The John Chambers College of Business and Economics was founded in November of 1951 and graduated its first class in the spring of 1953. Since that time, the Chambers College has become one of the largest colleges at West Virginia University. In 1954, the College became fully accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the gold standard for business accreditation.
The Chambers College is located in the newly opened Reynolds Hall. The facility includes collaborative classrooms and learning labs for virtually every discipline. Advanced technologies connect WVU to the world, from students across campus to companies around the globe. Reynolds Hall is designed to enhance the educational and teaching model and significantly enhance the student experience at WVU’s business school.
Through our people and our values, the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics is committed to educating and transforming our students, our state and our world toward greater prosperity, through research and scholarship.
The WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics fosters a diverse and inclusive culture and builds business leaders while dedicating ourselves to excellence, innovation, and ethics. We catalyze interdisciplinary solutions that advance economic growth in the state of West Virginia and beyond.
The faculty, staff, administrators, and student employees of the John Chambers College of Business and Economics are committed to being responsive, sensitive, and understanding to the needs of the students and to the needs of each other. Our conduct shall be positive, professional, and supportive to all.
Business programs in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics are accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International at the undergraduate and graduate levels. AACSB International accreditation assures students and prospective employers that our programs adhere to the highest standards of excellence in worldwide recognized business programs. The Chambers College has maintained full accreditation in the AACSB International since 1954.
The array of technology available to students in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics is impressive. Through coursework and experiential learning opportunities, students develop skills with technology and its application to business. Business students have access to standard and specialized business software, e-mail, and Internet services through three computer labs in the new, innovative Reynolds Hall. Students can receive technology assistance through the new Tech Spot.
Students use the latest word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software. Each student is encouraged to purchase a personal computer. A wireless network provides Internet access from anywhere in Reynolds Hall to students with properly equipped laptop computers. In addition, all general-purpose classrooms have multimedia presentation capabilities, and the building houses a Cybersecurity Lab, the Wehrle Global Supply Chain Lab, the Data Analytics Lab, Roll Capital Markets Center, and an Ideation Hub.
The John Chambers College of Business & Economics focuses heavily on career preparation services that help our students to secure internship positions and full-time opportunities after graduation. The Center for Career Development (CCD), a resource specifically dedicated to business students, facilitates a variety of recruitment and networking events on campus throughout the year to connect students with diverse employer partners. The CCD team also offers one-on-one career coaching sessions, resume and cover letter reviews, virtual and in-person mock interviews, internship and full-time search assistance, salary negotiation guidance, and more. These networking opportunities and resources, in conjunction with the support of the Center’s staff, allow students to expand their networks, gain valuable professional and internship experiences, and ultimately reach their desired career outcomes.
WVU recognizes 480+ student organizations across academic colleges and areas of interest. Student organizations are a great way to get connected on campus, engage with your peers, and develop new skills. Connect with fellow Mountaineers who share your interests in academic majors, careers and industries, leisure and entertainment activities, political and religious affiliations, and more! Visit https://wvuengage.wvu.edu/organizations to view the complete list of WVU student organizations, including 16 Chambers College-specific clubs.
Questions?
Contact the team at the Becker Academic engagement Success Center at be-aesc@mail.wvu.edu or 304.293.7884.
To remain in good academic standing with the John Chambers College of Business and Economics a student must possess a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate reasonable progress toward completion of the degree requirements. Students may attempt a course three times (including withdrawing); if at the end of the third attempt the appropriate grade was not attained, they will be referred to the Center for Learning, Advising, and Student Success. Students who have a cumulative GPA of below 2.0 after the fall or spring semester will be placed on academic probation and will be required to attend Mid-Year Academy and sign a contract outlining the requirements for removal from probation. Students who fail to complete these requirements will be referred to the Center for Learning, Advising, and Student Success. Students will be suspended after two semesters of academic probation. Students who have been suspended are able to appeal to the College’s Academic Standards committee.
The John Chambers College of Business and Economics has high standards of conduct for its students. Any student who has been found to have broken the Code of Student Conduct may be dismissed from the Chambers College.
A minimum grade of C- is normally required in each of the prerequisite courses required for admission to the program or for enrollment in upper-division business (BCOR) or major core courses; however, some academic majors require heightened grade requirements in the prerequisite courses. Please see detailed information on prerequisite courses in the academic major sections that follow.
The John Chambers College of Business and Economics undergraduate students not direct admitted to a major as a first-time freshman or a first-time transfer will declare their major upon successfully completing the pre-business curriculum. A minimum overall GPA of 2.5 is required (2.0 for majors in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, General Business, and Hospitality and Tourism Management). At the beginning of the semester in which students intend to complete the prerequisite courses, they will meet with their academic advisor to review the student's transcript to determine if all prerequisite courses have been taken with the required grade in order to move into the desired major. Once verified, the advisor will complete an Academic Status Update, declaring the student's major.
This publication was produced well in advance of the start of the academic year; therefore, students are advised to review current academic program requirements on the College’s website.
