Business Administration, B.S.

Business moves fast. GCU's B.S. in Business Administration is built to keep you ahead of it — with an ACBSP-accredited curriculum, a guaranteed internship, and the flexibility to specialize in whatever direction your career is headed. Ready to lead? This is where it starts.

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Program at a Glance
Contact Information
Jennifer Edmonds, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Business, Education, Liberal Arts, & Sciences, Professor of Business Administration
732-987-2662
Undergraduate Admissions
Mercedes Hall
732-987-2700
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Degree
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Time to complete
4 years (full-time)
Program Type
Major, Minor

Why study the Business Administration, B.S. at GCU?

A Business Foundation Built for Any Direction

The B.S. in Business Administration isn't a narrow specialty — it's a launch pad. You'll build fluency across economics, accounting, marketing, finance, and management, giving you the flexibility to pursue roles in virtually any industry. And because the program requires you to complete a minor or second major, you'll graduate with real depth alongside that broad foundation.

Your Fast Track to an MBA — No GMAT Required

High-achieving students can apply for Advanced Admission to GCU's MBA program after completing just 75 credits — and start taking MBA courses while still finishing their undergraduate degree. If you're accepted, you skip the GMAT entirely. It's one of the most efficient paths to a graduate business degree you'll find anywhere in New Jersey.

Real-World Experience, Built Into the Degree

A required internship isn't an afterthought here — it's woven into your academic journey from the start, beginning with Internship Prep & Career Development in your first year. GCU students have completed internships at major corporations, regional firms, government agencies, and nonprofits, with many converting their internship into a full-time offer before graduation.

Lead. Communicate. Compete.

Beyond the numbers, GCU's Business Administration curriculum builds the professional skills that differentiate great business graduates — leadership, managerial communication, conflict resolution, and ethical decision-making. You'll develop these through group projects, case competitions, and coursework specifically designed for the way modern business actually operates.

ACBSP accredited program logo

ACBSP Accredited

The B.S. in Business Administration is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) — a nationally recognized standard that validates the quality and rigor of our business curriculum.

Program overview

Business is about more than knowing the numbers — it’s about knowing how to lead, communicate, and make decisions that move organizations forward. GCU’s B.S. in Business Administration gives you both.

Built on the 45-credit Business Core, the program provides a strong foundation across all key areas of business — accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and management — before you move into the upper-level coursework that sharpens your skills in leadership, strategy, human resources, management information systems, and business analytics.

What makes GCU’s program stand out? Flexibility. You’re required to complete a minor or second major, so you can tailor your degree to match your career goals. Interested in technology? Add a minor in Cybersecurity Administration or Computer Information Systems. Drawn to communication? Double major in Business Administration and Communication. Want to be an entrepreneur? Take the Design Thinking & Innovation minor. The combinations are yours to build.

Small class sizes mean you’re not just another face in a lecture hall — you’re building real relationships with faculty who have worked in the industries you want to enter. And GCU’s location in Central New Jersey puts you within easy reach of a massive employer network stretching from Philadelphia to New York City.

For students with strong academic records, the B.S./M.B.A. pathway offers a seamless transition into graduate study — with Advanced Admission available as early as junior year and no GMAT required.

The B.S. in Business Administration is accredited by ACBSP.

Is this program right for you?

GCU’s B.S. in Business Administration is a great fit if you:

  • Want a versatile business degree that opens doors across multiple industries, not just one
  • Are drawn to leadership, strategy, or management roles rather than a single technical discipline
  • Want the flexibility to pair your business degree with another interest — communication, technology, health, design, or something else entirely
  • Have your eye on graduate school and want a clear, affordable path to an MBA
  • Thrive in small, collaborative learning environments where professors know your name

See where a Business Administration, B.S. Degree can take you

With a B.S. in Business Administration from GCU, you’ll be qualified for a wide range of roles across virtually every sector.

Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Marketing Manager
  • Financial Manager
  • Management Consultant
  • Entrepreneur / Small Business Owner
  • Sales Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Supply Chain & Logistics Manager
  • Business Development Manager
  • Teacher of Business (K–12) (with completion of NJ Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement)

Where Graduates Work

  • Corporations and private-sector businesses of all sizes
  • Government agencies at the federal, state, and local level
  • Nonprofit organizations and healthcare systems
  • Startups and entrepreneurial ventures
  • Financial services and insurance firms
  • Marketing and communications agencies
  • Technology companies

Salary Snapshot

Career Entry Salary Mid-Career Salary Experienced Salary
Business & Financial Operations $50,000–$62,000 $88,700 $110,000–$140,000+
Management Occupations $58,000–$72,000 $130,100 $150,000+

Job Outlook

Business and financial operations occupations are projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than average, with approximately 911,400 openings per year nationally. Management occupations add another 1.1 million openings annually, reflecting consistently strong demand for business-trained graduates.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–25 Edition. NJ median salary data from BLS OEWS, May 2024.

Program Information

To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.

Major Sequence

To earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, students must successfully complete 120 credits which includes the business core, which is 45 credits in accounting, business, and economics coursework, plus additional courses in business administration as follows:

Course List
Code Title Credits
Business Core Courses
AC171Principles of Financial Accounting3.0
AC172Principles of Managerial Accounting3.0
EC181Principles of Macroeconomics 13.0
EC182Principles of Microeconomics 13.0
BU121Quantitative Business Concepts 1,23.0
CAR200Internship Prep & Career Development1.0
BU211Business Law3.0
BU213Mgmt Theory & Org. Behavior3.0
BU221Business Statistics & Probability3.0
IS224Introduction to Business Analytics3.0
FIN235Introduction to Finance3.0
MK241Principles of Marketing3.0
BU242Managerial Communications3.0
or CM251 Intercultural Communication
or CM252 Organizational Communication
IS320Management Information Systems3.0
BU351Internship2.0
BU411Human Resource Management3.0
BU491Business Strategies & Policy3.0
Required Business Administration Courses
BU217Introduction to Leadership3.0
BU319Business & Professional Ethics 33.0
Total Credits54.0
1

Course may also satisfy a General Education requirement.

2

BU121 Quantitative Business Concepts may be waived if the student has achieved a B or better in MA109 College Algebra, MA110 Precalculus, or MA115 Calculus I.

3

Course satisfies a General Education requirement.

Requirement to Complete a GCU Minor or Second Major

Students in the B.S. in Business Administration program are required to complete any GCU minor or second major, unless they transfer in with more than 70 credits. Students who double major in Communication and Business Administration follow a special set of requirements for both majors. Requirements for the double major can be found on the Communication B.A. page.


For more information on program requirements, consult the Undergraduate Catalog.

Full-Time Faculty

Michael Pawlish, Ph.D.

Adjunct Faculty

Here’s what you’ll need to apply to the B.S. in Business Administration at GCU.

First-Year Students

  • Completed application (rolling admissions — priority deadlines: November 1, January 1, and March 1)
  • Official high school transcript (college preparatory curriculum, minimum 16 academic units)
  • SAT/ACT scores optional — test-optional institution; submitting is encouraged
  • Application essay
  • Letter(s) of recommendation
  • $250 enrollment deposit required upon acceptance

Recommended high school preparation: 4 units English, 2 units Math, 2 units Lab Science, 2 units History, 2 units Foreign Language, 4 elective units

Transfer Students

  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities
  • Minimum 24 transferable college credits required to be classified as a transfer applicant
  • Grades of C or higher accepted in transfer to the Business & Design Department
  • At least 50% of the major must be completed at GCU
  • Students transferring in with more than 70 credits are exempt from the minor/second major requirement

