Business, B.S. (Berks)

Program Code: BSBBK_BS

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Business (B.S.B.) is a professionally-oriented business degree program that combines the theoretical underpinnings of core business disciplines, notably business analytics, management, marketing, finance, and supply chain management, with applied study in a practical setting. Through the choice of an 18-credit option, students specialize in a key business sector. Students also develop written and oral communication skills throughout the program, acquire contemporary technology skills, and engage in active and collaborative learning. The degree allows students to become familiar with the unique business environments of their local communities, a design that sets the degree apart from other business degrees offered within the University and throughout the Commonwealth.

Accounting Option

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, Lehigh Valley, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, World Campus, York

This option prepares students to pursue careers in business with an emphasis on the areas of financial and managerial accounting, systems and controls, auditing, and taxation.

Business Analytics Option

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, DuBois, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, York

The Business Analytics option prepares students to pursue careers in applying business analytics techniques to implement appropriate decision-making outcomes using data for companies.

Entrepreneurship Option

Available at the following campuses: Altoona, World Campus

This option prepares students to pursue entrepreneurial careers with emphasis on idea generation, opportunity analysis, new product creation, and business plan development.

Financial Services Option

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Berks, DuBois, Lehigh Valley, Scranton, World Campus

This option prepares students to pursue careers in financial organizations with emphasis on wealth management, tax planning, risk management, and financial analysis.

Health Services Option

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill, World Campus

This option prepares students to pursue careers in the health services sector with emphasis on the financial and administrative aspects of health care enterprises.

Individualized Business Option

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Schuylkill, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, World Campus, York

This option provides the opportunity for students to pursue an approved business-focused interdisciplinary program of study.

Management and Marketing Option

Available at the following campuses:Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Schuylkill, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, World Campus, York

This option prepares students to pursue careers in business organizations with an emphasis on the skills and knowledge necessary for the business professional to function in community and regional centers of commerce.

What is Business?

Business is a professionally-oriented program providing a broad education and solid grounding of business knowledge. Focusing on practical skills and real-world experience, the program’s interdisciplinary perspective provides a versatile base for mobility into all business areas, preparing students for the business world of today and tomorrow. Options provide additional specialization in accounting, entrepreneurship, financial services, health services, management and marketing or the opportunity to develop an individualized plan that fits your career goals.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You want to become a flexible business professional, equipped to adapt to the ever-changing workplace of the future.
  • You are interested in an academic challenge with theoretical and practical focus in a competitive yet collaborative learning environment.
  • You want transferable skills or you are not sure which business sector you wish to focus.
  • You wish to be develop a broad knowledge of business operations.
  • You want to develop the skills for working in business.

Entrance To Major

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, students must complete one of the following courses: MATH 22 or MATH 40 or MATH 41 or MATH 110 or MATH 140.

In addition, students also must satisfy the following requirements:

  1. attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
  2. have at least third-semester classification.

READ SENATE POLICY 37-30: ENTRANCE TO AND CHANGES IN MAJOR PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Business, a minimum of 120 credits is required, 15 of which must be at the 400 level:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Electives 10
Requirements for the Major 80

15 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 6 credits of GQ courses; 6 credits of GS courses; 3 credits of GWS courses.

Requirements for the Major

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
ACCTG 211Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making4
ECON 102Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course3
ECON 104Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course3
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
BA 321Contemporary Skills for Business Professionals3
BA 322Negotiation Skills for Business Professionals3
BA 420Preparation for Career Management1
BA 421Project Management3
BA 422WStrategic Business Planning3
FIN 301Corporation Finance3
IB 303International Business Operations3
MGMT 301Basic Management Concepts3
MIS 204Introduction to Management Information Systems Keystone/General Education Course3
MKTG 301Principles of Marketing3
SCM 301Supply Chain Management3
Additional Courses
BA 241
BA 242
Legal Environment of Business
and Social and Ethical Environment of Business
4
or BA 243 Social, Legal, and Ethical Environment of Business
MATH 110Techniques of Calculus I Keystone/General Education Course4
or MATH 140 Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
BA 495ABusiness Internship3-6
or BA 495B Undergraduate Research in Business
ENGL 15Rhetoric and Composition Keystone/General Education Course3
or ENGL 30H Honors Rhetoric and Composition Keystone/General Education Course
SCM 200Introduction to Statistics for Business Keystone/General Education Course4
or STAT 200 Elementary Statistics Keystone/General Education Course
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 0-3 credits from 400-level business courses from: ACCTG, BA, ECON, ENTR, FIN, FINSV, HPA, IB, MGMT, MIS, MKTG, RM, or SCM0-3
Requirements for the Option
Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better
Select an option18

