The business administration major, produces graduates with a wide range of skills and expertise. Its core set of classes introduces students to the major fields within business and economics, while requiring students to “focus” on a particular area of business through their choice of emphasis. Students thus graduate with essential competencies in business administration, as well as focused understanding of at least one key area. This combination of broad-based and specific knowledge in business opens doors into marketing and finance, as well as leadership positions in private industry, government and nonprofit organizations.
One of our most popular majors is stronger than ever, with 20+ revamped areas of emphasis that companies value when hiring college graduates. If your objective is to gain broad exposure to the business curriculum while honing specific areas of expertise, Business Administration is the major for you.
Real-world experiences are critical components of any top-of-the-stack resume, especially when it comes to the world of business. Today's employers want to know if you can do the work, analyze business problems, and solve them, often on deadline.
At Lakeland University, we value work and experiential learning. Students gain real-world knowledge and earn their degree through a variety of learning opportunities. Whether you have prior work experience, want to get work experience but have a busy schedule, or have just graduated high-school — our award-winning Cooperative Education program provides an abundance of opportunities to get hands-on experience and earn academic credit for your work!
Lakeland University has consulted with employers and advisory boards to analyze career development data and national market trends to establish the following 20+ emphases:
Students with entrepreneurial skills/interests thrive at Lakeland. Through programs like Launch: Lakeland Student-Run Businesses, our partnership with Jake’s, a Lakeland Community and the opportunity the work alongside faculty who are experienced entrepreneurs, Lakeland is ideal for students who have aspirations to start/own their own business.
There’s more than one way to get a college education and Lakeland offers them all. Lakeland University students have access to a variety of pathways, and each one can be customized to meet your needs. Since our founding in 1862, Lakeland University has been a leader in finding ways to help students make their dreams come true.
You may apply at any time as Lakeland University operates on a rolling admission basis with 6 start dates throughout the year. Applications will be reviewed until about two weeks before the start of each term.
Once your application is received, your Lakeland University admissions counselor will be in touch.
*Exceptions to the above admission criteria may be granted for students with a cumulative GPA range from 1.75 to 1.99 if the academic experience that resulted in the less than 2.0 GPA was more than two years ago. Furthermore, typically students with a cumulative GPA range from 1.50 to 1.75 will only be considered if the poor academic performance experience that resulted in the less than 2.0 GPA was more than five years ago. Students receiving an exception will be admitted conditionally.
Athletic Director, Professor of Sport Management & Leadership
Instructor of Hospitality Management, Chair Business & Technology
Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Dean, College of Business and Science
Instructor of Business Administration, Herbert Kohler & Frank Jacobson Chair in Business and Entrepreneurship
Assistant Dean, J. Garland Schilcutt School of Business & Entrepreneurship; Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Students who have successfully completed a B.A. in Business Administration from Lakeland University should be able to:
o Students complete EXP 290, 392, and 395, in that order, for a cumulative amount of no more than twelve (12) semester hours across the three courses.
o Each course may be completed only once.
* Topic must be in or related to entrepreneurship. Consult with advisor to approved topics.
A student is not eligible to choose this emphasis if completing a major in Graphic Design.
Courses offered in-person, at Lakeland's home campus location.
A student is not eligible to complete an optional emphasis in Athletic Administration with Management. A student completing a major in Marketing is not eligible to use to fulfill a course requirement in the emphasis in Management.
**Courses typically offered at Lakeland University's main campus location only.
Students may enroll in these courses in the course delivery format available and may require in-person attendance.
The following are sample plans of course requirements to complete the Business Administration major in four years or eight semesters.
NOTE: Four-year plans assume the student is prepared to take the courses listed. If prerequisites are required, additional semester hours may be required to complete the degree.
Refer to the or for additional information about this major and requirements to degree.
Total semester hours for graduation: 121
Total semester hours for graduation: 121
Total semester hours for graduation: 121
Total semester hours for graduation: 121
*Entrepreneurship - Choose 5 of 8:
, , , or , , , or .Finance - Choose 5 of 6:
, , , , , AND .Graphic Design - Choose 5 of 6:
AND , , , , , .Insurance - Choose 5 of 6:
, , , , , AND .International Business -
; Choose 4 of 8: , , , , , AND , , OR .Marketing - Choose 5 of 7:
, OR , , AND , , , .Retail Management - Choose 5 of 6:
, , , AND , , .Sport Management - Choose 5 of 7:
, AND , , , , , .Total semester hours for graduation: 121
Total semester hours for graduation: 121
*Digital Marketing - Choose 4 of 5:
OR , , , AND , .Healthcare Management - Choose 4 of 5:
, , , , AND .Hospitality Management - Choose 4 of 5:
AND , , , , .Human Resource Management - Choose 4 of 5:
, , , , AND .Management - Choose 4 of 7:
, , , , AND , .Nonprofit Management - Choose 4 of 5:
AND , , , , .Sales Management - Choose 4 of 5:
, , , , AND .Student Designed - Students may propose a twelve (12) semester-hour emphasis in an area of academic interest that complements their major in the J. Garland Schilcutt School of Business & Entrepreneurship. Students may fulfill the emphasis requirement by completing current courses offered by the College of Business and Science, courses offered in other College of Humanities and Education, cooperative design courses, or internship experiences that are relevant to an area of interest.
Total semester hours for graduation: 122
