New Business Minor, Combined Degrees Prepare Undergrads for the Job Market

The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the economy has created an uncertain career outlook for many college students. Here are three ways DePaul undergraduates – from first-years to seniors – can prepare themselves now to compete in the challenging job market ahead.

For non-business majors: add a business minor

The Driehaus College of Business is offering a new business minor for DePaul undergraduates majoring in non-business disciplines this fall. The minor equips students with an entrepreneurial skillset that will empower them to create their own career opportunities or stand out in their fields.

“It’s vital for students entering any career field to have a fundamental understanding of business, which provides an edge in the job market.” says Karen Burgard, assistant dean in the Driehaus College of Business Programs Office. “This minor provides useful skills for developing an entrepreneurial mindset, making economic and financial decisions, understanding consumers and branding, and using data to tell a story.”

The minor consists of five interconnected courses that will be available online. It’s open to all non-business majors at DePaul and has no prerequisites.

Coupling a business minor with a student’s “passion” major in liberal arts, communications, technology, media or the arts will give students the tools necessary to excel in their chosen field, Burgard noted. “This credential is a great use of open electives and a terrific complement to a student’s academic and career interests.”

For those who want to take a deeper dive into entrepreneurship, the business college also is introducing a new entrepreneurship minor for non-business majors this fall. The five-course minor covers entrepreneurship fundamentals, business plan development, individual and team creativity, among other subjects.  It provides a range of choices for entrepreneurship-related courses in management, journalism and public relations to complete the minor, which can help empower students to create their own career opportunities. 

DePaul undergraduates at any​ level will be able to select these minors through the major/minor declaration tool in Campus Connect beginning this summer. Students are encouraged contact their academic advisor for their majors to learn more or can email the Driehaus Undergraduate Programs Office at Business@depaul.edu​.

Learn about the entrepreneurship minor (business students only)

Learn about the entrepreneurship minor (non-business stude​nts)

Enroll in a DePaul combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program.

DePaul offers a wide range of combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that allow students to earn both degrees in as few as five years (rather than the traditional six or more). In these programs, senior-level courses count toward both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, which saves students money as well as time to complete the degree.

The Kellstadt Graduate School of Business offers a dozen combined BS and MS degrees open to DePaul undergraduates in any major, as well as two other combined degrees for accountancy majors. This fall the school will add a new combined bachelor’s and master’s in business analytics.

“Combined degrees offer an extraordinary opportunity to earn a master’s degree in a short amount of time while decreasing the overall financial commitment of students,” says Christa Hinton, assistant dean at Kellstadt. “This option is particularly attractive to undergraduate students who want to enhance their academic tool box before getting that first job. It’s a great résumé-builder in a tough market.”

Candidates with advanced degrees typically attract higher starting salaries, too. Average starting salaries for graduates with business master’s degrees were 48% higher versus students with bachelor’s degrees alone, according to a survey released by the National Association of Colleges and Employers last year.

DePaul students interested in finding out more about any combined degrees can fill out this form and for combined business degrees can contact the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at KGSB@depaul.edu.

Take advantage of the DePaul Career Center’s remote services

This spring the DePaul Career Center is working remotely and ready to help DePaul students, especially seniors poised to enter the workforce. Through Handshake, the center’s online platform, students can schedule career advising phone or Zoom appointments. Virtual career events and online job search and application processes are also available on Handshake. Students seeking advice for writing effective résumés, acing interviews or building personal brands can find helpful videos and tips in the center’s online career reso​urce library.

View this DePaul Career Center video to learn more from the center's "super hero" advisors about their coaching and career services for DePaul business students and visit the DePaul Career Center website for more links to resources.