Samford University’s Brock School of Business has announced a record enrollment year, despite national predictions of struggling fall enrollment nationwide due to COVID-19. A record of 882 students are enrolled for the fall 2020 semester in the school’s undergraduate and graduate programs representing steady growth for the third consecutive year.

 

Included in the total are 701 undergraduate business majors equaling 19.6% of the university’s total undergraduate enrollment. In addition, 143 Samford students, representing 4% of the undergraduate enrollment, studying majors outside of business have added one of the school’s seven minors as a complement to their major.

 

“The record enrollment for Brock School of Business is a reflection of the quality majors, minors, and concentrations that our faculty offer students, in spite of COVID restraints, that provide competitive learning outcomes and experiences for future employment,” said Senior Assistant Dean Barbara Cartledge.

 

Also included in the total enrollment are 181 graduate students. This graduate total includes 153 individuals who are participating in the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program, representing a 34.2% growth over the previous year.

“Due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and people having to work from home, this was an opportune time to pursue an M.B.A.,” said Elizabeth Gambrell, associate director of academic programs.

 

Students who started the M.B.A. this year represent one of the most diverse entering classes. Besides  new M.B.A. students working in the typical business fields, students in the program also represent backgrounds such as engineering, higher education, sports business, and health care. Some students also represent joint degree programs with law, pharmacy, environmental management, and divinity. 

 

 “We are fortunate to have so many students from varied professional and academic backgrounds deciding to continue their education at Brock School of Business,” Gambrell added.

 

“A solid business education is a worthwhile investment for any individual’s future, regardless of the times,” said Interim Dean Chad Carson. “This growth over the last few years is indicative of the demand to achieve high-quality business education and it positions Brock School of Business as a true leader in business education in the southeast.”