Business, Communications, and Economics
CONTENTS
Accounting Major and Minor | p. 2
Political Economy and Government Major | p. 5
Marketing Major and Minor | p. 6
Communications Major and Minor | p. 7
Business Administration Major and Minor | p. 8
Global Affairs Major | p. 9
Economics (B.A.) and Quantitative Economics (B.S.)
Major and Minor | p. 10
Managerial Economics and Strategic Analysis Major | p. 11
Finance Major and Minor | p. 12
Mathematics Major and Minor | p. 13
Actuarial Science Minor | p. 14
Computer Science Major and Minor | p. 15
Data Analytics Minor | p. 16
Meet Our Faculty | p. 17
Why Get a Degree in Business, Communications, or Economics?
The study of business, communications, and economics at Ave Maria University addresses the complex human experience of decision making, communication, and business transactions. Relying on the Catholic faith and the core curriculum, these programs teach students how to serve their customers while considering the whole human person, his nature, and his ultimate vocation. By learning to value people for who they are—not for what they can offer —you will be able to serve the Church and our society, making the work of business, communications, and economics a force for the good.
Considering Graduate School? | p. 3
Interested in Law School? | p. 4
MAJOR AND MINOR Accounting
As an accounting major at AMU, you will gain an aptitude for business and a desire to make meaningful impacts on society.
After completing this program, you will have a comprehensive accounting education from our exceptional faculty, and will be equipped with foundational skills in financial and managerial accounting, cost accounting, accounting information systems, auditing, and tax preparation. This formation—anchored in a solid core curriculum—will allow you to apply Catholic social and moral teaching into your practice.
Explore Careers
Accountant Auditor Financial
Financial
Financial
• AMU accounting students complete their course requirements to take the CPA exam or advance within the accounting field.
• AMU’s accounting program focuses on ethical, innovative accounting processes and investigative skills to help deter organizational fraud.
• Accounting students can participate in internships with local and national businesses and firms.
Considering Graduate School?
Ave Maria University offers a fully online master’s in business administration (MBA). The MBA program has been designed to offer five areas of concentration: management, accounting, communications, sports management, and international business. Students graduating from AMU— having completed foundational coursework in business—can complete the MBA in as little as one additional year.
Interested in Law School?
Ave Maria University offers a pre-law program for guidance on applying to law schools and exploring careers.
AMU has a close relationship with the Ave Maria School of Law (AMSOL) in Naples, Florida. The University and AMSOL have established a standing agreement and “3+3” partnership, making it possible for students to complete a degree from both AMU and AMSOL in six years instead of seven. AMU students can receive a full-ride to AMSOL if they score well on the LSAT and maintain a certain grade-point average.
Political Economy and Government
MAJOR
AMU’s political economy and government (PEG) program investigates how market systems are embedded in politics, society, and culture. This program will deepen your understanding of political principles and economic concepts involved in domestic policymaking, while upholding natural law in our government and economy.
As a PEG student, you will develop a broad range of contemporary policy issues and a deep understanding of political economy. With the guidance of exceptional faculty, you will draw connections between the intricacies of policymaking and the costs and benefits of market forces and government action.
Explore Careers
Policy Advisor
Economic Analyst
Lobbyist
Grant Writer
Financial Analyst
Lawyer
Contact Us
Dr. Seana Sugrue Chair of the Politics seana.sugrue@avemaria.edu (239) 280-1625
• PEG students apply advanced economic and technical analysis to concrete policy proposals through their coursework.
• Students learn the process of drafting and obtaining approval for government policy proposals.
• AMU PEG majors can complete internships at policy think tanks, lobbying firms, and congressional and state legislatures.
Marketing
MAJOR AND MINOR
The marketing program at Ave Maria University focuses on four foundational areas: advertising and promotions, consumer behavior, market research, and social media. Firmly rooted in the faith, this program seeks to serve consumers and customers without manipulation, recognizing their human dignity.
As a marketing student at AMU, you will learn to identify the needs of individuals and organizations, provide a product or service to meet those needs, and analyze product distribution to best reach others. Your professors will teach you how to value the dignity of the human person and the common good within your career, serving humanity and the Church as a result.
