The School of Business & Public Administration at the University of the District of Columbia comprises three departments: Accounting, Business Management, and Graduate Studies. Its ACBSP-accredited programs provide excellence in teaching, curriculum, and experiential learning opportunities. Taking advantage of its partnerships with governmental, corporate, and nonprofit organizations amidst our nation’s capital, the SBPA utilizes information to ascertain what is relevant, innovative, and applicable to current issues in the business and public administration sectors. Students experience and learn the importance of aspirations, creativity, overcoming obstacles, strategic leadership, ethical decision-making, diversity, and global citizenship.
Education
There exists a great opportunity for students to know their professors personally through small class sizes. Faculty members are experts in their fields, provide a wealth of knowledge and experience, and are engaged in research, learning, and the local community. Undergraduate and graduate students can benefit from a variety of scholarships, including the School of Business & Public Administration, James Edward Miller Chapman, and the Odessa Starks Davis Memorial Scholarships.
Undergraduate coursework leads to a Bachelors in Business Administration degree in Accounting, Business Management, or Finance. The BBA in Business Management offers concentrations in Management Information Systems and Marketing. There are also Undergraduate Certificate programs in Entrepreneurship, Nonprofit Leadership, and Procurement & Public Contracting. Graduate studies provide a Masters in Business Administration, a Masters in Public Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management & Leadership.
Student Life
Not only do student organizations provide opportunities to build leadership skills, connect with the community, and network, but provide a way for students to engage with each other, find community, and explore different interests. Business-related groups include the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Student Association, Marketing Club, Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society, National Association of Black Accountants, National Forum of Black Public Administrators, and the Omicron Delta Epsilon International Honor Society.
To support the knowledge acquired in the classroom, business students can enhance their learning through hands-on experiences and interaction with professionals. Working on real-world projects with local business leaders, conducting relevant research, and attending seminars and workshops are excellent ways for business students to learn. They can also join the Study Abroad Education Travel Program to places like Accra, Ghana, in an all-expenses-paid short-term trip.
Experiential learning happens through the Center for Urban Entrepreneurship. This Center supports entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startups through various services, including courses, research, and collaboration. It desires to see the economy of the urban community of DC thrive and advance. Through the Center, the SBPA puts on an Annual Business Plan Competition on Sustainability Entrepreneurship and hosts forums for the Entrepreneurship Student Club. Students can also participate in the PATHS (Paving Access Trails for Higher Security) Program. It provides resources, training, and services to TANF recipients to help them get off the streets, find employment, and become economically self-sufficient. Business students can also help offer free tax services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.