Business (BA/BS)
Lead with purpose. Make an impact.
The role of business is evolving, embracing a broader perspective that goes beyond profit and includes the well-being of people and the planet. At Mary Baldwin University, we believe in
shaping the next generation of forward-thinking leaders who can drive positive change. Join us and become part of the movement that redefines the purpose of business.
- Time to Completion4 years
- FormatOnline, On Campus
- Degree(s)Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
- MinorBusiness
- NeighborhoodBusiness & Technology
Next steps
Why Study Business at MBU?
MBU’s comprehensive business program is designed to equip you with outstanding communication and reasoning skills, which are crucial for effective persuasion, negotiation, and collaboration. We believe in providing you with practical experiences that are essential for a successful career in business.
MBU actively collaborates with local and regional companies to provide real-world experience to our students. These partnerships provide you with unparalleled resources and opportunities to bridge the gap between classroom learning and actual workplace scenarios. By engaging with industry professionals, you’ll have the chance to apply your knowledge and skills in practical settings, preparing you for the challenges of the business world.
Benefits of studying business at MBU
Our business program offers numerous opportunities to enrich your educational experience:
- Small class sizes that foster collaboration, teamwork, and engaging discussions both inside and outside the classroom.
- Internship placements with reputable local businesses, providing practical experience and preparing you for new career opportunities.
- An original research project as part of your portfolio, showcasing your depth of knowledge and critical thinking skills.
- Engaging co-curricular activities such as the Super Bowl of Advertising, Bead for Life, Ethics Symposium, and the Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) program, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings and make a positive impact.
Program Options
We offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in business, allowing you to tailor your degree to your specific interests and career goals. A bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours of study. Additionally, business is available as a minor for those who wish to complement their major field of study.
Business Major Concentrations
Explore concentrations in areas such as:
- Accounting
- Human Resource Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Project Management
Next steps
Accelerated Pathways
Mary Baldwin offers a dual-degree Accelerated Pathway program for this major. Earn your bachelor’s and an advanced degree faster. This is a great way to jump-start your dream career and save money in the process!
“I’ve learned how to push the boundaries of class and curriculum by making connections across disciplines, and then how to systematically ask better questions to arrive at a solution.”
Business major Heather Korzun ’23, now pursuing her master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania
Curriculum
Our courses across the business school have a unique focus on sustainability, ensuring that you learn how to effectively incorporate our decision-making model — considering people, planet, purpose, and profit — into all aspects of strategic planning. We prepare you to lead ethically and responsibly, addressing the challenges and opportunities of a changing business landscape.
Sample Courses
Provides an overview of sustainability from the perspectives of business, economics, environmental/ecological studies, and sociology. It introduces the student to the triple bottom line concept and evaluation which focuses on financial, social, and environmental responsibilities.
Provides an introduction to the concepts, problems, and applications of decision-making as related to personal and corporate financial management. Study principles like the time value of money, risk/return trade-off, stock and bond valuation, and capital budgeting techniques.
This course is a basic introduction to legal concepts that affect businesses, employees, and the individuals dealing with them. Topics covered include the legal system of the United States, constitutional and criminal law, torts, contracts, and agency law.
This course looks at the theory and practice of organizational change from a variety of perspectives that teach students to assess the current state of an organization, define a desired future state, and develop a change initiative plan.
View all courses in the Course Catalog.
Additional Requirements for Bachelors in Science:
Students pursuing the BS option must take ECON 301 or POLS 301 + 3 Math courses at the 200 level or above.
Explore the Neighborhood
This major is part of the Business & Technology Neighborhood. Neighbors live together their first year, study and take classes together, and enjoy special curated activities.
Outstanding Outcomes
Upon completing a bachelor’s degree in business, our graduates embark on diverse and rewarding careers across various industries. Equipped with communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, our alumni excel in roles such as management consultants, financial analysts, marketing executives, and business development managers.
With a solid foundation in business principles and practical experience gained through internships and industry collaborations, our graduates are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the professional world and make a significant impact in their chosen fields.
Next steps
Our Faculty
Our faculty is made up of a dynamic blend of passionate educators and industry leaders. With their insights and expertise, they are nurturing future leaders and innovators ready to tackle global challenges with confidence and competence.
Cost & Financial Aid
A great education is worth it. Here’s how Mary Baldwin helps you pay for it: Generous financial aid packages, a broad range of scholarships, transferring maximum credit hours from previous coursework or relevant work and life experiences — the list goes on. Our mission is to help you level up and bring your aspirations to life.
MBU helps you fast-track your path to a bachelor’s degree with the opportunity to transfer up to 18 credits (6 courses) through direct course equivalents from the Virginia Community Colleges System.