Requirements for the Option

Accounting Option (18 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, Lehigh Valley, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, World Campus, York

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
ACCTG 404Managerial Accounting: Economic Perspective3
ACCTG 405Principles of Taxation I3
ACCTG 471Intermediate Financial Accounting I3
ACCTG 472Intermediate Financial Accounting II3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
ACCTG 403Auditing3
or ACCTG 403W Auditing
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits of 400-level courses from: ACCTG, BA, ECON, ENTR, FIN, FINSV, HPA, IB, MGMT, MIS, MKTG, RM, or SCM3
Business Analytics Option (18 Credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, DuBois, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, York

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
MIS 301Business Analytics3
MIS 345Introduction to Data Analytics3
MIS 431Business Data Management3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 9 credits from the following:9
Digital Media Metrics
Business Forecasting Techniques
Database Management Systems
Introduction to ERP and Business Processes
Social Media Management and Analytics
Business Intelligence for Decision Making
Business Intelligence
Marketing Research
Introduction to Marketing Analytics
Digital Marketing
Marketing Analytics
Intermediate Social Media Marketing
Introduction to Supply Chain Analytics
Entrepreneurship Option (18 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Altoona, World Campus

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
ENTR 300Principles of Entrepreneurship3
ENTR 320Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation3
ENTR 400Financing Entrepreneurial Ventures3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CAS 352Organizational Communication Keystone/General Education Course0-3
or ENGL 419 Advanced Business Writing
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 to 9 credits of 400-level ENTR courses in consultation with your adviser6-9
Financial Services Option (18 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Berks, DuBois, Lehigh Valley, Scranton, World Campus

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
ACCTG 405Principles of Taxation I3
FIN 420Investment and Portfolio Analysis3
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 12 credits in 300 or 400-level (with at least 3 credits at the 400-level) from ACCTG, FIN, FINSV or RM12
Health Services Option (18 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill, World Campus

Minimum 6 credits at the 400-level.

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
HPA 101Introduction to Health Services Organization3
HPA 332Health Systems Management3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 0-3 credits of the following:0-3
Diversity and Health
Organizational Communication Keystone/General Education Course
Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Keystone/General Education Course
Science Writing
Advanced Business Writing
Employment Compensation
Work-Life Practices and Policies
Introduction to Industrial-Organizational Psychology Keystone/General Education Course
Work Attitudes and Motivation
Leadership in Work Settings
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3-9 credits from 300 or 400-level HPA courses3-9
Select 0-6 credits of 300-400-level courses from ACCTG, BA, ECON, ENTR, FIN, FINSV, HPA, IB, MGMT, MKTG, MIS, RM or SCM0-6
Individualized Business Option (18 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Schuylkill, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, World Campus, York

Select 18 credits of study (with at least 3 credits at the 400-level) as submitted by the student and approved by the campus BSB Program Coordinator.

Management and Marketing Option (18 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Schuylkill, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, World Campus, York

Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select one of the following:0-6
0-6 credits from BA 250, ENGL 419, MKTG 220
Small Group Communication Keystone/General Education Course
Business and Professional Communication Keystone/General Education Course
Organizational Communication Keystone/General Education Course
Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Keystone/General Education Course
Supporting Courses and Related Areas 1
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits from 300 or 400-level MGMT courses3
Select 3 credits from 300 or 400-level MKTG courses3
Select 6-12 additional credits in 300 or 400-level courses from MGMT or MKTG courses6-12
1

A minimum of 3 credits of supporting courses must be selected at the 400-level.

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Program Learning Objectives

  • Business Competency: Application of business concepts learned in courses ranging from BA 321, BA 322, BA 421,FIN 301, MGMT 301, MKTG 301, SCM 301, is used in  BA 422W (Strategic Business Planning).
  • Data Analysis and Problem Solving: Recognize, analyze and solve business problems using quantitative and qualitative measures.
  • Effective Communication: In addition to hard skills, expect students to improve soft skills for both oral and written communications.
  • Ethical Awareness: Demonstrate awareness of ethical issues, social responsibilities and conflict resolution.
  • Global & Diverse Perspectives: Compare, contrast and differentiate the business environment of both their local community and the globalized world economy.
  • Leadership & Teamwork: Apply leadership, team building, and project management skills
  • Use Management Theory/Practice: Utilize and apply fundamental business concepts, principles and contemporary business practices.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

