Major Requirements
In order to declare and remain a major in good standing in business administration, a student must achieve and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 in all courses applicable to the major. Once a student has enrolled at Muhlenberg College, all courses for the business major are to be taken at Muhlenberg (except for AP credits e.g., microeconomics or macroeconomics.)
The Business Administration major is a 12-course sequence that begins with an introductory “Business & Society” course and extends to culminating courses in strategy, leadership, and marketing management. Along the way, majors study economics, accounting, statistics, marketing, management and finance.
Business majors may either (i) choose a concentration area, or (ii) complete their major without a concentration. Students without a concentration are on the “general business” track.
Students choosing a concentration may do so in one of the following areas:
- Management & Organization Studies
- Marketing
- International Business
Students on the general business track complete electives in areas of their choice.
The business major is organized into four components: foundations (5 courses); core (4 courses); concentration or general business track electives (2 courses); and a culminating undergraduate experience or “CUE” (1 course).
Foundations (5 courses):
Foundation courses will ordinarily be completed during the first two years.
Core (4 courses):
Business administration majors are expected to complete all four foundation courses before enrolling in any core courses. Typically, the four core courses are taken during two consecutive semesters and students will not begin to take them before the spring semester of their sophomore year, although exceptions are possible for students who have completed their foundation requirements in their first year and for students who wish to complete their core requirements prior to studying abroad in their junior year.
Concentration (2 courses):
The concentration consists of two courses in a specified concentration area. Business Administration majors are expected to have completed all four core courses before enrolling in any concentration courses or department approved study abroad program. Ordinarily, concentration courses will be enrolled during the junior and senior years. Participation in a department approved study abroad program is ordinarily done during the junior year.
Management and Organization Studies
Students must complete the following:
In addition, students must choose one of the following:
Students must complete the following two courses:
International Business ― Maastricht Study Abroad Program
The Maastricht study abroad program is specifically designed for department majors who wish to gain an international business perspective. The Maastricht program offers courses in business and economics, a maximum of two of which may be used to satisfy the concentration requirement (advisor approval required). Students participating in the Maastricht program are encouraged to take additional concentration area courses at Muhlenberg in consultation with their advisor.
General Business Track
Students without a concentration complete a total of two BUS-designated course units in any area of choice. At least one course unit must be at the 300-level or above.
Courses from existing concentrations, special topic classes, as well as half-units may all contribute to the 2-unit requirement. Students should consult their advisors to select courses that best serve the student’s personal, academic, and professional interests.
The following list provides a sample of business courses that count towards the general business track. Other business offerings may count at the discretion of the student’s advisor.
CUE
Business majors choose one Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE), ordinarily in the spring semester of their senior year. Students may choose any CUE, regardless of concentration or course of study.
