Find Your Perfect School
Choosing the best schools for business degrees is a crucial part of setting the course of a career path. The reason that this is so crucial–perhaps more so than many other degree programs–is because business education itself is currently at a crossroads.
Quick Summarization:
Business degrees are great for expanding and gaining a better understanding of the skill set needed in today’s business world. Are you interested in international business? Project Management? Business administration? Or, human resources management? If so, there are many types of business degrees that are a great option for you to begin your business-related career.
Whether you are just beginning your journey in business administration or searching for career advancement in management, a business degree is ideal! Don’t let the hustle and bustle of today’s technological world deter you. There will always be a demand for qualified personnel in the business industry!
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A Business Degree… In Today’s World
America is currently swept up in the currents of a fourth industrial revolution, one we can refer to as the digital revolution. And yet a common criticism levied towards less innovative business schools is that outdated research and teaching philosophies are preparing students for yesterday, not tomorrow.
The validity of this criticism will likely depend on personal sentiment and career goals. Traditional business values, for instance, still reign supreme in many areas of the market today, despite the encroaching modernization spurred on by digital technologies.
Thankfully for the prospective student, many of the country’s best business administration programs do not shy away from taking to one side of the aisle or another, and as such most program directors spell out their philosophy in plain terms. It is after all counterproductive if students wish to go one way and the instructors wish to go another.
A Business Degree… Why You Need One!
Typically, if you intend to pursue any sort of leadership or management role in a business-type setting, earning a business degree is ideal. More often than not, if an employer is willing to entrust their day-to-day business transactions to an employee, they are required to be very knowledgeable in the field.
You may be able to ride out the recession with a business degree. In 2011, 86% of business school graduates found employment after graduation, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). A degree in business may lead to careers in financial management, information technology, management, or human resource management, all in high demand.
Take business seriously as a field of study, whether you’re just beginning to think about college or are selecting a graduate program. Through this program, you will gain valuable knowledge and skills that will prepare you for a variety of roles across many industries. The more you learn, the more likely you are to build a satisfying and rewarding career if you choose to go that route.
Methodology
Let us help you find the best business on-campus school program that fits your educational requirements for starting a new career, a job promotion, or simply meeting your personal goals. Our researchers at PremiumSchools.org utilize these indicators of excellent academic standards to locate exceptional business school programs designed just for you.
The following schools are listed in random order. As each and every school displays its own unique qualities and strengths, you should search our list based on your needs and career aspirations.
The following factors were considered:
- Offers on-campus business classes for flexible or convenient attendance without compromising hands-on training,
- Exhibits rigorous, yet engaging and innovative training in the field of business coursework that takes into account the readiness of students in taking the next step to their budding career,
- Taught by outstanding faculty consisting of experts in the field of business,
- Held in high esteem among academic agencies, industry organizations, and journalistic resources,
- Displays stellar reviews and feedback from school alumni and students,
- Offers a convenient application process,
- Provides exceptional Student Career Centers, Resource Departments, and easy-to-use Learning Management Systems, where applicable,
- Permits a wide range of scholarships, grants, and other financial support programs for eligible students,
- Ensures the proper Accreditation in accordance with academic standards in the field of business.
With these factors in mind, we have compiled a ranking to aid prospective students to choose the business school that best synchronizes with individual career goals. In addition:
- We gathered an aggregate listing of all business schools within the United States and then narrowed them down using data from the Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
- We further focused the ranking by isolating metrics of success such as graduation rate and average salary upon graduation, as well as the overall prestige of the university.
What will distinguish a degree program as the right choice for an individual student, however, will often go beyond these metrics of success. Many prospective students are working professionals, or they also manage life with children, and oftentimes both.
For this reason, we have further organized the ranking to illuminate the best traditional business degree programs, as well as the best online degree options to accommodate those with more demanding schedules.
If you would like to learn more about our selection process, feel free to see our Methodology page!
The 20 Best Universities for In-Person (Traditional Delivery) Business Degrees
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
The University of Pennsylvania takes the number one spot in this ranking for a host of reasons. Despite a rich history and stellar reputation, the University of Pennsylvania is anything but traditional in any restrictive sense.
Business degree programs at the University combine academic rigor with community outreach which typically takes the form of collaboration with real-world companies. This means that this business school will definitely not fall into the rut of becoming too disconnected from current and actual business practice. Top undergraduate and graduate offerings:
- Wharton Undergraduate BS in economics; the Huntsman Program of international studies and business (BS/BA)
- The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology (BS/BSE or BS/BAS)
- The Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Sciences and Management (BA/BS); Nursing and Healthcare Management (BS/BS)
- General MBA program or MBA program for executives
- Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies (MBA/MA)
- Francis J. & Wm. Polk Carey MBA program (JD/MBA)
- Wharton School of Advanced International Studies (MBA/MA)
- Wharton Engineering (MBA/SEAS)
- Wharton / Kennedy School of Government (MBA/MPA/MPP/ID)
As illustrated by its robust degree offerings, the University of Pennsylvania works at the forefront of leading business education practices, employing elements of both liberal arts and business, and acting as an international hub for grooming the next generation of business leaders. The University’s focus on teaching excellence is likely credited with the highest graduation rate we found in our research (96%).