Berks

Sudip Ghosh
Program Coordinator, Associate Professor
Gaige 324
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6346
BKBusiness@psu.edu

Abington

Tom Stone
Program Chair
1600 Woodland Rd.
Abington, PA 19001
215-421-0030
tws16@psu.edu

Altoona

Deborah K. Hommer
Assistant Teaching Professor, Business Administration
Penn Building, 223
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5265
dxh41@psu.edu

Beaver

Talha Harcar
Professor of Marketing
100 University Drive
Monaca, PA 15061
724-773-3892
tdh13@psu.edu

Brandywine

Christina Olear
Business Program Coordinator
Main, 207F
25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
cmo16@psu.edu

DuBois

Laurie Breakey
Assistant Teaching Professor
171 Smeal Building
DuBois, PA 15801
814-375-4800
lhp5@psu.edu

Fayette

William Gardner
Assistant Teaching Professor
2201 University Drive
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
724-430-4245
wsg3@psu.edu

Greater Allegheny

Advising Office
Academic Affairs

101 Frable Building
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9140
GA-Academics@lists.psu.edu

Hazleton

Sherry Robinson
Associate Professor of Business
304 Pasco L. Schiavo Hall
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3559
skr12@psu.edu

Lehigh Valley

Maung Min
Director of Business Programs
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5117
maungkmin@psu.edu

Mont Alto

Hanafiah Harvey
Associate Professor of Economics
205 General Studies Building
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6027
hhh10@psu.edu

New Kensington

Steve Evanchec
Lecturer in Accounting
111 Administration Bldg.
3550 Seventh Street Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6727
sxe5211@psu.edu

Schuylkill

Angela Brown
Program Coordinator
200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6080
amb536@psu.edu

Scranton

James Wilkerson
Assistant Teaching Professor
117 Business Building
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2643
jmw831@psu.edu

Shenango

Georgia Macris
Program Coordinator
147 Shenango Avenue
Sharon, PA 16146
724-983-2942
gxm32@psu.edu

Wilkes-Barre

Theresa Clemente
Program Coordinator, Business
44 University Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
570-675-9293
tmc12@psu.edu

World Campus

Undergraduate Academic Advising
301 Outreach Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-3283
advising@outreach.psu.edu

York

Ali Kara
Professor of Business Administration
206 Grumbacher Building (GISTC)
York, PA 17403
717-771-4189
axk19@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

Accounting Option: Business, B.S. at Berks Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)3CAS 100A or 100B (GWS)3
MATH 1104BA 2434
ECON 102 (GS)3ECON 1043
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3General Education Course (GN)3
First-Year Seminar1 
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ACCTG 2114ENGL 202D (GWS)3
MIS 204 (GQ)3SCM 200 or STAT 200 (GQ)4
General Education Course (Integrative Studies)3General Education Course (Integrative Studies)3
General Education Course (Exploration)3General Education Course (GHW)3
Elective3Elective3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BA 321*3BA 322*3
MGMT 301*3BA 420*1
FIN 301*3MKTG 301*3
ACCTG 404*3IB 303*3
ACCTG 471*3ACCTG 403*3
 ACCTG 472*3
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BA 421*3BA 422W*3
SCM 301*3BA 495A or 495B*6
Option Requirement*3ACCTG 405*3
Elective3 
Elective1-3 
 13-15 12
Total Credits 121-123
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

For General Education Course notations, please be sure to include three (3) credits of United States (US) Cultures and three (3) credits of International (IL) Cultures. Consult adviser for details.

2

The following courses are offered Fall Semester only: ACCTG 404, ACCTG 471.

3

The following courses are offered Spring Semester only: ACCTG 403, ACCTG 405, ACCTG 472.

4

For Option Requirement, choose one (1) course from the following: ACCTG, BA, ECON, ENTR, FIN, FINSV, HPA, IB, MGMT, MIS, MKTG, RM, or SCM. Consult adviser for details.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Business Analytics Option: Business, B.S. at Berks Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)3CAS 100A or 100B (GWS)3
MATH 1104BA 2434
ECON 102 (GS)3ECON 1043
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3General Education Course (GN)3
First-Year Seminar1 
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ACCTG 2114ENGL 202D (GWS)3
MIS 204 (GQ)3SCM 200 or STAT 200 (GQ)4
General Education Course (Integrative Studies)3General Education Course (Integrative Studies)3
General Education Course (Exploration)3General Education Course (GHW)3
Elective3Elective3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BA 321*3BA 322*3
MGMT 301*3BA 420*1
MKTG 301*3FIN 301*3
SCM 301*3IB 303*3
MIS 301*3MIS 345*3
 Elective3
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BA 421*3BA 422W*3
MIS 404*3BA 495A or 495B*6
MIS 431*3MKTG 480*3
MKTG 473*3 
 12 12
Total Credits 120
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

The following courses are offered Fall Semester only: MIS 404, MKTG 473.

