Business Programs in the Midwest

In general, the Midwest region of the United States stretches from the northern tip of Minnesota to the southern borders of Missouri, and from the eastern edge of Oregon to western boundaries of Kansas and the Dakotas.

However, as difficult as it is to define geographically, it is equally hard to characterize the diverse institutions of higher education found throughout the region. In fact, within each state there are large public colleges and universities along with an abundance of smaller sized institutions, most of which offer a variety of excellent business programs.

Experts say it is likely that today's college graduates will hold an average of 7-8 different jobs during their lifetime, therefore they will need to be flexible and adjust strengths and talents to new opportunities as they become available. They will need to make learning 'a lifetime job' in order to remain competitive. A business degree is one of the best ways to meet this challenge, and a business degree from one of the many Midwest colleges or universities will give students the analytical and creative tools to understand the global business enterprise. During the past few years, the business degree has been the most popular degree on US college campuses. Some would argue that it is also the most profitable.

The advantage of most Midwest business programs is that they are objectively designed to meet a student's needs and wants. Students will be given the essential tools to work within a diverse global society. They will not be limited by what they can learn, but will learn business tools that have no borders, allowing for students to compete in the ever-changing international market. Programs do this by offering several program concentrations, such as a business administration degree with a concentration in Advertising, Economics, International Business, Management, Management of Information Systems, or Marketing. Many schools allow the self-directed student to double major, or complete their major with a minor, such as Accounting, Computer Science or Psychology, or subjects as diverse as Japanese or Equine Administration. Such a menu of choices allows students to gain the basic skills to adapt to the changing business environment while obtaining a unique specialization. Additionally, there are numerous MBA (Master degree in Business Administration) programs available to students wishing to further their education, update their skills and enhance their career. Several of these programs are accelerated, and allow students to gain their advanced degrees within 12-18 months.

Smaller programs maintain an advantageous teacher-to-student ratio, and allow for a 'hands-on' approach to learning. These programs also provide students with personalized 'in-class' attention and advisement, and boast of an expert faculty with practical experience in the real world. This allows students to learn the theoretical and practical applications of the business - in other words, a well-rounded business program will prepare students to apply knowledge, not just learn it.

Most programs are technologically integrated, and students will have access to the tools they need to maintain a competitive edge, learning to utilize technology in order to analyze markets and stay ahead of the competition. In an area where knowledge is power, students are given the tools to access the knowledge. Many campuses are engaged in what is referred to as 'wiring the classroom', where students simultaneously have computer access during class. The programs in general are 'profession oriented', and are designed to prepare students for careers in business.

Discerning students should not fail to consider the cost. Tuition, particularly at public or state institutions, is generally affordable, and the cost of living, especially when compared to most West or East Coast cities, is reasonable. Discerning parents should not fail to consider safety - most Midwest communities and campuses are tightly knit, safe and conducive to the life of a student. Midwest metropolitan areas include Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis and Detroit, home to an array of multi-national corporations, with extensive opportunities for internships both during and after a student's course of study. Surrounding cities and towns are also home to countless companies with domestic and expanding international markets. As a result, business program graduates can apply their skills to a myriad of careers, ranging from marketing, management, retailing and insurance to advertising and public relations.

In the world of tomorrow, students cannot afford to be limited. Whatever their career objectives may be, there is a business program at one of numerous schools in the Midwest designed to meet them. The Midwest offers the business student limitless academic and cultural opportunities, while truly capturing the heart of America.

Author
David A Schmidt, PhD
Director, the International Center
William Woods University
Fulton, Missouri