Explore Careers
Advertising Specialist
Sales Representative
Public Relations Consultant
Market Researcher
Marketing Manager
Digital Marketing Specialist
Social Media Manager
Contact Us
Dr. Peter Whalen Ungarino Associate Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship
peter.whalen@avemaria.edu (239) 280-1694
• Students can participate in marketing internships for local and national companies, including the University.
• AMU marketing students learn how to develop effective strategies and tools for impactful social media outcomes and build brand awareness to meet consumer needs.
• Marketing jobs are expected to grow by 10% every year until 2030, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
MAJOR AND MINOR Communications
The communications major at Ave Maria University is tailored to students who want to use media, art, and messaging for the good of the Church and society. As a communications major at AMU, you will receive a firm foundation in the liberal arts, while learning to communicate effectively and ethically in the world today.
Through your courses, such as digital and print journalism and audio-visual production, you will learn classic strategies for forming ideas and reflecting them in your work. Through analyzing and interpreting popular culture through the lens of the Catholic faith, you will learn how to build relationships with customers and understand the power that words have in selling, marketing, and inspiring change.
Explore Careers
Marketing Manager
Sales Representative
Public Relations Manager
Filmmaker
Screenwriter
Journalist
Graphic Designer
Photographer
Advertising Specialist
Media Critic
Writer
• Communications students produce student films and podcasts, publish creative articles, and perform speeches through their coursework.
• Many employers identify good communication skills as one of the most desirable traits in prospective employees.
• AMU communications majors participate in an internship where they put lessons learned in the classroom to practice.
• Many communications students participate in AMU theater productions—both on-stage and behind the scenes—or serve as editors for University publications.
Podcaster Contact Us Dr. Justin Bonanno
Chair of Communications and Literature justin.bonanno@avemaria.edu
(239) 304-7964
Quick Facts
Business Administration
MAJOR AND MINOR
The business administration major at AMU will help you build a strong foundation as you master business tools, concepts, strategies, and analytical techniques. Students enhance these practical skills with a formation in critical communication and interpersonal skills, under an experienced faculty who lead by example.
By combining the core curriculum with specialized administration tools, you will achieve professional excellence and develop the leadership skills necessary to thrive in any area of business.
Explore Careers
Sales Supervisor
Business Analyst
Financial Analyst
Project Manager
Entrepreneur
Health Services Manager
Market Research Analyst
Human Resources Officer
Business Executive
Contact Us
Prof. John May Chair of Business john.may@avemaria.edu (239) 280-1652
• Graduates of our business administration program work in all areas of business, including analysis, sales, consulting, management, logistics, accounting, and information systems.
• Many AMU business administration students have gone on to study business, law, and other areas in graduate school.
• Students can participate in a corporate internship program overseen by AMU faculty.
• Our faculty have multiple advanced degrees in management, accounting, finance, economics, taxation, and law, as well as decades of experience in non-profit and for-profit businesses.
• The top 20% of business juniors and seniors at AMU are qualified for membership in the Sigma Beta Delta Business Honor Society.
Global Affairs
MAJOR
The global affairs and international business (GAIB) major at AMU explores how globalization impacts societies and businesses around the world. Through studying contemporary global economic issues such as trade deficits and currency exchange rates, you will gain a broad understanding of commerce and negotiation on a worldwide scale, rooted in Catholic teaching.
As a GAIB student, your understanding of globalization will deepen, teaching you how—and when—it can be leveraged for the benefit of society, businesses, and nations. This program will teach you to evaluate global policies in truth, while recognizing human dignity. AMU’s attentive and highly qualified faculty will ensure you graduate ready to step into the global conversation, serving Christ all over the world.
• Due to the program’s interdisciplinary focus, GAIB students can add a second major in politics, economics, or business administration.
• AMU’s GAIB program provides students with an exceptional foundation in cultural interactions and exchange through international business.
• GAIB students develop creative problemsolving skills to shape strategies for specific economies, develop cultural awareness, and become skilled negotiators and public speakers.
• GAIB is ideal for students who are skilled in quantitative and cultural analysis, possess strong ambition, and have an interest in living overseas or working for multinational or international organizations.
