Penn State University Behrend offers the world-class research facilities of a larger university, yet a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio with exceptional professors who incorporate hands-on experience into the course framework. The Black School of Business is listed among the best business schools by The Princeton Review and U.S. News for 2020. This AACSB-accredited school was named in honor of Samuel P. Black, Jr., who supported the school with a $20 million endowment. This gift has enabled the school to create a new learning facility, the Jack Burke Research and Economic Development Center.
Education
Undergraduate students will spend four years diligently working towards earning a degree that will change the rest of their lives. Bachelor’s degrees include Accounting, Business Economics, Economics, Finance, Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies, International Business, Management Information Systems, Marketing, and Project and Supply Chain Management.
MIS students can pursue the Business, Data, or Systems Analyst option. Black is staying ahead of the technology curve and was the first school in the nation to offer professional certificates for Oracle and SAP software systems. Other professional certificates include Financial Controllership, Financial Planning, Financial Risk Management, and Financial Services Sales.
Student Life
Undergraduate students are eligible to apply for a research grant ranging from $700-$1,200. Students who receive a grant will present their findings during an annual undergraduate research conference. The Economic Research Institute of Erie and Partnership Erie are other opportunities for students to conduct research in collaboration with professors. The Innovation through Collaboration Program lets students work on a project team with business experts to solve challenges for local companies.
In 2018, Global Boarders was established as a living community for students who are interested in international business. The spring trip is a highly anticipated time of the year for students to get a glimpse into their future by visiting alumni who are currently working in major cities across the country. Previous destinations have included New York City, Chicago, and Charlotte. Students tour companies such as Ernst & Young, Bank of America, and MetLife. Alumni also return to campus to share their experiences through the Finance Speaker Series. Students can also learn about working for different corporations through about 10 Corporate Days per semester.
Online Programs
The hybrid Master’s of Business Administration at this top-ranked business school carries the prestige needed to advance your career and the flexibility to continue your current career. Students will only need to attend classes on campus four or five times per semester in the evenings. Electives can be taken fully online during the summer.
A specialized Master’s of Professional Accountancy is also offered in a hybrid format. This program meets the 150-hour requirement to sit for the CPA exam.
Students in the fully online Master’s of Project Management program can rest assured they are receiving the highest quality of education because Penn State is a Project Management Institute Registered Education Provider. All graduate programs are 30-credit hours and can be completed in approximately one year by full-time students and two years by part-time students.