CURRICULAR INNOVATION This year we launched the following innovative learning opportunities: BACKPACK-TO-BRIEFCASE In 2011, the Backpack-to-Briefcase program, designed to prepare students for success and leadership in business, was approved. This program features curricular elements in all four years. During the 2014-2015 academic year, the junior year Backpack-to-Briefcase requirement was offered for the first time—The Bartley briefCASE Challenge. Students were
CENTER OF BUSINESS ANALYTICS (CBA)
and distance learning. The admissions standards for the
for the next two years, significantly increasing enrollment
online MBA mirror those for our campus-based program, and
and awareness in this unique degree program. Additionally,
With the rise in importance of analytics, the CBA
those for the online MSA are similar in nature to our other
the CCMBE will provide online and in-person education to
continues to innovate, which allows VSB to be a leader
specialized master’s programs, upholding our current practice
students in the International School of Pastoral Management
in analytics education.
and reputation for admitting high-caliber students.
at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. Our faculty will
This past year we launched:
We have MBA and MSA students from twenty-plus different
• Master of Science in Analytics
states. This expanded geographic reach will significantly
• MBA specialization in Analytics
contribute to attracting a diverse student population and
• Business Analytics Minor
enhance peer-to-peer learning in both programs.
randomly placed in teams for the case competition, and
ONLINE GRADUATE PROGRAMS
alumni and friends of Villanova served as the judges. Each
This year VSB launched two new graduate degree programs
student wrote an executive summary after the competition
—an online MBA option and a Master of Science in Analytics
and assessed their team members.
(MSA) online program.
BLOOMBERG CERTIFICATION
The creation of these programs directly supports the Villanova
Beginning with the class of 2018, all VSB students
University Strategic Plan imperative to pursue excellence in
(including Business Minors and transfer students) are
graduate education through innovative program development
also teach a one-week summer program for second-year students in this program here at Villanova.
FINANCE RESEARCH SCHOLARS
required to attain Bloomberg Certification during their first
Finance Research Scholars Training (FiRST) was launched
year. This requirement is now part of VSB 1000 Information
to provide freshmen and sophomores the opportunity to
Technology, an online, one-credit course currently required
become a Finance Research Associate. Students in the
of all VSB students. We are the first school in the nation to require the certification.
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VSB continues to anticipate changing business and pedagogical trends.
DEAN’S REPORT
THE CENTER FOR CHURCH MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS ETHICS (CCMBE)
program work five to ten hours per week during the fall
The CCMBE secured a partnership with the Archdiocese
possible letters of recommendation, and ways to enhance
of New York (ADNY) to offer the Master of Science in
and differentiate their college experience. Further funding
Church Management program to ADNY parishioners.
for the program is being pursued.
The ADNY will matriculate up to 50 participants per year
and spring semesters with a finance professor to assist with research. Students gain experience and research skills,
DEAN’S REPORT
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