2

The following courses are offered Spring Semester only: MKTG 480.

3

MIS 345 and MIS 431 can be completed via the Digital Learning Cooperative (DLC). Consult adviser for details.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Financial Services Option: Business, B.S. at Berks Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)3CAS 100A or 100B (GWS)3
MATH 1104BA 2434
ECON 102 (GS)3ECON 1043
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3General Education Course (GN)3
First-Year Seminar1 
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ACCTG 2114ENGL 202D (GWS)3
MIS 204 (GQ)3SCM 200 or STAT 200 (GQ)4
General Education Course (Integrative Studies)3General Education Course (Integrative Studies)3
General Education Course (Exploration)3General Education Course (GHW)3
Elective3Elective3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BA 321*3BA 322*3
MGMT 301*3BA 420*1
MKTG 301*3FIN 420*3
FIN 301*3SCM 301*3
Option Requirement*3ACCTG 405*3
 Elective3
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BA 421*3BA 422W*3
IB 303*3BA 495A or 495B*6
Option Requirement*3Option Requirement*3
Option Requirement*3 
Elective1-3 
 13-15 12
Total Credits 121-123
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

For General Education Course notations, please be sure to include three (3) credits of United States (US) Cultures and three (3) credits of International (IL) Cultures. Consult adviser for details.

2

The following courses are offered Spring Semester only: ACCTG 405, FIN 420.

3

For Option Requirements, choose four (4) 300 level to 400 level courses from the following: ACCTG, FIN, FINSV, or RM. Consult adviser for details.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Individualized Option: Business, B.S. at Berks Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H (GQ)3CAS 100A or 100B (GWS)3
MATH 1104BA 2434
ECON 102 (GS)3ECON 1043
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3General Education Course (GN)3
First-Year Seminar1 
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ACCTG 2114ENGL 202D (GWS)3
MIS 204 (GQ)3SCM 200 or STAT 200 (GQ)4
General Education Course (Integrative Studies)3General Education Course (Integrative Studies)3
General Education Course (Exploration)3General Education Course (GHW)3
Elective3Elective3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BA 321*3BA 322*3
MGMT 301*3BA 420*1
MKTG 301*3FIN 3013
IB 303*3SCM 301*3
Elective3Option Requirement*3
 Option Requirement*3
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BA 421*3BA 422W*3
Option Requirement*3BA 495A or 495B*6
Option Requirement*3Option Requirement*3
Option Requirement*3 
Elective1-3 
 13-15 12
Total Credits 121-123
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

For General Education Course notations, please be sure to include three (3) credits of United States (US) Cultures and three (3) credits of International (IL) Cultures. Consult adviser for details.

2

Students must obtain Program Chair approval prior to the completion of this option. Consult Program Chair for details.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Management & Marketing Option: Business, B.S. at Berks Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)3CAS 100A or 100B (GWS)3
MATH 1104BA 2434
ECON 102 (GS)3ECON 1043
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3General Education Course (GN)3
First-Year Seminar1 
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ACCTG 2114ENGL 202D (GWS)3
MIS 204 (GQ)3SCM 200 or STAT 200 (GQ)4
General Education Course (Integrative Studies)3General Education Course (Integrative Studies)3
General Education Course (Exploration)3General Education Course (GHW)3
Elective3Elective3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BA 321*3BA 322*3
MGMT 301*3BA 420*1
MKTG 301*3FIN 301*3
IB 303*3SCM 301*3
Elective3Option Requirement*3
 Option Requirement*3
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BA 421*3BA 422W*3
Option Requirement*3BA 495A or 495B*6
Option Requirement*3Option Requirement*3
Option Requirement*3 
Elective1-3 
 13-15 12
Total Credits 121-123
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

For General Education Course notations, please be sure to include three (3) credits of United States (US) Cultures and three (3) credits of International (IL) Cultures. Consult adviser for details.

