School of Business and Leadership

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Ronald W. Ferner , M.B.A., Dean

Associate Professor

Ronald W. Ferner, M.B.A.

Assistant Professor

J. Scott Cawood, M.S.
Susan B. Smith, M.B.A.
Jason D. VanBilliard, M.A. 

Administrative Faculty

Jan M. Haas, M.B.A. 

Part-time Faculty

Gail Z. Benchener, M.S.

Adjunct Faculty

William R. Bowles, Ed.D.
Brian M. Hughes, B.S.
Ronald Marchant, M. Div., C.P.A.
John D. Rea, M.B.A., C.P.A., C.F.P.
Stacey Shields, M.A.
Stephen C. VanVreede, M.B.A. 

As the world of Christian ministry continues to grow more complex, there is an increasing need for individuals who possess exceptional business skills. In addition, the secular business world offers a great mission opportunity for Christians with biblical training and business skill-sets. Philadelphia Biblical University’s School of Business and Leadership exists to develop skilled business leaders to serve the church, its related ministries and the business world. It aspires to integrate business education with biblical education, and thus build the student’s business education on solid ethical principles. The program has initial accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).

Dual-Bachelor’s Degree Program

• Bachelor of Science in Bible
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Dual-Level Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program

• Bachelor of Science in Bible (with a major in Business Administration)
• Master of Science in Organizational Leadership

Dual-Bachelor’s Degree Program

This program follows the model of other PBU dual-degree programs. In 4 1/2 years, a student can earn a B.S. in Bible degree and a B.S. in Business Administration degree. A Business Administration student takes 48 credit hours in biblical studies, 48 credit hours in arts and sciences, and 57 credit hours in business for a total of 153 credit hours. Fifty percent (29 credits) of the business credits must be taken in residence. The student in Business Administration can select from the following elective tracks: Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Management, Marketing, or Sports Management.

Core courses in the business program include: Introduction to Business, Accounting, Marketing, Applied Mathematics, Computers and Information Systems, Economics, Business Law, Principles of Management/Leadership, Organizational Finance, Decision Making and Information Systems, Business Communications, Applied Statistics, Business Policy and Strategy, and International Business. The student is also required to take three to four electives and complete an internship, which is designed as a practical pre-career experience.

Dual-Level Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program

Each academic year, the School of Business and Leadership will accept a limited number of students into the “fast-track” bachelor’s/master’s degree program which leads to a bachelor’s degree in Bible (with a Business Administration  major) and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. This B.S./M.S. program requires 48 credit hours in biblical studies, 48 credit hours in arts and sciences, 36 credit hours in business, and 30 credit hours in organizational leadership for a total of 162 credit hours. This program can normally be completed in 5 to 5 1/2 years. Students can apply for this program during their second year at the University.

Internships and Career Opportunities

PBU is located in a major metropolitan area and has access to numerous organizations which provide valuable internship experiences. PBU students have completed internships with Bloomberg Financial, Lincoln Financial, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Kixx, various hospitals, mission agencies, banks and small businesses. PBU students are consistently rated among the best interns by their direct supervisors.

A great variety of global career options are available in church and non-profit administration with mission agencies, publishing houses, bookstores, schools, camps, counseling centers, and television and radio stations. These organizations need dedicated Christians with professional business and leadership skills.

Careers in the secular business world are many and varied, including international opportunities. Business Administration can help prepare a student to become an entrepreneur, executive, manager, accountant, business analyst, manufacturing supervisor, store manager, human resources manager, sales person, marketer, or fund raiser, to name a few.

Students in Free Enterprise

Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) is an international organization founded in 1974. Currently, over 1,600 colleges and universities world-wide have SIFE groups on their campuses. SIFE’s mission is to provide college students the best opportunity to make a difference and “to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through learning, practicing, and teaching the principles of free enterprise.” (www.sife.org)

SIFE is available to all PBU students, and business majors are encouraged to become involved. Students meet regularly to hear speakers, provide community service, conduct educational outreaches, and promote entrepreneurship and free enterprise.

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