseases like cancer, diabetes and other medical conditions. 
• Pair courses like Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Biology with clinical training at one of our Partner Institutions (Austin State Hospital and Baylor Scott and White in Temple, Texas). There, you’ll learn medical testing procedures like phlebotomy, immunology and urinalysis.

Skills You Will Gain

Your classroom studies and experiential learning activities equip you with transferable skills that are valuable across many workplaces and employment scenarios.

• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Data collection and analysis
• Research
• Developing, testing and iterating on a hypothesis
• Time management
• Ability to multitask
• Teamwork
• Laboratory research and safety techniques
• Understanding and communicating — verbally and in writing — scientific and medical topics

Learn by Doing

You’ll learn the fundamentals of laboratory research and the scientific method in your science courses at St. Edward’s. For example …

In your freshman Biology lab, you’ll start to develop your laboratory skills and learn how to construct and answer a scientific question. Previous classes have collected and analyzed water samples from locations near campus and used their data to answer distinct research questions. At the conclusion of your work, you’ll learn how to present your findings to your peers.

In Microbiology, you’ll continue to build your lab skills through projects like determining whether a particular plant extract inhibits bacterial growth or characterizing antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in soil samples. Although St. Edward’s students have been testing plant extracts for antimicrobial properties for many semesters, you’ll be testing one that has not been analyzed before. This project gives you a chance to experience real-life research, where no one knows the outcome.

Research

All Medical Laboratory Science students have the opportunity to conduct research and present their work at symposia on campus or at conferences like the Texas Academy of Science. Undergraduate research teaches you to work independently and analyze scientific literature. 

Outstanding students complete Research Experiences for Undergraduates, in which they join the lab of a professor at a major research university over a summer. These competitive 10-week experiences, funded by the National Science Foundation, introduce you to research with different mentors and help you evaluate whether a research career is right for you.

Internships 

You’ll finish your degree by completing classes and rotations at one of two clinical sites, to which you apply your junior year. Here, you’ll do exactly the same kind of work you’ll do as a professional, making you a strong candidate for jobs in the field.

• Austin State Hospital is a public psychiatric facility a few miles north of St. Edward’s. If you enter this clinical program, you’ll study in classes with fewer than 10 other students. At ASH, you’ll learn how to analyze samples used to monitor patients’ medication levels, check for markers that indicate negative side effects, and assess patients’ overall health. 
• You’ll also complete rotations at other sites, such as the local blood bank, where you’ll learn how to do blood typing and analyze blood chemistry, and Dell Seton Medical Center, Austin’s safety-net and teaching hospital. There, you’ll work in divisions including blood chemistry, microbiology, parasitology, and blood and tissue typing.
• St. Edward’s also has a partnership with Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Temple, where you can spend your last year of college learning how to conduct clinical tests. Your rotations will include the labs at BS&W Medical Center as well as the healthcare system’s hospitals in Round Rock and Waco, and the Veterans Affairs hospitals in Temple and Waco. For this program, you would probably move to Temple — an hour’s drive from Austin in light traffic — to reduce commuting time, participate fully in the life of the community and build your network in the field.

Teaching Assistantships

Students with an affinity for teaching and mentorship can assist younger students by serving as teaching assistants. At St. Edward’s, all classes are taught by professors, but student teaching assistants help their fellow students develop lab skills and techniques. You’ll expand your communication skills and improve your own lab skills by helping other people learn the material.

The St. Edward’s chapter of the Texas Academy of Science supports student research, including presentation and publication opportunities. Members also tutor in the sciences and complete other service projects.

Students with strong academic achievement in the sciences are eligible to join the St. Edward’s chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the National Biological Honor Society.

The student chapter of the American Society for Microbiology attends regional ASM meetings together and takes a field trip to UTMB to learn about the master’s program and life in Galveston. The group invites guest speakers, watches documentaries (such as about antibiotic resistance) and plans special events like a reception with fermented foods.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Biological Sciences webpage.

The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston has an agreement with St. Edward’s through which students can earn two degrees in five years. Students complete three years at St. Edward’s and two years of clinical training at UTMB. Through this program, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in Biology from St. Edward’s and a master’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from UTMB. If you complete all your prerequisites at St. Edward’s, you will be accepted automatically to UTMB. If you pursue this path, you will move to Galveston after your third year of college to experience life in a beach city and build a new network of colleagues and friends in the medical community.

Learn more about our dual degree program in partnership with UTMB.

At St. Edward’s University, all curricula in the Biological Sciences are founded upon evolutionary theory. As a subject of scientific inquiry, the theory of evolution provides opportunities for testing hypotheses that strengthen our understanding of the processes that account for the diversity of life on earth, and existing data overwhelmingly support the theory as scientifically sound. We regard any non-scientific or teleological attempts that distract from the scientific processes that underlie science as, at best, a diversion to our mission to provide exceptional education to our students in the Biological Sciences. We stand with the numerous scientific societies that have issued statements on the subject of evolution and intelligent design, confirming the demonstrated success of the former and rejecting the scientific viability of the latter. 

Students pursuing a degree in Mathematics have two options to choose from. This helpful course map shows the sequence of prerequisites in the department.

1. Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

This program provides a comprehensive exploration of mathematics that prepares students for advanced programs or professional careers. This option offers more latitude in the choice of general electives and is appropriate for students seeking a double major or minor.

