Business Administration

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

1 or 21-259 Calculus in Three Dimensions.

2 or 21-292 Operations Research I

Business Core

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

Business Analytics

Business Technology

Entrepreneurship

Finance

Graphic Media Management

International Business

* 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

Marketing

Operations Management

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

Distributional Requirements

• 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.