Business @ Houghton

. . . Pure business education

Houghton offers majors in business and information technology management and minors in business, accounting, and economics.

Business majors (46 credit hours plus 6 hours of introductory coursework) receive a broad foundation in management principles, and can choose a concentration in management, marketing, finance, economics, international business, or international economics.

Students pursuing a degree in information technology management (23 hours in business, 36 hours in information technology plus 6 hours of introductory coursework) will develop the skill set necessary to analyze, design and evaluate an organization's information technology systems and master the leadership skills necessary to leverage the full potential of information technology services in support of an organization's mission.

The minor in either business, accounting, or economics consists of 15 credit hours.

Both majors and minors have a spreadsheet competency requirement in the use of basic business software applications. This is not a course requirement but is rather a skill requirement. Because both the business and accounting programs also emphasize the liberal arts, students develop the ability to communicate effectively and think critically–both crucial skills in the business world.

Due to the constantly changing nature of the business, accounting, and economic environment, students learn more than the professional skills of the discipline. While students receive a quality professional education, they also develop the ability to work in teams and to lead others.

These skills are combined with learning about service and responsibility. By examining every aspect of our conduct through the eyes of Christian faith, the highest emphasis is placed on service to Christ and to each other. Students also learn the importance of Christians conducting all affairs, whether personal or professional, according to the highest ethical standards regardless of what others might accept.

Broadening Your Educational Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to participate in a number of hands-on business activities Our Student Investment Group manages a six-digit real money portfolio. The innovative Houghton Student Enterprises group plans, manages, and operates numerous on-campus businesses. Students interested in human resources management run Houghton student chapter of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management.) Accounting students operate an IRS-sanctioned VITA tax return preparation service as a community service each year. Professional members of the business community are brought to campus regularly through our Guest Executive Dinners to meet with students and present seminars on topics of current interest in the business world. Guest lecturers have included the CEOs of Johnson and Johnson and Cardone Industries. Every student is involved in at least one for-credit internship as part of their program.

Dedicated faculty

Houghton's business, accounting, and economics faculty are all full-time professors who are devoted to teaching and helping students integrate faith and Christian values with the world of business. In addition, they put their experience to practical use and are currently involved in the areas of marketing, financial planning, consulting, law, accounting, and hotel management. Some also have had significant international experiences in Western Europe, Romania, Hungary, China, and Russia.

4+1 MBA Program

After majoring in business at Houghton, students have the option of getting their MBA in only one year (normally at least a two-year process). This can save not only thousands of dollars in tuition and other expenses but will enable students to begin a career one year sooner than normal.

Special arrangements exist with Alfred University (Alfred, NY), Clarkson University (Potsdam, NY), Niagara Univerity, and Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY); each of these schools has agreed to waive up to as much as the first year of their curriculum requirements in light of the business courses taken in the Houghton undergraduate program.

Students wishing to pursue this option need to carefully plan their Houghton schedule and, of course, meet the normal admission requirements of the respective graduate school.

Typical Course Schedule

(All courses are four credit hours unless noted.)

Business Major

First Year

BADM 212, Principles of Management

ACCT 211, Financial Accounting

ACCT 212, Managerial Accounting

Sophomore Year

ECON 201 Intro to Economics (2 cr.)

ECON 210, Microeconomics (2 cr.)

BADM 218, Marketing Principles

ECON 211, Macroeconomics (2 cr.)

BADM Elective

Junior Year

BADM 213 or 214, Business Law I or II

BADM 309, Statistics

BADM Elective

Senior Year

BADM 406, Financial Management

BADM 417, Business Strategy & Policy Capstone Seminar

BADM 421, Internship in Business