PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The general business major is designed for students interested in obtaining a broad background in business administration without obtaining a high degree of specialization in any one area. It offers the student, with the consent of the adviser, a flexible program that can be tailored to the student's needs. The major requires exposure to insurance and at least 5 other areas of business in addition to the traditional business core. It is particularly recommended for students who anticipate management of a small business.

DEGREE OPTIONS
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in general business

PROGRAM SIZE
Approximately 40 students are enrolled in the major. Average class size is 30 to 35 students.

FACULTY
The general business major is multidisciplinary, with courses taught by faculty in accounting, actuarial science, business law, finance information systems, insurance, management, marketing and statistics. All faculty have earned their doctoral degrees. They have experience in the business world and research in the appropriate fields.

ACADEMIC PREPARATION
There are no special courses or other requirements for the general business majors. High school students are encouraged to take courses that help them develop good written and oral communication skills and to begin an early familiarity with computer technology and world events.

REQUIRED CREDIT HOURS AND COURSES FOR A MAJOR
124 credit hours total; at least 42 of these hours must be taken in courses numbered 100 or above. During their first year, students typically focus on building a liberal arts foundation prior to pursuing the business core and major courses in the College of Business and Public Administration. These first-year courses may include accounting, economics, English, mathematics, rhetoric and communication studies, and electives. Requirements in the College of Business and Public Administration include Insurance 51 plus 6 courses numbered 100 or above. These 6 courses are to be selected from at least 5 of the following areas: Accounting Actuarial Science Business Business Law Economics Finance Information Systems Insurance Management Marketing Statistics The list of courses should be selected to meet the individual student's needs and must be approved by the student's adviser.

REQUIRED COURSES AND CREDIT HOURS OUTSIDE MAJOR
At least 62 of the 124 credit hours must be taken in courses other than business. The Drake Curriculum, required of all undergraduates, is designed to help students meet personal and professional goals as they acquire fundamental knowledge and abilities in ten Areas of Inquiry, including communication, critical thinking, artistic experience, historical consciousness, information and technology literacy, international and multicultural experiences, scientific and quantitative literacy, values and ethics and engaged citizenship. Students work closely with their academic advisers to craft a program of study in general education that prepares students for civic and professional leadership. The Drake Curriculum also requires first-year seminars, which foster development of critical thinking and written and oral communication skills through a topical focus; and a Senior Capstone, in which students demonstrate the capacity to bring information, skills and ideas to bear on one project.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES/INTERNSHIPS
Paid internship opportunities are available during the school year and summer. Internships help students gain valuable on-the-job experiences and a competitive edge in today's market. A number of internships are available with organizations in the Des Moines area. Faculty work closely with the students as advisers and mentors concerning students' programs and career interests.

CAREER OPTIONS
The College of Business and Public Administration's approach to general business exposes students to a multidisciplinary approach with background in leadership, operations of businesses, work cultures and functions. It is particularly appropriate for students who anticipate management of a small or family-owned business. 

ORGANIZATIONS
Organizations available to general business majors include Alpha Kappa Psi and Delta Sigma Pi, national professional business fraternities; and Beta Gamma Sigma, a national professional business society.

NOTED ALUMNI
• Hon. Robert Ray, BN'52, LW'54, former Iowa Governor, former president of Drake University, Des Moines, IA
• Donald Fletcher, BN'67, president, North American Personal Expression Business, Hallmark Cards Inc., Kansas City, MO

Related Programs and Information

• Minor in Business Studies