The David F. Rankin College of Business at Southern Arkansas University is dedicated to its mission to equip future business leaders to succeed in the global economy through innovative programs, impactful scholarship, engaging pedagogy, and a commitment to the personal and professional growth of its students. By engaging students with community and business professionals, exposing them to travel and other opportunities outside of their region, and equipping them for the transition from the classroom to their careers, the SAU College of Business prepares students to follow in the footsteps of its many successful graduates. The College is known for its reputation of providing world-class education in a personal environment.
Education
The Rankin College of Business offers the Bachelor of Business Administration degree with majors available in general business, accounting, marketing, information systems, finance, entrepreneurship, management, supply chain management, and international business. The BBA with a major in management may be completed entirely online. The College also offers the Master of Business Administration degree through seated classes, online, or a combination of both. Emphases for the MBA are available in Agri-Business, Social Entrepreneurship, and Supply Chain Management.
Endowed professorships are a high honor, and six faculty members hold this esteemed accomplishment. Small class sizes allow faculty the opportunity to mentor and guide students to achieve their goals personally.
Student Life
Current students can learn a lot from alumni and their path to success. The Executive Network Conference brings alumni in to share their experiences and to encourage students in what is next. The Emerging Leader Council is a group of alumni who mentor and offer advice for career choices. Students can best prepare for future careers by attending the Career Fair, the Backpack to Briefcase transition training workshops, and visiting the Career Closet where they can pick out professional clothing free of charge. Another great advantage is the many internship opportunities with companies like Johnson & Johnson, Enterprise Holdings, Rockline Industries, Edward Jones, State Farm, Disney, and Walmart.
Participation in organizations like Phi Beta Lambda, Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, and Enactus gives students a more in-depth educational experience. The Dean will even switch places one day with the contest winner of Dean for the Day, where the student will attend and carry out the Dean’s responsibilities to get an insider look. Each major provides travel programs for unique experiences with business-related conferences, field trips, and competitions to cities like Chicago, Dallas, New York City, and recently students have participated in an international trip to Greece. The College of Business partners with the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center to help expand their impact and influence in the state and beyond.
Online Programs
In addition to the previously mentioned MBAs many other degree programs may be completed online. A sampling of these options includes several undergraduate and graduate degrees available through the College of Education and the College of Science and Engineering.