With the business world ever evolving around advancements in technology, globalization, and data analytics, Rawls College is ensuring students stay ahead of the curve. Through collaboration with faculty, industry experts, and students, the college has redesigned its core curriculum to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today's dynamic business landscape.
To prepare students for the challenges ahead, the Rawls Foundations Curriculum focuses on four core competencies:
- Business Minded: Applying business models, concepts, and theories to solve problems and create value for stakeholders.
- Human Centric: Cultivating effective relationships within diverse business contexts through collaboration, self-awareness, and empathy.
- Data Driven: Making well-informed decisions by effectively interpreting, communicating, and leveraging data and insights.
- Tech Savvy: Mastering cutting-edge business technologies to optimize processes and business solutions.
What's Changing?
All core courses have been reviewed and redesigned to align with these competencies. Additionally, new signature experiences add to the learning journey, providing additional opportunities for students to apply their knowledge, develop hands-on skills, and prepare for real-world business challenges.
Rawls Business Core Impact Experiences – In and Beyond the Classroom
Alongside the required core course changes, Rawls College aims to enhance experiential learning inside and outside the classroom. The college has integrated Rawls Core Impact Experiences within courses to bridge theory with practice, helping students understand how business works across different cultures and economies.
- First Year Experience (FYE): Introduced in a student's first year through BA 1301: Foundations of Business, this experience aims to spark a student's business passion and start them on their roadmap to success. This initiative reflects the college's commitment to enhancing the student experience from day one, ensuring students begin their journey with strong support and direction and encouraging them to get involved and make connections early in their academic careers.
- Sales Experience: Embedded in MCOM 2310: Business and Professional Communication, this experience introduces students to foundational sales techniques, persuasion, and negotiation to help them develop key communication skills for any business career path.
- Mentoring Experience: Included in MGT 3370: Managing People and Organizations, this program pairs students with Rawls alumni mentors, offering career guidance, leadership insights, and networking opportunities.
- Global Experiences: Offered in MKT 3350: Marketing for a Global Marketplace, this experience exposes students to international business strategies.
Industry-Engaged Practical Learning Requirement (IEPLR) - For New & Prospective Students
Beginning fall 2025, all incoming Rawls College students must complete an Industry-Engaged Practical Learning Requirement (IEPLR) before graduation. This may include an industry-related project, internship, or applied learning experience. These hands-on experiences are key in today's fast-paced business world.
Rawls College continues to push the boundaries of business education, ensuring graduates enter the job market with confidence, expertise, and real-world experience.
View course redesigns and learn more about how these updated curriculum changes will shape the future of business education.