Advanced Admission to the MBA (B.S./M.B.A. Pathway) Eligible students may apply for Advanced Admission to GCU’s MBA program after completing 75 undergraduate credits and at least three-fourths of required business and accounting coursework. Requirements include:

  • Overall GPA of 3.5 or higher and 3.5 or higher in the major
  • Interview with the MBA program director
  • No GMAT required for admitted students
  • Up to 12 MBA credits (4 courses) may be taken as an undergraduate once 90 credits are completed
  • Recognize and apply ethical standards to real business situations — and make principled decisions even when the right answer isn’t the easy one
  • Understand how people and teams behave inside organizations, and use proven management strategies to inspire, lead, and get results
  • Analyze competitive landscapes and develop strategies — at both the corporate and business level — that set organizations up for sustainable success
  • Negotiate, resolve conflict, lead teams, and manage your time under pressure — skills built through real group projects that mirror real workplace dynamics
  • Develop specialized knowledge in a second business discipline through your choice of minor, giving you both the broad foundation and the focused expertise employers are looking for

Business Administration, B.S. FAQ

Q: What makes GCU’s Business Administration program different from other NJ business degrees? A: Three things set it apart. First, the required minor or second major — you don’t just graduate with “a business degree,” you graduate with a business degree plus a defined specialty. Second, the guaranteed internship experience, which means every student leaves with real employer references and work experience. Third, the fast-track MBA pathway — eligible students can start MBA coursework while still finishing their undergraduate degree, without ever taking the GMAT.

Q: Do I have to choose a concentration, or is this a general business degree? A: The B.S. in Business Administration is intentionally a broad-based degree — it’s designed to give you fluency across all core business functions. The specialization comes through your required minor or second major, which you choose yourself. This gives you a lot of flexibility to build a degree that reflects your goals, rather than locking you into a single track from day one.

Q: I’m interested in both business and communication. Can I do both? A: Yes — and GCU has a dedicated double major designed specifically for that combination. The B.A. in Communication and B.S. in Business Administration dual major has its own set of requirements (different from taking each individually), so you get both degrees more efficiently. See the Communication, B.A. page for details.

Q: I want to own my own business someday. Is Business Administration the right major? A: It’s an excellent foundation for entrepreneurship. You’ll gain the financial, operational, marketing, and leadership skills that new business owners need. Pairing the degree with the Design Thinking & Innovation minor or the Marketing minor will give you especially strong preparation for launching a venture.

Q: Can I become a teacher with this degree? A: Yes. Students who complete the B.S. in Business

Administration can also earn a New Jersey certification as a Teacher of Business (K–12) with the Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) Endorsement by completing the required Education coursework. See the Department of Education section of the catalog for details.

Q: What is the B.S./M.B.A. pathway and how do I qualify? A: If you maintain a 3.5 GPA overall and in your major, you can apply for Advanced Admission to GCU’s MBA program as early as junior year (after 75 credits). Once accepted, you can begin taking MBA courses while still finishing your B.S. — and you won’t need to take the GMAT. It’s the most cost-efficient, time efficient path to a graduate business degree available at GCU.

Q: Is the Business Administration program accredited? A: Yes. The B.S. in Business
Administration is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), which is a nationally recognized accrediting body for business education.

Q: What’s the GPA requirement to stay in the program? A: You need to maintain a minimum 2.3 GPA overall and in your major to remain in the program beyond your sophomore year. A 2.5 GPA in all major courses is required for graduation.

Q: How flexible is the program for working adults or part-time students? A: Very. GCU offers hybrid and online options, and some courses in the business program are available in the evening. Part-time tuition is billed at $805 per credit. The program is designed to be accessible whether you’re a traditional full-time student or balancing work and school.

Q: When should I apply? A: GCU accepts applications on a rolling basis, so you can apply any time. However, there are priority deadlines — November 1, January 1, and March 1 — after which admission processing slows. Applying early gives you the best access to merit scholarships and housing.

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