Their technology integrates business and technology in order to make better decisions. With an innovative multifaceted approach to analytics, Wharton prepares present and future executives to analyze digital data in more depth and take action on it. The Wharton experience helps leaders to build resilient organizations and motivate high-performing teams.
Entrepreneurs can take advantage of our highly successful entrepreneurial programs to launch and scale innovative companies that drive economic growth.
Did you know?
Every home football game, toast is thrown on the field. As the tradition goes, the toast originated during prohibition; when the school banned alcohol, students fought back by interpreting it quite literally.
RICE UNIVERSITY
Rice University’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business was established in 1974 through a gift from Houston Endowment Inc. It has fostered some of the greatest minds of business of recent decades. The University’s rich history of business education has occurred on three levels–undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate–in the following programs:
- Undergraduate Minor in Business – Six integrated courses are taught by JGSB faculty to teach students the foundational principles of business, communication skills, and critical thinking.
- Master of Accounting Degree – This program is specifically designed to help students with a non-accounting undergraduate degree complete the requirements to become certified accountants.
- Master of Business Administration Degree – This program offers four potential routes of completion: a full-time MBA program; MBA for Executives; MBA for Professionals; and a hybrid online program.
- Coordinated MBA/ Master of Engineering – Students must be accepted by both the engineering school and business school respectively.
- Coordinated MBA/ Master of Science – Prepares students to manage teams of scientists and work in a laboratory setting.
- MBA/MD Program – Prepares students to become both physicians and top-notch managers of healthcare organizations.
- Doctor of Philosophy in the Field of Business (Ph.D.) – Designed to work with students of high intellect and research prowess. Can accommodate promising students even if they do not hold a master’s at the time of application.
Rice University is a leading research university with a distinctive commitment to undergraduate education. Through its groundbreaking research and unsurpassed teaching, they strive to enhance the world.
It aims to achieve this mission by cultivating a diverse learning community that produces leaders from the entire spectrum of human endeavors. While they remain a relatively small research university with over 7,000 students, they aspire to achieve and contribute at the highest levels.
Their eight schools and many interdisciplinary institutes and centers support a wide range of endeavors and disciplines. They are successful due to the contributions of all members of their community: students, staff, alums, and supporters across the country and abroad.
Did you know?
If you run your fingertips over its holes, it makes a croaking frog noise, which has given the wall its nickname “Frog Wall.”
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Johns Hopkins University is an institution that holds worldwide respect and admiration for its healthcare education programs, but its business programs are equally–if not more–innovative than its medical school offerings.
Business students can earn grants of $10,000 to work on independent projects, manage budgets of a quarter-million dollars, or obtain summer internships with industry giants like Under Armor, Morgan Stanley, or professional sports teams.
JHU recognizes that business intersects countless other fields, and as such offers an integrative education approach in the following popular business majors:
- Applied Math and Statistics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Economics
- International Studies
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Sociology
Together through the Whiting School of Engineering and the Carey School of Business, JHU also offers a combined bachelor’s/MBA program with a focus on engineering. This program can be completed in just five years and jumpstarts a career in engineering management.
Entrepreneurship and business students take a variety of courses to develop their skills, make contacts, and gain practical experience. Hopkins undergraduate students are able to take advantage of a wide range of opportunities, from on-campus organizations to competitive internships in finance and consulting.
Students can strategically tailor their undergraduate experience to achieve their professional goals by pairing any major with a business minor from the Center for Leadership Education.
Did you know?
The first university in the United States to establish a research institute was Johns Hopkins University. Despite popular misconception, undergraduate students were enrolled from the time the university was established on October 3, 1876. Bachelor’s degrees were awarded for the first time in 1879, and doctorates in 1878.
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS
Washington University’s Oline Business School focuses on a modern philosophy of business that takes into account the global dynamics of evolving world economies.
The business program faculty is highly invested in every student–with each individual receiving guidance from 10 different advisors–who coach from areas of specialization to assist in focusing education on the areas most important to each student’s unique career path.
Olin Business School offers a wide variety of undergraduate business majors, graduate programs, as well as combined BA/MBA programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BS)
- Bachelor of Science in Business and Computer Science (BS)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Accounting (MACC)
- Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSA)
- Master of Science in Finance (MSF) – Corporate investment track; wealth and asset management track; quantitative finance track; or global master of finance track.
- Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (MSSCM)
While the focus on the subject matter is less varied overall in comparison to similar schools, the finance and accounting options are particularly robust at Olin Business School.
Students interested in global finance will also have access to amazing international resources from partnered universities around the world–from programs in Singapore, South Korea, Germany, Spain, and Israel. For any student interested in international business, Olin Business School is the top of the line.
In addition to its international and St. Louis-based partners, Olin has a large research-oriented network on campus. Students gain first-hand experience by participating in activities such as student consulting, internships, case competitions, and study abroad programs.
In addition to this, students learn to deal objectively and quickly with the constantly changing landscapes of business.
Did you know?
Gerty Cori, a WashU professor, was the first American woman and the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1947.
CLAREMONT MCKENNA COLLEGE
Claremont McKenna College’s Robert Day School of Economics and Finance (RDS) employs a liberal arts philosophy of education to teach students how to look beyond short-term factors and recognize patterns in the big picture–a skill that’s in high demand for any kind of business, but particularly in the areas of finance, accounting, and economics.
Faculty design course curricula to prepare students to take on leadership roles in business, finance, and government, as well as not-for-profit organizations. These skill sets are communicated through degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level–with options for accelerated dual degree programs well:
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics Accounting (BA)
- Bachelor of Arts in Research Institution Management (BA)
- Dual business degree options in psychology, mathematics, or history
- Accelerated Dual Degree Program in Finance (BA to MA)
- Accelerated Dual Degree Program in Economics (BA to MA)
- 3-2 Dual Degree Program in Economics and Engineering (BA and BS)
- Master of Science in Finance (MSF)
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics (BA)
Located in Claremont, California, McKenna College (CMC) is one of seven schools in the Claremont Consortium, which lends itself to a network of resources across the country.
CMC is thus able to offer it’s business students a wide variety of research opportunities and internships in all major regions of the United States. This could be a godsend for any business student looking to break into a business market that’s specific to a certain area of the country outside of California.
Its professors are accomplished scholars and passionate educators who are committed to humanities, science, and social sciences. Claremont McKenna is recognized for its expertise in economics and government.
Eleven of its institutes are world-class. It is extremely common for undergraduates to conduct research with their professors and form close friendships. Through student enterprises, fellowships, and internships off-campus, the College emphasizes leadership and innovation in the classroom.
Did you know?
- Peers throw students into the campus’ two fountains on their birthday as a tradition.
- The first 30 years of Claremont McKenna College were all male.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – BERKELEY
The University of California – Berkeley’s Haas School of Business is a school whose name has become synonymous with academic excellence for students, and synonymous with professional success for graduates.
The Haas School of Business offers a variety of undergraduate majors as well as joint-degree programs in order to combine traditional business education with the interdisciplinary demands of modern industries. The most notable programs are as follows:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BS)
- Management, Entrepreneurship, and Technology program – a business degree in combination with one of these tracks: engineering, bioengineering, civil engineering, materials science, or mechanical engineering
- Global Management program
- Biology and Business program
- Master of Financial Engineering (MFE)
- BCPA Accounting Summer Program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- MBA for Executives
- Ph.D. in Business
The Haas School of Business offers so many tracks for specialization within each business degree track that prospective students will likely find a clear path to their desired career. Despite this variety, each track of specialization is fleshed out with unique features.
Students in the Global Management program, for instance, will spend their fall semester abroad in London, one of the central hubs of global commerce. Biology and Business students work closely with other research students around the world to find entrepreneurial applications for their work. It is this depth of education philosophy and innovation that contributes to Berkeley’s outstanding record.
Another of their offering is the BASE Summer Program which is a six-week intensive business program for undergraduates in the arts, sciences, and engineering who do not major in business. During this program, students earn business units.
When you study business programs at Haas School of Business, you will gain the skills and knowledge you need to navigate the economic and societal challenges of the future as well as gain the experience necessary to make a lasting, positive impact. As a force of action and influence in society and culture, business propels action.
In addition to the traditional ABC careers and the increasing importance of entrepreneurship, there are countless rewarding career paths. With a Haas degree, you will be able to explore every spectacular potential for success and provide yourself with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to make a difference.
Did you know?
The stone ball is rubbed in front of the Campanile before exams as a fun student tradition. Known as the “4.0 ball”, this action is considered lucky.
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business boasts a lofty mission, “to expose, encourage and accelerate business leaders in all dimensions of human endeavor.” As this mission statement implies, the McDonough School of Business highly prioritizes innovation in order to remain relevant to current global market demands.
