By Rachel Osterhues
The University of Louisville College of Business has made some changes this year, with the goal of benefiting current and future students.
“Our newest program is our full-time MBA,” said Tom Peterson, public relations and communication executive for the College of Business. “The new full-time program is an accelerated, 13-month program that includes international study and a paid, 11-month internship.”
According to Peterson, there have also been several other additions to the College of Business. The Social Media Lab is a new class invented by professor David Faulds. The class is defined as a consulting class. Essentially, students with computer skills work with industry consultants to aid businesses and nonprofit organizations in the utilization of popular websites such as Facebook and LinkedIn. This is intended to provide students with work experience, benefiting both the students and the businesses.
Another addition that has been added as a possibility for students is the new computer information systems minor. The College of Business encourages students to pursue this degree because salary surveys have recently been indicating that students with CIS majors and minors receive higher paying jobs than students without them.
Peterson also emphasized the need for current students to start thinking about participating in study abroad programs. As a result of an alumni gift, the College of Business is making new grants and scholarships available for studying abroad.
“We continue to add new international partner schools so that students have increased opportunities to study abroad,” said Charlie Moyer, dean of the College of Business.
Additionally, the College of Business is investing in a $3.38 million addition to the building. New offices and study rooms are currently in the process of being established. These additions are designed to enhance the education of students participating in the equine industry program and the Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship.
According to Moyer, the rapid changes will improve the quality of education for U of L students.
“The College of Business is positioning its programs, standards and student support resources such that [we] will be known as the business school that provides an educational experience of the quality found in the best private universities, but offered at a great public university price,” said Moyer.
Some students believe that the new programs are mutually beneficial to both students and the community.
“It’s a great way for the city to attract new talent from outside Louisville,” said Ron Seiter, a junior accounting major. It also helps “to keep future business leaders in the city.”
