Bachelor of Science: Business Administration

³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Business programs focus on innovation, internships, data, and experiential connections. Learn about our innovative facilities, supportive faculty and professional staff, and the rewarding careers of ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Business Administration graduates.

Learn to Lead With ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Business Administration Major

Gain foundational skills in accounting, finance, economics, marketing, and management — all while enjoying the flexible framework of ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Business Administration major. The ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Business degree (our Bachelor of Science with a Major in Business Administration) positions you to apply innovative business concepts to your other passions — from marine science to neuroscience and beyond.

³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s College of Business Centers can help boost your career with practical learning and networking opportunities in areas like sales or sports marketing. Want to bring out your inner entrepreneur? Take courses in our Makerspace or participate in the Student Innovation Challenge competition.

Two students describe their Innovation Challenge project
A U N E student in a Sea Dogs polo flips through small yellow evelopes

Why ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ for Your Bachelor’s in Business Administration

³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Business Administration major gives you the flexibility to complete a concentration, minor, or double major that reflects your passion or that empowers you to respond to a unique market opportunity. Learn how to run a business with coursework that covers the full span of business operations.

  • Interdisciplinary — learn to apply business principles to your interests in health, the environment, and elsewhere
  • Industry-applicable education
  • Access to multiple internships
  • Learn to lead within modern workplace dynamics
  • Innovation and entrepreneurship courses
  • Makerspace for innovative ideation and prototyping
  • Receptive to students’ interest in emerging markets
  • Choice of several concentration areas including management, economics, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more
Headshot of U N E student Ray Evans

Ray Evans ’22

Business Administration

Why ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥

[My favorite thing about ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ is] the community.

We are all so willing to come together. For example, we had a lot of basketball games this year where different sports [athletes] all showed up. We didn’t know that, we didn’t ask for that. We didn’t even ask for it — they just showed up! 

For the hockey team’s major championships, everybody was there. And for alumni weekend, a lot of people were not even supposed to be there, were there, and everyone was there to support the teams. The girls’ championship games are packed too. 

It’s everybody supporting everybody. That really shows what the ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ community is. That’s definitely the best feeling.  

Beyond the classroom

I’m the president of Brothers of Color. The mission of the group is to provide a safe haven for students. There’s a lot of conversations that we as a group are just open to listening so students of color start to feel like they have somewhere to go. 

Race in this world is just something that society makes a very prevalent thing. It’s sad, but a lot of kids might not have anywhere to go. [³ÉÈËÖ±²¥] gets [students] from everywhere. I’m from New York, I had a teammate from Texas, another from California — everywhere — their experience could be anything. 

We do a lot to provide support. We also provide a lot of information and a lot of on-campus things. 

As a department we have a lot of opportunities to get out of the classroom.

Business Administration

What will you study? Bachelor’s in Business Administration Curriculum Overview

Whichever concentration you choose — accounting, business management, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, health sector management, or marketing — you’ll complete five courses in your concentration area to tailor your degree for your career goals. 

The following are just some examples of the exciting courses that the Business Administration major offers:

  • Environmental Economics
  • Innovation through Technology
  • Human Resource Management
  • Business and Society Relations
  • Legal Environment of Business
  • Predictive Analytics

Curriculum

CAS Core RequirementsCredits
Total Credits42
Program Required CoursesCredits
BUAC 201 – Financial Accounting3
BUAC 303 – Managerial Accounting3
BUEC 203 – Macroeconomics3
BUEC 204 – Microeconomics3
BUFI 205/DSC 205 – Introduction to Data Analysis & Modeling3
BUFI 315 – Business Finance Concepts & Skills3
BUMG 120 – Innovation thru TechnologyCredits Fulfilled by Core Requirements
BUMG 200 – Management3
BUMG 302 – Human Resource Management3
BUMG 311 – Business and Society Relations3
BUMG 325 – Legal Environment of Business3
BUMG 335 – International Management3
BUMG 495A – Internship in Business Administration3
BUMG 498 – Strategic Management3
BUMK 200 – Marketing3
BUMK 312 – Small Business Management or BUMG 313 – Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship3
MAT 120 – StatisticsCredits Fulfilled by Core Requirements
Concentration Courses (see below) or Business Electives15–16
Total Credits60–61
Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits)Variable
Minimum Total Required Credits120

A Business Administration student in their sophomore year may, with the permission of the Business chair, enroll in one (1) of the following concentrations.

