College of Business Embraces Spirit of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Pacific University's new College of Business opened on July 1, becoming the fifth college in the institution's illustrious 164-year history.

Under the direction of founding dean Howard L. Smith, the College of Business will offer undergraduate students business degrees in accounting, business administration, finance, international business and marketing. Classes begin Aug. 26.

The college will also offer a master of science in finance degree beginning early next year.

The undergraduate business degrees were previously administered by the university's College of Arts & Sciences. Last fall, the university board of trustees approved the creation of a College of Business to further develop the undergraduate degree programs and add graduate-level programs.

In addition to fostering program growth, the creation of a distinct college is a key step in the university's pursuit of accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, of which only 25 percent of the country's business schools have obtained.

Consistent with the university's other colleges, the College of Business espouses the university's overarching focus on providing a nurturing environment, substantial experiential learning and the value of civic engagement.

Smith said each student will learn to effectively address global issues through international experiences, including one- and two-week intensive visits to international partner universities, internships and co-operative work placements.

Students will work in both for-profit and not-for-profit settings while enrolled in their chosen program.

Graduates will also leave Pacific with a demonstrated capacity to creatively problem-solve as a result of field experiences and a capstone project, the latter being a microbusiness plan or idea to successfully take to market.

"This requirement will instill in our students a capability to remain self-sufficient and initiate enterprises in any economic condition," Smith said.

Additionally, graduates of the College of Business will be well prepared to practice the highest level of ethics and corporate responsibility, he added.

Following is a snapshot of each academic program offered by the College of Business:

Accounting: Students take a spectrum of business courses, as well as coursework specific to accounting, including income tax accounting and auditing. Students also can take additional courses on their way to becoming a certified public accountant.

Business Administration: Students may choose to pursue a general degree in business administration or integrated business.

Business Scholars: This is an accelerated program offering highly motivated students the opportunity to earn a business degree in three years. The program integrates classroom learning with co-curricular activities, real-world networking and periodic workshops to prepare students to enter the workforce or graduate school, all in a liberal arts setting.

Finance: Topics of study include managing capital assets, overseeing investments, risk management and global financial trends and issues.

Marketing: Students take courses in market research, advertising and promotions, international marketing, and media or art.

International Business: Students embark on cross-disciplinary study in economics, politics, and cultural or language studies.

Master of Science in Finance: The master of science in finance is a rigorous and comprehensive program that prepares students to work in an ever-changing economic landscape. With a curriculum based in fundamental economic principles, the program provides students with specialized knowledge and skills as well as insights into innovative theories. Designed for experienced and aspiring professionals, the MSF program helps students broaden their knowledge of finance and become leaders in the field. Students develop targeted skills by selecting the concentration best suited to their career aspirations: corporate finance or investments.

Monday, July 22, 2013