Curriculum Updates

BUAD 111: Business Math: A New Approach to Innovative Learning

A successful business education requires a strong foundation in math that effectively connects math concepts to business problems and applications.

In the Spring 2024 term, the School of Business launched BUAD 111: Business Math as an initial pilot with two sections.  Beginning with the Fall 2024 term, Business Math will be part of the School’s undergraduate core curriculum, with enough sections offered every semester to serve all business students.

This initiative to bring math instruction into the School instead of continuing to offer courses taught by the Math Department, was the result of a careful assessment.  We concluded that School faculty could offer a more applications-oriented course specific to business needs, one that would cover those math concepts most appropriate to today’s business environment.  The master syllabus for BUAD 111 reflects this intent, one overwhelmingly supported by business faculty.

Led by two of our best faculty, Drs. Ryan Luchs and Kathryn Marley deserve enormous credit for spearheading the business math initiative.  The pilot sections in Spring 2024 were very successful and resulted in extremely high success rates for students that helped us improve 
retention in an important “gateway” area.  Indeed, Ryan and Kathryn have brought a winning combination of deep applied math expertise and outstanding teaching skills to BUAD 111.  Our students are benefiting as a result.

Moreover, Business Math is structured to accommodate varying levels of student high school math preparation while addressing the unique needs and skills of business students.

The goals of Business Math include:

• Setting students up for success in subsequent courses.
• Improving confidence.
• Ensuring students have the necessary quantitative skills to succeed in the business world.
• Supporting a strategic approach to enhancing student outcomes and retention.

Aligning mathematical instruction more closely with the needs of business students underscores the School’s commitment to creating a supportive and effective educational environment that prepares students for the challenges they will face in the business world.

Master of Science in Entrepreneurial Leadership: Launches Fall 2024

The School is proud to announce the Fall 2024 launch of its Master of Science in Entrepreneurial Leadership (MS-EL) program. This 30-credit graduate degree aims to equip students with the essential skills to launch new ventures and lead organizations through strategic change.

Emphasizing innovation, vision, and strategic leadership, the MS-EL program is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs alike.

Flexible and Personalized Learning Experience
A standout feature of the MS-EL program is its flexibility. Students can complete the degree at their own pace, typically within 3 to 6 semesters, with entry points available in the spring, summer, and fall terms. While most of the program can be completed online, several courses feature high-impact in-person evening or weekend sessions. These sessions enhance the learning experience by providing hands-on opportunities for collaboration and practical application of entrepreneurial concepts. The MS-EL comprehensive curriculum equips students with essential entrepreneurial and leadership skills.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Resources 
Students will create and innovate in the School’s Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship, which includes the Louis D. Mallet Entrepreneurship Zone and Bob’s Launch Pad—an innovative makerspace designed for idea generation, problem-solving, and business planning. Bob’s Launch Pad features areas equipped for designing digital applications and physical products with rapid prototyping tools.

Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Combined with the School’s thriving Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship offers students a strong connection to the regional entrepreneurship ecosystem. This connectivity will provide students with invaluable networking opportunities and access to resources that can help turn innovative ideas into successful ventures. For example, MS-EL students can develop their skills and gain superb experience by acting as supporting consultants for the SBDC, which offers a variety of consulting services for entrepreneurs and small business owners across the region.

Hands-On Learning and Competitions
MS-EL students can also participate in the Duquesne New Venture Challenge (DNVC), where entrants pitch their business ideas and compete for funding. This three-stage competition is open to entrepreneurs nationwide, offering mentorship and prizes collectively worth over $100,000 as well as free business planning software, connections to industry experts and access to regional funding sources.

Preparing Future Leaders
The MS-EL program blends theory and practical experience to prepare students for success. By combining flexible learning options,  personalized support, access to cutting-edge resources, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, the MS-EL program prepares students to lead with innovation and vision in the ever-evolving business landscape.

2024 Summer Edition Main Page