Aspects of business affect every facet of our lives. Whether between individuals, small-town businesses or super-power nations, commerce is always an indicator of health, prosperity, and ingenuity. It’s the exchange of money, yes. But it’s also the heartbeat of human behavior, culture, and ethics.
Pursuing a business minor at Sewanee prepares you in ways many business programs simply can’t. Our program is anchored in the belief that a liberal arts education offers a distinctive foundation for a business career. You’ll learn about how human behavior, appreciation of global culture, personal values, and ethical standards are all part of the fabric of business.
With courses ranging from statistics to psychology, and microeconomic theory to banking, the business minor is ideal for mapping your way through a career in commerce. Sewanee business minors are also eligible to apply for the Carey Fellows program, a mark of distinction that is designed to prepare fellows for leadership positions in business and finance. Carey Fellows take part in a semester-long internship during their junior year, affording them feet-on-the-ground experience—an experience that fosters the creativity and flexibility it takes to stand out in an entrepreneurial world.
The business minor complements a student’s education in the liberal arts. Students in any major may choose to minor in business. To meet the requirements of the business minor, students complete four core courses in economics, finance, accounting and ethics and choose two electives from one of three tracks: managerial, finance, or international business.
Students seeking a more intensive pre-business experience may apply to become Carey Fellows, Sewanee's business honors program. Carey Fellows complete requirements beyond the normal coursework—such as a semester-long, paid internship—that prepare them for leadership positions in business, consulting, and finance.
The Babson Center for Global Commerce, a key component of the Wm. Polk Carey Pre-Business Program, supports Sewanee students aiming for careers in business with skills training, co-curricular and experiential learning opportunities, internships, the Beecken Bridge Scholarships that support Sewanee students for summer programs at some of the nation’s leading business schools, and a varied program of lectures and discussions that brings leaders in global commerce to the University campus.
This course introduces students to the business of marketing both conceptually and as a profession. Study and activities include understanding the strategic marketing process, planning and research, launching new products, distribution, promotion and pricing. While studying and examining contemporary online and offline marketing methods, we will also analyze landmark marketing case studies to understand how key decisions impact outcomes and influence consumer purchasing behavior.
An examination of the moral dimensions of business activity, especially within the context of a democratic society. Topics may include social and economic justice, the nature of corporations, corporate accountability, social responsibility, the morality of hiring and firing, employee rights and duties, advertising, product safety, obligations to the environment, and international business.
This course addresses the concepts underlying corporate finance and equity markets. Topics include financial statement analysis, capital budgeting, capital structure, dividend policy, security valuation and efficient market theory.
This course examines the dynamics of international political and economic relations. Issues of trade, monetary and financial networks, investment, North-South relations, and the international system will be explored. The international context of development will receive particular attention.
Students select one of three minor tracks in Business:
Cleveland Annex 4, Ext. 1822
Babson Center for Global Commerce, Ext. 1763
Sewanee’s student investment club notches big returns for the University’s endowment—and for members’ postgraduate employment prospects. Sewanee entrusted club members with a sizable portion of its endowment. They took that capital and grew it by 67 percent in less than five years, consistently beating the market average. Not bad for a bunch of full-time students who happen to be part-time investors.
The Babson Center for Global Commerce provides a co-curricular experience. As you engage with peers and take trips, you’ll learn about what companies are seeking. You’ll learn critical thinking and persuasive communication, all the while becoming enlightened and demystifying the “go to work” experience.
Business at Sewanee means you’re combining the best of liberal arts education with on-the-ground learning opportunities. From internships to honors programs, you’ll learn a values based ethical system, a broad knowledge of culture, interpersonal skills, and the ability to adapt to change. Leading M.B.A. programs and top CEOs believe a liberal arts curriculum is the best preparation for a successful career in business.
