Bluefield State College W. Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business

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Bluefield State College logo
Accreditation
ACBSP, Higher Learning Commission

Bluefield State College was established in 1895 to provide advanced educational opportunities to the children of African-American coal miners in the West Virginia region. Their mission is to “provide students an affordable, accessible opportunity for public higher education.”

One of the ways that BSC makes completing a college education more accessible is through opportunities for tuition waivers, scholarships, and grants. Students can also partake in the Student Educational Employment Program, which provides jobs in the public service sector to students attending school. Participants can complete the Temporary Track that focuses on short-term jobs that are not industry-specific or the Student Career Experience. The Student Career Experience is directly related to the student’s field of study, requires a significant work commitment, and may end with permanent employment within the assigned role.

Education

Bachelor’s of Science in Accountancy, Business Administration, or Health Service Management can be earned through the Paul Cole Jr. School of Business at Bluefield State. All majors follow a comprehensive business core with courses like Organizational Behavior, Human Resources, Principles of Marketing, and Principles of Accounting. Minors can also be completed in relevant subjects such as Information Systems, Management, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, or General Business.

Student Life

Excellence, Community, Diversity, and Growth are all key elements of holistic education provided by BSC. Students benefit from a 14:1 student to faculty ratio, as well as the option to attend classes at the main campus in Bluefield, a secondary campus in Beckley, or online. The Student Life Office cares for students on campus by providing opportunities for leadership development, assisting with the planning of on-campus activities, coordinating service-learning/volunteer opportunities, and more. They also work with student organizations to provide a sense of community for all students. Several of the organizations on campus include Emerging Leaders Institute, Enactus, International Student Organization, and Phi Eta Sigma. A unique Peer Mentoring Program also helps new students adjust to college life. Students develop important skills such as study habits, networking, civic engagement through interactions with upper-classmen with training specific to the program. There are also many activities held specifically for students involved in Peer Mentoring.

Student Support Services at Bluefield State is one of only eight Federal TRIO Programs in the United States. This innovative program is designed specifically to identify and provide services that support those from disadvantaged backgrounds. These services include, but are not limited to, cultural enrichment trips, mentoring, additional tutoring, and personal development workshops.

Online Programs

All business courses are offered at least once a year in a distance learning format or live video streaming. The live stream students complete exams at approved testing facilities. The BSBA and BSA are both accredited by the prestigious Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Ready to start your journey?

Ready to start your journey?