Kelce College of Business

High Quality, High Value Education


The Kelce College of Business at Pittsburg State is among the nation's leading business schools for quality, high standards, and value.

With a mission of offering a well-rounded, world-class education that engages students and prepares them for a future in the business world, the Gladys A. Kelce College of Business stands out as one of the premier business colleges in the country. 

The Kelce College of Business is:

  • Accredited by the AACSB
  • Annually ranked among the Best Business Schools in the country by the Princeton Review
  • Ranked among the top 5 Family Friendly business schools in the country.
  • Kelce College of Business was recently named to The 10 Best Business Programs in America 2019 by The Knowledge Review Magazine. Learn more.

    Knowledge Review Logo 2019
                      

66th Annual Kelce College of Business Awards Ceremony


KCOB Ceremony

Building A New Home For The College of Business


More Information Coming Soon

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Accreditation and other information


  • Accreditation
  • Program Objectives
  • Rankings and Recognitions
  • Admission to the Kelce College of Business
  • Study Abroad
  • Student Recognition
  • Academic Advising
  • Student Organizations
  • Scholarship Information
  • Graduate Assistantships
  • Code of Ethics
  • Alumni

AACSB Logo

All degree programs in the Kelce College of Business are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB-accredited schools have the highest-quality faculty, deliver relevant and challenging curriculum, and provide educational and career opportunities that are not found at other business schools. Learn why AACSB accreditation matters to students.

AACSB Accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. Less than 5% of the more than 16,000 schools worldwide granting business degrees have earned AACSB Accreditation. AACSB-accredited schools produce graduates that are highly skilled and more desirable to employers than other non-accredited schools.

See performance data

 Princeton Review Logo

Pittsburg State University is an outstanding business school, according to The Princeton Review. The New York-based education services company features the school in the 2018 edition of its "Best Business Schools." The Princeton Review has also recognized the PSU Kelce College of Business as the #3 Most Family Friendly based on student assessment of: how happy married students are, how many students have children, how helpful the business school is to students with children, and how much the school does for spouses of students.

 

entrepreneurlogo The Gladys A. Kelce College of Business at Pittsburg State University was named one of the top business colleges in the nation by Entrepreneur Magazine, a leading publication for and about entrepreneurs. In its April issue, the magazine listed the MBA programs most highly rated by their students in six areas key to a successful career in business. 

 

Top 25 Forensic Accounting

In 2018, the Accounting Degree Review ranked the Kelce College #6 in the nation for programs offering degrees with forensic accounting. Accounting majors may choose to earn a minor in Fraud Examination. This innovative interdisciplinary minor is composed of a curriculum that is patterned after the requirements for the nationally recognized Certificate in Fraud Examination. Additionally, accounting students may choose to earn a minor or certificate in internal auditing. The college is one of only 50 schools worldwide offering a curriculum sanctioned by the Institute of Internal Auditors.

 

 

Students desiring admission into the Kelce College of Business must meet the following admission requirements in addition to those of the university.  

Students desiring admission into the Kelce College of Business must meet the following requirements: 

  • Complete 30 semester hours applicable to the degree.
  • Achieve at least a 2.25 overall cumulative grade point average for Economics, Finance, International Business, Management, and Marketing majors.
  • Achieve at least a 2.50 overall cumulative grade point average for Accounting and CIS majors. 

Complete the following courses with a grade no lower than a C

  • English Composition, ENGL 101 or Honors English composition, ENGL 140– 3 hours
  • Introduction to Research Writing, ENGL 299 or Honors English Composition, ENGL 190 – 3 hours
  • Speech Communications, COMM 207 – 3 hours
  • Elementary Statistics, MATH 143 – 3 hours
  • Computer Information Systems, CIS 130 – 3 hours
  • College Algebra, MATH 110, 113 or higher level Math- 3 hours
  • Financial Accounting, ACCTG 201 – 3 hours

Study Abroad

To prepare for today’s global marketplace, all majors in the Kelce College of Business are encouraged to participate in one of the many Study Abroad opportunities available through our relationships with other institutions of higher learning around the world. Study Abroad programs can be pursued anytime during a program of study and can be relatively short or long in duration. Students should visit with their advisor about how to best incorporate an international experience into their individual plans.

Kelce faculty members often lead short-term faculty-led study abroad programs in the summer. These programs are available to all Pittsburg State University students and are specifically designed to enhance the business curriculum. For more information about these programs, please see the PSU Study Abroad website.

