College of Business

What is Information Technology for Business Education?
The major goal of the Information Technology for Business Education program is to prepare teachers and trainers of computer technology in public or private secondary schools, in community/junior colleges, and in business settings. The Information Technology for Business Education major can be completed in four academic years. Students are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) degree upon completion of 120 semester hours of credit. Students who desire certification as secondary business education teachers have the option of enrolling for one additional semester of student teaching, which will qualify them for certification as a secondary business education teacher in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Information Technology for Business Education major is cooperatively planned and supervised by two colleges at Shippensburg University. The John L. Grove College of Business supervises students from the time they enter the university until graduation with a B.S.B.A. The College of Education and Human Services coordinates admission, retention, and completion of all requirements for public school teacher certification.

What career choices will I have as an Information Technology for Business Education graduate?
Some Information Technology for Business Education graduates will find employment in educational settings, employed as a teacher, a technology coordinator, or a network specialist. Others may choose to work in businesses and corporations where they will provide inhouse computer applications training to other employees or serve as microcomputer helpdesk specialists. Beginning salaries for teachers are very competitive. Beginning salaries for all positions in the information technology fields will vary depending on the position and its responsibilities.

What courses will I take as an Information Technology for Business Education major?
The Information Technology for Business Education program at Shippensburg University provides students with strong academic preparation in the fields of business and computer education. Students who enroll in this major will complete classes in the Grove College of Business and in the College of Education and Human Services. The 120 semester hours required for the B.S.B.A. degree include:

15 semester hours of required general education classes
34 semester hours of elective general education classes
16 semester hours of education classes or free electives*
37 semester hours of core business classes
18 semester hours of computer/information systems classes

*Free electives are used by non-teaching majors.

Students in good academic standing will have the option of attending an additional semester in order to complete 15 credit hours of student teaching to qualify for teaching certification.

What student organizations can I join?
Shippensburg University maintains active chapters of several organizations related to this major. Students whose goal is public school teaching can join the student chapters of the National Business Education Association, Phi Beta Lambda (open to all business majors), and the Data Processing Management Association. The honorary societies of Pi Omega Pi and Beta Gamma Sigma are also resident in the College of Business.

Are scholarships available for Information Technology for Business Education majors?
Yes. Thanks to the generosity of former professors and students, four scholarships have been established for entering or advanced students in this major on a competitive basis. They are: two Renetta F. Heiss Awards, the Max Cooley Scholarship Award, and the Zumbrun/Korkuch Family Scholarship Award. Another monetary award, the Fred Archer Memorial Award, is given annually to a student for outstanding academic achievement. Other non-monetary awards issued annually are the Pi Omega Pi Award (given each year to the graduating senior with the highest grade point average), and the National Business Education Association Award (given annually to the graduating senior for outstanding scholarship in the field of business teacher education).

What qualifications and interests should a successful Information Technology for Business Education major possess?
A desire to teach computer technology and the ability to work with others is essential for success in this field. Secondary students and transfer students who apply for the Information Technology for Business Education major should possess the usual skills required by the Grove College of Business in the fields of mathematics, English, and microcomputer use.

Who will be my academic advisor?
As an Information Technology for Business Education major you will be assigned an advisor who will assist you in preparing a long-range academic plan. Your advisor will meet with you frequently to discuss your academic progress and to assist you as you make your scheduling decisions. Your advisor is also available to assist you with any problems that may arise. Students who are Information Technology for Business Education majors are required to meet with their academic advisor at least one time each academic semester.

Information Technology for Business Education Program

Where can I get additional information about the Information Technology for Business Education major?
Coordinator, Information Technology for Business Education Program
John L. Grove College of Business
Shippensburg University
1871 Old Main Drive Shippensburg, PA 17257-2299
717-477-1130 or 717-477-1438
Fax: 717-477-4067

John L. Grove College of Business
717-477-1435
E-mail: business@ship.edu

The John L. Grove College of Business is accredited by the AACSB International