Southern Virginia University

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When should I take which courses?
 
    A. The Major Map provides a suggested sequence for all major requirements.

Q. Do I need a business major to be successful in the business world?

    A. Success in the business world depends almost entirely on how you perform on the job, and there are several majors that combined with the courses in the Southern Virginia Core will effectively prepare you to succeed. That said, the knowledge, discipline, and skills gained through a business major may be a requirement for some jobs, and an undergraduate business major provides excellent preparation for entry-level positions right out of school and can certainly give you an edge in interviewing. The degree to which a business major is a “requirement” can depend on the specific job and career you choose. Many firms look almost exclusively for graduates who have business majors because of the economic analytics and business know-how that these programs develop. Other companies are more willing to provide specific business education on the job, as long as they can find people who are quick learners and have strong critical analysis and communications abilities. If you’re thinking seriously of a business-oriented career, you’ll do well to research the areas of business that interest you and the organizations and locations you’d like to be a part of in order to decide whether a business major or minor will best suit your needs.

Q. I’m interested in MBA programs. What should I look for?

    A. Talk to your business professors about this. The right graduate school for you depends largely on your post-MBA plans and aspirations. Generally, get the best education you can. Factors to consider are program and school reputation, networks, in-class education, recruiting relationships with hiring firms, geographic location, and cost.

Q. Do I need a business major to be successful in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program?

    A. No, but it can often help. All top-level MBA programs admit non-business majors into their programs, and for many schools, the proportion of non-business majors is quite high. The majority of those admitted, however, have had some experience in business, either though work or education.

Q. I’d like to get out of school early. Can I maneuver things to shorten the time I’m in my undergraduate program?

    A. You can, but watch to ensure that it doesn’t put you at a disadvantage in the recruiting cycle (most firms are looking for April-May graduates, not December graduates) or if it reduces your competitiveness, either in terms of real knowledge, grades, or coursework. We’ve had more than one student wake up to the realization that the time and dollar savings from a too-fast, low-grades early graduation was more than offset by the limits it put on his or her ability to interview competitively for a job or get into a good graduate program. Work through school as efficiently as you can, but don’t sacrifice your future for a few dollars or conveniences today.

Q. Will the Southern Virginia University business major get me into Wharton or the Harvard Business School?

   A. No—that’s your job. However, the business program at Southern Virginia does give you the foundation and resources to earn your way there. We have Southern Virginia business alumni obtain graduate degrees from top 20 and top 40 MBA programs (the majority graduating in the top 20% of their MBA class), top 10 MPA programs, and other graduate schools.
 
Q. I have other questions—where can I go for answers?

    A. Once a semester, the business faculty hosts a Q&A session for all students interested in the Southern Virginia business major—look for next semester’s session in early September. The business faculty will also host a separate session (same time period) for all those interested in MBA programs, business major and non-business major alike. Watch for flyers and e-mail announcements for both of these. And last but certainly not least, Prof. Brotherson, Dr. Kellogg, Prof. Brandt, Prof. Baldridge, and others are happy to consult with you individually on any other questions you have.