Business Administration

Programs offered
  • Business Administration (major, minor, and tracks)
  • Entrepreneurship (minor)

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.

Business Administration (BA)

This program develops a general management outlook toward organizations and the changing environment they face.

  • A minimum 96 credits are required for this major, including 45–60 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.

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.

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 passing the MOS 77-420 exam. For questions regarding the Spreadsheets Competency Requirement, contact Dr. Richard Sleight at sl8@ngskmc-eis.net.

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.

Apply to the major

Formal application and admission to the Business Administration major is required prior to enrollment in most upper-division courses. Admission is selective and based upon prior academic performance. You may apply online annually between December 20–January 20. SBGE does not accept applications outside this window.

To meet the minimum requirements for admission, you must:

  • Have attained at least sophomore standing (45+ 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 GPAor a 3.0 Major GPA. Major GPA does not include transfer work, only courses completed in program at SPUAttainment of the minimum GPA standards does not guarantee admission as the total number of students admitted is limited by capacity.
  • Submit an application December 20–January 20.
  • Once admitted to Business, you cannot switch to Accounting. Formal application to Accounting must be made.
  • You must complete the major requirements in effect at the time you are admitted to the major.

Business Administration minor

VIEW DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

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.
  • Acceptance is based upon a minimum Cumulative 2.90 GPA, completion of 5 credits in the minor with a 2.90 GPA, a minimum of 45 quarter credits of coursework complete (sophomore standing), and formal admittance to your primary major. 
  • SPU requires you to earn at least 15 credits of this minor at SPU, 10 of which must be Upper Division credits.
  • You are required to make a formal application to this minor, which you may do at any time during the year.
  • You must complete the minor requirements in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year of admittance to the minor. 
  • This minor is not available to students majoring in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or other Business minors.
  • For questions regarding minors in SBGE, contact Dr. Richard Sleight (sl8@ngskmc-eis.net).

Entrepreneurship minor

VIEW DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

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.
  • Acceptance is based upon a minimum Cumulative 2.90 GPA, completion of 5 credits in the minor with a 2.90 GPA, a minimum of 45 quarter credits of coursework complete (sophomore standing), and formal admittance to your primary major. 
  • SPU requires you to earn at least 15 credits of the minor at SPU, 10 credits of which must be Upper Division credits.
  • You are required to make a formal application to this minor, which you may do at any time during the year.
  • You must complete the minor requirements in effect at the time you are admitted to the major or minor.
  • This minor is not available to students majoring in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or other Business minors.
  • For questions regarding minors in SBGE, contact Dr. Richard Sleight (sl8@ngskmc-eis.net).

Time Schedule: Business

Course planning

Suggested course sequences help you complete your degree in a timely manner.

Denise Daniels

Business Administration

Visit Business Administration on the School of Business, Government, and Economics website, and this degree can help you achieve your goals and make a difference in the world.

Required Internship

Required internships

All Business Administration majors are required to have an internship to gain industry experience. Questions? Contact the Center for Career and Calling for more information.