Accounting

Concentration Required CoursesCredits
BUAC 305 – Excel Expert Certification3
BUAC 310 – Intermediate Accounting I3
BUAC 320 – Auditing Principles3
BUAC 330 – Tax for Individuals and Entities3
Two (2) 300- or 400-level courses with BUAC prefix6
Total Credits18

Economics

Select any five (5) courses from the list belowCredits
BUEC 370 – Money, Credit, and Banking3
BUEC 375 – International Trade and Finance3
BUEC 380 – Economic Development of the United States3
BUEC 385 – Health Economics3
BUEC 390 – Environmental Economics3
BUEC 395 – Ecological Economics3
BUEC 399 – Economic Topics3
BUMG 495B – Internship (with approved Economics focus)3
PSC 332 – International Political Economy3
Total Credits15

Finance

Concentration Required CoursesCredits
BUFI 322 – Investments3
BUFI 415 – Advanced Business Finance3
Three (3) 300- or 400-level courses with BUFI prefix9
Total Credits15

Health Sector Management

Concentration Required CoursesCredits
BUEC 380 – Health Economics3
BUMG 400 – Management Seminar3
BUMG 495B – Internship (with approved Health Sector Management focus)3
Two (2) College of Business-approved courses6
Total Credits15

International Business

Select any five (5) courses from the list belowCredits
BUEC 375 – International Trade and Finance3
BUFI 347G – International Financial Accounting3
BUMG 400 – Management Seminar or PSC 240 – American Foreign Policy or PSC 320 – Global Organizations, Politics, and Culture or PSC 409 – Origin of Modern Global Systems or SOC 255 – Globalization of Technology or SOC 377 – International Development3
BUMG 495B – Internship (with approved international business focus)3
BUMK 335 – Global Marketing3
CMM 320 – Intercultural Communications or SOC 206 – Cross-Cultural Communications3
PSC 332 – International Political Economy3
Total Credits15

Management

Select any five (5) courses from the list belowCredits
BUMG 301 – Organizational Behavior3
BUMG 303 – Management of Non-Profit Organization3
BUMG 307 – Operations Management3
BUMG 315 – Triple Bottom Line Reporting3
BUMG 360 – Leadership3
BUMG 400 – Management Seminar3
BUMG 495B – Internship (with approved Management focus)3
BUMK 405 – Sales Management3
Total Credits15

Marketing

Concentration Required CoursesCredits
BUMK 303 – Non-Profit Marketing or BUMK 320 – Retail Marketing or BUMK 325 – Services Marketing or BUMK 330 – Industrial Marketing3
BUMK 310 – Advertising3
BUMK 335 – Global Marketing3
BUMK 350 – Social Media Marketing Strategy or BUMK 450 – Digital Marketing3
One (1) 300- or 400-level course with BUMK prefix3
Total Credits15

Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Concentration Required CoursesCredits
BUMG 120 – Innovation through Technology (EXP)3
BUMG 313 – Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ADV)3
BUMG 410 – Creating Social Enterprises through Design Thinking and Innovation or BUMG 495B* – Internship with Social I&E Focus3–4
Select two (2) of the following:Credits
CMM 240 – Social Applications of Web 2.0 (SGA)3
BUMG 307 – Operations Management3
BUMG 309 – Hacking Maine Food Chain (ADV)3
BUMG 314 – Grant Writing (ADV) or WRT 317 – Proposal and Grant Writing3
BUMK 312 – Entrepreneurship/Small Business3
BUEC 380 – Economic Development of the US3
BUEC 390 – Environmental Economics (ADV) or BUEC 395 – Ecological Economics3
DSC 205/BUFI 205 – Introduction to Data Analysis and Modeling3
MAT 225 – Computer Programming w/MALAB3
Total Credits15

*Can be substituted with an Internship of another major with the permission of the BUMG 495B coordinator.

Students will be allowed to use up to twelve (12) credits from another minor or from their major to complete this concentration.

No Concentration

Select any five (5) courses from the list below with advisor approvalCredits
BUEC 365 – Evolution of Economic Theory3
BUEC 370 – Money Credit and Banking3
BUEC 375 – International Trade and Finance3
BUEC 380 – Economic Development of the United States3
BUEC 385 – Health Economics3
BUEC 390 – Environmental Economics3
BUEC 395 – Ecological Economics3
BUFI 302 – Personal Finance3
BUFI 321 – Investment Management3
BUFI 322 – Investments3
BUMG 120 – Innovation through Technology3
BUMG 295 – Business Internship3
BUMG 301 – Organizational Behavior3
BUMG 303 – Mgmt of Non-Profit Orgs3
BUMG 309 – Hacking the Maine Food System3
BUMG 313 – Social Entrepreneurship3
BUMG 314 – Grant Writing3
BUMG 315 – Triple Bottom Line Reporting3
BUMG 328 – Employment Law3
BUMG 360 – Leadership3
BUMG 400 – Management Seminar3
BUMG 410 – Creating Social Enterprises4
BUMG 495B – Internship in Business Administration3
BUMK 310 – Advertising3
BUMK 335 – Global Marketing3
BUMK 350 – Social Media Marketing Strategy3
BUMK 405 – Sales Management3
WRT 233 – Professional and Technical Writing3
Total Credits15

To learn more about the program visit the Academic Catalog.

