College of Business

The smaller size of each class makes connecting with the professors very easy (I believe JMU has an average of 20-something students to each professor). As well as the constant group work, I feel that I will fit seamlessly into my first career job. The curriculum is possibly the most unique at JMU. No matter what your major is, each student is required to complete prerequisite course that have concentrations in each of our majors offered. Then when you are officially accepted into the CoB, each student takes the course COB 300: Integrated Functional Systems in which students research, fashion, and present an innovative business plan while working in a structured team.

I wish they offered more business classes earlier in your college career dealing with all aspects of business, such as marketing or management versus taking those classes your junior year. Especially when trying to pick a concentration, I found it very difficult because I wasn't exposed to the different concentrations in business to see which one interested me the most.

We have professors that actually care about each individual student. I have professors whose class I took two years ago who still stop me in the hallway to see how I am doing. I have multiple professors who have allowed me to list them as job references and who have actively helped my job search and encouraged me along the way. My preparation for interviews and job skills is outstanding thanks to the program.

The faculty in the finance department could certainly be improved. There are also not a great deal of finance courses offered to cover the entire scope of the financial world.

Classes are always taught by teachers as opposed to TA's, and are more than willing to give every student personal attention. Out COB 300 program prepares students by having us create a real and thorough business plan for a business we create. The school also promotes social and communication skills along with traditional business classes.

I would be more satisfied if we were a larger target school for recruiters. I feel like JMU is an up and coming program, but many of the larger firms have not yet noticed. JMU gets a lot of attention from big 4 accounting firms, and CIS companies. The recruiting for finance majors leaves much to be desired. Currently no Wall Street firms, or investment banks directly recruit on campus. I am not sure if this is reflective of the economy or JMU's reputation.

JMU's college of business focuses on developing a strong business acumen but also a well rounded student. Graduates usually leave with strong collaborative skills as well as leadership ability.

The building seems too small for our program at times.

COB 300- During junior year all students take a 4 classes together that comprise of Marketing, Operations, Finance and Management. Throughout the semester, benchmarks are set for creating and overseeing a business plan that is 10% of the grade for each class listed. This program is very famous, and students are told we are 1 of 2 schools that implement this type of program.

I would make vast changes to the Accounting program. As it currently stands when I explain the teaching techniques employed by the professors to my education major friends the only thing I get are gasps of horror and comments that they aren't really teaching, they are just auditing to see if you taught yourself. The School of Computer Information Systems is far superior and I don't see how a business school can host Professors of such highly differing teaching ability.

Small class sizes lead to a better learning environment. The teachers are always there to help, and often even give their personal phone numbers if a student is up late with a question regarding the material. The COB 300 semester is a vital and unique hands-on learning approach. One thing I like too, is that, throughout the hustle and bustle of all the different majors doing their work, there is a positive and friendly environment. I think our faculty and students are what truly make us unique.

The only area I find lacking in the business school is the helpfulness of the advisors. I am sure that some are more helpful than mine but I know from word of mouth a few other majors are dissatisfied with theirs as well.

I believe the amount of group work and team projects are unique to this university. I never would have expected to have the opportunity to work in so many different groups and with so many different students. Group papers and presentations are to be expected in every single course at this point.

The business program is ever evolving. New grade requirements and course prerequisites act to funnel out the students who do not put forth effort. This leaves those students who work hard to exemplify the JMU brand.

Our Business Program at JMU is really ever evolving which is what makes it so strong in my opinion. They are constantly adapting to what firms are looking for and helping their students to have that "edge" that makes all the difference.