Business Administration

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Foreign:$ 69.8 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 1, 2026
28 place StudyQA ranking:6925 Duration:4 years

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The Business Administration program at Carnegie Mellon University offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education designed to prepare future business leaders and innovators. Rooted in the university's interdisciplinary approach, the program integrates principles from management, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of how businesses operate in a global economy. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling students to analyze complex business problems and develop strategic solutions.

Students are encouraged to engage in experiential learning through case studies, team projects, internships, and collaborations with industry partners. This hands-on approach ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also adept at applying their skills in real-world settings. The program features a blend of core courses that establish foundational concepts, along with elective options allowing students to specialize in areas such as entrepreneurship, consulting, or digital marketing. Additionally, students benefit from the university's cutting-edge facilities, dedicated faculty, and strong ties to the business community, which provide valuable networking opportunities and industry insights.

The program fosters critical thinking, leadership, and ethical decision-making, equipping students to navigate rapidly changing business environments responsibly and effectively. With a focus on innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, Carnegie Mellon’s Business Administration program prepares students to launch successful careers in various sectors, including finance, consulting, technology, and more. Graduates emerge from the program with the analytical, managerial, and communication skills necessary to excel in competitive global markets. As part of Carnegie Mellon University’s renowned Tepper School of Business, students also benefit from a supportive academic community committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and lifelong learning. This program is ideal for ambitious individuals seeking to develop a robust foundation in business principles combined with practical experience and a commitment to ethical leadership.

To receive the B.S. degree in Business Administration, students must complete at least 364 units, consisting of the requirements for the Business Foundation, Business Core, Concentration Area, Liberal Arts & Sciences Breadths, and a Minor.

Business Foundations

Mathematics Units
21-120 Differential and Integral Calculus 10
21-256 Multivariate Analysis 1 9
21-257 Models and Methods for Optimization 2 9
Economics  
73-100 Principles of Economics 9
73-230 Intermediate Microeconomics 9
73-240 Intermediate Macroeconomics 9
Statistics  
70-207 Probability and Statistics for Business Applications 9
70-208 Regression Analysis 9
Computing  
70-110 Business Computing 9

1 or 21-259 Calculus in Three Dimensions.

2 or 21-292 Operations Research I

Business Core

Analysis & Strategy Units
70-100 Global Business 9
70-122 Introduction to Accounting 9
70-371 Operations Management 9
70-381 Marketing I 9
70-391 Finance 9
70-401 Management Game 12
Organizational Leadership  
70-201 Professional and Service Projects 9
70-311 Organizational Behavior 9
70-332 Business, Society and Ethics 9
70-340 Business Communications 9
70-345 Business Presentations 9

Concentration Areas

A program concentration area provides a focus of additional courses (both required and elective) that the student must complete in order to obtain in-depth knowledge of a particular functional area of management expertise. Students must complete at least one of the following areas.

  • Accounting
  • Business Analytics
  • Business Technology
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • Graphic Media Management
  • International Management
  • Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness
  • Marketing
  • Operations Management

Accounting

REQUIRED COURSES  
70-422 Managerial Accounting 9
70-424 Corporate Financial Reporting 9
70-428 Financial Statement Analysis 9

Business Analytics

ELECTIVE COURSES - choose three:  
70-374 Data Mining & Business Analytics 9
70-455 Modern Data Management 9
70-460 Mathematical Models for Consulting 9
70-462 Stochastic Modeling and Simulations 9
73-365 Firms, Market Structures, and Strategy 9
73-374 Econometrics II 9

Business Technology

REQUIRED COURSE  
70-455 Modern Data Management 9
ELECTIVE COURSES - choose two:  
70-339 Information Technology for Finance 9
70-374 Data Mining & Business Analytics 9
70-443 Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategy 9
70-453 Business Technology for Consulting 9

Entrepreneurship

REQUIRED COURSES:  
70-415 Introduction to Entrepreneurship 9
or 70-414 Entrepreneurship for Engineers
or 70-420 Entrepreneurship for Scientists
or 70-421 Entrepreneurship for Computer Scientists
70-416 New Venture Creation 9
ELECTIVE COURSES - choose one: Units
70-395 Funding Entrepreneurial Ventures 9
70-438 Commercialization and Innovation 9
70-449 Social, Economic and Information Networks 9