Major Requirements: The BA in Mathematics requires 56–59 hours of Mathematics major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Computer Science or Physics.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for the BA in Mathematics major (PDF).

2. Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

This program includes the same coursework as the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics but with two additional semesters of laboratory science. This option explores calculus, modern algebra and other advanced topics in their purest form. Additionally, students learn to design and interpret prediction models for diverse industries, such as aeronautics, urban development and green energy.

Major Requirements: The BS in Mathematics requires 67–70 hours of Mathematics major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Computer Science, Physics and Biology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for the BS in Mathematics major (PDF).

Questions about placement into Mathematics courses? Refer to our placement guide for more information.

The Department of Mathematics also offers a dual degree option in Mathematics and Engineering.

What You Will Learn and Skills You Will Gain

Our Mathematics degree ensures that you’ll graduate with a strong résumé that showcases your knowledge and skills. Here’s a sample what you’ll learn:

• Refine your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Deepen your understanding of calculus, modern algebra, physics and statistics.
• Build your programming and computational skills in applied computer science courses.
• Sharpen your skills in oral and written communication. 
• Conduct rigorous research independently and in teams.
• Present your research findings in a manner appropriate to the audience, including oral presentations and the writing of experiments, research manuscripts, poster presentations and research proposals.
• Collaborate effectively with peers and professionals.

Experiential Learning

A core component of the St. Edward’s Mathematics program is a four-semester sequence of research courses. In these classes, you’ll conduct open-ended research on unsolved problems individually with faculty members. You’ll present your findings at regional and national professional conferences, where you’ll meet other mathematicians and learn about graduate-school options and careers in your field.

Mathematics majors participate in the William Lowell Putnam Mathematics Competition, the preeminent math competition for undergraduates worldwide. A typical competition involves two 3-hour sessions in which students solve 12 problems. Thousands of math majors nationwide score 0 points every year due to the hyper-strict grading scale, so any positive score is a noteworthy accomplishment. In the past decade, four students from St. Edward’s have earned a positive score on the exam.

Teaching Assistantships

Strong students with an interest in teaching and mentoring can serve as teaching assistants for introductory classes. At St. Edward’s, all classes are taught by professors, but student teaching assistants help tutor and lead study sessions. You’ll expand your communication and people skills by helping other students learn the material. If you’re interested in teaching, you could also become a tutor in the Math Lab.

Research

As part of your coursework at St. Edward’s, you’ll complete four semesters of research. You’ll have the option to further develop this research and present your findings at conferences and for publication. Recently, Mathematics majors have studied the following:

• Mathematical analysis of lottery voting
• Dark energy, the force that causes the universe to expand
• Detecting whether congressional districts are racially gerrymandered
• The effects of storm-related electrical changes on tropospheric ozone levels

Most math majors travel to at least one conference during their time at St. Edward’s. These include:

• Texas Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
• Joint Mathematics Meetings of the American Mathematical Society and the Mathematical Association of America
• MAA Texas Section Meeting
• Mathfest
• National Conference for McNair Scholars and Undergraduate Research

Outstanding students have been selected for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), in which they join the lab of a professor at a major research university over a summer. These experiences help you decide if a research career is right for you. In recent years, Mathematics majors have completed these REUs:

• Deep learning – specifically, teaching computers to identify the content of an image — at the Center for Imaging Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology
• Research in the Mathematical Biosciences Institute Program at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to other research projects led by your professors. During Hurricane Harvey, which battered southern Texas in August 2017, several Mathematics majors, along with Natural Sciences professors and staff, collected meteorological data with weather balloons. They released 13 weather balloons that collected data used by the National Weather Services to create forecasts during the hurricane. Some of the students who participated also wrote code to automate the computation of data collected from the balloons and to visually display the data in graphs.

Internships 

You’ll also be encouraged to complete an internship to apply your mathematical skills in a professional context. Mathematics majors have recently interned at the following organizations:

• Exxon
• Molecular Rebar Design
• The Nature Conservancy
• National Ecological Observatory Network
• Department of Homeland Security STEM Summer Internship Program
• Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
• SpaceX

As a student in the Mathematics program, you are afforded access to the funding programs, including paid internships, offered exclusively to STEM students at St. Edward’s University by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4). For more information on these programs please visit the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4) on the web.

Student Organizations

The St. Edward’s Math Club is a student chapter of the Mathematics Association of America. Members have traveled together to regional mathematics conferences, presented math concepts and helped with science fairs at local schools, and participated in the global MegaMenger collaborative fractal build. The club also hosts student and alumni research talks and serves as a forum for social events like Halloween pumpkin carving, bowling, laser tag and pizza parties.

The St. Edward’s Maker Club attracts tinkerers and programmers who have worked on projects involving 3-D printing, soldering, programming LED strips, and creating art through programming.

Students minoring in Mathematics must satisfactorily complete the following courses in addition to 6 hours of electives:

Required Courses:

• Calculus I, Lab
• Calculus II
• Calculus III
• Linear Algebra
• Differential Equations

Elective Courses:

• Discrete Mathematics or Inquiry and Proof
• MATH 3000+ upper-division courses (excluding 4150 and 4157)

Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for the next steps in declaring your major or minor.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Mathematics webpage.