Business and economics majors may petition the Chambers College to complete upper-division business administration coursework out of residence, provided the courses are completed at other AACSB-accredited institutions. Courses must be approved by the dean or designee of the College before registering at another institution. Ordinarily, required business courses must be taken at WVU.
Up to 15 hours of upper level coursework will be accepted in transfer. A maximum of six hours of work taken prior to admission may be applied to the major and must be transferred from an AACSB-accredited institution. A maximum of nine hours will be accepted for upper level BCOR courses and do not have to be from an AACSB-accredited institution. BCOR 460 must be taken in residence. Courses taken at two-year institutions will not be given upper level credit.
A minimum of twelve hours in a semester is required for full-time status in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics. The maximum load in the Fall and Spring semesters is twenty hours. The maximum load in the Summer semester is fourteen hours. Exceptions to the minimum or maximum load require approval of the student’s academic advisor before registration. Students seeking to withdraw from individual courses must seek approval from their academic advisor whenever the remaining load falls below the required minimum, even though all other conditions supporting the request for the individual course withdrawal may be in order.
Professional academic advisors assist students with academic planning in the Office of Undergraduate Programs and Advising, Room 2200, Reynolds Hall, (304) 293-4959 . Students are required to meet with their advisor each semester to maintain degree progress. For students who need immediate assistance, walk-in hours are available daily. Course scheduling and graduation certification are also administered by this office.
Consistent with University requirements, a student has seven years from the first semester at WVU to complete the requirements. After seven years, the student will have to meet the requirements of a later catalog that is no more than seven years old when the student completes his or her studies. With the consent of the student’s advisor and dean, a student may choose to meet the conditions published in a later catalog.
Transfer or returning students who have upper-division business or economics coursework completed more than seven years prior must have that coursework evaluated by the Chambers College before the credit may apply to a degree awarded by the Chambers College.
Regarding pass-fail courses, University regulations limit full-time students with a 2.0 GPA or higher to a maximum of four semester hours each term. Courses taken for pass-fail grading must be unrestricted (free) electives.
Students are permitted to apply a maximum of six semester hours of Professional Field Experience (491) toward a business administration or economics degree. Some academic departments prohibit or limit the use of Professional Field Experience towards requirements in the major. Students should consult an academic advisor to ascertain how Professional Field Experience applies to a respective degree program.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 90 credit hours, or 30 of their final 36 credit hours of study at WVU. Students must have completed 120 credit hours, met all degree requirements, and possess a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a major GPA of 2.0, in order to be eligible for graduation.
If a student seeks to earn two bachelor’s degrees simultaneously, the student must meet all requirements for both degrees.
Students seeking to double-major in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics may use a maximum of 6 credit hours toward both majors. Those majoring and minoring in the College may use no more than 6 credit hours toward the major and the minor.
The student must complete all University GEF requirements, all Chambers College pre-business and core requirements, and must satisfy the course requirements of one of the College’s majors (See Requirements for Degrees).
The John Chambers College of Business and Economics offers students a number of opportunities to add an international dimension to their studies by participating in programs that span the globe. We currently offer three-credit hour short-term study abroad courses and semester-long experiences.
Short-term programs
Each Summer and Spring Break, the Chambers College coordinates several seven to ten day faculty-led study abroad experiences where a student can earn up to three credit hours. These courses and trips include the destinations such as Brazil, China, India/Nepal, Dubai, and Bahrain. We expect to be adding Thailand in the near future.
Dubai. This Spring Break course focuses on the concepts of creativity (exploring original ideas in business) and innovation (coming up with a new method or process for both products and services to plan and implement these creative ideas). To achieve these goals and course objectives, students will participate in a study abroad program with an emphasis on creativity and innovation. They will analyze several businesses concepts in Dubai and how the city has transformed from a fishing village to an oil dependent economy and now a global trade and business hub. One of the goals of the course is to offer students key insights on international business and how external factors such as economic, social, cultural, and political trends, as well as competition and technology plays a critical role in transforming a city, organization, and business. Students will have an opportunity to visit several businesses in the area to gather these insights during the trip. Students will spend 10 days abroad and complete required coursework during and after the trip. This course offers key insights into the lives of expatriates in Dubai and opportunities for students to work in a foreign environment. For more information on this program, please contact Dr. Ajay Aluri at Ajay.Aluri@mail.wvu.edu.
Guatemala/Costa Rica. This seven-day Spring Break program explores both the coffee bean industry and Mayan culture in Guatemala and Costa Rica. With Morgantown’s Mountaineer Roasting Company as our guide, we will travel to both countries to observe operations at coffee bean farms. Students will be provided with hands on experience to include picking of beans, processing, sampling and quality control, preparation for shipping, and seaport operations. This unique experience will give students an appreciation for the complexities of the coffee bean industry and international business practices outside of the textbook. In addition, we will spend 2 days in Tikal to explore a complex of Mayan ruins in the rainforests of northern Guatemala. Historians believe that the more than 3,000 structures on the site are the remains of a Mayan city called Yax Mutal, which was the capital of one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient empire. We will also experience Central American business and culture in both counties. In addition to the wonders of Guatemala, you will see that Costa Rica is incredibly diverse, with two coastlines, rainforests, and a host of volcanic regions and waterfalls. For more information on this program, please contact Dr. David Dawley at David.Dawley@mail.wvu.edu.
