Business Leadership Honors Program

Robert L. McKeage, Ph.D., Director

The Business Leadership Honors Program is designed to foster the development of distinguished students into the leaders of tomorrow.  The program is grounded in the Jesuit ideals and promotes the principle of cura personalis through providing personalized guidance and direction in development of the entire person.  The program challenges members in the Jesuit tradition of the magis to be and do more in all aspects of their lives. Through completion of the program students will earn a minor in Leadership while enjoying unique classroom and practical learning experiences along the way.  Employers are increasingly including the demonstration of leadership characteristics in job requirements and qualifications.  Business Leadership students are at an advantage having completed a program focused on the understanding and practical application of leadership theories and the development of personal leadership abilities.  Further, the program emphasizes the ideal of eloquentia perfecta which stresses the development of the critical leadership skill of strong communication.  The rigorous curriculum and small group size promotes a challenging, yet rewarding learning environment where friendships and professional relationships are developed. Courses are taught by top faculty in their respective disciplines who emphasize the linkages between course content and leadership.

The program stresses ethics, service, freedom of inquiry, and personal development.  The leadership lessons that Business Leadership students learn in the classroom are supplemented and reinforced by interactions with business executives, mentors, and service projects.   There is a focus on soft skill development through networking events and interactions with industry leaders during executive visits.  Students gain experience working within a team during annual consulting projects which are presented to distinguished faculty and alumni.  Student testimonials cite the program as having a significant positive impact on early career development.  Business Leadership graduates have been successful in obtaining internships and on average receive higher starting salaries than their peers at The University of Scranton.  Successful completion of the program with a GPA of 3.5 or above will entitle the student to graduate with honors and receive a minor in leadership.            

Application into the Business Leadership Honors Program is offered to eligible sophomores during the spring semester.  Candidates must have a minimum 3.0 Overall GPA for consideration.  The selection process for The Business Leadership Honors Program is as follows:

• Students may attend an information session about Business Leadership and receive application materials.
• Students complete questionnaire detailing past activities, awards, service, interests, etc.  (Resumes are accepted in addition to questionnaire form).
• Students submit 3 letters of recommendation.
• 15 students are admitted into the Business Leadership Honors Program each year.