Additionally, business majors can study on longer summer or semester programs. Our partner universities offer programs in Finland, France, South Korea, and Taiwan. Numerous other opportunities are available to business majors through affiliate study abroad programs.

For more information about any of these programs or any other opportunities, please contact PSU Study Abroad located in 118 Whitesitt Hall.

At Kelce College of Business, students are encouraged to be engaged in the learning process and their future careers in business. In addition to awards based on high quality classroom work, we recognize students who show innovative thinking and get involved, leaving behind a memorable impact on the college, student organizations, and the community. Here you will find the best and brightest students at Kelce and get a glimpse at what they are doing to improve their educational experience at Pittsburg State University.

Annual Awards Ceremony

Each spring, Kelce College of Business hosts its annual awards ceremony where students are awarded for their academic achievement and success.

Annual Kelce College of Business Annual Awards Ceremony Website

Beta Gamma Sigma

Beta Gamma Sigma is the international honor society serving business programs accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a business student anywhere in the world can receive in a business program accredited by AACSB International.

2023 Beta Gamma Sigma Class 

BGS 2023

View the complete list of 2023 Beta Gamma Sigma inductees

Pittsburg State University is implementing a new coordinated/aligned academic advising program for all students. This means that students, regardless of their major, will all be professionally advised by trained academic advisors from this advising center. We know that students face a variety of challenges and opportunities while attending college and the new SSC, as a whole, is being developed to provide a place where a student, regardless of the challenge, can find someone whose job it is to listen and assist.

What does this mean for you - as a student in Kelce?

For most students in Kelce, this will NOT change anything for you from an advisement perspective, but we are physically moving out of the Kelce College of Business. The functions of the Kelce Advising Center will now be performed by the new centralized Academic Advising Office which is temporarily located in 203 Horace Mann. If you have questions or concerns regarding your course schedule, enrollment, etc... please come and see us in Horace Mann! Please note: If your current academic advisor is a faculty member within the Kelce College of Business, this faculty member will remain as your academic advisor!

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact us in 203 Horace Mann or call us at 620.235.4599.

The Kelce College of Business has many opportunities for students to participate in student run organizations and extracurricular activities. There are several organizations designed to get students involved and allow them to put their classroom knowledge to effective use while gaining experience in the process.

All current and prospective students may apply for scholarships online at the PSU Office of Student Financial Assistance. Completed applications are due by February 1 each year. Learn more.

Click on the links below to learn about scholarships in the following degree program areas.

Accounting

Computer Information Systems

Economics, Finance and Banking

Management and Marketing

Kelce College of Business

Kelce Undergraduate School of Business 

Graduate Assistantship opportunities may be available within the college, in each department, or university-wide. Graduate Assistantships are limited and granted on a competitive basis. To apply for a GA position in Kelce, check for vacancies at Gorillas4Hire.

2023-24 Kelce College of Business Graduate Assistants

The Students of the Gladys A. Kelce College of Business Pledge to:
  • Arrive on time, remain until dismissed at all class sessions, and notify instructors in advance of anticipated absences, late arrivals, or early departures whenever possible.
  • Turn off cell phones or other electronic devices while in class, unless permission to use them has been granted.
  • Refrain from class disturbances.
  • Refrain from use of profane or vulgar language in a threatening or disruptive manner.
  • Treat fellow students, staff, faculty, administrators, and property with respect.
  • Refrain from giving or receiving inappropriate assistance.
  • Prepare assignment and exams honestly, refraining from such unacceptable conduct as plagiarism or unacknowledged appropriation of another’s work in any academic work.
  • Obey the policies, regulations, and laws of the United States of America, the State of Kansas, The Kansas Board of Regents, Pittsburg State University, and the Gladys A. Kelce College of Business.
  • If a student observes someone committing dishonesty in connection with academic work, the student is encouraged to report that dishonesty to the appropriate individual (e.g., faculty member or administrator).

The Faculty of the Kelce College of Business Pledge:

  • TO be dedicated to providing a high quality learning experience for students.
  • TO create a learning environment that will enhance academic honesty among students.
  • TO encourage students to make ethical decisions.
  • TO respect students as individuals and fairly assess their academic achievements.
  • TO avoid the use of any student research for private gain without authorization of the student.
  • TO refrain from discriminating against a student based upon gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, disability, political belief or age.
  • TO conduct scholarly activities with intellectual honesty.
  • TO obey the policies, regulations, and laws of the United States of America, the State of Kansas, the Kansas Board of Regents and Pittsburg State University.

