Need an Elective? Get a Recommendation from BusinessWeek's List of Top 5 Non-Business Classes Every Business Major Should Take

LTU Business Management and Information Technology students have the advantage of an industry-vetted list of required pre-core and core courses to prepare them for their careers -- but they also have the advantage of taking a variety of elective courses so that they can concentrate their studies on more focused areas of interest. Sometimes, though, it's tough to decide what electives to take -- and, sometimes, students wonder "why is this course required?"

A recent article on BusinessWeek's website (available here: http://tinyurl.com/bwarticle), titled "Five Non-Biz Classes for Business Majors" and authored by Dan Macsai offers an answer to both questions. 3 of the courses on the list are required of LTU students, and Macsai's article gives additional insight into why these courses are vital for business majors. 2 other classs on the list are available to LTU students as electives, and are definitely worth considering. Based on input from various business programs and career services directors around the country, the article explains the relationship of each course to a career in business.

The five "Non-Biz Classes" are:

(1) Writing and literature,

(2) Economics,

(3) Foreign language,

(4) Psychology and

(5) Statistics

Why these 5? Macsai explains:

(1) Writing and literature. All LTU students, regardless of major, take a variety of writing and literature classes as part of LTU's Core Curriculum. Included in the core: World Masterpieces, Foundations and Development of the American Experience and a junior/senior level elective in Psychology, Social Science or Literature. Macsai points out:

Communication skills are necessary in any field, and business is no exception. Whether you're drafting a marketing pitch or leading a presentation, you should be "clear, concise, and memorable," says George John, the chair of marketing at Minnesota's Carlson School. And several composition classes can produce that all-important editorial voice. Studying advanced literature—especially the more complex authors, such as James Joyce or William Faulkner—can also help you learn to "think and analyze critically," says Colorado's [Mary] Banks [, Director of Career Services].

(2) Economics. All LTU students take at least one economics course, and students in the Business Management program take both macro- and microeconomics. Why economics? The article states:

Beyond illuminating basic financial theory, economics classes impart the historical context you'll need to make an informed business decision. Once you understand how inflation works and what drives consumer demand (among other concepts), you can understand—and, more importantly, analyze—past U.S. economic trends, including the Great Depression and 1970s-era stagflation. Then, says Banks, "you'll be able to tackle the tough questions, like 'How do we get out of this recession?'"

(3) Foreign language. LTU offers a minor in Spanish, the fastest-growing language in the United States, along with courses in German. BusinessWeek explains the importance of taking a foreign language:

As business goes global, there's a growing need for cross-cultural understanding. And even though you might not be working abroad, chances are your company will be. Studying a second language, especially Spanish or, in today's climate, Chinese, could give you a "critical edge" in the office, says Anne Pagel, director of undergraduate academic advising and student services at University of Arizona's Eller College of Management. And just knowing simple cultural skills, including the proper way to greet someone or give thanks, "can make you feel more at ease around a foreign client," she adds.

(4) Psychology. LTU offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a variety of career tracks, thus allowing business and IT students the option of taking electives in Intro to Psychology, Industrial Psychology, and others. Macsai notes:

If you're chasing a career that stresses marketing and sales—or any kind of prolonged social interaction—it helps to understand human behavior. Taking a psychology course can ensure you'll know how the brain works, what triggers an emotional response, and, to some degree, why consumers purchase certain items. You might even learn something about yourself in the process.

(5) Statistics. All Business Management students take at least one statistics course. Knowledge of statistics is vital, Macsai explains:

In the business world, basic math skills are essential—but not sufficient. "Everyone can add and subtract," Carlson's John says. "When you can look at numbers and see a narrative, that's a marketable skill." In a statistics course, you'll learn to manipulate jumbled figures into meaningful data. You'll be able to see old patterns and predict new ones. And if you wind up on Wall Street, you'll be better prepared to analyze those endless earnings reports and income statements—and, perhaps, make a million-dollar decision.