What classes are required for a business management degree

Earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration is your ticket to many interesting jobs, and not just in the corporate world. For instance, schools, nonprofit organizations, retailers and government agencies also hire ambitious business administration graduates eager to join their departments of finance, human resources and marketing. Your career path will start with general business classes followed by classes in your chosen area of specialization. Additionally, you will complete general education requirements to mold you into a well-rounded professional with strong communication skills.

High School Preparation

If you are still in high school, visit your guidance counselor to further explore a career in business administration. The counselor can explain what classes are required for admission to college and recommend high school classes helpful to students considering business careers. Suggestions may include courses like business principles, accounting and information technology along with English and speech. Consider taking advanced placement courses in calculus and microeconomics to prepare for the rigors of college.

General Education

All students are required to fulfill a general education core that introduces students to many different disciplines, such as history, science, math, literature, philosophy and the arts. The purpose of liberal arts is to help you develop a global perspective, an appreciation of culture and a professional persona. A Bachelor of Arts degree will require more liberal arts classes than a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, which has a more math-oriented focus. Many courses meet general education requirements. Many students choose electives that complement their major, while others enroll in completely unrelated courses that sound fun or interesting, like rock climbing or paranormal psychology.

Courses in Major

During your first year in college, you will gain a deeper understanding of business administration and how it differs from business management. Your studies will prepare you to oversee daily operations of a department, office or facility. Examples of required classes for a business administration student include business fundamentals, financial accounting, logistics, economics, ethics, marketing, operations management, quality control and computer systems.

Courses in Area of Specialization

All business administration students take core courses along with selected courses in a chosen area of emphases, such as international business, economics or finance. You may also be required to participate in research, internships and a capstone project. Consult a faculty adviser to develop a personal plan of study to ensure timely graduation.

Salary Information

A broad, multidisciplinary degree in business administration will give you transferable skills adaptable to distinctly different settings. Nonetheless, your duties will include some combination of operational management, logistics, personnel, marketing, planning, policies, purchasing and administrative administration. You have the potential to earn an attractive salary in this field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that general and operations managers earn a mean annual wage of $122,090 or $58.70 per hour as of 2016. A master’s degree can be advantageous in attaining an executive position.

Tools & info

Why pursue a management degree at North Central College?

Managers are responsible for overseeing business operations across multiple organizational departments. Managers analyze and solve managerial problems regarding people, organizations and markets. Our program is designed to prepare you for a wide range of career paths, including operations, human resources, consulting, marketing and information technology.

At North Central, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in on-campus organizations, off-campus internships, or in-the-lab projects. A management degree offers a lasting career with a diverse skillset and the opportunity to transform organizations.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

• Leading employees to solve organizational needs
• Developing innovative solutions for day-to-day and future challenges
• Becoming an expert in multiple areas of business

then a degree in MANAGEMENT might be for you.

Why study management at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

• 11-course comprehensive business core
• Business Strategy
• Data Analytics
• Entrepreneurship Experimentation
• Environmental Management
• Human Resource Management
• International Management
• Leading in a Global World
• Logistics & Supply Chain Management
• Management Information Systems
• Management & Organizational Behavior
• Operations Research
• Productions & Operations Management

Beyond the Classroom

As a management major, you can:

• Compete with award-winning teams by joining the American Marketing Association (AMA), Entrepreneurship and International Business Organization (EIBO) or Enactus.
• Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
• Simulate trading and access thousands of proprietary reports in the Bloomberg Finance Lab, equipped with ten dual-monitor workstations, Bloomberg Terminal software, and Bloomberg’s unique keyboards.
• Become “Bloomberg certified” by completing a series of advanced financial modules in our Bloomberg Finance Lab.  
• Travel, study and work internationally through our education abroad and international internship program.

More Department information

Management, B.B.A.

Management develops students' understanding of organizations and their role in society.  Students develop skills in data analysis, organizational structure and supply chain management, while emphasizing the responsibilities of organizations to promote a more sustainable future.  In a rapidly changing world, students gain an appreciation for the responsibilities of corporations to not only be profitable but to also be stewards of the environment and social justice.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Management and Marketing.

Management Minor

Management develops students' understanding of organizations and their role in society.  Students develop skills in data analysis, organizational structure and supply chain management, while emphasizing the responsibilities of organizations to promote a more sustainable future.  In a rapidly changing world students gain an appreciation for the responsible actions of corporations to not only be profitable but to also be stewards of the environment and social justice.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Management and Marketing.

Management Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead in a business environment.

Internships

Students in our Business Management degree program interned at various organizations such as:

• AvePoint
• Central States Tower
• Cumulus Media
• Hub Group
• Northewestern Mutual
• Nu-World Foods
• PAWS Chicago
• Paychex
• Pragmatium Consulting Group
• Schneider Electric
• Southern Wine and Spirits
• Tave Risk Management
• United States Liability Insurance
• Vulcraft-Chicago

Careers

Recent graduates of the Business Management degree program pursued career opportunities at organizations such as:

• Accenture
• Aerotek
• Aflac
• AJR Filtration, Inc.
• ALDI U.S.
• AvePoint
• CDW
• Central States Tower
• Codilis & Associates
• Consolidated Electrical Distributor

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College