The University of South Carolina Upstate’s AACSB-accredited George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business & Economics is named after an incredibly successful entrepreneur and business developer who has served in numerous executive positions for many different organizations. The College is also housed in “The George,” a $30 million top-of-the-line facility offering many amenities and resources. The 800 students develop essential skills and business knowledge through a challenging curriculum, innovative academic programs, experiential learning opportunities, community engagement, a supportive family environment, and focused attention from esteemed and renowned faculty members.
Education
To succeed in global business today, students must receive a well-rounded education full of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and ethical values. Business studies include a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with concentrations in Economics/Finance, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Accounting, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and Management. Minors provided by Johnson College for non-business majors include Economics, Business Administration, and Business & Entrepreneurship. A Masters in Business Analytics exists with an Accounting Analytics track for those who majored in Accounting.
The University provides a variety of global opportunities for business students. They can join one of the semester exchange programs in places like Budapest, China, London, South Korea, Madrid, Dublin, and Italy. Through faculty-led trips, business students can take classes like Perspective on Global Entrepreneurship in Landshut & Munich, Germany or Topics in Logistics & Supply Chain Management in Shanghai & Hangzhou, China. Johnson College also has an agreement with the University of Applied Science at Landshut, where Johnson students can spend a year studying in Germany and receive a Bachelor of International Business degree from Landshut.
Student Life
A student’s life involves co-curricular activities, fun events, professional development programs, engaged learning opportunities, and career preparation. Students can experience all of this through active student organizations with options that meet academic, professional, recreational, and social needs. Business-specific groups include the JCBE Accounting & Finance Club, Student Marketing Association, University Business Society, Honor Societies, and the Student Government Association.
Professional and leadership development happens through many avenues. The Backpacks to Briefcases annual events include the Johnson Innovation Speakers Series, Career & Internship Fairs, Wells Fargo Speakers Series, and Global Entrepreneurship Week. The Professionalism Series also offers training, workshops, and sessions regarding interview prep, networking opportunities, workplace etiquette, professional attire, and help writing resumes and cover letters. JCBE students can also be nominated by faculty members to participate in the two-day BB&T Emerging Leaders Certification, enhancing their leadership skills and abilities.
There are a variety of ways students engage in learning with hands-on experience. The George provides a real-time stock trading room and the GreenHouse business incubator, which helps nurture students’ new businesses and get them up and running. Internships give students on-site work experience, is highly impressive to employers, and allows them to meet professionals and build a network. JCBE students have interned with companies like BMW, Walt Disney World, Penske Trucking, Hubbell Lighting, Michelin, Greenville Hospital System, Enterprise Holdings, and the Jacksonville Sharks.