OSU's College of Business steps things up for centennial

Oregon State University's College of Business, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, is home base for a record number of business majors this year.

OSU had 2,877 undergraduate business majors and graduate students last year, a 12 percent increase over five years ago, according to the school's dean, Ilene Kleinsorge.

University officials believe a change to a professional school - requiring students to apply for admission and meet higher standards - will result in more prestige for OSU and higher-caliber graduates. The addition to the curriculum of accounting and other specialty majors also will give graduates the tools to succeed in business.

OSU recently increased the coursework necessary to graduate in business, and every degree holder is educated about entrepreneurship and family business issues.

"Graduates need more specialization while having a strong foundation in the fundamentals," Kleinsorge said. "Our goal is to have a top undergraduate business program. Our students deserve it."

OSU has offered business classes since its start in 1868, and the business college opened in 1908.

The number of students seeking a minor in business was 545 last year, up 41 percent from six years ago. Business was the second-most-popular minor declared at OSU, said Jim Coakley, assistant dean for academic programs in the College of Business.

Thuy Tran, the College of Business' director of communications and marketing, said this year's incoming freshmen will be the first who need to apply for admittance to the professional school. Students would typically apply near the end of their sophomore year.

Students were able to graduate with a business degree in accounting for the first time at OSU last spring, and 30 students already have graduated. "Eventually, the goal is to have each program be transcript visible," Tran said.

Marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, information services, management and international business will eventually become their majors, which could happen in the next two to three years, Kleinsorge said.

On Monday, hopeful business students waiting for a "Business Now" introductory class outside Gilfillan Auditorium said they appreciated the newly organized business college and the addition of additional major courses of study.

"I think it's good because it ups the standards," said Lu Yang, 18, of Tigard, making her eventual degree in accounting from OSU move valuable because it was harder to acquire.

Sean Jorgensen, 18, of Salt Lake City, said not everyone will be able to compete: "It's going to be tougher on some students."

If you go

What: An open house to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Oregon State University's College of Business

When: Wednesday, Noon to 2 p.m.

Where: Bexell Hall

How: A free shuttle will run from 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, with stops at Southwest First Street and Taylor Avenue; at Southwest Second Street between Monroe and Madison avenues, and at a parking lot at Southwest Second Street and Western Avenue.

Kyle Odegard covers Oregon State University. He can be contacted at kyle.odegard@lee.net or 758-9523. Read his blog with more about 100th anniversary for the College of Business at www.gazettetimes.com.