Business Administration: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

The business administration major and associated minors (accounting + finance, business administration, contemporary marketing, entrepreneurship and healthcare management) are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).  Note:  Accreditation agencies and regulatory bodies may change requirements at any time and that, in turn, may necessitate changes in program requirements.  In that event, matriculated students will be notified of the nature of those changes and will be required to adhere to the new standards.

The business administration major at Colby-Sawyer College provides a broad undergraduate business foundation with the opportunity to focus in several disciplines via optional minors. We prepare students for careers in an evolving world where strong independent judgment, decision making, quantitative, computing and written skills are critical. We hold high expectations of our students and work closely with them to develop core competencies that hiring managers and recruiters for business organizations are seeking.

The Bachelor of Science in business administration provides a solid foundation in the liberal arts, which is essential for business careers in today’s marketplace.

The business administration major prepares graduates for positions in business settings in a variety of industries, as well as not-for-profit organizations. Our graduates range from entrepreneurs and self-employed business owners to employees of large corporations. Students can continue their studies by entering the accelerated 5th-year MBA program which will allow them to graduate with a business administration Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in four years and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree in five years. Please see the Business – Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) section of this catalog for additional information or speak with your academic advisor.

In our introductory courses, business administration students learn and explore the terminology, underlying concepts and analytical techniques necessary to understand how organizations function. Higher-level courses foster the development of decision-making skills and promote practical application of key concepts. We achieve these outcomes by utilizing various computer tools such as Excel, Access and statistical packages, as well as simulations and case studies.

Students will gain knowledge and skills in various functional areas including marketing, finance, operations and human resource management. The opportunity to focus in more detail is available through the following minors: accounting + finance, contemporary marketing, entrepreneurship and healthcare management. Students in majors other than business administration may find the business administration minor a gateway to entering the 5th year accelerated MBA. Please refer to the Graduate Program section of this catalog for more information or speak with your academic advisor.

An important feature of the business administration program is the integration of off-campus field study experiences including internships at various business locations, as well as on campus activities such as industry networking, professional development with business leaders and the management of real funds in a student managed investment fund.

Students can continue their studies by entering the accelerated 5th-year MBA program which will allow them to graduate with a business administration Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in four years and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree in five years. Please see the Business – Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) section of this catalog for additional information or speak with your academic advisor.