A good example of this priority in action is the recent development of an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Business and Global Affairs (BSBGA). This program will be open by application in Spring 2020 to first-year students.
The BSBGA features innovative signature courses taught by teams of McDonough and Walsh faculty and experiential learning in D.C. and in industry centers around the world.
McDonough offers the following degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels:
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BA/BS)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Executive MBA (MBA)
- Master of Arts in International Business and Policy (MA)
- Master of Science in Management (MS)
- Executive Master’s in Leadership program (MA/MS)
- Master of Science in Finance (MS)
McDonough also showcases robust global business offerings for undergraduates in the form of international internship programs, semesters abroad, as well as summer courses in a variety of countries. This school will be at the top of the list for anyone looking to specialize in global business while maintaining the focus implied in any of the degrees above.
With its location in the world’s capital city of Washington, D.C., Georgetown has unparalleled access to the global capital’s diplomatic, economic, government, and policy communities. More than 190,000 alumni of the university are spread all over the world, ensuring a lifetime of support no matter where they are.
Among Georgetown’s many outstanding programs, the McDonough School of Business is one of the best. They contribute to enhancing the university’s global reputation in fields including business, international service, public policy, law, and medicine.
Additionally, faculty members are encouraged to collaborate across schools in order to develop new, interdisciplinary scholarship and research. Business and multiple disciplines are crucial to solving the most pressing issues of the day, such as climate change, artificial intelligence, global health, and cybersecurity.
Did you know?
Georgetown University Medical Center has more than 400 scientists conducting basic and clinical research at its two locations on campus.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
USC Marshall School of Business
The University of South Carolina’s Marshall School of Business is one of the world’s most premier and innovative business education platforms. Located in South Carolina, Marshall is anything but a regional school and employs a number of entirely unique programs that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The World Bachelor of Business (WBB) for instance, is the only 4-year 3-continent 3-degree program in the world.
Marshall is also the only school to offer a business and cinematics program in conjunction with the number one ranked film school in the world, and it was also the first business school to offer an integrated entrepreneurship program where entrepreneurs could earn business degree credits in tandem with developing their actual business.
Marshall also offers the ELC program, the nation’s first applied learning program to employ professional trainers to design and conduct simulations and employ workshops to cultivate real-world skills in undergraduates.
While the focus of Marshall is certainly leaning toward a more global philosophy, there is a variety of business programs on offer from undergraduate to graduate and Ph.D. programs–each of which employs an interdisciplinary approach to prepare students for real-world careers. The prestige of these programs is evidenced by the following metrics of success:
- 4,193 business students
- 90% of Marshall students have interned
- 87% of Freshman are involved in international programs
- 33% of Marshall students pursue a double major or minor.
- 91,000 Marshall alumni worldwide
As part of their four-year programs, you will be able to choose courses both within the Business School and at the university as a whole. Choosing from over 250 upper-division elective options at Marshall will allow you to specialize in the business field of your choice.
An experiential learning opportunity designed to expose Marshall freshmen to business practices outside the United States includes an 8-day trip to visit companies and meet business executives. Students can have opportunities to travel to Taiwan, Argentina, Finland, Hong Kong, Sweden, Spain, Chile, Japan, and Australia.
With over 50 study abroad programs in 28 countries and research opportunities, USC Dornsife offers a wide range of options for spending a semester or year abroad.
Did you know?
The University of Southern California has produced a gold medalist at every Summer Olympiad since 1912, and no other university has done so. There have been 423 Olympians produced by the University which is world record-breaking. There have been a record 288 Olympic Medals won by these Olympians!
CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
The Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business employs a teaching philosophy that prioritizes the building of relationships, so that faculty know students by name. Further illustrating a commitment to this philosophy, class sizes are small so that each student can receive the necessary focus to encourage growth.
The Tepper School of Business offers more options at the graduate level however, customized degree tracks are available to students who wish to pursue a degree that’s specifically tailored to fit a particular career path. Tepper’s traditional degree programs are as follows:
- Bachelor of Economics (BA or BS)
- Bachelor of Science in Economics and Politics (BS)
- Bachelor of Science in Economics and Mathematical Sciences (BS)
- Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics (BS)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science in Business Analytics (MS)
- Master of Science in Product Management (MSPM)
- Master of Integrated Innovation for Products and Services (MIIPS)
- Master of Science in Computational Finance (MSCF)
- PhD of Business with a variety of specializations on offer
Each of these program tracks offers further specializations so that students can pursue the area of the industry that is most beneficial to their desired career path. Each program also employs an integrated curriculum, so that students will build real-world hands-on experience in their chosen area of expertise.