Bachelor’s in Business Administration Honors Program

We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor. 

Meet Pat, Business ’21

A business major (and lifelong hockey goalie) who designed a helmet camera and proprietary computer interface in ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s P.D. Merrill Makerspace, Pat’s invention allows hockey players to study fine points of body motion and position.

Career Paths for Business Administration Majors

Grounded by your technical knowledge of how to run a business and equipped with people skills acquired from teamwork, hands-on experiences, and internships, you will stride along the path to an exciting career in business. Your coursework and experience in your concentration area will make you even more marketable in the career path you choose. 

Our graduates have pursued many fascinating professions, including:

  • Entrepreneur
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Public Relations expert
  • Financial Advisor
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • Loan Officer
  • Accountant

Career Advising in the Business Administration Program

Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.

A Flexible Foundation for Your Business Studies

As a first-year Business Administration student at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥, you’ll take a variety of courses that help set the foundation for some of our other business degree programs. You can feel confident launching your college career with this major, knowing you’ll have mentorship to help you consider other business majors in a way that keeps you on track. 

Bachelor’s in Business Administration Facilities

³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Makerspace is an innovative campus resource that serves as a laboratory for creation and building. You’ll discover how to run a business using cutting-edge technology in our Fabrication Lab and Design Lab.

Solving Real-World Problems in ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Makerspace

Using Drones in Research Through the ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Makerspace

Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s of Business Administration

The Business Administration major puts you in real-world settings and challenges you to find solutions to actual industry problems. So you don’t just learn how to run a business — you do business.

Internships for Business Administration Majors

Receive course credit while developing your skills and interacting with professionals. As you build confidence, you will network in your field—whether that’s in health sector management, social innovation and entrepreneurship, economics or marketing—explore career options, and gain the perspective to successfully transition into the workforce. Past internship sites have included the following:

  • American Red Cross
  • NASA
  • IBM
  • Geico
  • Smithsonian Institution
  • Southwest Airlines

For more information, contact the Internship Office.

Hands-on Learning

  • Use innovative technology and design in the Makerspace
  • Compete in the annual Student Innovation Challenge
  • Be part of the Green Learning Community first-year experience

Meet Dean Norm O’Reilly

³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ is proud to announce Norm O’Reilly, Ph.D., a leading scholar in the business of sports, inaugural dean for the University’s recently established College of Business. O’Reilly joins ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ with two decades of leadership experience in higher education, including his most recent role as dean of the Portland-based Graduate School of Business at the University of Maine (UMaine). 

In his time at UMaine, O’Reilly oversaw the establishment and growth of business programs for Maine’s public universities, notably the MaineMBA which now numbers more than 400 students. He enhanced interdisciplinary education opportunities by growing its MBA concentrations and increasing dual degrees with partnerships within many sectors, including law, engineering, and public policy. He also spearheaded multi-university fundraising initiatives and significant projects, including the highly successful MaineMBA Academy and the Maine Brand Study.

Accreditation

The ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Business Administration Program is accredited by the .

Report to Communities of Interest and Student Achievement (PDF)

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration FAQ

What is a business administration degree?

A business administration degree is a well-rounded program that prepares you for administrative or managerial roles by teaching you various aspects of business, such as accounting, business law, economics, finance, management, and marketing.

³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ in Maine offers a flexible business administration program through its College of Business, allowing students to specialize in one of six concentrations, or create their own in areas like economics, health sector management, international business, management, marketing, or social entrepreneurship.

Learn more about ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Business Administration

What can you do with a business administration degree?

A business administration degree is highly versatile, preparing students for various careers in accounting, finance, management, marketing, and more. The predicts above-average job growth in business and financial occupations from 2022 to 2032.

³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Business Administration graduates have pursued diverse careers like accountants, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, HR managers, sales managers, PR specialists, loan officers, and market research analysts. ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ students can also benefit from the Academic and Career Advising Center, whether they have specific career goals or general field interests.

Learn more about Career Advising at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥

How much can I make with a business administration degree?

As of September 2023, the average salary for a business administration major in the U.S. was about $72,503, as reported by . Common salary breakdowns by job for business administration majors according to the * include:

  1. Accountant: $78,000
  2. Budget Analyst: $82,260
  3. Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists: $67,780
  4. Cost Estimators: $71,200
  5. Financial Analysts: $96,220
  6. Financial Examiners: $82,210
  7. Human Resources Specialists: $64,240
  8. Market Research Analysts: $68,230
  9. Personal Financial Advisors: $95,390
  10. Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents: $75,120
*Last updated 2022. These jobs cite a bachelor’s degree as entry-level education.

