The vibrant College of Business at Purdue University Northwest carries the same prestige as the rest of the Purdue brand, but within an intimate setting with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The business school meets the highest standards by holding AACSB accreditation. The hospitality programs are also fully accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration.
The CoB is only 30 miles from Chicago, so students have easy access to internships with some of the biggest organizations in the business world. Another point of pride for the CoB is having a higher than national average CPA pass rate.
Education
Undergraduate students can kick start their career by earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, Hospitality and Tourism Management, or Fitness Management. Hospitality students have the option to focus their studies on Food and Beverage. The Bachelor of Science in Business degree lets students select a major in Marketing, Management, Human Resource Management, or Finance: Banking. Freshmen will begin to build a strong foundation for their future with either an Intro to Business Seminar or introductory level courses specific to their major. Once key concepts have been mastered, the curriculum becomes much more interactive, with career-focused experiences.
Graduate students will rise through the ranks at their corporation after showing they have the tenacity to earn a rigorous Master’s of Accountancy, Master’s of Business Administration, or EMBA. MAcc students have the option to pursue a concentration in Taxation or Forensic Accounting Analysis. This 30-credit hour program can be completed in as little as one year. The 30-credit hour MBA offers concentrations in Accounting, Information Systems/Business Analytics, Finance, or Forensic Accounting. Classes meet in the evenings to accommodate traditional work schedules, and students typically graduate in approximately two years.
The accelerated EMBA is a 15-month program that only meets on the weekends. The curriculum is broken up into five 10-week modules. The focus is to build global leaders, and students have the opportunity to participate in a week-long international business practicum, solving a problem for a company in another country. Past destinations have included Brazil, Chile, China, Columbia, and Germany.
Student Life
In 2018, the Professional Selling Lab opened, bringing students a state-of-the-art facility featuring six role-play practice rooms, corporate sponsors seeking top talent, and a chance to showcase innovation through competitions. The PNW Big Sell lets students pitch their big idea every spring for the opportunity to win up to $10,000.
Corporate sponsors, such as Chick-fil-a, Northwestern Mutual, and Enterprise Holdings, interact with students during class lectures, as well as recruit for internships and post-graduation employment opportunities. Other students have completed internships include the Chicago Chamber of Commerce, Edward Jones, Greater Chicago Finance Company, Harvest Financial Planning, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
High achieving students are recognized through a wide range of scholarships, being asked to serve on the dean’s student advisory council, or through membership in Beta Gamma Sigma. Students can also distinguish themselves by joining the Finance and Accounting Club, Information Systems Student Association, or Student Government Association.