Greece. This study abroad trip to Greece offers a dynamic immersion into the country's economic landscape, cultural heritage, and business environment. The trip typically includes visits to major economic hubs like Athens and Thessaloniki, where students engage in interactive seminars and workshops led by local experts and business leaders. These sessions delve into topics such as Greek business practices, entrepreneurship, international trade, and the impact of historical and cultural factors on modern business operations. Additionally, excursions to key historical sites such as the Acropolis and Delphi provide valuable insights into Greece's rich history and its influence on contemporary business dynamics. Networking opportunities with Greek entrepreneurs, company visits, and case studies further enhance the learning experience, offering students a holistic understanding of Greece's business ecosystem within a global context. For more information on this program, please contact Dr. David Dawley at David.Dawley@mail.wvu.edu.
India. Traveling alongside experts on global supply chain management who have lived and worked in India you will gain a unique appreciation from your experience. From visiting Reliance Industries, India’s largest retailer and business conglomerate, to experiencing India’s iconic World Heritage sites such as the Taj Mahal (considered one of the modern wonders of the world) to a candid behind-the-scenes look at the exciting world of Bollywood and India’s contribution to the cornerstones of global popular culture, you will gain a new appreciation of India’s diverse role in the global economy. The Faculty Co-Lead’s extensive network will afford you exclusive opportunities to network with India’s government, business, and academic leaders. These networks will be invaluable as you progress in your career, as several global and virtually all Fortune 500 companies either do business with companies in India or are operating in India. As you travel between India’s Capital, New Delhi, in the north and India’s cultural and financial capital, Mumbai on the west coast, you will experience the diversity in culture, food, language, clothing, climate, and many other socio-political factors that will provide you an appreciation for the complexity of doing business in India. In addition to the outstanding study-abroad experiences of company and supply chain site visits, you will have an exclusive experience of India reserved for a select few visitors. For more information on this program, please contact Dr. John Saldanha at jpsaldanha@mail.wvu.edu.
Japan. This trip and related course incorporates a study abroad program with a dual focus on business and consumer culture. Students will visit Japan to obtain first-hand experience with local business professionals, collegiate peers, and others living in Japan. The experience allows students interested in international business to explore foreign economic, technological, social, and cultural environments via company tours, campus visits, and cultural immersion activities. Students will spend time in Japan and complete the required coursework during and after the trip. This study abroad course also provides an opportunity for students giving thought to whether a foreign environment would be something they would enjoy. For more information on this program, please contact Dr. Laurel Cook at Laurel.Cook@mail.wvu.edu.
Thailand. In this excursion to Thailand, you will interact with local businesses, floating markets, street markets, temples, Hill-Tribe villages, and a coconut farm. Students will have hands-on experiences with local handicrafts such as weaving silk, dying fabrics, pottery, and cooking Thai food. This unique experience will give students an appreciation for the complexities of entrepreneurship in a developing economy in a postcolonial world. Students will be provided with a full immersion of Thai Culture and that of Southeast Asia. For more information on this program, please contact Dr. Susan Lantz at Susan.Lantz@mail.wvu.edu.
Panama/Global Business Brigades. This student organization driven experience will work with the international organization Global Brigades to conduct a 'Business Brigade' to Panama over Spring Break. The project has been organized into 1-credit course that will prepare throughout the Spring semester for delivery on the on-ground projects with local businesses and entrepreneurs. In Panama, students will 1) work with local entrepreneurs and community banks in Panama to identify business opportunities and facilitate small business growth, and 2) provide financial literacy education to local Panamanian community members.
Semester-long programs
The John Chambers College of Business & Economics proudly participates in all WVU Education Abroad commissioned semester-long exchange programs. This program is aligned with accredited and prestigious schools around the world, including institutions in Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Spain, and the United Kingdom. There, you will spend a full semester earning course credit.
In addition, we have a special arrangement through a consortium in Italy with thirty-four schools for the purpose of providing international study opportunities for their students. The consortium’s classes are held on a campus in Paderno del Grappa, Italy. Paderno is in northern Italy about thirty miles northwest of Venice. Students have the opportunity to attend either for a full semester or for a summer session. All classes are taught in English by faculty from the consortium universities with the students also being from the consortium member schools. Students who attend have the opportunity to take upper-division business, language, culture, and other specialized classes. Students pay tuition and fees as well as room and board to the consortium. The contact person for the Italy program is the College’s coordinator of international studies.
For more information about any semester-long international program or internships, please visit WVU Abroad.