6 things you should know before college
November 25, 2016
College is different than high school. Keep these things in mind while preparing to come to Colorado State University.
Business Administration Major
Do you want to become an effective leader and decision maker in today’s dynamic business environment?
At a glance
CSU’s College of Business believes business has the power to create a better world. The College of Business is recognized by the Financial Times as the best business school in North America for responsible business education. A B.S. in business administration from CSU prepares future leaders to make societal impact through meaningful careers in highly sought-after positions worldwide. With 11 specialized concentrations to choose from, you can tailor your academic journey to achieve your unique career aspirations. You will also develop analytical thinking skills, explore current business practices, gain hands-on experience, and learn to lead with optimism and resilience amid today’s societal, environmental, and economic challenges.
| Degree type | Bachelor of Science | |||
| Format | On campus | |||
| Part of | College of Business | |||
| Competitive major? | Yes | |||
| Accelerated option? | Yes |
Not sure if this is the right major for you?
See all of them!
See all of them!
Concentrations
A concentration allows you to specialize in a certain area within your major, offering a depth of information and hands-on experiences that you may not otherwise get. Many students in this major will concentrate in one area to work in a specific field after college, as well as find mentors and internships before they even graduate.
Students in this major must pick a concentration as part of their degree.
Accounting
This concentration prepares you for a career in that will help you navigate complex financial landscapes and become a trusted advisor that helps shape the health and success of an organization, providing crucial insights that drive strategic planning and growth. You’ll learn financial reporting, managerial accounting, taxation, accounting information systems, and auditing. You can also take a fifth year to prepare for the CPA exam and enter the workforce with one of the most important professional credentials in accounting.
Computer Information Systems
There is growing demand for computer information systems professionals’ ability to develop and implement new systems, organize and analyze data, and deploy security procedures that are essential for businesses. After graduating from one of the first-of-its-kind programs, you will have a distinct advantage in today’s demanding job market, having learned how to help organizations use cutting-edge technologies to increase efficiency, develop new products and services, and achieve strategic advantage.
Finance
Interested in the stock market or how to help organizations prioritize their investments? In finance, you’ll learn to understand how business functions connect so they can help organizations study asset valuation, manage investments, navigate risk, and engage in global finance. You’ll get to choose one of three specialized options to pursue your interests: corporate finance, investment analysis, and real estate finance. You’ll also have access to CSU’s state-of-the art Bloomberg terminals, the industry standard to access the latest global financial information.
Financial Planning
This concentration can help lead you to a career guiding individuals and businesses to help meet their goals and achieve financial security. You’ll create customized strategies for investments, retirement,and wealth management, helping people manage their money. At CSU, you’ll study retirement planning, employee benefits, income taxes, estate planning and risk management, all leading to preparation for the Certified Financial PlannerCFP exam upon graduation.
Human Resource Management
Whether you’re a natural people person or excited by bringing together well-functioning, inclusive teams, the human resource management concentration allows you to put these talents to use. You’ll merge theory with practice, gaining hands-on experience in HR systems design and implementation. You’ll then take your learning to the next level with internships and network with professionals through community connections.
International Business (second concentration)
The modern economy relies on a web of international deals, supply lines and marketplaces. Many companies frame their business strategies around the movement of goods, services, and ideas across borders and between cultures. As a secondary concentration, the international business curriculum prepares you for careers in global organizations, emphasizing balancing business practices with geopolitics, cultural nuances and languages.
Management and Innovation
Redefine your natural leadership skills through coursework taught by top-tier faculty, learning the skills to innovate, lead others, and make informed-and-ethical decisions that advance short- and long-term efforts in business. This concentration prepares you to be an effective manager, complete with the ability to navigate complex business environments while bringing clients and team members together to achieve common goals.
Marketing
If crafting captivating campaigns, uncovering consumer insights, and elevating brands to new heights sounds exciting, this is the concentration for you. You’ll learn what it takes to create impactful campaigns, analyze consumer behavior, and drive brand success. Your education will span digital marketing, brand management, market research, and more. Plus, CSU’s industry connections offer exclusive networking, guest lectures, and coveted internships, ensuring you’re well-prepared to excel and stand out in a dynamic market.
Real Estate
Prepare to enter into one of the largest industries in the world: commercial real estate. While studying real estate, you’ll learn from faculty with years of real estate and financial experience. You’ll gain a multi-disciplinary understanding of how to make real estate deals a reality by developing comprehensive business strategies to connect financial, architectural, and community needs. You’ll find specialized resources, like the on-campus Everitt Real Estate Center, along with a suite of courses that account for the latest changes and best practices in the real estate field.
Supply Chain Management
In the age of overnight shipping and global supply chain delays, organizations seek professionals who can lead and develop sustainable, socially equitable, and profitable supply chains. These networks turn raw materials into fully packaged, sales-ready goods available in stores or delivered to your home. This concentration will teach you how to navigate this dynamic and ever-changing industry, managing resources and relationships with suppliers across the globe.
Sustainable Business
As recognition of the need for environmental and social issues grows, so do opportunities for professionals knowledgeable on creating a more-sustainable future in all areas of business. In this concentration, you’ll combine traditional business principles and practices with a focus on environmental, social, and ethical considerations to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, social inequality, and corporate responsibility.
Some Career Options
Depending on the concentration you choose within the Business major, you’ll graduate into a career that ranges from corporate to creative to entrepreneurial. You can look forward to domestic and global opportunities in management, marketing, information technology, and human resources in a wide array of sectors from finance and accounting to manufacturing and tourism, as well as nonprofits, startups, and creative industries. You may even work in sustainability, sports, or become your own boss in your own company.
- Accountant/CPA
- Loan Officer/Mortgage Specialist
- Real Estate Business Owner/Agent
- Product Manager
- Financial Planner/Advisor
- Business Consultant or Analyst
- Marketing Manager/Director
- Digital Media Specialist
- Human Resources Professional
- Project or Operations Manager
- Account Executive/Manager
- Entrepreneur
Related CSU graduate programs
Tour and info session options
Tours may be available as part of Admissions tours and info sessions, offered throughout the year.
For additional opportunities, please reach out to:
College of Business recruiter at [email protected]
academic Info and Tips
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Explore even more
Want a more in-depth look at this major? Take a look at the program website to learn more.