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Study Business Administration

Prepare for success in business, government, or not-for-profit management. Solve complex problems with our business administration degree.

Program Snapshot

Undergraduate Bachelor of Science

Major, Minor

124

4 Years

Salem

A man typing on his laptop in a classroom setting

Our Business Major & Minor

Willamette is the only university that is listed among both the nation's best liberal arts colleges and top business schools. Prepare for your career with real-world experiences, setting you up for diverse career opportunities and lifelong success. Major in business to solve problems, communicate effectively, and collaborate on challenges.

Why choose business administration at Willamette?

  • Hands-on learning. Work with clients, start new ventures, and navigate internships. We ensure students gain real-world experiences through required courses.
  • Top-rated business school connections. Students can learn directly from our MBA professors and utilize resources and support from our MBA school. They can also explore our MBA pathways, like our One-Year MBA to further their studies.
  • Experience the best of both worlds. Combine a business degree with a liberal arts education. Develop a unique set of skills that stand out with a competitive job market.

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Relying on the strengths of each team member, a group of Willamette students received accolades at the International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition.

Willamette students win big at international collegiate business competition

The team's simulated company, Bearcat Health, won Best Presentation Award, Runner-up in Documents, and Runner-up in Overal Performance. With students taking on roles such as CEO and Chief Strategy Officer, the competition gave participants the chance to gain hands-on experience in business management.

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Image of students with awards
Students from the class of 2024 and the class of 2025 made up the team. Their experience beyond the classroom gave the team an advantage as several members applied the competitive mindset they've developed as student athletes to the competition.

Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Curious where this major can take you? These are the real internships, graduate opportunities, and careers our Business students have gone on to.

  • A Willamette student looks through some papers at a table outside

    Internships

    • BNP Paribas
    • Columbia Sportswear Co.
    • Energy Trust of Oregon
    • Garmin
    • Hewlett Packard
    • Hydro Flask
    • Intel Corp.
    • Kaiser Permanente
    • Keep Oregon Green Association
    • Salem Health
    • Seelig Financial Group, LLC
    • Tektronix
    • The Standard
    • Wieden+Kennedy
  • Willamette graduates at Commencement

    Graduate School Destinations

    • Oregon Health & Science University
    • Oregon State University
    • Portland State University
    • University of Oregon
    • University of Utah
    • Willamette University
  • A person stands in front of a window with a view of downtown Portland.

    Employment Outcomes

    • adidas
    • Amazon
    • Anheuser-Busch
    • Apple Computer, Inc.
    • Daimler Trucks of North America
    • Deloitte
    • Ernst & Young
    • Isler Northwest LLC
    • Mentor Graphics
    • MercyCorps
    • Nasdaq
    • Seattle Seahawks
    • U.S. Bank

Alumni Stories

Whether they're starting businesses, leading board rooms, or creating campaigns, our alumni are changing the business world. Learn how our alumni are using their business major to pave new paths in a variety of industries.

  • Nathan Love ‘05 MBA’06

    Alum succeeds by thinking beyond now to 'what is possible’
    Nathan Love ’05 MBA’06, who advanced from roles at Lionsgate and TiVo to leading business development at T-Mobile, attributes his success to the networking and education at Willamette University, emphasizing the importance of thinking beyond the present to what is possible.

    Image of alum Nathan Love sitting at the NASDAQ desk.
  • A man standing in a lobby with a Seattle Seahawks logo on the wall behind him.

    Paimon Jaberi ’17 MBA’18

    Finding strength in numbers
    Paimon Jaberi ’17 MBA’18, a former linebacker for the Bearcats, now works as a business intelligence analyst for the Seattle Seahawks, utilizing data to enhance team operations and fan experiences, crediting Willamette's 3-2 business program for propelling his career.

Introducing Some of Our Faculty

Our professors teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels. From management and marketing to finance, they have expertise in several areas of business. They're also active in the business world, providing unique insights for students eager to start their careers.

  • Meet Professor Park

    Dr. Seongkyu (Gilbert) Park is an expert in financial economics with a rich academic background, and a track record of award-winning research. His students engage in cutting-edge financial studies and benefit from his dedication to academic and professional excellence.

    Dr. Seongkyu (Gilbert) Park
  • Meet Professor Johnson

    Dr. Tim Johnson is a dedicated scholar, researching methods like AI, mathematical modeling, and big-data analysis. As an award-winning professor, his approach offers students cutting-edge insights, preparing them for impactful careers.

    Dr. Tim Johnson
  • Meet Professor Dutta

    Dr. Dutta's research examines operational and strategic challenges in global supply chains that carry significant societal and policy implications. Deeply committed to teaching, she strives to create a learning environment where students connect theory to real-world problems within a classroom climate that is safe, fair, and inclusive.

