The Business Administration major at SPU provides a well-rounded foundation for business. It is a broad-based program in the fundamental theories, principles, and practices of modern business. This program has attained AACSB accreditation, which is the highest level of international certification for business schools.
Deeply grounded in Christian faith and values, we believe that the purpose of business is to serve and to advance human flourishing. The Business Administration major teaches standards of professional and ethical behaviors, and develops the leadership attributes necessary for success.
Find out more about this program’s mission, vision, and learning outcomes.
Concentrations
An Economics concentration will help prepare you for a career in analyzing public policy or forecasting economic conditions.
A Finance concentration teaches you how to develop budgets for capital projects or work in the financial markets.
The Information Systems concentration includes problem solving and programming, computer networks, and information and database systems — critical information in this age of technology.
With an International Business concentration, you participate in a study abroad program with SPU faculty and take specialized courses at a foreign university.
The Management concentration teaches you how to manage structures, systems, and people.
A Marketing concentration prepares you to step into the world of customer service, advertising, sales, or product management.
The Public Policy and Business concentration focuses on coursework in Political Science and Economics to help prepare you to work at the intersection of commerce and government.
The Social Enterprise concentration draws upon the unique strengths of the School of Business, Government, and Economics in areas such as social venture, management, and microfinance.
A General concentration is also available, allowing students the flexibility to choose their own senior electives.
This program develops a general management outlook toward organizations and the changing environment they face.
- A minimum 98 credits are required for this major, including 47–62 upper-division credits.
- You will take a common Business Core of classes and at least 15 credits of electives within the School of Business, Government, and Economics.
- Concentrations: You may choose a general track in business, or you may choose one of eight concentration options by completing your 15 elective credits within that particular discipline.
- BUS 4690 and BUS 4899 are recommended to be taken during the last two quarters of your senior year.
Additional competencies and requirements
Spreadsheet competency requirement
Demonstration of spreadsheet competency is required of all students graduating with degrees in the School of Business, Government, and Economics. You can document this by passing BUS 1700 or by scoring at least 60 percent on the basic Microsoft Office Specialist exam for Microsoft Excel 2013, 2016, or later. For questions regarding the Spreadsheet Competency Requirement, contact Dr. Richard Sleight at sl8@thychic.com.
Signature experience requirement
To graduate with a major in Business Administration, you must satisfy the SBGE Signature Experience Requirement by completing one of these options:
- Complete and enter a business plan in an appropriate business or social venture plan competition. This can include on-campus competitions or competitions sponsored by other schools or organizations.
- Participate in an approved study abroad program such as SPU Business Abroad, the CCCU Best Semester program, or another SPU program (e.g., the European Studies Quarter). This must be a program where you receive academic credit. In lieu of an international experience, you may apply to the SBGE Undergraduate Committee to meet this requirement with a suitable cross-cultural experience in the United States.
- Complete 3 credits of BUS 3950: Spirituality and Business.
- Complete an honors project as part of the University Scholars program.
In most cases, the credits you earn while completing your Signature Experience also fulfill another requirement in this major.
New majors dessert attendance
Newly admitted students of Business; Accounting; Economics; Global Development; and Politics, Philosophy, and Economics are required to attend an orientation event typically held in February each year. Admission to the major is conditional upon attendance.
business administration major admission data
Admission to the Business Administration major is selective and based upon prior academic performance. Recent aggregate admission data for the Accounting, Business Administration, and Economics majors is depicted below.
| Academic Year |
2016–17 |
2017–18 |
2018–19 |
| Average GPA of Admitted Students |
3.4 |
3.3 |
3.4 |
| Lowest GPA of Admitted Students |
2.8 |
2.8 |
2.7 |
| Number of Applicants |
119 |
125 |
103 |
| Number Admitted |
116 |
119 |
100 |
entering and completing the major
Formal application and admission to the Business Administration major is required prior to enrollment in most Upper Division courses.
To meet the minimum requirements for admission, you must:
- Have attained at least sophomore standing (45 or more college credits).
- Complete at least 15 credits in BUS, ACCT, and ECN at SPU (10 credits for transfer juniors and seniors).
- Have either a 2.70 cumulative GPA and 2.70 major GPA at SPU, or a 3.0 major GPA. Major GPA does not include transfer work, only courses completed in program at SPU. Attainment of the minimum GPA standards does not guarantee admission, as the total number of students admitted is limited by capacity.
- Submit an online Major application December 20–January 20. SBGE does not accept major applications outside this window.
- Once admitted to the Business Administration major, you cannot switch to the Accounting major. Formal application to the Accounting major must be made.
To successfully complete the major, note that:
- The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major or minor; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
- To advance in this program, you should meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major.
- You must complete the major requirements in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year of admittance to the major.
The Business Administration minor allows you to complement your chosen major with some general business coursework.
- A minimum 30 credits are required for this minor, including 15 upper-division credits.
- SPU requires you to earn at least 15 credits toward this minor at SPU, 10 of which must be upper-division credits.
- This minor is not available to students majoring in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or other Business minors.
The Entrepreneurship minor allows you to complement your chosen major with some general entrepreneurship coursework.
- A minimum 30 credits are required for this minor, including 15 upper-division credits.
- SPU requires you to earn at least 15 credits of the minor at SPU, 10 credits of which must be Upper Division credits.
- This minor is not available to students majoring in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or other Business minors.