Within the context of EMU’s mission and philosophy, the vision of the Business and Leadership Program is a community of inquisitive and creative learners who, upon graduation, are prepared to succeed in meaningful and effective engagement as organizational leaders and as caring and responsible global citizens working for the common good. The unique approaches of the department prepares graduates to: 

• Envision a community (local to global) where their self-interest reflects the needs of others and creation across time, distance and diversity,
• Act and lead from wholistic understanding of the broad purposes of business and organizations in society, with potential for both positive and negative impacts,
• Recognize the interconnected and critical role organizations have to address societal problems of poverty, injustice, oppression, conflict, and scarce resources,
• Demonstrate leadership as service to others, and in organizations to both internal and external organizational stakeholders, and
  Value interdisciplinary perspectives and take integrated action to address the complexity and challenges of today and tomorrow.

The mission of the Business and Leadership program at EMU is to prepare students for a life of service while being proactive participants in the marketplace, who promote the common good as responsible global citizens, and who have the skills to lead effectively in organizational settings.

At EMU you’ll:

• study in a cross-cultural setting
• consider sustainability and stewardship in decision-making
• collaborate on original research with faculty with industry experience
• put your classroom learning to use in off campus internships
• learn to work effectively in teams and hone communication and financial skills
• learn from professors who’ve lived and worked internationally

The curriculum is structured to provide students with strategic values, skills, and knowledge. Values include integrity, justice, stewardship of resources, and an understanding of business as a service profession that is critical to God’s providential care for humankind. Relevant skills will enable graduates to lead and manage effectively; these include critical thinking, applying effective problem-solving methodologies, communicating clearly both orally and in writing, working collaboratively in diverse settings, applying financial statement analysis to the stewardship of organizational resources, and using information technology in order to achieve organizational objectives. The curriculum is designed to ensure that students gain broad knowledge of the major functional areas of business and markets, including: economics, accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, information systems, management and operations. Further, strategic leadership requires an effective integration of these areas, and integration of the broad field with others.

The study of business and leadership at Eastern Mennonite University is set in the context of the university’s comprehensive liberal arts curriculum that has a strong global perspective. Broad education in the liberal arts is critical to the development of effective organizational leaders because it enables them to respond quickly and effectively to the rapid change that characterizes contemporary society. This wholistic approach more effectively prepares professionals as opposed to technicians. 

Learning experiences in the department are varied, with an increasing emphasis on collaboration and experiential learning. Course activities and assignments include case study analysis, simulation games, special projects, field experiences, guest speakers, and class discussion. Ethics and computer/technology skills are integrated throughout the curriculum. Internships in business and nonprofit organizations are encouraged for upper-level students--in good standing--to gain professional level work experience prior to graduation. Emphasis is placed on learning and utilizing analytical skills, communication skills and decision-making techniques. Strategic use of group work develops students’ ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Students majoring in accounting, business administration, marketing, organizational leadership, and recreation and sport management earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Students majoring in economics and international business earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. The program also offers an Associate in Arts (AA) degree in business administration. Students who may not reach the end of a bachelor’s degree may be able to secure this associate degree.

We place interns in a variety of manufacturing, service, and not-for-profit environments where they work in accounting, cost analysis, human resource management, investments, marketing, operations, and planning. In some cases, internships lead to a permanent position after graduation.

Learn more about our internship and student opportunities

See our internship and practicum courses and requirements

98% of job-seeking students were employed within a year of graduation. EMU business alumni consistently rank high on nationally standardized business exams, with many pursuing graduate degrees in their majors.

• EMU has offered close to $1 million in academic merit scholarships collectively to students with outstanding academic achievement.
• Academic scholarships range from $12,000 to $20,000 per year and are renewable for four years depending on academic performance.
• EMU students are eligible for Pell Grants and Federal Need-Based Grants as well as student loans.
• Virginia students may be eligible for a Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG).

• Learn more by contacting  EMU's Financial Assistance Office or checking out our net price calculator.