A process to change the curriculum for the Craig School of Business at Fresno State began last spring, and final approvals could ramp up in the fall. Photo via Fresno State

Fresno State’s Craig School of Business will undergo curriculum changes to ensure students graduate with the skills needed to thrive in today’s business environment.

According to Dean Julie Olson-Buchanan, curriculum changes are still being developed. The school aims to finalize the structure by the end of the current spring semester. The approval process will begin in the fall, though some elements of the new approach may be introduced sooner as faculty incorporate the principles into current coursework.

“We want to be sure our students graduate with the skills they need to be successful in the future business context,” Olson-Buchanan said in an interview.

The curriculum change process started in the spring of 2024. Olson-Buchanan said the school used feedback from faculty, students and industry professionals.

Olson-Buchanan shared six core skills that the new curriculum will be based on: adaptability, digital fluency, data-driven decision-making, global and cultural awareness, responsible leadership, professional communication and collaboration and applied business knowledge.

Given the frequency of change in the business world, Olson-Buchanan said adaptability is one of the most important skills for students to develop.

“We know that there are more changes ahead, so to be able to adjust and be flexible as the context changes, we think that’s a really important skill,” Olson-Buchanan said.

Digital fluency and data analysis will also play a central role, ensuring students can use technology effectively and efficiently. As businesses become more connected across the globe, having a strong understanding of different cultures and markets is more important than ever, according to Olson-Buchanan. Ethical leadership is also a priority, especially with new technologies like AI. The school plans to emphasize hands-on learning through internships and real-world projects.

Despite the changes, the Craig School of Business will continue to offer its 12 specialized options, which include accountancy, finance, international business, real estate/urban land economics, computer information systems, data analytics, management, human resource management, entrepreneurship, marketing, sports marketing and logistics and supply chain management.