Finance

REQUIRED COURSES  
70-492 Investment Analysis 9
70-495 Corporate Finance 9
ELECTIVE COURSES - choose one:  
70-353 Economic Foundations of Regulation: Applications to Financial Markets. 9
70-398 International Finance 9
70-497 Derivative Securities 9

Graphic Media Management

REQUIRED COURSE  
70-160 Graphic Media Management 9
ELECTIVE COURSES - choose two:  
70-162 Interactive Media Management 9
70-196 Publishing on the World Wide Web 9
70-347 Publishing Management in the Information Age 9
70-349 Color Reproduction & Management 9
70-514 Independent Study: Graphic Media Management Var.

International Business

ELECTIVE COURSES - choose three plus the Independent Study:  
70-342 Managing Across Cultures * 9
70-365 International Trade and International Law * 9
70-430 International Management * 9
70-480 International Marketing * 9
70-508 Independent Study in International Management
(This involves cultural preparation for the experience abroad)
Var.

* These requirements may be met by comparable courses taken abroad, subject to approval by the Area Advisor.

EXPERIENCE ABROAD

The International Business Area requires at least one semester of study abroad, or a substantial internship abroad (e.g., one summer or one semester), or both. Study abroad programs should provide substantial immersion in the culture. Contact the Area Advisor for assistance.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

Students must demonstrate conversational proficiency in a language other than English, to the satisfaction of the Area Advisor. (This may be, but is not necessarily, the same language used during the experience abroad.) Proficiency may be demonstrated in several ways, including:

  • Long-term residence in a country that requires knowledge of the language (normally the case for international students).
  • Language courses, normally including at least one intensive course that lasts several weeks. A few semesters of high school or college study do not necessarily satisfy the requirement.
  • Successful completion of at least one semester of courses taught in the language in a country where it is spoken, or employment that requires conversational knowledge of the language.

Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness

ELECTIVE COURSES - choose three:  
70-321 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution 9
70-341 Organizational Communication 9
70-342 Managing Across Cultures 9
70-437 Organizational Learning and Strategic Management 9
70-440 Corporate Strategy 9

Marketing

REQUIRED COURSE  
70-481 Marketing Research 9
ELECTIVE COURSES - choose two:  
70-385 Consumer Behavior 9
70-482 Pricing Strategy 9
70-483 Advertising and Marketing Communications 9
70-485 Product and Brand Management 9

Operations Management

REQUIRED COURSE  
70-471 Supply Chain Management 9
ELECTIVE COURSES - choose two:  
70-460 Mathematical Models for Consulting 9
70-462 Stochastic Modeling and Simulations 9
70-474 Quality Management and Productivity 9
70-476 Service Operations Management 9

Business Electives

Complete three upper-level Business courses (70-3xx and above) that do not double-count with any other requirement. This may include 21-270 Introduction to Mathematical Finance and upper-level Economics courses (73-3xx and above) that do not double-count with any other requirement. A second concentration area may be completed in place of this electives requirement. Total number of units required to fulfill this set of Business electives is at least 27 units.

Liberal Arts & Sciences Breadth Requirements

Complete seven breadth requirements. Two are first-year requirements and five are from five distributional categories, taking one course in each category. Total number of units required to complete the whole set of breadth requirements is at least 63 units.

