Business (Exploratory)

In Valparaiso University’s College of Business, our exploratory pathway allows you to explore diverse fields, gain hands-on experience, and discover the path that inspires you.

Why Business at Valpo?

Your education in Valpo’s College of Business will go far beyond how to maximize profit and shareholder value. You will be empowered to become a bold, visionary leader who shines with integrity, helping organizations succeed with a combined focus on people, planet, and profit. Through hands-on learning, small class sizes, and personalized mentorship from faculty, you’ll be prepared to excel in the workplace with a foundation in values-based leadership to do good in the world.

Valpo’s business program allows you to explore different disciplines and discover your calling. During the first two years, all business students take classes as part of our business core, gaining foundational skills in key areas like finance, marketing, and analytics. Our diverse curriculum gives you experience in a variety of fields, so you can declare your major with clarity and confidence. In Valpo’s top-ranked and accredited College of Business, you’ll be equipped for a meaningful career that makes a positive impact on the world.

79,050

Median annual wage of those with a business degree

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022 report)

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About Our Business Program

EXPLORE THE COLLEGE

General Information

Career Outcomes

Business graduates are poised to thrive in a growing and dynamic job market. The career outlook is bright: business and financial occupations are projected to grow faster than the national average through 2033. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and finance professionals earned a median annual pay of $79,050 in 2023.

Valpo business alumni have gone on to shine worldwide at Fortune 500 companies, dynamic startups, and in successful business ventures of their own. With the skills and values learned at Valpo, our business students are in demand and prepared to make a difference.

Careers in Business:

Accountant
Business executive
Financial analyst
Financial manager
Human resources manager
Market research analyst
Marketing manager
Personal financial analyst
Project management specialist
Sports agency representative

Business Major Program Requirements

Core Requirements

All College of Business students take University-wide general education courses in the arts and sciences, which strengthen their business communication and critical thinking skills and give perspective on global cultures. During your first year, you’ll also take unique Valparaiso University Experience (VUE) classes designed to help you find your voice and understand your place in the world.

business core requirements

Major Requirements

For the bachelor of science in business administration, students complete the business core curriculum, general education requirements, and electives for their specific business major. With a business administration degree, students choose from five majors:

The College of Business also offers the following degrees:

Bachelor of science in integrated engineering and business, blending two disciplines into a four-year degree
Bachelor of science in sports management

Before graduating, all business students also participate in a guaranteed internship experience during their junior or senior year.

Business Core

Total 41-42 Cr.

Freshman/Sophomore Core Courses: 17 Cr.

BUS 100 – The Business Experience – 3 Cr.
BUS 111 – Career Readiness 1 – 1 Cr.
BUS 204 – Legal Environment of Business – 3 Cr.
ACC 205 – Financial Accounting – 3 Cr.
ACC 206 – Managerial Accounting – 3 Cr.
BUS 211 – Career Readiness 2 – 1 Cr.
BUS 115 – Business Applications/Decision-Making – 3 Cr.

Junior/Senior Core Courses: 24-25 Cr.

BUS 311 – Career Readiness 3 – 1 Cr.
FIN 304 – Financial Management – 3 Cr.
MGT 304 – Management & Organizational Behavior – 3 Cr.
MGT 305 – Business Ethics – 3 Cr.
MKT 304 – Marketing Management – 3 Cr.
SCM 304 – Global Operations/Supply Management – 3 Cr.
BAN 304 – Introduction to Business Analytics – 3 Cr.
BUS 475 – Business Policy & Strategy – 3 Cr.
BUS 411 – Career Readiness 4 – 1 Cr.

One course from the following options:

MGT 395 – Internship Experience in Business, Administration I – 1 Cr.
MGT 381 – Cooperative Education in Business, Administration I – 2 Cr.

Upcoming Admission Events

November 14

9:30 am

Valpo Preview Day

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COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Program Rankings & Highlights

Top 6%

of business schools worldwide with AACSB accreditation

100%

of business students take part in an internship, often leading to a job offer

98%

of College of Business graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation

U.S. News & World Report 2027 badge for Best Business Programs.

About: A badge reading "2026 The Wall Street Journal Best Colleges" on a dark background.

Shining Brightly, together

Voices of Valpo

Chase Ericson stands in front of a plain light background, wearing a white Valpo jersey with yellow accents.

Business (Exploratory)

“My mind was set on studying business, but I didn’t know what field I wanted to pursue. Through my first year as a business undecided freshman, I was able to discuss and compare various perspectives from students and professors in different fields of study, and I’m now confidently studying business administration.”

— Chase Ericson ’27, Business Administration

Business

college of business

Meet Our Faculty

Professors. Mentors. Friends. At Valparaiso University, you will work on real-life problems alongside faculty leaders with decades of business experience and a true desire to do what’s best for you.

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