The ACBSP-accredited George B. Delaplaine, Jr. School of Business at Hood College honors its namesake by preparing students to be extraordinary leaders in business and influential contributors to the community. It invests in community partnerships and knowledgeable faculty to collaboratively design innovative programs that enhance understanding in business ventures and social entrepreneurship. The educational atmosphere promotes teamwork, self-thought, responsibility, service, critical thinking, commitment, civic engagement, and practical problem-solving methods.
Education
Every degree is integrated with the liberal arts. Students can achieve a Bachelors degree in Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, or Integrated Marketing Communication. Optional business minors are in Management, Economics, Actuarial Science, and Business Administration. Some of the majors provide areas of concentration in Human Resources Management, Accounting, International Economics, Finance, Marketing, Political Economy, and International Economics & Finance.
Those pursuing a Bachelors in Business Administration can join the Five-Year Accelerated Degree Program and obtain their Bachelors along with a Masters in Business Administration degree in just five years. The MBA program is fast-tracked, allowing part-time students to complete the degree within two years still. Graduate certificates available are in Organizational Management, Financial Management, and Accounting. To obtain the highest level of degree, students can work hard to complete the Doctorate in Organizational Leadership or the Doctorate in Business Administration.
Whether it is a Hood faculty-led trip, a semester or year-long program, or a program with an associated international partner, business students can take advantage of the multitude of study abroad options. Hood students have studied in countries all over the world like Argentina, Turkey, Spain, Germany, Russia, Australia, Costa Rica, Israel, Ireland, and South Korea. Partner organizations include Semester at Sea, Seoul Women’s University, and CCIS Study Abroad.
Student Life
To round out the educational experience, students must participate in engaging activities, groups, and events. There are a variety of student organizations that provide academic, social, and service opportunities like the Student Government Association and ENACTUS. ENACTUS promotes entrepreneurship and service to the community. Recently, Hood ENACTUS students created and ran a project that helped meet the needs of women in local homeless shelters. Connections in Frederick give students opportunities for entertainment and community involvement. There are many volunteer opportunities on campus, in the community, throughout the state and country, and even Alternative Spring Break trips to serve those in need in foreign countries. Business students can also find spiritual support through outreach programs and religious services.
Many experiential learning opportunities happen throughout the campus. Business students can participate in the Hood Business Pitch Competition. There is the Hammell Trading Room, where students experience real-time financial data analysis, financial investment software, trading stations, and guidance on managing a real investment portfolio through the Blazing Alpha Fund. Internships are highly encouraged and a considerable asset. Some majors require students to intern in a major international city. Students conduct research with professors, work on projects with real organizations, experience mentoring by faculty and business professionals, and have one-on-one time with the Executives-in-Residence.