Eastern Michigan UniversityCollege of Business is one of the colleges at Eastern Michigan University. EMU's College of Business is housed in the Gary M. Owen building in downtown Ypsilanti, which has been its site since 1991. Students are able to take a shuttle to the College of Business, which runs in a 20-minute loop around campus.
History
Though the College of Business was established in 1964 the school has had over a 100-year history at EMU. In 1911, the board authorized the Michigan State Normal School a Business Education Degree. This was the first degree offered related to business. Then 18 years later the school offers Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. In 1949, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees approved by the State Board. Then on April 6, 1964 the board of regents authorized formation of the College of Business. The school was formed with 21 full-time faculty and student enrollment of 853 majors. During this time, five departments formed: Accounting and Finance, Management, Marketing, General Business and Business Education. Business education was eventually moved to the college of technology. EMU grants the first five MBA degrees in 1964. The COB has been housed in Ford Hall, Pray-Harrold and its current location Owen Building.WWJ-AM and WXYZ-TV both feature the COB on various business and entrepreneurship segments.
Facility
The Gary M. Owen Building was constructed in 1988 and is named after Gary M. Owen, former Michigan Speaker of the House. The building's architectural style is based on Michigan Modern and it occupies approximately 122,000 square feet. The Gary M. Owen Building is not located on the main campus but in downtown Ypsilanti. Students access this facility by walking, by bus from the main campus, or can drive and park at the facility. In 2007, the COB started the first Ethos week in the nation. EMU’s College of Business has been seen as a success in attracting international students. In 2010, 35 percent of those in its master’s program were international students.
Accreditation and ground-breaking programs
1974 Undergraduate programs first accredited by the AACSB.
1975 First public business school to offer a program in Shopping Center Management.
1982 MBA program fully accredited by the AACSB.
1990 Established the first Weekend MBA program in the state.
2005 College makes Entrepreneur Magazine’s top ten list.
2006 First IMC program in the state and midwest.
2007 First Ethos Week and Ethos Honor Society in the country.
The Princeton Review named EMU's College of Business one of the best in the nation for the seventh year in a row.
Departments
The College of Business is divided between four academic departments, these departments are Accounting and Finance, Computer Information Systems, Management, and Marketing. The Accounting and Finance department has developed graduate programs in Accounting, Taxation, and Finance. The upcoming MSF is the College's first STEM-designated program. The program includes access to Bloomberg terminals, financial databases, and other experiential learning opportunities.
