New Core Curriculum to Focus on Business Analytics and Communications

The College of Business and Economics has redesigned its undergraduate core curriculum in a continuing effort to cultivate students who can inspire, mentor and challenge an increasingly complex business world upon graduation.

The new core curriculum puts a stronger emphasis on business analytics and business communications. With CEOs reporting a growing concern about widening skill gaps, the need for students to understand how to use data has never been greater, the undergraduate curriculum review committee said in its recommendations. Also, it said, the ability to communicate information to managers, colleagues and others is essential for success.

The new core curriculum also increases emphasis on “people” skills, with the addition of two management courses: “Managing People and Teams” and “Organizational Leadership.”

Other changes include a revamping of an introductory business course to provide first-year students with an overview of business functions and objectives, and experiential learning opportunities for juniors.