An undergraduate business program educates students on the fundamentals they need in order to become business leaders and successful careerists, regardless of the specific career grads find themselves in. The curriculum, which often includes online business courses, focuses on the essential critical thinking skills, decision-making techniques, and innovative problem-solving needed to prepare students for a diverse, and sometimes amorphous, marketplace. Business degrees can prepare undergrads for entry-level positions in a staggering amount of fields, and can also spur career growth for professionals already working in business. Typical programs are quite broad, offering a range of specialized concentrations.
The business degree is the most popular degree conferred on undergraduates in the U.S., according to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics. This is arguably due to the versatility of the skill set its students acquire. Those able to evaluate data, extrapolate information, and correctly interpret the results are sought by employers in just about any industry. Business school grads are also well-versed in internal policy development and implementation, resource and staff management, professional development practices, and an awareness of the socio-ethical impacts of modern business.
Employers seek business school graduates for entry-level jobs because of the breadth the degree provides. In order to narrow the extremely wide spectrum of business knowledge, most undergraduate programs require students to specialize. Coursework targeted to areas of interest such as marketing, finance, information systems or economics helps hone the skill set of an aspiring business professional.
A typical four-year business program concentrates on current theory, trends, technology and ethical practices. Typical business degree students spend their freshman and sophomore years studying general education requirements, along with introductory classes in statistics, accounting and economics.
Core courses, which are mostly taken during junior and senior year, depend on which area of specialization a student chooses. Regardless of concentration, all business majors can expect core coursework in the following:
- Transformation in Technology
- Information Systems and Applications
- Organizational and Leadership Theory
- Marketing Principles
- Business Law and Ethics
- Human Resource Management
- Cultural Diversity and Management
- Sustainable Business and Manufacturing
- Labor Relations
- Consumer Psychology
- Financial Analysis and Forecasting
- Advanced Corporate Finance
After an undergraduate program, many successful business professionals go on to earn the ubiquitous Master of Business Administration (MBA). MBA programs, considered the gold standard for advancement in corporate industry, dig deeply into accounting, public policy, operations management, supply chain logistics, entrepreneurship, customer services operations, international business, sales and marketing, statistical analysis, and strategic management.
Most MBA programs require three or more years of industry experience for admission; however, five-year dual degree programs that grant both a bachelor's and a master's do exist.
An abundance of specializations certainly exist for business majors. These options vary among individual programs, both online and in traditional campus environments. The most common concentrations within a business degree include:
Finance: Regulatory changes in the financial services market have created a complex business environment, and compliance is mandatory. Classes in corporate taxation, portfolio analysis, financial and estate planning, and retirement planning can prepare a graduate for work in the financial planning arena.
Management: Specializing in management prepares graduates for eventual supervisory positions. Students in a management concentration focus their attention on small business management, organizational design, leadership, and human resources.
Marketing: The relationship between customer, product, and manufacturer is explored by students who specialize in marketing. Coursework in sales techniques, market demographics, consumer behavior, and global marketing prepares these graduates for employment in corporate marketing and business.
Healthcare Management: This rapidly growing area of U.S. industry will continue to be in need of trained management professionals. Business majors who specialize in healthcare management are eligible for positions in any healthcare facility, supervising employees, or managing operations and administration.
International Business: As global business continues to bloom, so does the need for international business grads. Fluency in more than one language and course experiences focused on diversity, cultural, and ethnic influences in business, international finance and ethical practices all help prepare students for their careers in business.
Operations Management: Business majors in this concentration focus on best practices for overseeing the daily management of a business. Courses in management technique, logistics, business ethics, business law, and human resources are all required for this concentration.
Other concentrations offered may include project management, public relations, accounting, information systems, entrepreneurship and economics. Earning an undergraduate business degree with the right specialization can make use of your special talents and interests, preparing your for a successful career at the same time. If you are bright, driven, and competitive, business may very well be the best place for you.
Because there are so many online and traditional business programs available, take the time to research several; peruse course offerings and consider the specialty concentrations available. If you're already interested in a particular industry or role within a corporation, determine which schools provide you with the education to succeed. Maintain a high GPA in undergraduate school and perform well in the workplace, and you may very well be admitted to a selective MBA program.
Related Degrees
- Certificate in Business Administration
- Associate in Business Administration
- Bachelor's in Business Administration
- Master's in Business Administration
- Ph.D. in Business Administration
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Journals
American Journal of Economics and Business Administration
The American Journal of Economics and Business Administration is an open-access, peer-reviewed, academic business journal.
American Journal of Industrial and Business Management
A journal on theories and applications in all areas of industrial and business management.
