The AACSB accredits the College of Business and Public Administration at Drake University. They believe strongly in creating an environment where students can dream about their future and what they can accomplish. The high-quality faculty members are passionate about developing entrepreneurial-minded, data-driven, analytical business leaders who will positively transform and impact the global business community. Their mission to “bring the classroom into the world and the world into the classroom,” is fulfilled by the numerous opportunities for hands-on, real-world application of acquired knowledge.
Education
Undergraduate students can major in Business Studies, Economics, Finance, International Business, Marketing, Accounting, Data Analytics, Entrepreneurial Management, Information Systems, Management, or Actuarial Science & Risk Management. Graduate students can obtain a Masters in Accounting, Business Administration, or Public Administration. The MBA areas of emphasis are Healthcare, Business Analytics, or the specialized option. The MPA can also individualize an emphasis area or choose to concentrate on Executive Leadership Development or Healthcare Management. The Business/Law 3+3 Program allows students to earn their business bachelors degree and a Drake law degree in only six years. There are accelerated programs for students to get their bachelors and masters in only five years.
Countless business-specific scholarships exist including the Anita Bales Excellence in Public Service Scholarship, The Professor Edward Alley Scholarship, American Marketing Association Chapter Scholarship, and the Judith A. Lindquist Scholarship for Women MBAs. There are even scholarships and fellowships offered to graduated alumni like the Fulbright Scholarship and Boren Fellowship. International experiences with different cultures and multicultural perspectives exist through the faculty-led, exchange student, or internship opportunities in places like Madrid, Dubai, Mexico, China, Chile, India, Uganda, and France.
Student Life
Student clubs and organizations like the American Institute of CPAs, Beta Alpha Psi, Information Systems & Audit Control Association, American Economic Association, Investment Club, International Student Association, Enactus, and Habitat for Humanity, greatly enhance the overall educational experience. The amount of face-to-face opportunities with executives and business leaders that Drake provides for its business students is incredible. They receive on-campus personal mentorship, counseling, lectures, and group meetings with the Executive in Residence. Through the connections with local businesses and alumni, business students find internships with companies like Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Wells Fargo, Nationwide Insurance, Humana, Aetna, Sammons Financial Group, and JPMorgan. Drake places a lot of focus on the entrepreneur and challenges their creativity through the Lorentzen Hatchery, which provides mentoring, support, and expert advice for new business ideas. Project Bulldog, similar to “Shark Tank,” is a competition to pitch new business plans for a chance to win some money. There is also the Buchanan Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Outreach.
Online Programs
Graduate students have the luxury of obtaining a degree entirely online. The College of Business & Public Administration offers an online Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Administration, and a Master of Data Analytics Leadership degree.