Drew University’s Department of Business continues to grow with several additions and changes announced over the last few months.
One of the most notable developments has been the addition of three new minors in accounting, finance and marketing. These minors are designed to cater to the increasing popularity of their corresponding majors, which were introduced in 2019 (accounting and marketing) and 2020 (finance). Students from various disciplines can now explore these areas of business through these minors.
Drew has established a new 4+1 dual-degree program in partnership with Seton Hall University. Under this program, students can earn an undergraduate degree in accounting from Drew and then seamlessly transition to Seton Hall’s Stillman School of Business to earn a Master of Science degree in accounting.
Drew students will have the opportunity to take up to two online courses at Seton Hall as seniors to begin earning graduate-level credits early, which puts them at an advantage in earning their degree.
Starting with the 2024-25 academic year catalog, students interested in accounting will receive a Bachelor of Science degree instead of the previous Bachelor of Arts degree. Existing students who enrolled under older catalogs and would like to take advantage of this new benefit should contact Associate Chair of Business Steven Firestone for more information.
To further enrich the student experience, new clubs were established ahead of the new academic year. The newly formed Accounting Club will serve as a platform for students interested in accounting careers to connect and network with guest speakers, learn more about the versatility of accounting and learn information about the Certified Public Accounting exam. The Marketing Club, currently forming its leadership team, is set to launch in Spring 2025.
“The launch of these clubs are game-changers for students like me. They provide the necessary platforms to connect with industry professionals, explore career paths and gain knowledge in these fields. I am excited to be a part of these clubs and see where it leads me,” said Ernesto Ospina (‘27), an economics and business student interested in exploring the accounting field.
At the conclusion of the Spring 2024 semester, the National Chapter Board of Sigma Iota Epsilon approved Drew University’s membership in the honors society, which recognizes students who have demonstrated high academic standing in management or related areas such as marketing, finance, accounting and sports management. Under the leadership of Dr. Hamed Yousefi, Assistant Professor of Finance, the business department will be inducting its first class toward the end of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Lastly, in September 2023, the University joined the Council of Independent Colleges’ inaugural Work-Based Learning Consortium. Through the Riipen platform, students will participate in internships that are integrated into their coursework, gaining valuable skills and connections. Beginning in Spring 2024, this program will take place over multiple years and will involve faculty, staff and officers at each selected institution.
For undeclared students interested in exploring the business programs, there will be a Fall information session on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 12-1 p.m. in the Commons upstairs lobby which will provide students an opportunity to learn more about the majors and minors available in the department, meet faculty members, explore the immersive and experiential opportunities available and connect with other students considering these fields.
Benjamin Castro is a senior majoring in marketing & business and minoring in history.
