The Undergraduate Program offers DeCal courses every semester. These courses are a great opportunity for the larger UC Berkeley community to benefit from student-led courses on specialized Business Administration topics. All courses are offered exclusively as UGBA 98/198 and as Pass/No Pass. UGBA 198 credit earned will count towards the 38 units of upper-division UGBA requirement for Business Administration majors.

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Spring 2024 DeCal List

Intro to Investment Banking

Description

“Introduction to Investment Banking” is a 2-unit course that will cover valuation, financial models, and financial instruments. This course offers students of all majors and backgrounds an introduction to the concepts of investment banking and the types of analysis performed by investment banking professionals. It aims to improve the preparation of students for positions in investment banking and increase the placement of Berkeley students in this highly competitive job market.

DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) for Global Leaders

Description

This course is intended to be a vital preparation for anyone looking to learn more about furthering equity as leaders in the corporate world. We will teach you essential DEI terminology, the tools that will enable engagement in open dialogue, and the skills necessary to ignite change through strategies that create value for society. The course will be structured as a progression of four modules based on the defining leadership principles of Haas: Student Always, Confidence Without Attitude, Beyond Yourself, and Questioning the Status Quo. Each module will explore DEI concepts in the context of these basic principles, and engage students in self-reflection through 4 projects that align with each principle. We will also be hosting distinguished speakers from the media, consulting, and tech industries to provide students with real world perspectives into DEI in the workplace. This course is lecture and discussion based and open to all majors, with no prerequisites.

Introduction to Buyside Modeling

Description

This course is designed to bridge the gap between finance theory and economic reality. While many students understand both the basics of finance and Microsoft Excel, they are unable to effectively merge these two skills into applicable, real-world financial models. The course will take a “zero-to-sixty” approach to modeling, beginning with Excel basics and best practices, and culminating in the development of a simple leveraged buyout model. No prior knowledge of or experience with financial modeling is required.

From Idea to IPO

Description

Interested in learning about how to take new technologies, like Blockchain, CRISPR, and Machine Learning, to market? This course will help you explore all these technologies (and more) and also assist you in learning how the entrepreneurship ecosystem of Silicon Valley works. We’ll have guest speakers who are leaders at startups to established companies, discussions on news articles, and many fun activities to understand how to take an idea to an IPO.

Introduction to Business Recruiting

Description

The world of business is multifaceted and intricate. Navigating the different opportunities and how to access them can be challenging. This course aims to unveil the basics of business from a recruiting standpoint in order to increase access and equity in various sectors. Students will work through five different modules that each target a different aspect of Business-related careers. Through hands-on workshops, guest speakers, and detailed coursework, Introduction to Business Recruiting will provide a 360-view on navigating the business world and how to succeed in it. The five modules include the basics of recruiting, consulting, finance, tech, and a class-elected path that varies based on semester.

Credit Cards and Rewards Programs

Description

This course is an introduction to credit cards, personal finance, and loyalty and rewards programs. Starting with building essential foundations in understanding credit (i.e. credit scores and credit bureaus) and payments (i.e. credit card networks and issuing banks), we will then explore the world of credit card rewards, both cashback and points to travel nearly free. The course will also delve in-depth into maximizing the perks that come with credit cards, from premium lounge access to first-class upgrades, as well as luxury airline and hotel benefits. The goal is not only to learn what is a “good” credit card, but also to be able to evaluate for yourself ones that offer you the greatest benefits, all the while being responsible with your finances. From Chase’s 5/24 rule and American Express’ Once-Per-Lifetime rule to financial reviews and retention offers, Credit Cards and Rewards Programs, will teach you all the little-known pieces of insider knowledge in the credit card space. We will explore, in-depth, every major US issuer and their current product offerings, in addition to the industry-standard terminology and practices.

Winning Women

Description

This course aims to inspire and empower women at UC Berkeley to engage in purposeful career development, take on leadership roles, and lead change with more conviction and confidence. UC Berkeley is home to women with immense ambition and technical abilities but lacks a proper course that builds on their unique strengths to develop an action plan for their leadership development. Winning Women bridges the gap.