The Tepper School of Business is an excellent choice for any student interested in business education with a focus on technology and computer science, but also offers enough flexibility and student empowerment so that any path can be pursued adequately to provide an edge over the competition upon entering the job market.
You’ll take core business courses in your first year as you develop analytical, communication, and contextual skills, and select a concentration to gain a deeper understanding of a particular field of business.
As one of the most respected business schools around the world, the Tepper School has been distinguished by its rigorous academic programs, its analytical, data-driven approach to problem-solving, the impact of its faculty’s research, the creativity and ambition of its students, as well as the business successes of its alumni.
Did you know?
The Fence at Carnegie Mellon is painted in the middle of campus, much like Northwestern‘s rock and Tufts’ cannon. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized the original wooden fence as the “world’s most painted object” before it collapsed in 1993.
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
The University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business was founded in 1921 and has faithfully enacted the mission of its founding dean, John Cardinal O’Hara, ever since. That mission is to follow the philosophy, which states “the primary function of commerce is service to mankind.”
In other words, the Mendoza College of Business instills in its students a desire for more than just individual success–where instead they are taught to aim higher towards marks of success that might benefit humanity as a whole.
As implied by this philosophy, the focus is on business system innovations. As such many of the programs provide an interdisciplinary approach in order to develop extensive problem-solving strategies for modern problems. In the words of the program director, this involves, “developing your whole self – your faith, your values, your intellect, and your passions.”
Undergraduates can further develop career specialization through the following business major programs on offer:
- Bachelor of Accounting
- Bachelor of Business Analytics
- Bachelor of Business Technology
- Bachelor of Finance
- Bachelor of Management Consulting
- Bachelor of Marketing
If students seek further specialization, these program paths can be tailored to meet individual needs through the addition of interdisciplinary minors, which can incorporate anything from psychology to computer science. A highly invested group of faculty advisors assist each student in making the most of such decisions in order to prepare them for entering the job market.
They incorporate liberal arts, science, theology, and other programs into the undergraduate curriculum to ensure a holistic experience. The University offers more than 40 study abroad programs in 20 different countries to students wishing to broaden their horizons.
The classes are small in design, allowing you to receive individual attention from your professors and personalized career guidance. In 2018, Poets & Quants ranked the College No. 5 in the country.
Did you know?
A bag of marshmallows is smuggled into Notre Dame stadium before the final home game every season. It is thrown at one another throughout the game in the student section. Millions of marshmallows are thrown into the air. But no one knows how this tradition started.
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
The University of Washington Foster School of Business holds many impressive accolades. Among the most impressive are the following:
- $913k in scholarships awarded
- 30 study abroad opportunities
- $58k starting salaries for graduating seniors
- 28 student organizations supported
As demonstrated by the various study abroad options, Foster places special emphasis on business in the context of global markets. Thus students can expect a very updated and modern curriculum that aligns with this aim.
The Undergraduate track offers flexibility around a focal point, that being a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA). Students pursuing a BABA are then able to choose between two main tracks of specialization—a custom-built track, or a more traditional track that follows one of the following areas of study:
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Finances
- Human Resources Management
- Information Systems
- Marketing
- Operations & Supply Chain Management
Foster celebrates its unique and rich partnerships with iconic companies – they work together and innovate together. Foster alumni work at world-class companies and in entrepreneurial ventures. US News & World Report, Businessweek, Financial Times, Economist, Forbes, Princeton Review, and Poets & Quants rank the Foster School as the best public business school in the Northwest.
This public business school is committed to providing students with an educational experience that is both accessible and community oriented.
Did you know?
On Feb. 26, 1970, University of Washington students organized the “World’s First Trash-In,” bringing trash from their homes, sorting it into paper, metal, plastic, and glass, then returning it to its owners with a request that it be reprocessed.
This event raised awareness about the waste we generate in America and helped Seattle become a recycling leader.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ross School of Business is a name that is synonymous with long-term success. One can see why this reputation is well-earned, particularly in the bachelor of business administration (BBA) program:
- 186 companies hired Ross BBA graduates in 2019
- 97% of BBA graduates received job offers in 2019
- $78,500 is the median base salary of BBA graduates
- 91% of BBA students graduate
Where other comparable schools may provide a wide variety of undergraduate specializations and degree track options, Ross opts instead for a more streamlined focus on traditional business administration. This focus allows them to provide the best possible program in a single area and is thus designed for students with likewise focus.
Students who are not willing to trade specialization, however, can still work towards a specific area of expertise in Ross graduate programs. Beyond a traditional MBA track, Ross offers an evening track, weekend option, as well as an online MBA. Specialized graduate degrees include one-year accelerated programs as well as the following:
- Executive MBA
- Global MBA
- Master of Accounting (one-year program)
- Master of Supply Chain Management (one-year program)
- Master of Management (one-year program)
A top-ranked business school, their program offers action-oriented learning to prepare graduates for the challenges of today’s rapidly changing world. They are committed to setting a new standard in business education and setting a new standard for business.
