At colleges and universities across the country, business is emerging as one of the most popular majors.
But there’s been a campus dialogue as to whether or not business students are getting a well-rounded education.
As a result, GW has begun to rethink the business school curriculum and will consider offering a Bachelor of Science in finance. With this change, which The Board of Trustees could vote on later this year, business students will have the opportunity to take a broader range of classes sometime in the future.
But in the same vein, liberal arts students should have an opportunity to expand their horizons as well.
All students should graduate from GW knowing something about business. That’s why the University should consider mandating that all students take a business course before they graduate – even if it isn’t their major.
The University is beginning to make strides in this area. In the fall, the Center for Student Engagement will start to offer weekly seminars called “Big Adult Topics” which will cover issues like how to file your own taxes and plan for retirement. For some, these seminars may be unnecessary. But it’s encouraging to see University administrators trying to help prepare students for the financial realities they will face in their adult lives.
Although GW is an institution that prides itself on providing students a global perspective and comprehensive understanding of the world, it’s still possible for students to graduate having never learned anything having to do with the economy. As the University reorganizes itself under a one-college model, GW should ensure that every student graduates knowing something about the economy and world markets.
To do this, GW could designate an introductory business course required for all students. The central goal of the course would be to expose the basics of the business world to students who are not necessarily familiar with financial investments or even the process of doing taxes.
There’s a lot to admire about business courses. For example, they don’t simply teach students the intricacies of markets but also place students in positions where they must collaborate with their peers. Business degrees, maybe more than any other degree, teach students problem solving skills and how to work in groups – both of which are necessary in most fields.
There are a number of higher-level economics courses taught in the business school that would not apply to the average student. And the general student body is not interested in studying financial markets and product placement.
However, everyone, no matter their major, could benefit from a basic understanding of the business world if for no other reason than that having taken a class in finance or economics.
Getting a job is ultimately what we’re here for, and this simple addition to the curriculum could give all students a leg up when searching for full-time employment.
–The writer is a freshman majoring in political communication.
You obviously have ZERO idea what you are talking about. Most business students don’t take their first business course until their sophomore or junior year.
Also, it just seems like you are unhappy with your major or realized that you are not going to get anywhere with a useless major. Perhaps you’d like to switch into the business shool…
For once, a GWU freshman published a good idea in a Hatchet column. GWU graduates with “typical” diplomas (psych, poli-sci, IA) struggle with finding employment because they don’t know how to sell themselves to employers. Basic business skills won’t solve the problem completely, but will alleviate at least some of the pain.
My BA in Political Science (American Government), coupled with business electives, has served me well over the past ten years. I can explain concepts of political economics and government financial regulation, and as much as it makes me want to hurl, can discuss how much Congress has fudged up the economy.
So yes, political science and economics and/or business is a great track.
A few courses in business doesn’t hurt. They definitely helped me. When I’m not peddling REAL information about Barry Soetoro’s missing birth certificate, I’m selling personal mobility scooters to obese Americans.
I understand offering a course for non-business majors, but requiring it is a bit of a stretch. That’s like saying that business is more important than international affairs, biology, health, and other departments that aren’t required for all students.
You know what also teaches you problem-solving skills and how to work in groups? Athletics. Should we require that too?
The term I would use is “financial literacy”.
It is fightening to see people coming out of our colleges and universities without a clue as to how to manage money -and the urge to spend it – in both the long and short run.
As one who has ended up in the fields of health/public health and service, the idea of a business course was always a threat, and something to be avoided! In fact, however, such a course would have helped me both personally and professionally. And….I must admit that I would NEVER have taken it willingly ! Great piece !