We seek to empower and inspire women to become our next generation of leaders. Our curriculum consists of guest speakers, who are top female leaders in industries from consulting and venture capital to consumer goods and technology. Students will complete online discussions, personal reflection assignments, and case studies about diversity and inclusion to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned from the speakers.

Intro to Business in Content Creation

Description

Intro to Business in Content Creation is a hands-on course designed for students who are interested in learning how to monetize their social media and earn money through content creation. The world of social media marketing is constantly evolving, and this course will introduce you to various ways in which you can turn your content and brand into a business. Students will be exposed to the many different paths you can take to work with brands and what you should know as a creator. The class will feature guest speakers, including content creators and influencer managers, for students to have the opportunity to ask questions and gain knowledge through those in this industry. Students will be able to apply their learnings to both class assignments and individual projects that will help students take active steps towards building their business in content creation.

How to Build an E-Commerce Brand

Description

This course aims to empower students, regardless of their prior experience or educational background, with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to launch and proficiently manage their own e-commerce businesses. Students will be applying concepts through a mock business, bridging the gap between theory and application. By the end of the course, students will have a full go-to-market strategy ready for their company that will be presented as a final project incorporating everything covered in the class. We will cover the key areas of marketing, product, and financial/legal management through lectures, case studies, and guest lectures to prepare students with the knowledge needed to get started on their business. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to do a case in the class for both the instructors’ businesses to gain work experience.

Introduction to Game Development

Description

This curriculum is designed to engage students through a hybrid learning model where they will create, connect, and share experiences across disciplines. The holistic course content will provide students with the basic fundamentals of the creation of a game from start to finish. Over the course, students will learn various technical and nontechnical skills to best prepare for careers.
Students will also learn about Roblox’s hiring practices, roles within the industry. how to apply their skills, and understand the nature of work. Students must come eager to learn, listen, and engage with peers and facilitators.

Introduction to Healthcare Consulting

Description

The Future of Healthcare DeCal will give students a preview of healthcare in future. First, we will take a brief look at the events that have led us up to the current state of the healthcare system. Then we will move on to the innovation that has been occurring in healthcare technology to address the current crisis of increasing healthcare costs.

Students should walk away from this course with a robust understanding of the current healthcare landscape, and should have gained an introduction to various technologies that are disrupting the current industry. We hope this course encourages students to work in the healthcare industry, and contribute to solving the current crises of the US healthcare system.

Community Building

Description

“Community Building” is a comprehensive course designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to foster a sense of belonging, trust, and collaboration within diverse groups and organizations. By delving into the principles of community building, participants will learn how to effectively engage and support members, cultivate shared identities, and nurture lasting relationships.

Throughout this course, students will explore various aspects of community building, such as identifying core values, establishing communication strategies, promoting inclusivity, and employing conflict resolution techniques. Participants will also gain insight into the essential elements of successful communities and learn how to adapt these principles to a wide array of organizational contexts. From fan clubs and HR departments to alumni organizations and outdoor enthusiast groups, this course will empower individuals to create thriving communities that bring people  together and inspire meaningful connections.

Artistry & Entrepreneurship: Taylor’s Version

Description

This course will discuss what we can extract from the traits that have led to Taylor Swift’s prolific success, covering her legacy as a songwriter, businesswoman, and creative influence. Swift’s ability to connect with listeners is as pertinent as her effect on the economy and her voice in the industry. Using Swift’s rise to and maintenance of stardom as a case study, students will examine the creation of Swift’s social capital and its enduring impacts. The course will have weekly readings/listenings, two assignments, and a final project. Sessions will consist of interactive lectures to supplement the discussion questions, readings, and listenings. Together, we’ll analyze examples, exchange ideas, and develop working definitions of Swift’s role in society—and yours. We’ll put her under scrutiny, but handle it beautifully.