Message from the Associate Dean

 
 

Department of Economics,
Finance and Accounting

Department of Management,
Marketing and Information Systems

Obtaining an excellent education in the fields of economics and business has always occupied a place of importance. But the past several years have elevated it to a high priority. Our programs emphasize the necessity for heightened understanding, ethical judgment, sound business decision making and intelligent public policy choices in both prosperous and difficult economic times.

Dr. Wade Thomas, Associate DeanThe Division of Economics and Business is accredited by AACSB International--The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Economics and Business has more than forty years of experience in preparing students for careers and entry into graduate or professional schools. Students can choose from three undergraduate majors: Professional Accounting, Business Economics, and Economics. Elective concentrations are offered in accounting, finance, and marketing. These majors and specialties are regularly among the most demanded undergraduate degrees according to data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers. They are also among the highest paying.

The Division focuses on offering three undergraduate majors and striving to do it extraordinarily well. Instruction takes place in a learning environment of moderate-sized classes in beginning courses and small upper-division classes in technologically advanced classrooms. Nearly all instruction is conducted by full-time faculty. Almost all faculty members possess Ph.D. degrees and bring to the classroom an extensive collection of industry, government, consulting, and international experience that is not commonly found in a small business school. The result is programs that go beyond the ordinary with their infusion of economics, management information systems, production management and operations research, and business and professional ethics.

An award-winning chapter of the American Marketing Association provides students with exposure to practical experiences and participation in various team-oriented projects. The Economics Club and Accounting Society are also sources of exciting co-curricular experiences as well as contact with prominent alumni. Participation in the Economics and Business Internship Program is another practical complement to academic work for qualified students.

Academic achievement is recognized and rewarded. The Division is home to a chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma, the International Honor Society Recognizing Business Excellence, and the Alpha-Lambda Chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon—the international honor society in economics. The Beta Gamma Sigma chapter has achieved "Premier Chapter"status. Outstanding graduates are recognized with College and Divisional Honors. A growing number of scholarship awards are made each year from five endowed scholarship funds targeted at top students from Economics and Business who demonstrate academic excellence. First-year students and transfer students with excellent academic records are eligible for one of many scholarships for academic merit awarded by the College. Additional information is available at http://www.oneonta.edu/academics/econbu/honors.asp.

If you are considering Oneonta for your college career, I invite you to thoroughly explore the Division website. You can contact us at Business@oneonta.edu or by phone at 607-436-3458 if you want more information or have questions.

Dr. Wade L. Thomas, Associate Dean
Division of Economics and Business