COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Bill Murphy, Dean
Somsen Hall, Room 309 (507-457-5014)

MISSION

The mission of the College of Business is to provide quality
undergraduate business programs that prepare students to apply their
knowledge and skills creatively, responsibly, and adaptively. In so doing,
students will exemplify the qualities of engaged, well-educated citizens—
successfully responding to the challenges of their work, lives, and the
communities in which they live.
The College of Business fosters an engaging and supportive learning
environment informed by pedagogical scholarship and enhanced by
applied research that promotes both human and economic development in
Southeast Minnesota. Based on an integrated liberal arts education core
woven through the curriculum, our students learn effective communication
skills, collaborative problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking skills, and
the application of contemporary business practices. Thus, WSU graduates
are prepared to react responsibly and creatively to social, economic, global,
and technological changes in their careers.
Departments in the College use assessment techniques to ensure
educational excellence; conduct periodic program reviews as required by the
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system; and solicit input from
stakeholders—students, alumni, and businesses.

Programs are designed to help students to:

• Secure a basic education in the arts and sciences, unity and diversity,science and social policy, global or multicultural perspectives, and contemporary citizenship or democratic institutions.
• Possess a basic knowledge of accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, and the legal environment of business.
• Use effective written and oral communication skills, quantitative skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and ethical reasoning.
• Acquire basic knowledge of and skills in information systems and business technology.
• Develop an appropriate specialization within the College of Business.
• Develop an understanding of the importance of continuous improvement and lifelong learning.

Departments in the College will use quality indicators and assessment techniques to ensure educational excellence; follow principles for good practice in undergraduate education; conduct periodic program reviews as required by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system; and solicit input from stakeholders-students, alumni, and businesses.

DEPARTMENTS
Accounting, Business Administration, Economics and Finance, Management of Information Systems and Operations, and Marketing

FACULTY
Over 85 percent of business faculty hold terminal degrees in their respective fields of study.  In addition to their dedication to teaching, the majority engage in significant ongoing research in business.  Faculty members also bring to their teaching the knowledge they gain from regularly consulting with businesses and nonprofit organizations.  Many business faculty participate in developing innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to teaching that help to broaden student perspectives.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The career opportunities for business majors continue to be strong and varied.  Many graduates of the College of Business are employed by top accounting firms and leading international and domestic corporations.  Some work in government agencies and nonprofit organizations.  A significant number of WSU business majors attend graduate school sometime during their professional career.

INTERNSHIPS
All departments in the College of Business offer internship opportunities
that allow students to gain valuable business experience before they
graduate. Many of these internships lead to job opportunities immediately
after graduation.

SCHOLARSHIPS
In addition to general university scholarships, a number of scholarships
are designated for majors in the College of Business. These scholarships are
awarded on a competitive basis. Students should watch for the application
deadlines during the spring semester and apply directly to the College of
Business.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Several student organizations are available for majors and minors in the
College of Business. These organizations provide students with numerous
opportunities to prepare for their profession through attendance at
conferences and workshops, interaction with practitioners in their field, and
social networking. Student organizations are actively involved in bringing
speakers to campus who present a broad range of business topics.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED BY THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Department/Program	BA Major	BA Minor	BS Major	BS Minor
Accounting Department
Accounting (ACCT)			X	X
Business Administration Department
Business Administration (BA)			X	X
Business Law (BLAW)				X
Human Resources Management (HRMT)			X
International Business (INTB)				X
Management (MGMT)				X
Economics and Finance Department
Economics (ECON)	X	X
Finance
Option A (FIA)			X
Option B (FIB)			X
Management of Information Systems and Operations Department
Management Information Systems (MIS)			X	X
Operations Management (OM)				X
Marketing Department
Marketing (MKTG)			X	X