Business Department
Chairperson: Stephen Ludwig
Faculty: Casey Abington, John Baker, Lisa Bishop, Ben Blackford, Terry Coalter, Ben Collier, Beth Goudge, Allison Hoffmann, David Johnson, Brenda Jones, Alfred B. Kelly, Cindy Kenkel, Chi Lo Lim, Janet Marta, J. Patrick McLaughlin, Jean Memken, Doni Mollus, Michelle Nance, Jeff Nickerson, Michael Northup, Doug Russell, Malinda Shanks, Tiebing Shi, Deborah Toomey, James L. Walker, Tekle Wanorie, Jason White, Rahnl Wood
Accreditation
All degree programs in the Department of Business are ACBSP accredited (except the non-business major in economics and the Comprehensive Major in Merchandising of Textiles, Apparel and Furnishings).
Statement of Mission
The mission of the Department of Business is to advance knowledge through a balance of teaching, scholarly activity and service. The faculty in the department provide relevant and quality educational experiences for students which are intended to assist in lifelong learning. The department places great importance on developing each student’s ability to think critically, to advance intellectually and to communicate effectively. Students majoring in one of the options offered by the department will have numerous opportunities and avenues to prepare them for ethical participation in the global arena of business and/or organizational life.
Degree Programs
The Department of Business offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. All majors must complete at least 34 hours of the comprehensive major from Northwest. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all Common Professional Component courses (all those listed on page 252) as well as all major courses Students may select from the following comprehensive majors offered by this department: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Business Management, International Business, Marketing, and Merchandising of Textiles, Apparel, and Furnishings. Majors in Management Information Systems, Business Technology, and Business Education are offered by the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems.
Each major is designed to prepare students for their professional career choice by providing them with the critical thinking capabilities and communication skills required for success in today’s business world. The variety of majors in the department permits the student a wide range of choices. These alternatives vary from the opportunities of entrepreneurship to the challenges of corporate positions. In addition, the focus of the major may be domestic or international in orientation. Thus, students will have numerous opportunities and avenues which will prepare them for participation in the world of business.
In addition, the Department of Business offers minors in Economics and General Business to students who major in another discipline. The minor in General Business permits students to gain exposure to the principles and fundamental concepts of business while pursuing a non-business major.