Page 17 of Albion College Academic Programs by Albion College Michigan

The Carl A. Gerstacker Liberal Arts Institute for Professional Management combines the traditional strengths of the liberal arts with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for entry into leadership and management positions in today's global environment. Since 1973, the Gerstacker Institute has earned an excellent reputation for preparing corporate executives, entrepreneurs, accountants, non-profit managers, attorneys and family business owners. In addition, a high percentage of Institute graduates have attended top-tier business and law schools. Two academic programs are possible within the Institute. One is the Gerstacker Institute concentration, which is for students who major in economics and management. The other is the management minor--Gerstacker track for students who have a major in a field other than economics and management. Students must be admitted to the Institute prior to pursuing either of these programs of study. Gerstacker Concentration Students complete degree requirements for a major in economics and management, beginning with introductory courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and financial accounting. A variety of management elective courses are also available in the Department of Economics and Management, including accounting, finance, international business, marketing, human resources and international trade. Students also select related courses in communications, English, ethics, mathematics (at least through Calculus I), foreign languages, psychology, sociology, computer science, political science and other areas. Finally, all Gerstacker concentration students complete two internships or other approved off-campus experiences (as described later in this section). Management Minor--Gerstacker Track This option is a minor within the Economics and Management Department designed for students who seek the core elements of the Gerstacker Institute, but are majoring in a discipline other than economics and management. The six-unit minor begins with the same introductory courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and financial accounting as in the Gerstacker concentration. Students must then select two additional management courses. With the help of the Gerstacker Institute associate director and department faculty, these electives can be selected to tailor this management minor to any academic major or area of professional interest. Students who select this minor also complete a one-unit internship in a management setting. Internships and Study Abroad Opportunities Key features of the Gerstacker Institute are the opportunities for students to participate in off-campus internships and study abroad opportunities. Three possible alternatives exist within the Gerstacker Academic Program. 1. The first is to do two full-time internships at businesses throughout the U.S. The vast majority of these internships are paid and consist of three or four months of employment in an organization chosen by the student in consultation with the director. 2. A second alternative is to do one internship as described above and one study abroad semester. The overseas experience could be at a foreign university in the student's second language or in English. This foreign study program would be completed during a full-time academic semester. 3. The third alternative is to do a full-time internship as in option 1 above and do an off-campus semester that includes both an academic component and an internship experience. For example, a student could take two or three courses and work 15-20 hours per week. Academic credit is given for internships on a credit/no credit basis based on successful job performance and completion of the academic requirements of the internship, registration through Albion College and payment for one unit of credit. Eligibility for the first internship begins with the second semester of the sophomore year. The ideal time for the study abroad experience is during the junior year. A sample sequence is shown below only for illustrative purposes. The actual sequence may vary to meet the individual needs of students. A summer session is offered after the sophomore year to make up for academic time missed during internships. Sample Sequence of Study/Internship Special Features Members of the Gerstacker Institute are invited to participate in workshops aimed at building a professional portfolio and developing career search skills. In addition, the Institute each year sponsors an Ethics Symposium and hosts dozens of speakers, from numerous business fields, who share their experiences. The Briton Business Consultants is a student-run company operating under the auspices of the Institute and providing area businesses with services including feasibility studies, market research and continuous improvement projects. Admission/Scholarships The Gerstacker Liberal Arts Institute for Professional Management enrolls a select number of students each year. Students considered for admission typically have shown evidence of strong leadership and intellectual abilities as well as interest in YEAR FALL SPRING SUMMER Freshman On Campus On Campus Free Sophomore On Campus Internship Summer School Junior On Campus On Campus/Abroad Internship Senior On Campus On Campus Page 5 of 7 Albion College Catalog 2006-2007 Academic Programs Institutes 5/8/2006 http://www.albion.edu/academics/catalog/programs/institutes.asp

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