Parker Business Scholars Program

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
Application Deadline: March 22, 2024
Junior Cohort Application (starting junior year in Fall 2024)
Senior Cohort Application (starting senior year in Fall 2024)
Supplemental Reference Form
*Please note: this is the last year a senior cohort will be admitted. Rising juniors should not put off applying.*

The Parker Business Scholars Program (PBSP) provides personalized leadership development through innovative coursework, enriching experiential learning opportunities and a challenging service project. Students selected for the program will gain access to exclusive field experiences, guest speakers and enhanced responsibilities that will help set them apart as future leaders and sought-after employees.

Benefits

The Parker Business Scholars Program is a rigorous two-year commitment which allows students to explore strategic management through the lens of organizational leadership. Students will be able to assess their personal and professional growth, and begin to develop their own leadership philosophy by participating in a series of hands-on activities. By interacting with alumni, corporate partners, college leadership, guest speakers, and major donors, students will gain a variety of perspectives on the function and role of leadership and team-building that prepares them for competitive career pursuits.

Coursework

Each semester, students will enroll in a course that provides a designated meeting time reserved for class seminars, lecture speakers, and other relevant activities. During the Junior year, students take BUSA 3631 and BUSA 3632, while in the senior year students take BUSA 4631 and BUSA 4632. BUSA 4631 is the Strategic Management capstone and is completed under the guidance of the Parker College Dean.

Activities

Students in the program will engage with a variety of activities and individuals over the course of their two years as a Parker Business Scholar. These can include participation in and attendance at:

• Challenge courses
• Corporate partner site visits
• Emotional Intelligence training
• Etiquette training
• Mentorship with young alumni
• Parker College annual gala
• Direct access to Mr. Greg Parker
• Trips to Atlanta and San Francisco
• Reserved time with university and community leaders
• Networking access with special guest speakers

Additionally, students may be expected to represent the college at recruitment and other public functions.

Eligibility

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the program will admit two cohorts, one at the senior level, and one at the junior level. All applicants must have a declared major in the Parker College of Business.

• Have 90 earned credit hours by the start of Fall 2024
• A minimum 3.3 GPA
• Not graduate prior to May 2025

• Have 60 earned credit hours by the start of Fall 2024
• A minimum 3.3 GPA
• Not graduate prior to May 2026

In addition to meeting these criteria, all applicants will be further evaluated on their academic excellence, demonstrated experience, communication skills, and potential for future leadership growth and professional development. All students must be able to commitment to spending at least 3 hours per week to program activities during each semester of participation.

Application Process

Students must submit a completed application packet by the March 22, 2024 advertised deadline. A completed application includes the questionnaire, supplemental recommendation, professional resume, and copy of the applicant’s spring 2024 course schedule. Upon review of these materials, highly qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a second round of interviews before a committee comprised of Parker College staff and faculty, local business leaders, and current Parker Scholars. Applications should be submitted as directed on the first page of the application form.