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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 Campus

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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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 Ringold

    Dr. Debra J. Ringold has been a faculty member since 1994, serving also as a professor and dean. Known for her award-winning teaching and research, she instructs courses in marketing across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, emphasizing the importance of integrating customer needs into organizational strategy.

    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 48 semester hours of core courses to complete the degree. In addition, students complete 12 semester hours of prerequisite courses, 4 semester hours for the Major Internship, and 3-4 semester hours in an experiential elective course.

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.

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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 $26,000 per year. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, considering cumulative GPA and SAT or ACT scores, if available.

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FAQs

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Business Administration