Your Introduction to Business

The first semester in the Mason School of Business, typically the fall semester of your junior year, begins your business education through immersion.  Students are required to take three introductory classes – marketing, finance, information technology – in addition to a Business Perspectives course and a computer skills course.  The Foundation Semester provides students with a comprehensive look at the business world that lays the groundwork for an understanding of how the disciplines interact and affect one another. 

Integration across Classes:  Teams, Presentations, Ethics

Students experiencing the Foundation Semester work in the same small group teams across each of their foundation courses.  From this integration, students develop and improve their teamwork, leadership, and communication.  Across the Foundation, faculty integrates ethical issues, global concerns, and various business opportunities to develop presentation skills and business savvy.  From case studies to presentations, corporate memorandum to business strategies, students experience collaboration and an integrated experience which pulls together the knowledge from each business discipline. 

Business Simulation

We pride ourselves on bringing you a real world business simulation experience that demonstrates and teaches you how to work within a real business atmosphere.  You and your team lead a company through several quarters of business over the course of a week and make presentations about your progress, your decision making, and your future company plans.  Simulation is an intense week of practical application where your team takes the helm of your very own company.

The Benefits

Students see the benefits in their practical and academic knowledge of business, real world situations, and genuine applications.  Students leave the Foundation Semester with great preparation in terms of presentation skills, business writing skills, and the ability to look critically at a business decision from all angles.  Aside from the skills developed, it helps students make the informed choice about which major they would like to pursue after a sampling of introductory classes.