    Dr. Debra J. Ringold

Curriculum

Combine hands-on learning with skills in analytics, decision making, problem solving, communication, and teamwork. Our program focuses on sustainable and socially responsible solutions, emphasizing a global mindset through courses and study abroad options. Take advantage of networking events and guest speakers to build your network and learn from experts.

  • BUS 3105 Marketing Principles & Practice

    Learn how marketing can shape entire organizations by building strong, lasting relationships with customers. Create and assess effective marketing strategies that deliver real value.

  • BUS 4201 Leadership & Career Development

    Effective leadership requires emotional intelligence, strong relationships, and diverse styles. This course builds these skills, covering leadership theories, influencing strategies, and career preparation, including resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and interview techniques.

Program Requirements

Our Business major requires 40 semester hours of core courses to complete the major. In addition, students complete 8 semester hours of prerequisite courses, 4 semester hours for the Major Internship, and 3-4 semester hours in an experiential elective course. Students need 124 hours to complete the degree.

Students pursuing a Business minor will complete five business courses totaling 20 semester hours. These courses involve the fundamentals of management and managerial disciplines — leadership, accounting, organizations, finance, and marketing.

Students seated at desks with laptops in a classroom, appearing attentive.

Admissions Information

Our Business program is open to first-year students, transfer students and international students. Learn more about Willamette’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.

Young man smiling in a classroom, holding papers with a yellow notepad in front of him. Another person faces away from the ca

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Willamette University is dedicated to supporting Business majors with generous merit scholarships and financial aid. No additional application is required for consideration. All admitted undergraduate applicants are automatically evaluated for merit-based scholarships, starting at $28,000 per year. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, considering cumulative GPA and SAT or ACT scores, if available.

A MacBook Air with a PowerPoint of a graph and a Starbucks coffee sitting on a table in a classroom

FAQs

A business degree offers a versatile foundation that can lead to career paths across industries. Here are some options:

  • Business Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Financial Analyst
  • Accountant
  • Marketing Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • HR Manager
  • Talent Acquisition Specialist
  • Business Owner
  • Management Consultant
  • Budget Analyst
  • Policy Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager
  • IT Manager
  • Business Analyst
  • Real Estate Manager
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Healthcare Manager
  • Nonprofit Manager

Business administration refers to the management and organization of business operations. It involves overseeing a wide range of activities for running a business or organization effectively and efficiently. By integrating these functions, business administrators ensure smooth operations and optimized processes, driving the organization toward its goals.

Business administration uses a variety of functions to ensure success. Review some of the core business functions to understand how integrated business is.

  • Business administration focuses on strategic planning, which involves creating long-term goals and strategies to achieve business objectives.
  • Financial management is another cornerstone, covering budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, and investment management to maintain the financial health of the organization.
  • Human resources management plays a vital role in recruiting, training, and managing employees. It also ensures compliance with labor laws and fosters a positive work environment.
  • Marketing and sales strategies promote products or services, conduct market research, and drive revenue growth.
  • Supply chain management ensures the efficient flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. It covers procurement, logistics, and inventory management.
  • Information technology management is crucial for maintaining infrastructure, ensuring data security, and implementing solutions to improve business processes.

Studying business provides a strong foundation for a wide range of career paths. It also equips students with skills that employers highly value in the job market. Here are some key reasons to study business:

  • Diverse Career Paths: A business degree opens doors to various industries and roles. This allows graduates to pursue careers in management, finance, marketing, government, nonprofits, and consulting.
  • Develop Core Skills: Business programs teach skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and communication abilities. These skills are transferable and applicable across different fields and roles, enhancing career potential and advancement.
  • Understand Operations: Studying business provides insights into how companies function, from small startups to large corporations. This knowledge is valuable for anyone looking to work in or with businesses.
  • Ambitious Mindset: A business degree offers the foundational knowledge needed to launch and manage a successful venture. Courses on business planning and innovation prepare students to navigate the challenges of running a business.
  • Networking Events: Join numerous events and build professional networks through internships, industry projects, networking events, and alumni connections. These networks can be invaluable for career growth and job placement.
  • Financial Acumen: Studying business provides a solid understanding of financial principles, such as budgeting, investing, and planning. These skills are important for professional and personal success.
  • Agility and Innovation: Businesses are constantly evolving, which is why business programs teach students how to adapt to changes. This is crucial for staying competitive in a rapidly changing job market.
  • High Earning Potential: Careers in business often come with attractive salary prospects. Jobs in finance, management, and consulting, in particular, tend to offer competitive salaries.
  • Impact and Influence: Business professionals have the ability to influence organizational strategies, drive innovation, and make decisions that impact the economy and society. Studying business equips students to take on leadership roles and make meaningful contributions to their organizations and communities.

Absolutely! You can pair the business minor with any major at Willamette. Our business minor includes five courses that introduce students to the fundamentals of management.

Willamette University

Business Administration