2

For Option Requirement, choose four to six (4-6) 300 level to 400 level MGMT courses and 300 level to 400 level MKTG courses including at least one (1) MGMT course, at least one (1) MKTG course, and at least one (1) 400 level course. Additionally, students may choose zero to two (0-2) courses from the following: BA 250, CAS 250, CAS 252, CAS 352, CAS 404, ENGL 419, MGMT 215, or MKTG 220. Consult adviser for details.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Career Paths

In today's economic environment, the Bachelor of Science in Business allows companies to hire individuals who have a broad knowledge of all aspects of business. This broad knowledge give you the opportunity to be effective within many different types of organizations. You will also be well-positioned to pursue admission to graduate programs.

Careers

With a degree in business, you may specialize through options that may vary by campus. With an accounting option, you can work in the areas of financial and managerial accounting, systems and controls, taxation, and auditing. The entrepreneurship option provides the skills for you to start your own business or to work as an entrepreneur within a company. Health services provides the financial and administrative skills and knowledge necessary for you to become a health services managers. With an option in financial services you might pursue positions in wealth and risk management, estate planning or financial and retirement planning. With the management and marketing option you will be prepared for a career in retail management, small business management or in marketing, advertising and promotion. Finally, with an individualized option, you have flexibility to build specialized skills for your personal business career goals.

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

A baccalaureate degree in Business can lead to a Master's degree in Business (MBA) or other business-related masters degrees. MBA programs are offered at Penn State Great Valley, Penn State Erie, Penn State Harrisburg, Penn State Berks, Smeal College of Business and through the World Campus.

Contact

Berks

EBC DIVISION
Gaige Building
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6346
BKBusiness@psu.edu

https://berks.psu.edu/academics/baccalaureate-degrees/bs-business

Abington

DIVISION OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
1600 Woodland Rd.
Abington, PA 19001
215-421-0030
tws16@psu.edu

https://www.abington.psu.edu/academics/majors-at-abington

Altoona

DIVISION OF BUSINESS, ENGINEERING, AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
Penn Building, 223
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5265
dxh41@psu.edu

https://altoona.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/business

Beaver

100 University Drive
Monaca, PA 15061
724-773-3892
tdh13@psu.edu

https://beaver.psu.edu/academics/majors/business-accounting
https://beaver.psu.edu/academics/majors/business-management

Brandywine

Tomezsko 207J
25 Yearsley Mill Rd.
Media, PA 19063
jvs11@psu.edu

https://www.brandywine.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/business

DuBois

171 Smeal Building
DuBois, PA 15801
814-375-4800
lhp5@psu.edu

https://dubois.psu.edu/academics/degrees/business

Fayette

2201 University Drive
Lemont Furnace, PA
724-430-4245

https://fayette.psu.edu/academics/baccalaureate/bachelor-science-business

Greater Allegheny

101 Frable Building
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9140
GA-Academics@lists.psu.edu

https://greaterallegheny.psu.edu/academics/degree-programs/business

Hazleton

301A Schiavo Hall
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3533
skr12@psu.edu

https://hazleton.psu.edu/bachelors-science-business

Lehigh Valley

2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5117
maungkmin@psu.edu

https://lehighvalley.psu.edu/academics/degrees/business

Mont Alto

205 General Studies Building
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6027
hhh10@psu.edu

https://montalto.psu.edu/academics/bachelors/business-degree

New Kensington

111 Administration Bldg.
3550 Seventh Street Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6727
sxe5211@psu.edu

https://newkensington.psu.edu/academics/academics/4-year-business

Schuylkill

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6080
amb536@psu.edu

https://schuylkill.psu.edu/academics/bacc-degrees/business

Scranton

117 Business Building
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2643
jmw831@psu.edu

https://scranton.psu.edu/academics/degrees/bachelors/business-degree

Shenango

147 Shenango Ave.
309C Sharon Hall
Sharon, PA 16146
724-983-2942
gxm32@psu.edu

https://shenango.psu.edu/academics/degrees/business-accounting

Wilkes-Barre

44 University Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
570-675-9293
tmc12@psu.edu

https://wilkesbarre.psu.edu/academics/business

World Campus

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
111 Old Main
University Park, PA 16802
570-385-6085
bsbic@psu.edu

https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/penn-state-online-business-bachelor-of-science-degree

York

206 Grumbacher Building (GISTC)
York, PA 17403
717-771-4189
axk19@psu.edu

https://www.york.psu.edu/academics/baccalaureate/business