Explore Careers
International Banker
Management Analyst
International Marketing Director
Import/Export Compliance Specialist
Business Development Director
International Trade and Customs Manager
Foreign Policy Advisor
International Franchise Consultant
Contact Us
Dr. Gabriel Martinez Chair of Economics
Quick Facts
MAJOR AND MINOR Economics (B.A.) and Quantitative Economics (B.S.)
Economics (B.A.)
The economics major at AMU studies how the decisions of individuals, corporations, and nations impact today’s economic climate. Pulling from Catholic social teaching, this program seeks to find the connections between culture, politics, ethics, and economic life.
As an economics student at AMU, you will be able to draw dotted lines between local and global markets and the current events that surround them. You will graduate confidently, knowing the connection between faith and reason by combining Catholic social teaching with the science of economics.
Quantitative Economics (B.S.)
The Bachelor of Science in quantitative economics follows a more mathematical approach. This program will provide the background necessary for those considering graduate school or quantitative areas of business and finance.
• Both B.A. and B.S. degrees are available.
• AMU economics students can participate in conferences, lectures, and research projects dedicated to understanding social questions such as poverty, educational outcomes, religious trends, monetary policy, and demographics.
• Economics majors use their talents in educational and financial institutions, government agencies, and the for-profit and non-profit sectors.
• A degree in economics is excellent preparation for graduate studies in law, business administration, public administration, public policy, and advanced economics.
Contact Us
Dr. Gabriel Martinez Chair of Economics gabriel.martinez@avemaria.edu (239) 280-1611
Explore Careers
Quantitative Analyst
Economist
Fiscal Policy Analyst
Business Reporter
Statistician
Corporate Lawyer
Product Manager
Compensation Manager
Actuary
Managerial Economics and Strategic Analysis
MAJOR
AMU’s managerial economics and strategic analysis (MESA) major will teach you how to apply economic analysis to today’s business world. The program focuses on both corporate and individual scales, including pricing, law, and bringing products to market.
As a MESA major at AMU, your understanding of economic issues will deepen, allowing you to relate these principles, tools, and concepts to managing a business in our rapidly changing world. The experienced economics and business faculty will help you apply advanced economic analysis to the problems and realities of the business world, while remaining firmly grounded in charity and truth.
Explore Careers
Economist
Financial Analyst
Management Consultant
Operations Analyst
Cost Analyst
Budget Coordinator Contact Us
Dr. Gabriel Martinez Chair of Economics gabriel.martinez@avemaria.edu
(239) 280-1611
• AMU’s MESA program provides a blend of theoretical and applied economics, transferable to multiple careers and industries.
• MESA students develop the necessary operational skills and knowledge to efficiently develop and maintain a business.
Finance
MAJOR AND MINOR
AMU’s finance program studies how organizations acquire funds and use them for both short-term and long-term plans. Through courses on economics, corporate finance, investments, banking, and quantitative methods, students learn how the financial system works and how it serves society by making funds available to those who can use them.
As a finance student at Ave Maria University, you will receive an excellent foundation for running a business by developing practical skills of communication and analysis. Your courses will combine professional formation with the truths of our faith. You will graduate with an ordered awareness of the human person, human societies, and the common good.
• AMU finance students take courses to prepare for certification exams, including Securities Industry Essentials; Life, Health, and Variable Annuities; Securities Industry State Law; and Securities Industry Law.
• Upper-level finance courses are available in seminar format with 10 or fewer students, for increased one-on-one mentorship.
• Finance students study under qualified faculty with extensive industry experience and the highest degree in their respective fields.
Explore Careers
Personal Financial Advisor
Financial Manager
Financial Analyst
Auditor
Investment Banking Analyst
Loan Officer
Tax Specialist
Economist Contact Us Dr. TJ Iijima Associate
Professor of Business & Finance
timothy.iijima@avemaria.edu (239) 304-7923
Quick Facts
Mathematics
MAJOR AND MINOR
The mathematics program at Ave Maria University offers outstanding critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, within the context of the Catholic liberal arts tradition. By studying mathematics at a higher level, students become familiar with the progression of mathematical discovery while simultaneously mastering practical and computational skills.
