Study Business at a Liberal Arts College – Three to Consider, with CIT Consultant Tiffany Kolb
For students who would like to explore a variety of subjects and majors and are considering pursuing a degree in business, a business major at a liberal arts college may be a direction to consider. Because business is not considered a liberal art, you may have to dig around to find these schools, but there are out there!
One of the goals of liberal arts schools is to build well-rounded students through course requirements in humanities, sciences, and the arts. Studying business in this context may give students an advantage because, in addition to developing skills in the business realm, they also spend time reading, writing, thinking, and learning about the world. Also, because liberal arts colleges tend to be smaller, the education may be more personalized, and students may be able to customize their education to explore business ethics, for example, or focus on the intersection of business and culture.
Below is just a sampling of liberal arts colleges that offer notable business programs. There are many more, so if your curiosity is piqued, include liberal arts colleges in your search for great business programs.
Newcomb Hall, Washington and Lee By Bobak Ha’Eri – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4755878
Washington & Lee, is a small, private, and somewhat selective liberal arts college in Lexington, Virginia. The Williams School business program has been accredited since 1927 and includes 40% of the student body. Many standard business majors are available, including accounting, business administration, and economics, with courses taught by 50 full-time faculty members. W & L states, “Quality teaching is our highest priority.” The Connolly Entrepreneurship Society is a standout experience. Washington & Lee students in this group meet weekly to get consulting advice for their start-ups, attend lectures, and collaborate.
Swasey Observatory (foreground) and Swasey Chapel (background), Denison U By Pbass1956 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11879504
Denison University, a selective university tucked into Granville, Ohio, attracts students curious about how their interests intersect. Options for students interested in pursuing business reflect this. The Global Commerce major is intended for students to explore markets and commerce through the lens of a liberal arts education. Students build a knowledge base in business concepts but also learn to connect these ideas to the historical, societal, cultural, and environmental contexts of a global society. If this major intrigues you, check out Financial Economics and Organizational Studies
Main Entrance By M.O. Stevens – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6138964
The University of Portland, a medium-sized Jesuit university, admits students with a broader academic profile than the two above. Known for a personalized approach to educating ethical leaders, many students design their four years of study to include one major and additional minors. The Pamplin School of Business offers five majors leading to a B.B.A. degree: accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and Operations & Technology Management. Students in the Pamplin School of Business must engage in professional development activities such as vocational exploration, resume-building sessions, job shadows, mock and informational interviews, service projects, internships, and other related career-development activities.