The Administrators and Administrative Staff of the Kelce College of Business Pledge:

  • TO be dedicated to providing a high quality learning experience for students.
  • TO be dedicated to providing a teaching environment that is supportive.
  • TO interpret accurately and in a fair manner all policies and administrative regulations as they relate to faculty and staff.
  • TO maintain the confidentiality of privileged information.
  • TO maintain professional relationships with those that administrators supervise, free from intimidation and disparagement.
  • TO refrain from making professional decisions based upon personal gain or favors.
  • TO refrain from discriminating against anyone based only upon sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, disability, political belief or age.
  • TO improve professional administrative knowledge.
  • TO obey the policies, regulations, and laws of the United States of America, The State of Kansas, The Kansas Board of Regents and Pittsburg State University.
  • TO assist and extend professional courtesy to all colleagues.
  • TO engage in conduct both during service to the university and in private life that would provide a professional role model.

Violation may affect performance appraisal and continuation of position decisions.

Visit our Alumni website to view past Kelce College of Business newsletters.

About Kelce College of Business


  • Dean's Welcome
  • Mission, Vision & Guiding Values
  • Board of Advisors
  • Info for Faculty

Dr. Paul Grimes

Paul Grimes

Welcome to the Kelce College of Business. We are proud to be the premier business college in Pittsburg State University’s primary service area. The Kelce College faculty and staff are committed to providing the highest quality of business education for all of our students. Class sizes are relatively small and instruction is always student-centered. Kelce faculty pride themselves on the personal relationships that are forged in our classrooms. Kelce students may choose from seven undergraduate BBA majors: Accounting, Business Economics, Computer Information Systems, Finance, International Business, Management, or Marketing. These majors prepare graduates for successful and rewarding professional careers. Kelce graduates are routinely sought after and hired by leading businesses within the four-state region, across the country, and around the globe. Our annual placement rates regularly exceed ninety percent.

The Kelce College also provides advanced business education through its traditional residential MBA program, the new Professional Online MBA (beginning in the Spring of 2019), and the 4+1 Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) program. MBA students have the option to earn specializations in general administration, accounting, international business, or human resources. The MPAcc is a five-year program whereby students work four years toward a BBA in Accounting followed by one year of graduate study to receive the master's degree that prepares them to sit for the CPA exam.

All of our programs are fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – a prestigious status held by only the top five percent of business schools around the world. The college has received numerous rankings over the years, including a top-five ranking by Princeton Review for being “family friendly.” The MBA program was also recently recognized for being the second most affordable AACSB-accredited program in the nation.  

If you are thinking about becoming a Business Gorilla, feel free to stop by for a visit at any time. We are conveniently located on the front door of the beautiful Pitt State campus on the corner of South Broadway and Cleveland. As you can see elsewhere on this website, we will soon be renovating and expanding our physical facilities thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends. The future of the Kelce College of Business is very bright and we hope you choose to join us.

Remember to Always Do Business Like a Gorilla!

Dean Grimes' signature
Paul W. Grimes, Ph.D.
Dean and Professor of Economics
Kelce College of Business

Read more about Dr. Grimes

Curriculum Vitae (PDF) - Dr. Grimes

Vision

The Gladys A. Kelce College of Business will be the premier regional public business college in Pittsburg State University’s primary service area.

Mission

The Kelce College of Business prepares future business professionals within a student-focused environment by empowering students from diverse backgrounds to succeed within the global business community. We provide a foundation for life-long learning and a spirit of engagement by delivering affordable, high-value undergraduate and graduate business education programs. We accomplish this through small classes, committed faculty, scholarship, and community outreach.

Guiding Values

  • We believe in the pursuit of learning, teaching, scholarship, and public service activities conducted with honesty and high ethical standards.
  • We believe in fostering a college environment that enables people to succeed. 
  • We believe in working together as a learning community based on mutual respect, trust, and academic freedom.
  • We believe in continuous improvement and innovation in teaching, scholarship, and community engagement.
  • We believe in cultivating a diverse and multicultural learning environment.
  • We believe in responsibility, accountability, and transparency in all of our academic and operational procedures.

KBOA Fall 2022

Learn more about the Kelce Board of Advisors