Business
Build the core critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills you need to succeed as a leader – and never stop evolving.
As a business major at Alma College, you’ll take core courses in accounting, finance, management, marketing and economics. Then, you’ll choose one of five interdisciplinary concentrations focused on in-demand areas in today’s job market:
- Business analytics: Develop the quantitative skills you need to find, process and examine relevant data, using your insights to make profitable decisions.
- Environmental responsibility: Learn how — and why — the world’s largest companies are prioritizing environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria in their planning and decision-making.
- Leadership and management: Grow as a future business leader in a track emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and quantitative skills.
- Sports management: Build the skills to plan, organize, finance, market and lead sport-related businesses.
- Operations and Supply Chain management: Gain the skills needed to keep people, products, and markets moving efficiently.
You’ll also take at least two business analytics and data management classes. There, you’ll build fluency in software like Microsoft Excel and the Oracle SQL suite — tools you’ll need to be successful in any business career.
At A Glance
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12:1Student-to-faculty ratio
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18Average class size
Possible Careers
Build the core critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills you need to succeed as a leader – and never stop evolving.
As a business major at Alma College, you’ll take core courses in accounting, finance, management, marketing and economics. Then, you’ll choose one of five interdisciplinary concentrations focused on in-demand areas in today’s job market:
- Business analytics: Develop the quantitative skills you need to find, process and examine relevant data, using your insights to make profitable decisions.
- Environmental responsibility: Learn how — and why — the world’s largest companies are prioritizing environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria in their planning and decision-making.
- Leadership and management: Grow as a future business leader in a track emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and quantitative skills.
- Sports management: Build the skills to plan, organize, finance, market and lead sport-related businesses.
- Operations and Supply Chain management: Gain the skills needed to keep people, products, and markets moving efficiently.
You’ll also take at least two business analytics and data management classes. There, you’ll build fluency in software like Microsoft Excel and the Oracle SQL suite — tools you’ll need to be successful in any business career.
Get to Know Business
Meet the Faculty
Professional Development
As a business major, you'll be encouraged to participate in an internship that provides valuable real-world experience. Learn about career support at Alma.
Explore the Curriculum
Learn more about the fundamental courses that will offer a roadmap for your academic growth and expertise development.
Gain on-the-job experience.
At Alma, we guarantee every business major an internship. With support from the Center for Student Opportunity, you’ll gain on-the-job experience in a business-related placement.
You’ll graduate with a competitive resume, practical experience in business administration and management and a readymade network.
What You Need to Know
Business is a rapidly growing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that between 2021 and 2031, there will be almost one million business and finance job openings per year. The versatility of a major in business makes it an excellent choice for your future career.
Graduates of Alma’s business program have gone on to careers in banking, finance, data analytics, law and management. Our alumni have also pursued advanced study at competitive institutions like Ball State University, Clemson University and Central Michigan University.
Recent Employers
- Goldman-Sachs
- Auto-Owners Insurance
- Avalon & Tahoe Mfg., Inc.
- Northwestern Mutual
- New Image Media
- Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC
Learn from Someone Who’s Been There
In your junior year as a business major, you can join the Plaid Returns Alumni Mentoring Program. We’ll pair you with an alum who graduated from Alma, has been successful in the business world – and has similar interests as you. Through monthly meetings, your alumni mentor will support you as you design your professional goals and consider your career path.
Contact careers@alma.edu to learn more about the program and annual application deadlines.
Get Connected
Student Organizations
Take your learning outside the classroom — and find lifelong friends — by joining one of our 100+ student organizations designed to help you enhance your knowledge and expand your network.
I would certainly recommend Alma to anyone who is considering my line of work. But I would also recommend it to someone who was in a similar position to one that I was in in high school — someone who has various interests and is trying to figure out what works. Alma gives you a wide perspective and the skills to apply it, which is unbelievably valuable.
One of my big highlights from Alma was working with Dr. (Kristin) Olbertson on a research project that I ended up presenting at a Phi Alpha Theta regional conference. I ended up winning an award for legal history research, which helped me realize I was doing the right things with my career goals. Alma College also makes you work hard in your academics, which is excellent preparation for any grad school.
I would certainly recommend Alma to anyone who is considering my line of work. But I would also recommend it to someone who was in a similar position to one that I was in in high school — someone who has various interests and is trying to figure out what works. Alma gives you a wide perspective and the skills to apply it, which is unbelievably valuable.
One of my big highlights from Alma was working with Dr. (Kristin) Olbertson on a research project that I ended up presenting at a Phi Alpha Theta regional conference. I ended up winning an award for legal history research, which helped me realize I was doing the right things with my career goals. Alma College also makes you work hard in your academics, which is excellent preparation for any grad school.