The current acceleration of change in the workplace is unparalleled in recorded history. The ability to think on one’s feet and adapt to a variety of environments is critical to professional success. A student who majors in business at Virginia Wesleyan University will develop the skills, knowledge and attitude needed to thrive in the ever-changing world of business.
About The Program
Through a firm commitment to the liberal arts, global perspectives, and ethical decision-making, the Management, Business, and Economics Department develops leaders committed to creating sustainable social, environmental, and economic value through effective and responsible business practices. The business major combines a practical business education with a commitment to the Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) as developed by the United Nations in support of its Global Compact, a framework of universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment, and anti-corruption. The MBE Department is firmly committed to the interdisciplinary nature of successful management education; thus the business major integrates its core curriculum with allied coursework in a variety of disciplines while providing opportunities for career-based specialization through coursework and internships. It prepares graduates with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to manage society’s rapidly changing institutions both efficiently and humanely. VWU offers all of the courses required to sit for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and for the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) examinations on graduation. Moreover, the interdisciplinary nature of the program provides solid preparation for a wide variety of graduate degree programs.
Major: Business (BA)
Minor: Business
Certificate: Supply Chain Management & Logistics
Department Chair: Dr. Michelle Vachris
School: D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies
Why Study Business at VWU?
Principles for Responsible Management Education
The Principles of Responsible Management Education were developed by the United Nations and leading organizations and institutions involved in Management education such as AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in support of the UN's Global Compact – a strategic policy initiative for businesses that are committed to aligning their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of
- human rights
- labor
- environment and
- anti-corruption
The goals of both of these UN initiatives, developing businesses and business leaders committed to creating sustainable social, environmental, and economic value, dovetail nicely with the values of the department and the goals we attempt to instill in our students.
Marlin Business Conference
Each semester, students plan the Marlin Business Conference as part of their coursework for Principles of Management. The class selects a C-Suite of executives and identifies the roles of each student in areas of finance, marketing, human resources, and operations.
In addition to guest speakers and presentations from students, the always popular “Shark Tank” will be a part of the conference. As with the infamous “Shark Tank” on television, students from Introduction to Business create a product as a group and then make a presentation to a panel of “sharks.” Other class presentations include Information Systems Programs (ISP) competitions, where teams of students present business proposals to a client.
Internships/Undergraduate Research
The internship opportunity allows eligible students to engage in a full-time or part-time experience during their last semester.
Students have completed internships at:
- Norfolk Southern
- McPhillips, Roberts and Deans
- Geico
- Bauer Compressors
- Ferguson Enterprises
- and the Port of Virginia
Career Outcomes
Building on the strong foundation of Virginia Wesleyan’s liberal arts curriculum, the business program provides students with the broad back ground necessary to prepare for leadership and management positions in commercial, nonprofit and public organizations. Students can also work toward graduate programs in areas such as economics, accounting, banking, civil service, finance, human resource management, law, international business, and marketing.