Business Management
At Central, business management majors have a diverse range of classes that prepare you to succeed. Graduates go on to positions with major companies around the world, creating a global network of connections for Central students. You’ll obtain a foundation in business with an emphasis in one of four areas — business administration, finance, marketing and international business — or you may individually design your area of emphasis.
The department also collaborates with mathematics and computer science faculty to offer information systems, accounting and actuarial science majors. Business students can also be certified at Central to teach secondary-level business classes.
You’ll benefit from the strength of Central’s business management program as evidenced by the outstanding performance of students on standardized examinations such as GMAT and LSAT and their acceptance into quality graduate programs.
The Central Difference
Make Valuable Professional Connections
You’ll discover that Central’s business department offers a competitive advantage when it comes to gaining the experience you need to start building your career. Des Moines, a renowned epicenter for young business professionals, is just a short drive away, and Pella is home to four international corporations.
Take advantage of Central’s highly networked internship programs in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and throughout the world. Plus, Central graduates go on to positions with major companies around the world, creating a global network of connections for you.
The Game Changer
From Central’s baseball team captain to CEO, B.J. Pilling ’09 has had an entrepreneurial spirit every step of the way.
Feel Confident with Professional Development
Finding and landing your first job is an important step. We’ll make sure you are fully prepared for the job search by guiding you with search strategies,résumé building, interviewing practice and networking skills.
Develop Real-World Entrepreneurial Skills
Participate in the Martin Heerema Entrepreneurship Program, and you’ll personally experience what it takes to be an entrepreneur. The curriculum uses education, experience and example to combine problem-solving with projects, internships and mentorships.
Off-Campus Experiences
Central students can study off-campus — both internationally or domestically in the United States. These opportunities give students the chance to prepare to be global citizens, equipped to compete in the global job market. Students can check out experiences led by Central faculty or attend select academic programs across the world that provide opportunities for study, service, internships and other types of experiential learning. Options include experiences in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Central America, Ghana, England, the Scottish Highlands and more.
Business majors have the chance to gain world perspective on global business and international corporations.
Beyond Central
Putting the “Hire” in Higher Education
- Cole Kraber ’23, Carrier Coordinator, Pella Corporation
- Ashley Lupkes ’23, Marketing Project Manager, Iowa Association of Realtors
- Kale Weis ’22, Assistant Auditor, Deloitte
- Corbin Folsom ’20, Project Coordinator, PMAlliance, Inc.
- Cara Mack ’19, Marketing Manager, Holzhauer Motors Ltd.
- Abagail Messer ’18, Marketing and Community Outreach Director, Dutch Bros Coffee
- Bridget Anderson ’17, Staff Accountant, BH Management Services, Inc.
- Evan Fischer ’16, Event Coordinator, Hoyt Sherman Place
Shane Rourke ’96 Promoted to Managing Director of Forage Solutions
Shane Rourke ’96 will lead Vermeer’s forage solutions division.
Organizations
- Economics, Accounting and Management Club
- Investments Club
Graduate Placement
- University of Iowa, Tippie School of Business
- The George Washington University
- Graduate School of Banking at Colorado
- Iowa State University, College of Business
Internships
- Aegon Headquarters, Hague, Netherlands
- Emerson Climate Technologies, Ohio
- Principal Global Investors, Des Moines
- John Deere Financial, Johnston
- Brandworkz, London, England
- Iowa Attorney General's office, Des Moines
- Jack in the Box corporate office, San Diego
- Meredith Corporation, Des Moines
- Merrill Lynch, Pella
- Iowa Cubs, Des Moines
Courses & Faculty
At Central, you’ll learn about business in many ways — computer simulations, case studies, presentations, class discussions, team projects and more. Networked professors also find hands-on projects where students can help solve problems for real businesses, giving you the best experience possible.
Learn more about this discipline in the course catalog.
Meet the Faculty
- Graham Lemke, B.Sc., M.S., Ph.D., Donald T. Butler Endowed Chair and Professor of Finance
- Tuan Nguyen, B.B.A., M.S., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Economics
- George Nwaogu, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Economics
- Maggie Schlerman, B.A., M.Acc., C.P.A., Economics, Accounting and Management Department Chair and Associate Professor of Accounting
- Julie Summers, Lecturer of Management and Marketing
Sample Coursework
First Year
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Introduction to Web Programming or Introduction to Computer Science
- Core courses and/or electives
Sophomore Year
- Introduction to Financial Accounting
- Introduction to Management Accounting
- Principles of Management
- Introduction to Statistics
- Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics
- Core courses and/or electives
Junior Year
- Corporate Finance
- Business Law
- Principles of Marketing
- Operations Management
- Internships
Senior Year
- Strategic Management, Small Business and Entrepreneurship or Global Strategic Management
- 3-5 emphasis courses (approved by the department)
- Core courses and/or electives including internships
Learn More
Want to find out more about Business Management at Central? Contact us to learn more about this discipline and our other strong academic programs.
Visit campus to observe classes and experience The Central Difference firsthand.
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