What do I do if I don’t know what major to pick?

You should select a major that prepares you to pursue your career goals. Many students are uncertain what these goals are, especially early in their college program. There is nothing wrong with being unsure what direction you want your life to take, but you should be committed to narrowing your choices as early as possible. The Fermanian Business Center and the university Office of Career Services have a wide range of diagnostic tools available to help you gain a better understanding of your skills, abilities and interests. These tools can help you understand yourself better and can give you insight into which careers attract people similar to you. The Center also provides personalized assistance through multiple programs for professional preparation, networking, career workshops, and making business connections. Contact the Center director as soon as possible to begin the comprehensive process of identifying career goals and avenues to achieve them.

Should I take calculus or problem solving?

Calculus is required for economics majors, and recommended for students in the other majors who have strong mathematics backgrounds. It is important for students preparing for graduate school, and fulfills the general education (Problem Solving) requirement.

Should I do a concentration?

Business Administration majors have the option of pursuing a concentration in addition to the basic requirements of the major. This major is very broad in scope because of the wide range of functions associated with business. Combined with the requirements of the General Education Program, our students find they have less preparation for specific careers than college students who do not pursue a liberal arts degree. We think this program pays dividends in the long run, but our graduates are sometimes disadvantaged in competing for initial job positions with students who are more technically educated. The optional concentrations are available to allow students to focus more courses in a specific area because of significant interest or to prepare them to compete better for initial jobs. The average student has 9 - 10 units beyond the strict requirements of the major and general education program. Students may choose to focus theses additional courses all in one area by pursuing a concentration (which requires completion of 12 units). Otherwise, students may scatter these additional required units anywhere in the total curriculum to meet personal interests.

What opportunities are available for international studies?

In today’s world, all business is becoming global. Graduating students who have knowledge of and demonstrated skills in cross-cultural business operations are valuable in the workplace. The department has implemented a concentration in International Business and is working to expand the opportunities available to students to pursue studies overseas. Programs currently exist to study abroad with the Coalition of Christian Colleges and Universities International Study Programs in Latin America and Russia. A program has been established with Cambridge University in England to allow students to pursue international study during the summer. Opportunities to learn and serve in the Christian nation of Armenia are being developed over the next several years. Students interested in pursuing opportunities for international study should contact Dr. Margaret Bailey to express their interest and begin to develop a program that meets their desires.

Which courses contain experiential components?

There are many experiential components available in business department courses. Principles of Marketing (BUS 332), Principles of Management (BUS 312) and Research Methods in Business (BUS 432) often include project components requiring interaction with local businesses. The Internship course (BUS 489) gives students actual work experience on a job site. Small Business Institute/Strategic Management (BUS 488) gives students valuable experience as consultants to small business clients in the local business community. The international study program prepares students for a broader vision of world social issues and culture, as well as understanding international issues in business and economics.

Should I do a Business Internship?

The Business Internship course (BUS489) is now required for all new students. This course has three major advantages for students. First, it lets students see the relevance of the material they are learning in their academic courses by seeing how key concepts are applied in a real world business environment. It lets them apply work skills and experiment with what they are learning in a "safe" environment. Second, it allows students to "try out" a business or industry they are interested in to see what it is like to do the actual work. Third, it enables them to develop the important experience employers look for on a resume and allows them to make connections in the business world that will be vital to their finding employment following graduation. This course counts toward concentration requirements if the job is in the concentration’s discipline.

Am I prepared for graduate school with my B.A.?

Yes, as long as you choose substantive course electives and quantitative components, including calculus. Academic performance is primary criterion, but most admission officers also consider how applicants have balanced their lives between academics and involvement in professional organizations and service. Some graduate programs prefer that students have several years of work experience. Students must have clear life goals and high quality communication and writing skills.

Do I need a computer?

While recommended for all students, those in the Business Administration and Accounting majors are required to possess a notebook computer for their program of study. We recommend that students have the notebook computer by the time they start ACC 201, but they must have it by the start of ACC 202, which students should plan to take during their sophomore year to avoid later prerequisite problems. The integration of computer technology and business software applications into the business curriculum is essential to prepare our graduates for the competitive business market. Minimum hardware and software specifications are available from the Common Knowledge Bookstore. The university financial aid office will make appointments with students to assess eligibility for financial aid assistance in purchasing the notebook computer.

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