Soderquist College of Business

Fast, Gatlin, Heinrich, Ladner, McCollum, Reimer, Rothfuss, Togami, Verdery, Waldron, Walenciak (dean)

The Soderquist College of Business at John Brown University consists of the Departments of Business (Undergraduate and JBU Online Undergraduate) and the Department of Graduate Business Programs. The Soderquist College of Business has adopted the following vision, mission, and core values, which have been embraced by each Department within the College.

Vision of the College of Business

To be nationally recognized as a leader in Christian higher education in business through the accomplishments of our students, our contributions to the academy and industry, and our impact on the world.

Mission of the College of Business

We provide challenging, practical business education from a Christian perspective, equipping students to succeed in their lifework and impact their world.

Core Values of the College of Business

Christian Faith - We are committed to John Brown University Articles of Faith

Relationships - We value our relationship with God which guides collaboration, respect, and trust among all

Teaching and Learning - We are passionate about excellence in teaching and lifelong learning

Global Focus - We value global perspectives and experiences that stretch our understanding of business and provide opportunities to impact the world

Intellectual Curiosity - We value an active investigative pursuit of knowledge

Gratitude - We promote a culture of being thankful to God and each other

Program Level Outcomes and Assessment of Student Learning

The College of Business is committed to the following four program level outcomes. These outcomes reflect what is desired for all graduates of our undergraduate business program.

Effective Communication: Communicate effectively and professionally in various contexts using diverse techniques and contemporary media.

Critical Reasoning and Research: Conceptualize, apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information to address questions, perform analyses, understand and apply results, reach conclusions, and assess impact.

Business Skills and Knowledge: Demonstrate skills and knowledge relevant to a business focus necessary for professional growth and success in global and culturally diverse contexts.

Ethical and Legal Issues and Christian Worldview: Anticipate, identify, and resolve moral, ethical and legal dilemmas through their understanding and application of the Christian worldview.

The College of Business is committed to the assessment of student learning and to the continuous improvement of its programs. The undergraduate Department of Business uses formative, summative, and comparative assessments of student learning to ensure that each program is effectively preparing students to be responsible business professionals in the world they are entering. Assessments include internship evaluations, portfolios, capstone reviews, pre- and post-program surveys, competitions, and embedded assessments. Faculty meet regularly with the dean to review and assess outcomes measures, identify issues, define areas of opportunity, and revise the program accordingly.

The College of Business offers two degrees: the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and the Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.). Students have the choice to pursue the B.S. or the B.B.A. The College of Business does not allow double majors between the B.S. and the B.B.A. However, students may double major within the majors offered in the B.B.A.

The Bachelor of Science degree features majors in Accounting, or General Business. The Bachelor of Business Administration features majors in Accounting, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, International Business, Management, and Marketing. Students not pursuing one of the two degrees may choose from the following areas as minor fields of study: Accounting, Applied Programming in Business, Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, International Business, Leadership Studies, Management, and Marketing. Students who are pursuing one of the two degrees offered by the College of Business may choose a minor in the following areas: Applied Programming in Business, Economics, and Leadership Studies.

Graduation Requirements

Students must achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.25 in all Department of Business course work and in each minor to be eligible for graduation.

Accreditation

All business degree programs of the College of Business are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), www.acbsp.org, (913) 339-9356.

Preparation for the MBA Degree

The undergraduate degree programs at John Brown University are excellent preparation for JBU’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Students planning to enter graduate studies at another university should check the specific prerequisite requirements of that program. JBU offers an MBA degree with emphases in International Business, Market Research and Consumer Insights, or Organizational Behavior, and an MS degree in Leadership and Ethics. All master level programs are described on the web site www.jbu.edu/grad/business.

4+1 Program

The College of Business also offers the ability for students to complete up to 12 credit hours of graduate courses during their junior and/or senior year that will count toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students must meet certain requirements (including prerequisites) and should meet with their advisor for more information.