BGSU business students collaborate inside the state-of-the-art Robert W. and Patricia A. Maurer Center, home of the Schmidthorst College of Business.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)

Business Administration

Your journey is yours to design at the Schmidthorst College of Business at BGSU. As a business administration major, you'll choose one of our 13 specializations as your focus. Many of our students opt for more than one!

What sets us apart? You’ll graduate job-ready with the real-world business skills employers demand. Our strong internship and career connection programs make our graduates stand out in the competitive job market.

You’ll also be part of a thriving, supportive community that helps you achieve your goals.

At the heart of our approach is a commitment to hands-on learning. Picture yourself actively collaborating with your peers, tackling real business challenges and applying your knowledge in a dynamic, interactive environment.

Why study business at BGSU in Ohio?

  • Exceptional career outcomes. 98% of BGSU graduates embark on successful careers, pursue advanced degrees or even kickstart their own businesses within six months of graduation. Our career coach embedded in the college supports you from your first internship to landing that full-time job.
  • Immersive education. Hands-on opportunities outside of the classroom give you real-world skills that build your resume and impress potential employers.  
    • Internships: Gain job experience as early as freshman year. Over 73% of graduates complete one or more internships. Nearly all interns are paid, with an average salary of $19 an hour.
    • Study abroad: Our extensive international opportunities allow you to form connections with university partners worldwide. Gain a global perspective that improves your business skills and sets you apart in the competitive job market.
  • Expert faculty. Receive a cutting-edge education from our world-renowned faculty members who are actively involved in industry and bring current issues into the classroom. They are thought leaders whose trailblazing research shapes the future of business practice and theory.
  • Strong corporate and alumni network. Connect with over 1,000 organizations through our strong corporate and alumni network. These relationships provide invaluable opportunities for mentorship, internships and future career paths. 
  • Community of support. The Business District is a live-in learning community in which residents forge connections with fellow business students and enjoy additional support and unique opportunities.
  • An affordable education. Benefit from over $1 million in scholarships awarded annually to business majors. More than 90% of incoming students receive some form of financial aid.
  • Vibrant student life. Learn teamwork, event organization and effective leadership in our 17 business student organizations. These groups consistently earn prestigious awards for their outstanding contributions.

Ranked among the top business schools in the U.S. for student experience

Poets&Quants, 2023

Career – what can you do with a business degree?

Imagine being sought after by top companies from around the globe. That’s the reality for BGSU business students. A business degree from the top-ranked Schmidthorst College of Business propels you into a wide range of exciting career paths.

Our career center connects you with internships and co-ops starting as early as freshman year. This hands-on experience is your ticket to employment post-graduation.

Your business skills and global perspective are applicable across diverse industries. 

  • Excel in finance.
  • Ignite marketing strategies.
  • Pioneer startups.
  • Offer strategic consulting.
  • Dive into supply chain management.
  • Optimize human resources.
  • Drive sales.
  • Lead technology initiatives.

Career paths

  • Business analyst
  • Business operations manager
  • Digital marketing specialist
  • Entrepreneur/business owner
  • Financial analyst
  • Import/Export specialist
  • Insurance and risk analyst
  • Sales manager
  • Supply chain manager

$61,000+

Median starting salary for BGSU business graduates –
among the highest in Ohio

Curriculum

Our core business courses provide a broad understanding of the entire business enterprise. Upper-level courses focus on your area of specialization and specific interests.

You will receive the business knowledge and real-world education that sets you up for a successful business career.

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Sample courses

  • Accounting Information Systems
  • Managerial Accounting
  • Public Company Accounting
  • Auditing Control
  • Income Taxation

Internships

Our students differentiate themselves by interning and collaborating with top companies across the globe. Students complete paid internships with an average wage of nearly $19 an hour. Some earn as much as $41 an hour.

Getting hands-on experience shows you what you’ll be doing and how you will use the tools and resources from the classroom and apply them to the real world. The experiences I had in the Schmidthorst College of Business gave me the confidence to be ready for what's next.

Devan Harmytch '22

One of only 6% of business schools with AACSB accreditation, the highest accreditation possible

Schmidthorst College of Business Specializations

The flexibility to complete one or more of our 13 specializations distinguishes us from other universities – and gives you a competitive edge in the job market.

  • Accounting
  • Applied Economics
  • Business Analytics and Intelligence
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Individualized Business
  • Information Systems
  • Insurance and Risk Management
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Sales and Services Marketing
  • Supply Chain Management

Premier entrepreneurship program

The Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at BGSU is one of 20 centers worldwide recognized by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). 

We weave entrepreneurship into all business programs and offer an entrepreneurship minor.

You can take courses in:

  • Real estate entrepreneurship
  • Women and social entrepreneurs
  • Nonprofit and corporate responsibility
  • Innovation and disruption

Top business leaders and entrepreneurs-in-residence bring real-world experience and expertise to our curriculum. A mentorship program connects students with alumni and industry leaders.

Thanks to an incubation program funded by alumni and supporters, more than $800,000 has been provided to student entrepreneurs to start their own ventures.

Updated: 03/29/2024 09:50AM