Did you know?
It took almost 25 years before the university held a university-level course. Even after moving west to Ann Arbor four years later, it did not hold one at its original location in Detroit. 11 men graduated from the first class in 1845.
EMORY UNIVERSITY
Emory University’s Goizueta Business College takes pride in developing students into professionals. 95% of business school graduates received job offers within three months of graduating. This notably high average is perhaps due to the college’s investment in students–100% of students receive coaching and professional development during their time at the school.
Goizueta Business College employs a singular focus on curriculums that center around traditional business administration and management. The primary undergraduate business degree on offer is the bachelor of business administration. The degree is comprised of a syllabus designed to facilitate the following areas of expertise:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Information Systems and Operations Management
- Marketing
- Strategy and Management Consulting
Graduate programs are available for students looking to earn an MBA as well. For both graduate and undergraduate students, Goizueta College offers degree concentration options in the following subjects:
- Arts Management
- Global Business
- Environmental Management
- Film and Media Management
- Health Innovation
In 1919, the Goizueta Business School was one of the nation’s first business schools. It is now one of the top business schools in the country. More than 70 cutting-edge research centers are located at Emory University. The combination of their resources, talents, connections, and scholarship makes the business school unmatched.
Professors at Goizueta are active global players. In their fields, they conduct research, develop insights, provide solutions, and lead initiatives. The research they conduct influences business worldwide.
Did you know?
The Emory community is brought together by traditions such as Wonderful Wednesday, the Homecoming parade, concerts, and alumni days.
WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY
The Williams School of Commerce, Economics and Politics
Washington and Lee University offers excellent education programs through the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics. An interdisciplinary teaching philosophy allows students to incorporate various subject focuses into a business-minded major. Undergraduate programs on offer are as follows:
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BS)
- Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurship (BA)
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics (BA)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BS)
According to the program description, “the Business Administration Department’s role in educating students in the liberal arts tradition emphasizes written and verbal communication, development of student understanding of business theory and practice as well as connections between business and other fields, and importance of serving society with vision and integrity.”
A stellar faculty assists business students in setting ideal course education paths that are best suited to fulfill the professional aspirations of the individual. This can include anything from interdisciplinary degree concentrations, to entrepreneurial opportunities, or internships around the world.
Students are able to reach out to their professors throughout each day because they have an “open door” policy. Education is indeed their highest priority without a doubt. Accounting, economics, statistics, entrepreneurship, business law, marketing, finance, organization behavior, and strategic management are among the courses taken by Business Administration majors.
Investments, multinational business finance, and corporate finance courses are some of the electives available to finance students. Computer and technology students can choose electives such as management information systems or e-commerce management.
Did you know?
Founded in Lexington, Virginia, W&L was first known as Washington College four months after Lee became its president. As Washington and Lee University’s president from 1863 to 1870, Lee’s death led to the college’s renaming.
BOSTON COLLEGE
The Boston College Carroll School of Management consistently ranks among the best business schools in the country. Undergraduate business degree concentrations follow one of–or a combination of–the following subject paths:
- Accounting
- Accounting for Finance and Consulting
- Accounting and Information Systems
- Business Analytics
- Corporate Reporting and Analysis
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- General Management
- Information Systems
- Management and Leadership
- Managing for Social Impact and the Public Good
- Marketing
- Operations Management
The Carroll School of Management offers students a career-centric approach with real-world internships designed to cultivate the skills that are in high demand in modern job markets.
In the words of the program director, “starting with our distinctive Portico course and throughout their four years, students are immersed in a state-of-the-art business education and cultivate astute leadership skills, analytical proficiency, and ethical aptitude.”
As evidenced in this statement, the Carroll School of Management employs a particular focus on ethics-based business with an intention of benefiting local communities and global communities alike.
Students in the BBA program select a business specialization, learn about what drives them, and broaden their knowledge by studying multiple disciplines. By learning these skills, they develop their intellectual curiosity while developing the quantitative and qualitative skills necessary to thrive in 21st-century economies.
Students learn about the global and ethical dimensions of business throughout their four-year studies, analyzing complex challenges, taking risks for innovation, communicating adeptly, and acting responsibly. The educational experience goes beyond securing a job. The intent is to create a place in the world and make a difference.
Did you know?
Instagram’s most popular college is Boston College. It is BC’s Gasson Hall that has been Instagrammed the most.