First-Year requirements

  Units
76-101 Interpretation and Argument 9
79-104 Global Histories 9

Distributional Requirements

CATEGORY 1: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY. This requirement seeks to engage students in both exposure to substance, and the experience of, methods in science and technology through courses drawn from the natural and physical sciences, computer science, and engineering.  
03-121 Modern Biology 9
03-132 Basic Science to Modern Medicine 9
09-103 Atoms, Molecules and Chemical Change 9
09-105 Introduction to Modern Chemistry I 10
33-104 Experimental Physics 9
33-106 Physics I for Engineering Students 12
33-111 Physics I for Science Students 12
33-115 Physics for Future Presidents 9
33-114 Physics of Musical Sound 9
33-124 Introduction to Astronomy 9
33-131 Matter and Interaction I 12
15-110 Principles of Computing 10
15-112 Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science 12
15-122 Principles of Imperative Computation 10
06-100 Introduction to Chemical Engineering 12
12-100 Introduction to Civil and Environmental Engineering 12
18-100 Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering 12
19-101 Introduction to Engineering and Public Policy 12
19-424 Energy and the Environment 9
24-101 Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering 12
27-052 Introduction to NanoScience and Technology 9
27-100 Engineering the Materials of the Future 12
42-101 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering 12
CATEGORY 2: COGNITION, CHOICE, AND BEHAVIOR. This requirement explores the process of thinking, decision making, and behavior in the context of the individual.  
80-100 Introduction to Philosophy 9
80-130 Introduction to Ethics 9
80-150 Nature of Reason 9
80-242 Conflict and Dispute Resolution 9
80-270 Philosophy of Mind 9
80-271 Philosophy and Psychology 9
80-275 Metaphysics 9
80-230 Ethical Theory 9
85-102 Introduction to Psychology 9
85-211 Cognitive Psychology 9
85-221 Principles of Child Development 9
85-241 Social Psychology 9
85-251 Personality 9
85-261 Abnormal Psychology 9
88-120 Reason, Passion and Cognition 9
CATEGORY 3: POLITICAL AND SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS. This requirement presents courses that analyze, through model-based reasoning, the processes by which institutions organize individual preferences and actions into collective outcomes. Choices draw upon such disciplines as political science, history, and policy analysis.  
19-101 Introduction to Engineering and Public Policy 12
79-231 American Foreign Policy: 1945-Present 9
79-300 History of American Public Policy 9
79-330 Medicine and Society 9
79-338 History of Education in America 9
84-104 Decision Processes in American Political Institutions 9
84-275 Comparative Politics 9
84-362 Diplomacy and Statecraft 9
84-326 Theories of International Relations 9
84-366 Presidential Politics: So, You Want to Be President of the United States 9
88-220 Policy Analysis I 9
CATEGORY 4: CREATIVE PRODUCTION & REFLECTION. These courses foster creativity and provide exposure to artistic and intellectual products such as drama, literature, design, music, expository writing, and foreign languages. It also seeks to stimulate critical reflection on the process of creating, and inquiry into why one chooses certain kinds of creative productions.  
48-095 Spatial Concepts for Non-Architects I Var.
51-231 Calligraphy I 9
51-261 Communication Design Fundamentals: Design for Interactions for Communications 9
51-264 Industrial Design Fundamentals: Design for Interactions for Products 9
54-163 Production for Non Majors 6
54-191 Acting for Non-Majors 9
62-141 Black and White Photography I 10
62-142 Digital Photography I 10
62-102 Modern Dance Workshop 6
Any language course in the Department of Modern Languages (82-xxx) will satisfy this category.  
CATEGORY 5: CULTURAL ANALYSIS. This requirement fosters deeper understanding of the role cultures play in shaping individual and social behaviors. Most courses in the Department of History (79-2xx or higher) and any language study or cultural study course in the Department of Modern Languages will satisfy this requirement. The following are examples of commonly chosen courses.  
79-201 Introduction to Anthropology 9
79-205 20th/21st Century Europe 9
79-240 Development of American Culture 9
79-241 African American History: Africa to the Civil War 9
79-255 Irish History 6
79-262 Modern China 9
79-275 Introduction to Global Studies 9
79-302 Drone Warfare: Ethics, Law, Politics, History, and Strategy 6
79-303 Pittsburgh and the Transformation of Modern Urban America 6
79-305 Moneyball Nation: Data in American Life 9
79-345 Roots of Rock & Roll 9
  • Common Application
  • $75 application fee*
  • Official high school transcript (please review our Academic Requirements)**
  • Secondary School Counselor Evaluation
  • Teacher Recommendation
  • Common Application essay and personal statement
  • All fine arts applicants to the Schools of Architecture, Art, Design, Drama and Music are required to arrange an audition or portfolio review.
  • Home schooled applicants should submit an academic portfolio/transcript consistent with their state guidelines and a list of all textbooks used.
  • Applicants must provide proof of meeting all requirements for an official high school diploma, by the end of May of the year of graduation, and submit an official final transcript, GED or certificate of completion from your local school district or state board of education by the end of July of the year of matriculation.
  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required if your native language is not English. Carnegie Mellon requires TOEFL scores of 102 or better on the internet-based TOEFL (as of Fall 2010) or an IELTS score of 7.5 and above. Carnegie Mellon carefully reviews the sub-scores of each of these exams and considers those candidates with reading, listening, speaking and writing sub-scores of 25 or more on TOEFL and 7.5 or more on IELTS to be candidates with high levels of English proficiency. Please arrange to have these scores sent no later than January 1st. Carnegie Mellon's TOEFL code is 2074.
  • InitialView interviews are recommended for non-native English speakers but are not required. Often these interviews can measure readiness for engagement in the classroom and also showcase a student’s personality, likes and dislikes as well as the area of intended major. InitialView interviews can show English language proficiency while also corroborating the application with more details about the student.
  • If your secondary school transcript or any other admission document is written in a language other than English, it should be accompanied by an official translation and verified by a counselor or school official to be true copies of the original.
  • If you are preparing for the International Baccalaureate or the General Certificate of Education (GCE) A-level examinations, please send your expected exam results.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

