4 YEAR BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM  

With the introduction of the Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) degree,  it is now possible for students to complete a four year degree in Business on the Penn State Mont Alto campus.  In creating this degree, Penn State faculty and curriculum experts extensively surveyed executives from across the state.  The goal: to learn which qualities and expertise -- such as communication skills and the ability to manage conflict -- are lacking in many of today's business school graduates.  The BSB program was designed to address these issues, and thus gives the student the opportunity to:

• Learn practical skills such as team building and collaboration
• Learn core business essentials such as accounting, finance and marketing from outstanding Penn State faculty
• Gain on-the-job experience through internships and work with local corporations, small businesses, and nonprofits
• Work in teams, manage projects, learn how to give oral and electronic presentations, and lead groups
• Learn how to manage time, creatively and constructively solve problems, improve productivity, and better serve the customer
• Develop the strong written and oral communications and technological skills necessary to effectively compete in today's workforce.

Through a series of new, fast-paced courses, students also create a personal portfolio that includes a combination of oral, written, and electronic presentations they can later use during their job search.  A senior project, internships, and independent study with area businesses also broaden student understanding of the connection between the classroom and the workplace.

The BSB program is suitable for a wide range of students, including recent high school graduates, returning adult students, and transfer students from other colleges and universities.  It is also an excellent option for students wishing to stay close to home but interested in the prestige of a Penn State degree.

Students enter the major after completing a minimum number of credits. Many students enter the BSB degree program after completing the 2 year Associate Degree in Business Administration. With the proper selection of business electives in the associate degree program, the transition to the BSB degree program is seamless.

For more information about this BSB degree, check www.psu.edu/bulletins/bluebook/major/bsb.htm or contact the Mont Alto campus faculty advisor, Carol Kirkland at cjk6@psu.edu   

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