The Robert W. Plaster College of Business & Computer Science at Southwest Baptist University aims to provide excellent programs full of business principles, theories, a global mindset, and experiential learning opportunities. The high-quality faculty and staff teach from, and the curriculum is integrated with principles of the Christian faith, including ethics, integrity, compassion, humility, servant leadership, and respect. Most of the business programs are ACBSP-accredited.
Education
Plaster consists of several departments such as the Department of Accounting and the Department of Business Administration. The Department of Accounting offers majors in Accounting and Accounting & Information Assurance. Accounting students in need of financial assistance can apply for incoming freshmen Accounting scholarships and SBU Accounting Alumni Scholarships. Digital Marketing, International Business, Marketing, Sports Business, Computational Finance, Economics/Finance, Management, and Public Relations are majors offered by the Department of Business Administration. A variety of privately funded scholarships exist for undergraduate students, including the Business College Scholarship, the Dexter Yager Business Scholarship, and the Gary & Jane Black Excellence Scholarship. Graduate students can attend some sessions in-person and complete some classwork online in the hybrid Residential Master of Business Administration program. The MBA offers a concentration option in Health Administration and can be completed in one or two years.
Student Life
The renovated Gene Taylor National Free Enterprise Center provides a great space for business students to grow socially and academically. It consists of presentation rooms, study areas, an open computer lab, keycard access for after-hours studying and group project work, and a student lounge. Student organizations that are beneficial to business students include the Accounting Club, Institute of Management Accountants, ENACTUS, Phi Beta Lambda, Delta Mu Delta Honor Society, and the Financial Management Association. These groups enhance leadership and social skills and give students opportunities to grow through competitions, presentations, community projects, and serving others.
An excellent hands-on experience for students is to participate in an internship while earning their degree. Internships with organizations such as Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., Missouri State Auditor’s Office, Dannon, Walmart Headquarters, Sam’s Club, Citizens Memorial Hospital, Community Outreach Ministries, YMCA, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, have given previous students excellent experiential learning opportunities. To align with the Christian faith, the Center for Global Connections gives business students ample opportunity to grow, learn, and serve locally, nationally, and internationally. These mission trip opportunities include disaster relief, working with refugees, well drilling/clean water, inner-city work, and youth/children’s ministry.
Online Programs
Most of the time, graduate students are already working full-time and desire advancement in or a change from their current profession. To cater to their busy schedules, SOU offers an entirely online option in obtaining a Masters in Business Administration. This professional track can be completed in 37 credit hours and also offers the optional Health Administration concentration.