  • ✔️ Flexible study schedule
  • ✔️ Experienced teachers
  • ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Carnegie Mellon University offers various funding options to support students enrolled in their Business Administration programs. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based financial aid, assistantships, and federal loan programs. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to outstanding students based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. Need-based financial aid considers the financial situation of applicants and provides grants and loans to make education accessible. Graduate students may also be eligible for research or teaching assistantships, which provide stipends and tuition waivers in exchange for part-time work assisting faculty with research projects or instructional duties. Carnegie Mellon actively participates in federal loan programs, allowing students to borrow funds under favorable conditions to finance their studies. Additionally, many students benefit from external scholarships and private funding sources, which can supplement university-provided financial assistance. The university's financial aid office offers comprehensive guidance and support to help students navigate application processes, understand award packages, and explore alternative funding options. Financial planning is an integral part of the student experience, and the university encourages early application for financial aid to maximize funding opportunities. Overall, Carnegie Mellon University is committed to making its Business Administration program accessible through a robust array of financing options tailored to meet the diverse needs of its student body.

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Carnegie Mellon University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the dynamic world of business. The program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to develop a deep understanding of business principles, management strategies, and organizational behavior. Students have the opportunity to explore various disciplines such as finance, marketing, operations, and entrepreneurship, allowing for a well-rounded education tailored to contemporary global markets.

The program emphasizes experiential learning through case studies, team projects, internships, and collaboration with industry partners. This approach ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also capable of applying their skills in real-world settings. Carnegie Mellon’s strong focus on innovation and technology integration allows students to gain insights into digital transformation, data analytics, and emerging technological trends impacting business environments.

Students enrolled in the Business Administration program benefit from access to Carnegie Mellon’s extensive network of alumni and industry contacts, fostering networking opportunities and career development resources. The university’s interdisciplinary approach encourages collaboration across different departments and disciplines, enriching students' perspectives and problem-solving capabilities. Additionally, the program offers various specialization options and elective courses, enabling students to customize their educational experience according to their interests and career aspirations.

The faculty comprises renowned scholars and industry experts committed to mentorship and academic excellence. The program also includes global study opportunities, internships, and leadership development initiatives, preparing graduates for international markets and complex global challenges. Upon completion of the program, graduates are equipped with critical thinking, strategic decision-making, and leadership skills necessary for success in diverse business environments. Overall, Carnegie Mellon’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration aims to cultivate innovative, ethical, and forward-thinking business professionals ready to contribute to and lead in the evolving landscape of global commerce.

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