The heart of our B.B.A. programs is a 12-credit-hour core course that integrates finance, management, marketing and operations known as COB 300, taken immediately following formal acceptance into the College of Business. During the semester, students are placed in cross-disciplinary teams and are tasked with integrating material from the four classes and developing a viable business plan. A distinguishing factor of an education at the College of Business, it helps to ensure success, not only in the program but in your career.
The top business plans to come from COB 300 each year are entered into the Business Plan Competition, an annual event with more than $25,000 in scholarships and prizes distributed to the student teams.
"We call it integrative business. It isn’t just teaching in silos. It is teaching how business operates, and how you need all of these disciplines in a holistic approach to conduct business. That is the difference with COB 300."
Fernando Pargas, COB 300 coordinator and professor of management
Curriculum
The COB 300 core is taken concurrently and consists of:
- COB 300A. Integrated Business: Management
- COB 300B. Integrated Business: Finance
- COB 300C. Integrated Business: Operations
- COB 300D. Integrated Business: Marketing
The learning in each individual discipline is designed to work in concert as your group develops a business plan from the ground up.
Resources
You and your group are not alone. JMU libraries is there to help with dedicated business librarians, a team of peer research advisors, and valuable, professional business information at your disposal.
Advice
Here is some advice for success from Business Plan Competition finalists:
"The biggest benefit of this course for me was connecting with my team and learning how to work with different personalities in such an intense and involved environment. I suggest putting yourself out there and giving it your all.”
Nick Clement ('25), Computer Information Systems
"COB 300 allows you to work with a diverse team that will challenge you to think differently and adapt to new working styles. It’s a chance to learn a lot about collaboration, communication, and leadership, all of which are key skills for the business world. Push yourself and your team to go all in and make the most of this unique opportunity!"
Regan McKinnon, Marketing
“Go into COB 300 with an open mind, really make an effort to bond with your group and stay organized. If you're comfortable with your team and keep the many moving parts organized, you're sure to be successful!”
Jorja Rich, Finance
Hours of operation:
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