Business and Economics Journal
An open-access journal publishing quality research in the areas of management, business, finance and economics.
The Business Intelligence Journal is an open-access publication featuring research and articles from UK professionals and professors.
Case Studies In Business, Industry And Government Statistics
Published by Bentley University, this open-access business journal provides high-quality case studies in modern data analysis.
This business journal is international, open-access, and publishes research papers from authors with many different academic backgrounds.
International Journal of Business Science and Applied Management
Publishes articles on general management, e-business, strategy, marketing, supply chain management, organization studies, entrepreneurship, human resource management, and more.
Journal of Business & Financial Affairs
Find reliable information on current finance developments through original articles, reviews, case reports, short communications, and more.
Journal of International Business and Culture Studies
The Journal of International Business and Cultural Studies shares original articles discussing international business with consideration to cultural and societal issues.
Research in Business and Economics Journal
Find original studies in international business, management, and related subjects in the Research in Business and Economics Journal.
The Michigan Journal of Business
Published by the University of Michigan, this is the first undergraduate business journal out of the United States with an international audience.
Published by Bentham Science, this open-access journal gives readers peer-reviewed articles on the subject of business.
Trade Magazines
ACCA is a magazine for professionals in the accounting and business industry with research, insights, news, and more.
An e-Magazine that examines business management topics like business intelligence, outsourcing, marketing and communications and human resources.
Business Week is one of the leading magazines in the business and financial world, providing news and insights from professionals.
Written with senior executives and C-level officers in mind, CEO World provides up-to-the-minute business news and analysis.
Entrepreneur is a globally-recognized magazine providing insightful information on several key aspects of business.
Fast Company provides insightful information on global news, office etiquette, and more in this online magazine.
Forbes is a leading, reliable source for business, financial, economic, and political news.
Publisher of the Fortune 500, readers will find business and economic news with analysis of global business drivers
Inc. shares news and reports on business entrepreneurship, finance, leadership, marketing, technology, and much more.
This online publication includes all articles from print editions and online-exclusive, multimedia content that includes audio/video programs.
Wired's business section keeps readers up-to-date on current events in the industry with news and reports.
Scholarships
AICPA Accountemps Student Scholarship
Deadline: April 1
Award Amount: $2,500
The American Institute of CPAs awards this scholarship to students who demonstrate potential leadership as CPAs in the accounting industry.
Deadline: July 31
Award Amount: $2,500
A scholarship for the business leaders of tomorrow awarded to students interested in business leadership and entrepreneurship.
HSF/General Motors Scholarship Program
Deadline: varies
Award Amount: $2,500
This scholarship is awarded to Latino high-school seniors or undergraduates pusuing engineering or business degrees.
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
Deadline: July 1
Award Amount: $7,000
Zonta International honors women pursuing a degree in business at the undergraduate or graduate level with this international scholarship.
MillerCoors National Scholarship
Deadline: June
Award Amount: $3,000
A scholarship for junior and senior business, accounting, communications, economics, marketing, or public relations majors of Hispanic descent.
Morgan Stanley MBA Fellowship Program
Deadline: varies
Award Amount: $5,000
This competitive scholarship is awarded to Women, Black, Hispanic, Native American and LGBT MBA students.
National Association for the Self Employed Succeed Scholarships
Deadline: August 31
Award Amount: $4,000
Members can access up to $4,000 for any type of education, including university or college courses, training courses, or even business seminars.
National Association of Black Accountants Scholarship Program
Deadline: January 31
Award Amount: $1,000 – $10,000
The National Association of Black Accountants offers scholarships supporting ethnic minorities pursuing accounting or business degree programs.
National Society for Accountants Scholarship Foundation
Deadline: March
Award Amount: $500 – $2,000
The National Society for Accountants (NSA) seeks to promote the industry of accounting by supplying this scholarship to undergraduate accounting students.
Deadline: June 30
Award Amount: $1,000 – $20,000
The National Black MBA Association offers various scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in business.
Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program
Deadline: February
Award Amount: $1,000 – $10,000
This internationally-awarded scholarship is available to students majoring in accounting, business, finance and criminal justice.
Surety and Fidelity Industry Intern Scholarship Program for Minority Students
Deadline: April 30
Award Amount: $2,500
This scholarship program provides up to $2,500 to minority students pursuing a degree in accountancy or related field.
Deadline: March
Award Amount: $1,000
TELACU provides undergraduate and graduate school scholarships to students in California, Illinois, Texas and New York, for accounting studies.
Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship
Award Amount: $40,000
Targeted for aspiring PhDs at the dissertation level in major areas of the social sciences, including anthropology, psychology, and sociology.
Deadline: March
Award Amount: $8,000
A scholarship for minority students attending UNCF Member Colleges and Universities majoring in a business discipline such as economics.
Deadline: varies
Adobe's business internships will help you develop real world skills in finance, marketing, customer relationship management, and more.
American Red Cross Paid Summer Internships
Deadline: March
While available positions vary from year to year based on need, the American Red Cross often seeks students with an accounting/auditing background to work at their Washington, D.C. headquarters.
Associated Press Business Associates Internship
The AP offers a 12 week paid Business Associates internship program to graduate students interested in working on projects and initiatives with one of the organization's business management teams.
AT&T General Business Internship
Deadline: varies
Help AT&T develop, market, support, or even invent their next amazing product or service with a variety of available business internships.
Bank of America Corporate Audit Intern Program
Deadline: December 16th
The Bank of America corporate audit departent seeks applicants who have a desire to adapt and learn the multiple businesses within Bank of America.
Garick 360 ° Accounting Internship Program
Deadline: varies
This program is designed for accounting majors considering a career in corporate accounting. It is extended to all students who have an interest in learning the interworking of a business.
General Motors Global Purchasing and Supply Chain Internship
Deadline: varies
Students seeking degrees in business management can join the General Motors Global Purchasing and Supply Chain internship program, either through co-op or intern openings.
Goldman Sachs Internal Audit Internship Program
Deadline: varies
The Internal Audit division of Goldman Sachs offers internships ranging from one week to ten weeks, each introducing how the division is structured and how it fits within the organization.
Macy's Store Management Internship
Deadline: varies
This store management internship teaches students about the business side of customer service, store operations, associate development, human resources, visual merchandising, and security.
National Parks Business Plan Internship
Deadline: January 13
Top graduate students in business and related fields can serve as consultants to the National Park System in this internship program.
Procter and Gamble Customer Business Development Intern
Deadline: varies
Become a Customer Business Development intern with Procter and Gamble to get a 2-4 month snapshop of life and work with the company.
Transamerica Internship Program
Deadline: varies
The Transamerica Internship Program employs 100-120 college interns every year, including approximately 30 in their accounting department.
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Summer Honors Business Program
Deadline: February
This opportunity is for MBA students and other graduate students in such areas as accounting, economics, and finance, to the regulation of the securities markets and the work of the Commission.
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Summer Honors College Program
Deadline: February
This 10-week long internship introduces undergraduate students studying accounting, economics, finance, and related fields, to the regulation of the securities markets and the work of the Commission.
Student Organizations
Comprised of students, educators and professionals, this organization strives to educate "its members to appreciate and demand higher ideals in business."
Spots within this honor society are offered to students studying at AACSB accredited business schools who have shown excellence in academics and service.
Business Professionals of America
Business Professionals of America strives to create organizations for business students and educators to create a "highly competent and skilled workforce".
A graduate honorary society, Delta Pi Epsilon creates networking and educational opportunities for members to ensure "the advancement of the profession".
Open to men and women studying business, this fraternity is dedicated to professional development, academic success, networking and community service.
Guided by academic and business advisers, and using entrepreneurship, student members "create and implement community empowerment projects" worldwide.
Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda
Phi Beta Lambda is the collegiate division for FBLA, and they prepare students to be leaders loyal to their community.
National Black MBA Association
Supporting minority students through scholarships, the NBMBAA strives for "the professional advancement of African American business professionals."
Professional Organizations
American Business Women's Association
Seeking to unite businesswomen of diverse occupations, ABWA helps women grow personally and professionally through networking and education opportunities.
Council of Urban Professionals
CUP molds diverse business leaders and empowers them to exert influence, achieve individual goals and create collective impact through a range of programs.
MBAWI is dedicated to empowering female business professionals, assisting them into leadership positions and enhancing workforce diversity worldwide.
National Association for the Self Employed
The NASE provides day-to-day support, including direct access to experts, benefits, and consolidated buying power that traditionally had been available only to large corporations.
National Association of Women Business Owners
Focusing on propelling women business owners into leadership roles within entrepreneurship, NAWBO represents "women entrepreneurs across all industries".
National Cooperative Business Association
Acting as the voice for cooperative business, NCBA strives to represent cooperatives in all industries and protect and advance cooperative business.
National Federation of Independent Business
Founded in 1943, the National Federation of Independent Business is America's leading small-business advocacy association.
The National Business Association
The NBA is a nonprofit association designed and managed to assist the Self-Employed and Small Business Community in achieving professional goals.