John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics

Dr. Jeff Steagall, Dean

The John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics is a leader in preparing students for careers in business. The Goddard School attracts students from across the nation and around the world who desire a quality education.

Nearly 2000 students are enrolled in undergraduate programs in accounting, business administration [with emphases in finance, human resource management, marketing, and supply chain management], economics, and information systems & technologies; and more than 240 students pursue degrees in the Master of Accounting and Master of Taxation programs, as well as the Master of Business Administration program. Students should note that the Goddard School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the premier global accrediting agency in business and accounting education.

Courses are designed to reflect the rapidly changing business environment. Dedicated faculty use innovative teaching and learning methods throughout the curriculum. The consequences of the global economic environment and international competitive advantage are addressed at the onset of the curriculum and discussed throughout the program. The key issues of technology, quality management, ethics, and entrepreneurship are discussed in many contexts.

A unique feature in the curriculum is the endowed Ralph Nye Lecture Series. In this Series, business leaders visit Weber State University campus to serve as guest lecturers. A wide variety of speakers include executives who have risen to the top of corporate worlds, entrepreneurs who have nurtured an idea into a viable business, and authors and opinion leaders with special insight into the business environment. These speakers make an invaluable contribution to our educational programs.

Dean: Dr. Jeff Steagall
Location: Wattis Building, Room 201
Telephone Contact: Mary Ann Boles 801-626-7307

Associate Dean: Dr. Seokwoo Song
Location: Wattis Building, Room 201
Telephone Contact: Mary Ann Boles 801-626-7307

Coordinator of Academic Advisement: Mara Sikkink 801-626-6534
Academic Advisor: Aleta Harrison 801-626-6534
Location: Wattis Building, Room 211

Coordinator of Recruitment & Career Development: Patricia Wheeler 801-626-7914
Location: Wattis Building, Room 213

Department Chairs/Directors

Graduate Program Directors

John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics Mission Statement

Mission

The Goddard School serves our communities by delivering an engaging learning environment, conducting valuable research and performing meaningful service.

Learning

Through close and scholarly interaction, we inspire students to reach their potential as productive and responsible members of society. Within the context of a regional, open enrollment university with  a large number of non‐traditional and working students, our degree programs provide students with the foundation for success in a global economy.

Research

We create and disseminate practical, theoretical and pedagogical knowledge in an environment of freedom of academic expression and strong institutional support. 

Community

We enhance our community via the creation of strategic relationships that expand opportunities for our stakeholders.

Distinguishing Values

Student‐Driven
Our academic programs prepare students with knowledge and skills that are valued in business and society.

Scholarly Relevance
Our faculty develop and disseminate research for our communities.

Service that Builds
We contribute time and expertise to our campus, professional and local communities.

Culture and Quality
We have an innovative and entrepreneurial culture with a commitment to continuous improvement focused on the transformation of students.

Accessibility to Business & Economics Courses

Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

Candidates for a bachelor of science degree in the John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics (Goddard School) must satisfy the following requirements:

Graduation Requirements

1. GPA Requirement: Candidates for Goddard School minors, associate degrees, and bachelor of science degrees must complete all prerequisite and required business and economics courses with a grade of “C-” or higher. In addition, the cumulative Business Foundations GPA, Goddard School (major) GPA, and the overall university GPA must be 2.5 or higher.
2. Residency Requirement: Any student wishing to attain a certificate, minor, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree from the Goddard School must satisfactorily complete 50 percent of the total required course work and 60 percent of the upper-division requirements from the Goddard School. Furthermore, any transferred credit must be approved prior to beginning the program of study.
   Any student pursuing a graduate degree from the Goddard School may apply a maximum of 6 credit hours of graduate credit taken at other AACSB International accredited institutions and completed with a grade of B- or better to the Goddard School’s graduate degree requirements. Furthermore, the transferred credit must be approved prior to beginning the program of study. All candidates for degrees must be registered at WSU at least one semester following the last commencement prior to graduation.

Admissions

All students seeking majors, minors, emphases and certificates within the John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics must be formally admitted.

Criteria for admittance to the Goddard School:

• Formal admission to Weber State University (WSU)
• Successful completion of ENGL 2010   and MATH 1050  (or their equivalent) with a “C” grade or higher
• Successful completion (“C-” grade or higher) of Business Foundations with a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA for the five foundation courses
• Successful completion of assessment course: BSAD 2899   or ECON 2899   (for non-business Economics majors only)
• Overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Declaration of business major, minor, emphasis or certificate

Process for admittance to the Goddard School:

1. Register for BSAD 2899   or ECON 2899   (for non-business Economics majors only) concurrent with (same semester as) or after final required Business Foundations Course. Course objectives are:
   1. Complete assessment of Business Foundations
   2. Complete online application which includes:
      • Goddard School application student information
      • Essay as described on the Goddard School application
      • Accepting to abide by the Goddard School Honor Code

A grade of CR (credit) for 2899 equates to being admitted to the Goddard School.

Transcripts need not be submitted unless the student is notified by the Goddard School.

