Business &​ Social Sciences Division

Contact Information

Division Chair: Christopher K. Riggs, PhD
E-mail: ckriggs@lcsc.edu
Office: SPH 101
Phone: 208-792-2291
FAX: 208-792-2571
Web: https://www.lcsc.edu/business-social-sciences

Introduction to the Business & Social Sciences Division

The mission of the Business & Social Sciences Division is to help students develop an understanding of and the ability to analyze the factors that shape individuals, relationships, organizations, and societies.  The Division does so, in part, by offering both in-class as well as hands-on learning opportunities.  The Division’s majors provide preparation for a variety of careers and graduate programs. 

The Division also lends vital support to the college through its participation in the General Education Core. All students are required to complete six Social Science credits as part of Core, and the Division provides a variety of courses for fulfilling this requirement.

The Division’s priority is undergraduate instruction, but we also recognize a responsibility to the broader community, which is met through service and scholarship.

Faculty work with alumni and advisory committees of professionals to gather feedback to ensure curriculum and degree programs are relevant and graduates are meeting the needs of external constituencies.

ACCREDITATION

Lewis-Clark State College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Lewis-Clark State College has received specialized accreditation for its accounting and business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11374 Strang Line Road in Lenexa, Kansas, USA.

Click on the following document to see the business programs that are accredited by the IACBE:

http://iacbe.org/memberpdf/LewisClarkStateCollege.pdf

Click here for Public Disclosure of Student Achievement for the current Academic Year 

http://www.lcsc.edu/business/

Majors Offered

  • Accounting BS
  • Business BAS
  • Business Administration BA/BS
    • Business Administration: Health Care Emphasis
  • Business Informatics BA/BS
  • Business Management BA/BS
  • Business and Communication BA/BS
  • CyberAccounting MS
  • General Studes Business BA/BS
  • General Studies Social Sciences BA/BS
  • History BA/BS
  • Justice Studies BA/BS
    • Policing and Law Enforcement
    • Law and Legal Systems
    • Corrections and Human Services
  • Paralegal BAS
  • Psychology BA/BS
    • Psychology: Secondary Education
  • Social Sciences BA/BS
    • History: Secondary Education Emphasis
    • Anthropology Emphasis
    • Political Science Emphasis
    • Sociology Emphasis
  • Sport Management BA/BS

ASSOCIATE DEGREES

  • Behavioral Science AA
  • Bookkeeping/Accounting AAS
  • Business Administration AS
  • Hospitality Management AAS
  • Justice Studies AA
  • Marketing AS
  • Paralegal AAS

Program Outcomes

BUSINess and Accounting

From the International Accreditation Council for Business Education's (IACBE) Outcomes Assessment Results for Business and Accounting degrees:

  1. Students will be able to distinguish and explain the concepts, theories, and practices in the functional areas of business.
  2. Students will develop and prepare profession oral and written forms of communication.
  3. Students will be able to evaluate and apply information technology in support of management decision making.
  4. Students will develop and demonstrate the appropriate information literacy skills.
  5. Students will be able to work effectively and professionally with diverse colleagues in team situations. 

justice studies AA and BA/BS 

Students completing the Justice Studies major will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to all of the following. Students completing the Justice Studies AA will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to outcome #1 and #2.

  1. The ability to think critically about major issues relating to justice studies.
  2. The ability to proficiently communicate about major issues relating to justice studies.
  3. The ability to demonstrate an understanding of human behavior, social control, cultural differences, and concerns for minority groups with regard to criminal justice.
  4. The ability to demonstrate basic competencies in conceptualizing, conducting, interpreting, and evaluating research in the field of criminal justice.
  5. The ability to demonstrate an understanding of criminal and juvenile justice, criminology, law enforcement, adjudication, and corrections.
  6. Acquire first-hand experience in the theoretical and practical applications of Justice Studies.

PARALEGAL ITC, AAS, AND BAS

Upon completion of the Paralegal ITC, AAS, or BAS, students will:

1. Be able to think critically

2. Demonstrate organizational skills

3. Work effectively with a variety of legal office professionals and clients

4. Understand and apply legal ethics as required by law

5. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the legal system and its various agencies

6. Demonstrate solid interviewing and investigation skills

7. Draft legal documents and memoranda pertinent to specific areas of law

8. Demonstrate excellent writing, listening, and speaking skills

9. Demonstrate knowledge in legal research and writing skills

10. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a variety of computer programs

11. Maintain confidentiality

Psychology BA/BS

Students completing the Psychology major will be able to demonstrate an understanding of and/or the ability to engage in the following.