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
New York University’s business programs offer some of the most diverse degree offerings in this ranking. NYU is recognized worldwide for its innovative approach to education, and its philosophy of business education is no different. Undergraduate and graduate students alike in the NYU program enjoy enormous freedom to pursue passions and professional expertise in the following business degree concentrations:
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- Advanced Mathematical Methods
- Business and Political Economy
- Business Economics
- Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology
- Business Studies
- Business Technology Management
- Computing and Data Science
- Economics
- Economic Theory
- Entertainment, Media, and Technology
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Global Business
- Hotel and Tourism Management
- Individualized Study
- Liberal Studies
- Management and Organizations
- Marketing
- Music Business
- Operations
- Public Policy and Management
- Real Estate
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Sports Management
- Statistics
- Sustainable Business
NYU business students will be studying in an area that is recognized as a central hub for global business and innovation. Classes are held for instance within walking distance of Wall Street and dozens of world-renowned businesses that span all major industries.
Proximity to this international hub for business means that the NYU degree program offers inroads to amazing opportunities that many other comparable schools simply cannot replicate. These career opportunities combined with a rigorous education where students can pursue such diverse routes of specialization results in one of the best business programs in the world.
Did you know?
A number of celebrities have graduated from NYU, including Lady Gaga, Martin Scorsese, Angelina Jolie, Anne Hathaway and Adam Sandler.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School is designed to provide students with the skills needed to take advantage of the flexibility offered in undergraduate business degrees.
According to the program directors, “you’ll master essential problem-solving, collaboration, teamwork and analytical skills that will prepare you for success in almost any field—from finance and consulting, to commercial, government and non-profit.” Specifically, students can further specialize these skillsets within any of the following program tracks:
- Consulting
- Entrepreneurship
- Investment Banking
- Investment Management
- Marketing Management & Sales
- Multinational Finance
- Operations
- Real Estate
The investment management, real estate, and multinational finance track are less common than undergraduate degrees. Thus these programs serve to give students–who pursue one of the related professions–a jump start on the specialization that would otherwise wait until graduate education.
The UNC Kenan Flagler School of Business offers several graduate degree programs as well including an MBA and a Master of Accounting, as well as a Ph.D. business program. Prospective students who have an interest in business executive positions can also pursue a degree through the executive development program, which seeks to develop a curriculum that is best suited to an individual’s particular career goals.
Business majors are designed to give you the skills you need to succeed in a wide range of careers, regardless of your career goals. Their academic advisors will assist you in selecting the right courses based on your interests and goals. Become fluent in domestic and global business trends while mastering core business skills.
You can select electives that provide the competencies you need while aligning with your interests and goals. This major prepares you for a variety of careers. UPB’s 60 percent double-major/minor students are able to take advantage of all UNC has to offer.
Did you know?
It is not just the oldest public university in the country, but also one of the original 8 Ivies. One of the fiercest sports rivalries in history has its origins at the University of North Carolina with its men’s basketball dominance.
BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY
Bucknell University’s Kenneth W. Freeman College of Management is a career-focused university. One of the challenges faced by business schools with tremendous traditions is that they can become too dependent on such traditions, leaving their students disconnected in relation to the current demands of the ever-evolving business landscape.
The Freeman College of Management seems acutely aware of this challenge and offers a solution–a commitment to a curriculum that is developed contemporaneously with the ebbs and flows of modern job markets.
With this philosophy in mind, students can expect highly invested faculty advisors as well as career coaching at various stages in the semester. Freeman offers the following degree paths:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Management & Organizations
- Markets, Innovations, and Design
- Business Analytics
- Global Management
- Managing for Sustainability
Freeman is one of the few top-end business schools in the country to offer a Managing for Sustainability degree path, and as such represents an excellent opportunity for any prospective student working towards a career in environmental science.
Perhaps the most notable example of Freeman’s commitment to immersing students into real-world industries is their student investment fund program, which sees juniors and seniors manage $2 million of the university’s endowment–a singular opportunity for any student looking to jump-start investment management experience.
During their time at Bucknell, students tour the New York Stock Exchange and Silicon Valley’s leading tech companies, start their own companies with Bucknell seed money, and manage a portion of Bucknell’s endowment worth millions of dollars.
Did you know?
In 1852, they opened their Female Institute. In 1864, they graduated their first international student, and in 1875, they graduated their first African American student.
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY
Villanova University School of Business received the #1 spot in Bloomberg’s Businessweek ranking of undergraduate business schools. The fact that it is #19 in our ranking says less about Villanova and more about the sheer quality and sterling reputation of other universities we have ranked thus far.
Villanova distinguishes itself as a top-end school through a clear commitment to grooming students into skillful and confident professionals. The Clay Center and The O’Donnell Center for Professional Development offer combined host services that aid in professional coaching and career guidance.
