Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Open for Business

Tomorrow the proposal for a business minor will come before the College Executive Committee for approval, potentially allowing undergraduates in the College to expand their academic horizons. Its passage would be a valuable addition to the curriculum and should be affirmed in full.

The business minor was first introduced by the College Academic Council during the 2006-2007 academic year, but failed to gain institutional support. Proposed again last year, it has already been approved by the College Curriculum Committee. If the Executive Committee signs off on it, the program could be implemented as early as next year, allowing students in the College to minor in the McDonough School of Business.

The ability to branch out and take courses in other subjects is fundamental to Georgetown’s academic mission. Students of all schools should have the greatest diversity of courses possible in order to augment their studies. This business minor – should it pass – would be a decisive step in that direction.

The liberal arts and science degrees of the College may represent the heirs of a traditional Jesuit education; on their own, however, they do not always translate into jobs after college. Business degrees – although not foolproof guarantees of future employment – tend to generate fewer incredulous questions like “What will you do with that major?” In a school that touts its ability to educate the whole person, students should not be forced to abandon a liberal arts education simply because a business degree might produce more résumé-friendly skills. Just as an English minor demonstrates communication skills for a business major, a business minor would indicate additional real-world skills for an English major.

oreover, a fundamental understanding of businesses and financial services’ functioning can be a boon to almost all professions. Everyone from a doctor to an author can benefit from knowledge of small business, corporations and international business, which, for better or worse, play an undeniable role in everyday life. To restrict students from dipping their toes in an unfamiliar subject defeats the purpose of a broad-based education.

Currently, MSB students are already allowed to bridge that gap with upper-level College classes and the ability to minor in College disciplines such as government or English. Though they are in the business school, they are more than able to extend their focus beyond balance sheets and financial derivatives. Meanwhile, students in the College are severely restricted from the same type of intellectual exploration.

Some argue that allowing College students into business classes would fill the MSB classes and divert resources away from MSB students. This is an unavoidable consequence of expanding the course options to better serve students. No one is sure, as of yet, how many classes would be added to compensate for the influx. Nonetheless, MSB students currently take seats in size-restricted upper-level College classes. If the College is able to compensate logistically, the MSB should be able to manage as well.

In the wake of a recession, broadening students’ skill levels can only help them translate a Georgetown degree into a workable career. For those students who merely want to explore the subject of business, the university should not hold them back. Passage of the proposal tomorrow would be a step in the right direction and a long-overdue addition to the College education.

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