As a mathematics student at AMU, you will graduate ready to employ your reasoning and analytical abilities to succeed in your field.
Explore Careers
Actuary
Engineer
Quantitative Analyst
Mathematician
Statistician
Lawyer
Contact Us
Dr. Richard Dittus, Sr. Chair of Mathematics richard.dittus@avemaria.edu (239) 280-2551
• Mathematics majors have among the highest GRE, LSAT, and MCAT scores in the U.S.
• Mathematicians and actuaries have among the highest rates of job satisfaction, according to the Jobs Rated Almanac.
• AMU’s mathematics program is designed to allow students to double-major in computer science or physics without additional summer courses.
Quick Facts
Actuarial Science
MINOR
AMU’s minor in actuarial science introduces mathematically inclined students to many of the foundational courses needed to advance in the Society of Actuaries credentialing curriculum in order to become an actuary. Actuaries are risk management experts who employ their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and finance to model and ultimately manage economic risk.
Careers for actuaries include positions in insurance companies, pension consulting and valuation, or in other risk management, quantitative finance, or investment capacities. Actuaries are consistently ranked as one of the most desirable professions for high salaries and favorable work-life balance.
Computer Science
MAJOR AND MINOR
The computer science program at Ave Maria University studies how to describe, predict, and efficiently implement information processes across a range of platforms and applications. Grounded in a strong liberal arts foundation, students learn to develop skills in programming, coding, and website architecture, as they express their creativity through technology.
As a computer science student at AMU, you will develop technical expertise from an authentically Catholic perspective that presents computing as a part of God’s creation. You will graduate with a fluency in computer programming, enabling you to thrive in multiple fields and use your knowledge as a service to society.
• Computer science at AMU is fully integrated with the Catholic faith, and the necessary pairing of faith and reason.
• Computer science is among the fastest growing careers in the U.S.
• Students who major in computer science can double-major in mathematics or physics without the need to take summer courses.
• AMU’s Career Services department works closely with the computer science program to identify job opportunities for student internships and full-time employment after graduation.
• AMU has a local student chapter of the ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) which hosts meetings and workshops on cuttingedge computing technologies.
Explore Careers
Software Engineer
Web Developer
Programmer
Information Security Officer
Data Scientist
Coder
Network Administrator
IT Architect
Email Marketing Specialist Contact Us
Dr. Saverio Perugini Professor of Mathematics & Computer Science saverio.perugini@avemaria.edu (239) 304-7920
Quick Facts
Data Analytics
AMU’s data analytics minor allows students to acquire practical skills in data construction, while embracing the fullness of Christ’s truth. This program allows you to create compelling data visualizations and program your own AI through machine learning algorithms, while majoring in another field. With a minor in data analytics, you will graduate with strong technical and investigative analysis skills, helping you stand out in a constantly changing and highly competitive job market.
Meet Our Faculty
Dr. Dayami Abella-Padron
Assistant Professor of Modern Languages
Dr. Peter Adamic | Associate Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Zachary Bartsch | Assistant Professor of Economics
Dr. Justin Bonanno | Chair of Communications and Literature, Assistant Professor of Communications
Dr. John Colman | Professor of Politics
Dr. Richard Dittus, Sr. Chair of Mathematics, Instructor of Mathematics
Prof. Mary Hunt | Assistant Professor of Business and Psychology
Dr. Gavin Hurley
Associate Professor of Communications and Literature
Dr. TJ Iijima | Associate Professor of Business and Finance
Dr. John Jasso | Associate Professor of Communications
Dr. Michael Marsalli | Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Gabriel Martinez
Chair of Economics, Associate Professor of Economics
Prof. John May | Chair of Business, Executive-in-Residence and Professor of Practice in Business
Dr. James Patterson | Associate Professor of Politics
Dr. Saverio Perugini
Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science
Dr. Seana Sugrue | Chair of Politics Department, Ambassador Michael Novak Chair of Politics
Dr. Dario Valdebenito | Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Peter Whalen Ungarino Associate Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Dr. Lidiya Zubytska | Assistant Profes06-13-or of Politics
Dr. Emily Howell | Assistant Professor of Business
Dr. Rodrigo Morales Mendoza | Assistant Professor of Economics