IU Northwest School of Business and Economics Expands Degree Options

rot1The Indiana University Northwest School of Business and Economics has expanded its program to accommodate a growing demand for specializations in the fields of marketing and human resources. Beginning in the Fall 2015 Semester, students interested in pursuing these disciplines can now designate a minor that more accurately describes their line of study and is more customized to their goals.

“The School of Business and Economics has several marketing-focused and HR-focused elective courses that students can take advantage of to customize their business education,” said Dean Anna Rominger. “By grouping them together and designating a minor, students now have a documented specialization that will give them an edge when they seek employment.”

To earn the minor, a student must complete either the School’s core marketing courses, or core human resources management courses, plus additional electives.

Rominger said the School continuously evaluates its available courses and degree offerings and regularly meets with the Business Advisory Board made up of area professionals to ensure they are meeting the needs of students and employers. She said there is a growing demand for human resources and marketing professionals and, in fact, marketing is something students have been inquiring about for years.

“To succeed in the global marketplace, businesses of all sizes must implement effective marketing strategies,” said Assistant Professor of Marketing Demetra Andrews. “The marketing minor will equip students with the expertise and skill to make valuable marketing contributions. The student collegiate chapter of the American Marketing Association will assist students in building professional networks and provide access to internship opportunities.”

Human Resource Management is another area in demand for future business leaders.

“A better understanding of training and development and the legal components of personnel management are highly valued by all businesses,” said Assistant Professor of Management Andrea Griffin. “The Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) has a very active student chapter on campus. The presence of the student SHRM and SHRM seminars on campus serve as an indicator of the interest in a human resources focus.”

Rominger said that a specialization in business economics is also on the horizon.

“Business economics is another area of specialization which students will soon be able to declare as an official minor,” Rominger said. “Economics and business economics are important disciplines for the financial industry and the general practice of business. The student Economics Club is also very active on campus. It provides opportunities for students to connect with each other and professionals in the field.

The School of Business and Economics at IU Northwest is one of only five percent of business schools worldwide that carry the prestigious accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).

The IU Northwest School of Business and Economics provides high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs that are convenient for students in providing both online and certificate options. Undergraduates may choose a degree in business with concentrations in business administration and accounting/financial information systems, soon to be renamed as accounting/finance.

Graduate students may choose to earn a Graduate Certificate of Management, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting (P.B.C.A.) or enroll in the MBA for Professionals program or Hybrid MBA programs, which offer both evening and weekend options for professionals who wish to balance their education with work and home life.

For more information about programs offered through the IU Northwest School of Business and Economics or to apply, visit http://www.iun.edu/business.

About Indiana University Northwest
As one of seven Indiana University campuses, IU Northwest leads the region as the premier, urban campus dedicated to serving the needs of more than 6,000 students from the state’s most diverse and industrialized region. Committed to helping its local Northwest Indiana communities thrive, IU Northwest is best-known for providing a personal, quality and affordable education close to home. IU Northwest positions its students to be leaders with more than 70 undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional degree options available from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Health and Human Services, the School of Business and Economics, and the School of Education. The campus is also host to IU School of Medicine-Northwest, which actively involves students in research and local healthcare needs through its four-year medical doctorate program. For more information, please visit www.iun.edu.