Everything You Need to Know About Majoring in Business
From launching startups to crunching numbers to designing global ad campaigns, business is a multifaceted and widely-chosen major. It’s a compelling option for students who are curious about how organizations operate, how markets change and evolve, and how value is created, managed, and distributed.
The business major attracts a wide variety of students, as it encompasses many different disciplines: accounting, finance, marketing, management, operations, strategy, business law and ethics, and international business. Because business encompasses so many aspects of an organization, it’s common for students to pick a concentration (such as marketing or finance) within their business major to specifically tailor their education to their personal goals.
Business can be a competitive field, but not in the same way as other fields, such as STEM. Being a business major requires strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Business majors will work to develop their understanding of economics and financial accounting, as well as sharpen their data analysis and negotiation skills. A strong business applicant has an analytical mindset, curiosity about global trends, and the ability to both collaborate with and lead others. They’re often proactive, goal-oriented students who enjoy problem-solving and working with people.
Career Opportunities for Business Majors
One of the major’s greatest strengths is its flexibility: Majoring in business can lead to a wide variety of career opportunities. Business can apply to almost any industry, from government to tech to nonprofits to entertainment. Moreover, the skills you learn through majoring in business can apply in an array of contexts.
Here are just a few career paths that a business major could explore:
Accounting/Financial Analysis: tracking, interpreting, and advising on financials.
Finance/Investment/Banking: managing assets and advising on financial strategy.
Marketing/Brand Management/Sales: shaping how products, services, and organizations reach customers.
Management/Operations/Supply Chain: overseeing how organizations operate effectively.
Entrepreneurship/Startups: launching and growing ventures, or developing new products/ideas within larger firms.
Human Resources/Organizational Development: leading people, culture, and change in organizations.
Business Analytics/Data-Driven Decision Making: interpreting data to guide business strategy.
Many business majors pursue graduate degrees, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA). These advanced programs can help students looking to lead in more executive positions, and are required for some career paths such as high-level consulting, investment banking, or corporate management.
Schools to Consider
A lot of schools offer comprehensive business programs, some being more competitive than others, and some having different specializations than others. Here are just a few schools with strong business programs:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of Pennsylvania
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
University of California, Berkeley
Indiana University–Bloomington
University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
Georgetown University
Ohio State University
Other Things to Keep in Mind
Some schools require that you apply directly to the business school before enrolling. At other schools, students can enter undeclared and apply to the business school later. It’s important to understand a school’s process before applying, since not all business schools are the same.
Business programs at schools like University of Pennsylvania (Wharton), University of Michigan (Ross), Indiana University (Kelley), and UC Berkeley (Haas) require direct application as an undergraduate. Other schools like UVA (McIntire) and NYU (Stern) ask students to complete some coursework before applying to the business school. It’s important to research schools thoroughly and consider what path might be best for you.
How College Solutions Can Help
Because there are so many paths within the business major, it can feel overwhelming. College Solutions can help you align your goals and interests with the right business school for you.
College Solutions’ expertise will help you figure out what excites you most about business—whether it’s finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, international management, or something else entirely—and then identify colleges where you can best nurture those interests. Counselors can help you understand and evaluate things like school selectivity, access to internships, alumni networks, and special academic tracks like honors programs or business incubators.
College Solutions will also help you strengthen your application, highlighting relevant skills like leadership, analytics, and teamwork. From brainstorming essays to building your college list, the College Solutions team can support you in every step of your journey towards working in the dynamic business world.
Additionally, working with College Solutions can increase your likelihood of getting into the school that’s best for you. For the class of 2025, 69% of College Solutions students got into business programs, with typical acceptance rates for strong programs often being less than 20%.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing a business major is a great option for students who want to make a meaningful impact on the world of commerce and innovation. Because there are so many different tracks and options within the major, having the right support system is extremely important. With the help of College Solutions, you can find the best program for you and take the first step towards a rewarding career in business.