Through these services, students can find the ideal internship, a coop for research, or even find a team of like-minded members to pursue a grant. Additionally, advisors from the Clay Center help students to choose the ideal program from one of the following majors, minors, or co-majors:
- Accounting
- Major/ Minor
- Business Analytics
- Co-Major/ Minor
- Business Law and Governance
- Minor
- Economics
- Major/ Minor
- Finance
- Major/ Minor
- International Business
- Major/ Minor
- Management
- Major
- Management Information Systems
- Major
- Marketing
- Major/ Minor
- Real Estate
- Major/ Minor
Aside from these degree programs, students can further specialize their route of study by pursuing one of four concentrations: applied quantitative finance, consulting, business development, digital marketing. Regardless of the path chosen, students can expect smaller class sizes where they can develop stronger relationships with instructors.
The incoming class size of 2019 was just over 400. The success of this environment is evident in the high average salary of graduates sitting at $64,714.
Villanova’s School of Business can offer you a wide range of opportunities to maximize your strengths and advance your interests. Your sophomore year is when you’ll choose your major or two. Consult an advisor from the Clay Center if you are having difficulty deciding.
Furthermore, the faculty members regularly take time to discuss these major decisions with students.
Did you know?
The Order of Saint Augustine founded Villanova University in 1842. As a Catholic intellectual tradition, Villanova is still the cornerstone of an academic community where students are taught to be critically minded, compassionate and to excel in serving others.
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers excellent degree programs through the Gies College of Business. Students will be able to choose between one of three main areas of focus–accountancy, business administration, and finance. These three areas of focus are further divided into the following undergraduate and graduate programs:
- BS in Accountancy
- BS in Finance
- BS in Information Systems
- BS in Management
- BS in Marketing
- BS in Operations Management
- BS in Supply Chain Management
- BS in Strategic Business Development and Entrepreneurship
- The Hoeft Technology and Management Program
- Master of Accounting Science
- Master of Science in Accountancy
- MS in Business Administration
- MS in Finance
- MS in Financial Engineering
- MS in Management
- MS in Technology Management
- Online MBA
- Online MS in Strategic Brand Communication
A 30:1 student to faculty ratio ensures that the thriving environment of a large university does not overshadow the personal needs of an individual student in the classroom. Gies College of Business also prioritizes a commitment to real-world preparation and global awareness.
A multitude of study abroad opportunities as well as robust internship offerings contributes to a very rich picture of professional development offered through the University’s career services department.
A classroom education is only the beginning of a lifetime of learning. Outside of the classroom, you’ll have many opportunities to build on what you learn and discover your passions. A career is just a beginning at Gies.
With eight of the most highly ranked business majors and three minors, you will be provided with the tools to find your purpose and support you to be your best.
Students working toward a bachelor’s degree at Gies will take courses in professional responsibility, business dynamics, global business, and business in action during the Cohort Sequence.
Did you know?
While there are chain restaurants at UIUC, many local restaurants continue to exist and remain popular, and for good reason. They are ranked the #2 Midwest food town by Midwest Living.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specializations should I consider when earning a business degree?
An Accounting degree is the most popular business degree to earn; however, there are many other specializations to consider, such as:
- Marketing & Marketing Strategies
- Human Resources Management
- International Business
- Finance & Financial Analysis
- Tax Accounting
- Project Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Economics
- Operations Management
- And more!
What is the highest-paying business degree?
Earning an associate degree in business is something to build upon. As you transition through a bachelor’s degree, eventually you will want to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. To earn a lucrative salary in the field of business leadership, most often, an MBA degree is required.
Business majors have a unique chance to become acquainted with a wide range of business principles. An education in business will enable you to work in a variety of settings, including government, business, and non-profit organizations.
A major in one of the areas of business will prepare you to pursue a career in manufacturing or tech, agriculture or fashion, whatever your interests are. As such, business majors are strategic, employable, and flexible.
The earnings potential of a business major is another benefit. Several occupations related to business had higher salaries than the average wage for all workers, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Some high-paying professions, however, may also require more hours on the job than the average. Marketing, International Business, and Accounting are some branches of business that offer more of a higher average salary than other sectors and may provide additional compensation and benefits.
Key Points to Ponder
- What can you do with your business degree? No doubt, earning a business degree will provide a wealth of opportunities, such as needed in international business, human resources management, supply chain management, business administration, operations management, in the healthcare industry, and other leadership postitions.
- You will learn many types of business principles, such as critical thinking, portfolio management, marketing strategies, interpersonal skills, sales management, and general business administration skills, to name a few.
- As you can see, business degrees offer a plethora of career advancement opportunities. Consider earning yours today! The best ways to showcase your talent? Earn a business degree; see which one is a good fit for you!
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