AIB to add five new bachelor of science degree programs in 2014

Because journalists are trained that it’s a sin to bury a lead, here’s the big news just announced by AIB College of Business: The college is expanding its curriculum through the offering of five additional bachelor of science degrees, beginning in the Fall term of the 2014-2015 academic year.

The new bachelor’s degrees include Financial Services and Planning; Human Resources Management; Marketing; Event, Hospitality and Tourism Management; and General Studies.

But to understand how truly exciting this announcement is, we have to back the story up a bit. These five new majors are in addition to two new majors beginning this fall!

About 16 months ago, AIB issued a statement that talked about how the college was taking steps to “refocus its curriculum to emphasize majors in core business fields.”

Along that line of thinking, a year ago, AIB adopted the marketing tagline “Strictly Business.”  It makes perfect sense, because all the degrees earned by AIB graduates are business-related – no nursing or engineering or philosophy degrees here.

 Then AIB went to work securing approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools to offer two new bachelor of science degree programs in Fall 2013.

As a result, beginning in September of this year, AIB will offer bachelor’s degrees in Contemporary Business Communications and Sports and Event Management, in addition to the existing Accounting and Business Administration majors. That in itself is very exciting.

But the HLC went one step further. Not only did it OK the two new major programs to begin this fall, but it also gave AIB complete permission to add more bachelor of science degrees that are in its business scope without having to request or gain any further approvals from the HLC. 

Hence, the AIB faculty has developed five more business majors – five more! – to begin in 2014. This represents huge growth for AIB.

This fall’s additions – Contemporary Business Communications and Sports and Event Management – obviously already appeal to prospective students, as nearly 100 have applied to enter those programs in their inaugural term.

Frankly, I wouldn’t mind taking a few of the courses myself. As a communications person, I’m intrigued by the curriculum of Contemporary Business Communications, which includes courses in advertising, marketing, public relations, film, graphic design, digital photography, advanced composition, technical writing, consumer behavior, electronic media, media law, grant-proposal writing and social media.  

As for the programs to begin in 2014, they were developed to meet growing industry needs.

 “Our research of the new majors confirmed that jobs are available in these areas, and the number likely will increase,” said Dr. Susan Cigelman, vice president for academic affairs.

A bachelor’s degree program in Financial Services and Planning is somewhat unique in the state of Iowa, Cigelman says. It will concentrate on personal financial plan development, compensation and benefits management, retirement planning, advanced insurance and risk management, and investments.

Cigelman says the addition of the Event, Hospitality and Tourism Management bachelor’s degree program is in response to statistics that predict extensive growth in that field – including the convention, resort management, catering, sports events and food and beverage areas – in the next five years.

“We revamped our current associate degree major to adapt to where the industry is going,” Cigelman says. “This will give students a very diverse degree.”

AIB also announced the addition of two new minors – Marketing and Human Resources Management – in 2014. What a great news day at AIB!