  1. Knowledge Base in Psychology 
  2. Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
  3. Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World
  4. Communication
  5. Professional Development

Students who major in Psychology need to be aware that some elective psychology courses may require a discussion or disclosure of personal information, such as relationships with parents or significant others.

Behavioral Science AA and General Studies, History, and Social ScienceS BA/BS

Students completing a History or Social Sciences major will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to all of the following.  Students completing a Behavioral Science AA or General Studies major will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to outcomes #1 and #2.

  1. The ability to think critically and analytically about social phenomena through reading, writing, and discussion.
  2. The ability to understand and appreciate a range of human perspectives and behaviors.
  3. The ability to conduct social science research by formulating research questions and applying appropriate research methods (quantitative/qualitative) and theory.
  4. The ability to engage in constructive activities outside of the Social Sciences program, such as through acceptance into graduate/professional programs, internships, paid employment, community service, and the like.
Secondary Education BA/BS

1.  The program completer understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.

2.  The program completer uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.

3.  The program completer works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

4.  The program completer understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.

5.  The program completer understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

6.  The program completer understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.

7.  The program completer plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.

8.  The program completer understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

9.  The program completer engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.

10. The program completer seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

11. The program completer should be able to distinguish between each of the federally recognized tribes with respect to the retention of their ancestral lands in Idaho: Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, New Perce Tribe, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes. Program completes build capacity in learners to utilize the assets that each learner brings to the learning community based on their backgrounds and experiences. 

12. The program completer understands the Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators and its place in supporting the integrity of the profession. 

13. The program completer knows how to use digital technology to create lessons and facilitate instruction and assessment in face-to-face, blended, and online learning environments to engage students and enhance learning.

14.  The program completer understands the importance of automatic word recognition, reading fluency, reading comprehension, and motivation to read; the impact of vocabulary knowledge in oral and written language comprehension; and factors that contribute to deep listening and reading comprehension.

15.  The program completer understands the benefit of incorporating writing in the content areas.

16.  The program completer understands how reading and writing difficulties vary in presentation and degree.

Assessment

In order to obtain regular feedback on program excellence, the Division requires that graduating seniors participate in some kind of graduate assessment. These assessments include the following.

  • Business and Justice Studies students take a national assessment ("exit exam"). LC State student scores are compared with the exam results of students at other institutions of higher learning.  General Studies: Business majors are not required to complete the exit exam.

  • Psychology, Justice Studies, History, and Social Sciences students complete senior research projects and presentations, including a capstone experience with quantitative or qualitative research.

Admission Requirements

Refer to Lewis-Clark State College standard Admission guidelines.

Business students must earn at least a grade of "C-" in Math, ECON, and all major requirements. Business students must also earn at least a 2.50 grade point average in all business courses combined, including Accounting and Economics.

No grade lower than a "C-" will be accepted for a Psychology major course or Psychology Electives.

Advising

Students are strongly advised to develop Program Plans with a faculty advisor early in their academic careers. Program Plans help the student to understand the course requirements that must be fulfilled to graduate with a degree. Planning also enables students to learn more about the proper sequencing of courses, which is a key to academic success.

Minors, Certificates, Transfer Programs

MINORS:

  • Anthropology
  • Behavioral Science
  • Business Administration
  • Environmental Studies
  • History
  • Justice Studies
  • Economics
  • Marketing
  • Native American Studies
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Political Psychology
  • Political Science
  • Pre-Law
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

ADVANCED, basic, & intermediate CERTIFICATES:

  • Bookkeeping/Accounting
  • Food & Beverage
  • Front Office
  • Hospitality Management
  • Paralegal

ACADEMIC CERTIFICATES:

  • Business Essentials
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Marketing Management
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Sport Marketing 

Special Policies

Business

All candidates for a baccalaureate degree in all business majors with the exception of the General Studies: Business degree must satisfy the following requirements prior to graduation:

  1. Complete a minimum of 120 semester college level credits.
  2. Complete college's General Education core requirements (see specific major).
  3. Complete  at least one economics class (ECON-201 and/or ECON-202). Some Business majors require both economics classes--check specific program plans.ECON-201 and ECON-202 satisfy the General Education, Social Sciences Component.
  4. Earn at least a “C-” in  the required math for the degree.
  5. Earn at least a “C-” in all major courses.
  6. Earn at least a 2.50 grade point average in all Business courses combined.
  7. Complete all tests used as part of the College’s value added evaluation strategy, including   a national assessment test (Exit Exam) in Business if required.
  8. Complete no fewer than 64 credits (which can include economics and statistics) in departments other than business.
  9. Complete at least 50% of Business credits in the major at LC State.
  10. The General Studies: Business major has individual degree requirements. See your advisor and review the General Studies: Business program plan for information.

Expectations of Business majors:

The student will:

  1.  Acquire and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and competencies in the functional areas of business relevant to their programs of study.
  2.  Exhibit effective business related skills and abilities.
  3.  Develop and demonstrate the appropriate information literacy skills.
  4.  Develop essentials skills in decision making in a business environment.
  5.  Exhibit the ability to use and apply technology in business situations.

PSYCHOLOGY 

No grade lower than a "C-" will be accepted for a Psychology major course or for a Psychology Elective course. 

SECONDARY EDUCATION

Secondary Teacher Education candidates must have two advisors: one for their academic major and one for teacher certification.

No grade lower than a “C-” will be accepted in any General Education Core, Content major, or 200-level Professional Foundations course. No grade lower than a “B-” will be accepted in any 300- or 400-level education courses in the Secondary Education Program.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for admission into the Secondary Teacher Education Program. Candidates must also maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA in their content area classes.

Additional Division Programs

NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

North Central Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is affiliated with the LC State Business & Computer Science Division.  The SBDC at LC State provide no-cost business coaching, financial and marketing analysis, practical information, and useful connections. 

Clubs, Honor Societies, other Activities

Clubs

  • Accounting & Business Student Organization (ABSO) 
  • Anthropology Club
  • Gender-Sexuality Alliance Club
  • Justice Studies Club
  • Paralegal Club
  • PoliSci Club
  • Psychology Club
  • Women in Lasting Leadership
  • Warrior History Club
  • Young Democrats Club

Honor Societies

  • Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society
  • Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society
  • Psi Chi Honor Society of Psychology
  • Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society of Business

ABSO activities include a variety of fundraising ventures that allow students to raise scholarships and funding for student programs and events. The club offers students an opportunity to meet and network with accounting and business professionals and LC State alumni in the community. As a part of this process, students can explore career options and develop an awareness concerning educational requirements. Students may also earn credit for their participation.

Chapter 472 of Sigma Beta Delta, the international honor society for business, management and administration. The purposes of Sigma Beta Delta are to encourage and recognize scholarships and achievement among students of business, management and administration, and to encourage and promote personal, professional improvement and a life distinguished  by honorable service to humankind.

Allison, Kerensa , PhD, Professor

Barnes, Ralph, PhD, Associate Professor

Booth, Brent, PhD, Assistant Professor

Britzman, Kylee, PhD, Associate Professor

Canfield, Amy , PhD, Professor

Carstens Namie, Emily, PhD, Associate Professor

Davenport, William R. , MBA, Associate Professor

Earles, Laura, PhD, Professor

Elben, Jordan, MS, Instructor

Eriksen, Randal, JD, Professor

Fairley, Magen, MBA, Associate Professor

Genthos, Rachelle, PhD, Professor

Hoffmann, Leif , PhD, Professor

Holman, Natalie , MS, Associate Professor

Kaitz, Rachel E, DBA, Professor

Lee, Tevis, MA, Assistant Professor

Lemus, Billy, MA, Associate Professor

Martin, Eric , PhD, Professor

Parker, Leanne, PhD, Associate Professor

Reed, Gary , PhD, Professor

Riggs, Christopher , PhD, Professor/Division Chair

Rust, Teri, PhD, Professor

Ryan, Clete, CPA, Instructor

Scott, Jenny, MA, Professor

Straughan, Gene, PhD, Professor

Uptmor, Jennifer, MS, Instructor

Wartel, Angela, MPA, Assistant Professor