How long does a business administration degree take?

Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration typically enroll in a four-year program. However, transfer students from other colleges with eligible credits can complete the degree in two years.

To achieve a two-year bachelor's in business administration as a transfer student, you usually need either an associate's degree or a minimum of 60 transferable credits. Make sure to verify the eligibility of your transfer credits.

³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ in Maine generally accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, AP, CLEP, accredited military training programs, and, to some extent, prior experiential learning, subject to certain restrictions.

Learn more about how to apply to ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ as a transfer student

If you are interested in applying to ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s business administration degree program as a first-year student, we also want to simplify the process as much as possible.

First-year high school students should:

  1. Submit either a Common Application or the ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Application along with a $40 application fee.
  2. Provide an official high school transcript.

³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ follows a test-blind admissions policy, which means ACT or SAT scores are not considered for general admission. Instead, we assess your overall high school experience.

Learn more about how to apply to ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ as a first-year student

How do I get a business administration degree?

A business administration degree is commonly presented as a four-year program, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the business world. However, the specific program requirements differ among schools.

At ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ in Maine, you'll be required to finish 120 credits to obtain your degree. Our Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Business Administration is designed to work together with the University’s liberal arts core curriculum. This includes:

  • 42–46 credits of College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) core curriculum
  • 6 credits of designated core courses
  • 45 program required courses
  • 15–16 credits of business elective required courses in your concentration
  • Variable elective courses as needed to reach 120 credits

Learn more about ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s business administration curriculum

What’s the best business administration degree program for me?

To evaluate whether a business school fits your needs, start by looking at these important criteria. This list below can help you choose which business administration degree program is best for you.

Faculty

Seek out business administration professors whose expertise matches your interests, whether it's in areas like management, marketing, finance, or related fields. Make sure their research interests and professional backgrounds align with your own.

³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s College of Business faculty are experienced, skilled and supportive offering relevant curricula that will help prepare students to thrive in and face the challenges of an ever-changing world.

Meet faculty and professional staff in ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥'s College of Business

Curriculum

Evaluate the business administration program to suit your preferences, considering areas such as management, marketing, finance, or related subjects, as well as opportunities for business administration internships.

³ÉÈËÖ±²¥'s Business Administration program offers flexibility, allowing you to choose a concentration, minor, or double major that aligns with your interests or market opportunities. Concentration options include marketing, management, economics, international business, social innovation and entrepreneurship, and health sector management. We also offer joint degree programs in Marine Entrepreneurship and Sustainability and Business.

We emphasize hands-on learning through various opportunities such as utilizing innovative technology in the Makerspace, participating in the Student Innovation Challenge, joining the Green Learning Community to focus on conservation, and enhancing your professional skills through internships.

Learn more about ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s business administration curriculum

Career goals

Choose a business administration program that aligns with your career aspirations and goals. Explore the available resources to help you plan your path forward.

The ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ College of Business is committed to helping students achieve their personal and career goals. We prepare students for entry-level positions in the private or public sector and offer graduate-level coursework preparation. Our Business Administration majors engage in experiential learning, preparing you for rewarding careers and leadership roles with prominent employers in Maine and nationwide.

According to our 2016-2022 ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ graduate surveys, 95% of our undergraduates are either employed or pursuing higher education, including MBA programs, within a year of graduation. Zippia ranked ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ as the top university in Maine for job placement in 2022. Students can also seek guidance from the Academic and Career Advising Center, whether they have a specific career path in mind or a general interest in a field.

Learn more about Career Advising at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥

Learning environment

Consider the location and environment that best supports your business school journey.

As a ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Business student, you can study on our beautiful Biddeford, Maine Campus, near the Saco River's convergence with the Atlantic Ocean. We also offer a unique semester abroad program in Tangier, Morocco.

Learn more about ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s campuses and how you can visit us

You'll have access to various opportunities, including internships, mentorship, and interdisciplinary fellowships through ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥'s Office of Innovation and the P.D. Merrill Makerspace.

³ÉÈËÖ±²¥'s Global Education program lets you study abroad in Spain, France, Iceland, or our own campus in Morocco for a semester. You can also choose from shorter travel courses to destinations like Ireland, Mexico, Kenya, Italy, Cuba, and more.

Learn more about study abroad opportunities at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥

Financial aid

Consider whether the school you're interested in provides financial aid or scholarships to support your education.

A ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ in Maine, undergraduate education is affordable. Our tuition is 16% below the average tuition for private universities in New England. Plus, all incoming full-time undergraduate students at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ will receive Merit Scholarships in amounts from $5,000 to $22,000 per year.

Learn more about grants and scholarships available to students at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥

For more information contact Program Director Amir Mousavian at smousavian@une.edu.