2. Await Notification Letter from Goddard School Admissions Committee

Advisement

John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics majors are strongly encouraged to pursue advising opportunities in the Goddard School. Receiving timely advisement at critical junctures in an academic program will assist students in choosing the appropriate classes, in the appropriate sequence, and in preparing for employment opportunities. Advising for:

• transfer credits, general education, business foundation courses, admission into the Goddard School, major selection, major requirements, minors, second degrees, and certificates is provided by the Goddard School Coordinator of Academic Advisement, Mara Sikkink, WB 211, (801) 626-6534 and the Goddard School Academic Advisor, Aleta Harrison, WB 211, (801) 626-6534;
• major declaration is provided by the Goddard School major departments;
• major selection, employment preparation, including internships and resumes, and business etiquette is provided by the Goddard School Career Center, WB 213, (801) 626-7914.

Credit Policy

1. Obsolete Credit: John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics credit earned more than ten (10) years earlier than the proposed date of graduation will not be accepted toward University or major requirements unless validated through a challenge examination or approved by the appropriate academic department chair.
2. Waiver Requests: Any exceptions to the printed Goddard School graduation requirements must be approved by the appropriate academic department chair prior to waiving, substituting, or taking the course(s) in question.

Transfer Credit Policy

1. Transfer students should submit transcripts from all institutions of higher education to the Weber State University Admissions office. Student Recruitment at (801) 626-6050 will consult with Admissions to determine which general education credits will be accepted by Weber State. Most courses with a grade of “C-” or higher are eligible for credit. However, some courses, such as the General Education MATH and ENGL Core requirements, may require a higher grade.
2. Students should establish transfer of general education work prior to meeting with the John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics Advisement Center. The Advising Center will consult with Goddard School academic departments to determine credit toward specific Goddard School requirements and address further transfer issues.
3. The Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) Transfer Credit Guide has been established to indicate articulation of equivalent courses between the in-state public colleges and universities. Credits from business courses transferred from institutions not covered by the USHE Transfer Credit Guide are accepted only if approved by the appropriate Goddard School academic departments. Documentation which allows the Advising Center and department chairs to assess the content of courses taken may be required. This documentation may include: catalogs or bulletins; course outlines or syllabi; and transcripts. In the majority of cases, course credit which is not obsolete (see above) taken at institutions accredited by AACSB International will be accepted and applied to the Goddard School’s graduation requirements.
4. The Goddard School may require validation for courses taken at other institutions before credit is applied to Goddard School requirements. This validation may consist of either: passing a challenge exam; or completing the next course in a related sequence with a grade of “C” or better. Validation may be required where upper division credit is sought for lower division course work taken at another institution.
5. Students are reminded that the Weber State catalog states, “Acceptance of credit should not be confused with its application. Transfer credit may or may not apply to Weber State’s graduation requirements, regardless of the number of credits transferred. Credit other than that intended wholly to meet general education requirements, will be applied to Weber State’s specific degree program requirements upon the recommendation of the appropriate department chair.” This means credit that is accepted by Weber State may, or may not, apply to specific requirements within the Goddard School.
6. Students transferring credits from institutions outside the U.S. should follow the guidelines for International Students. Transfer credits should appear on the student’s WSU transcript before meeting with the Goddard School Advising Center or major department chair.   

Bill Child Start-Up Center

The Bill Child Start-Up Center provides entrepreneurship students with a comfortable, collaborative space in which to work on their fledgling businesses.  The Center also hosts activities for student clubs, such as the Weber Entrepreneurs Association (WEA), and the Young Automotive Entrepreneurship Lecture Series.  Each week, Entrepreneurs-in-Residence hold office hours so that students can talk about their start-ups with entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, startup lawyers and other key professionals.  The Center is located in room 203 of the E.O. Wattis Building.

International Programs

The John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics offers a number of curricular programs and study opportunities designed to enhance the global expertise of our students.

• The John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics regularly offers study abroad programs to Asia and Europe.

• The Goddard School has signed cooperative agreements with the University of Applied Science - Hof, Germany, the European Business School in Paris, France, Shanghai Normal University, China, and University of Seoul, Korea.  Under the terms of these agreements, our students can enroll at these partner institutions without any additional tuition charge. The same privilege is extended to students from partner institutions who enroll at WSU.  The partner institutions are located in:

  • China and Korea

  • Austria, France, Germany, Poland, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom

• The Goddard School has become a member of the TransAtlantic Business School Alliance (TABSA).  TABSA unites four U.S. and four European Universities that are working to share cultural and educational experiences with students across geographic boundaries.  Under the terms of the agreements, our students can study abroad from one of four European Universities for two years, after completing two years at the Goddard School, to achieve double Bachelor degrees from both WSU and the selected European University.

• The Goddard School offers an International Certificate which may be awarded with a baccalaureate degree offered by the School. This program is described below.

Departments and Programs

Programs

• Entrepreneurship Institutional Certificate
• International Business & Economics Institutional Certificate
• International Business & Economics Institutional Certificate Language Emphasis