B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Business Administration
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Business Administration at Whittier College is designed to provide students with a strong understanding of various business disciplines, including accounting, finance, information systems, international business, management, marketing, and operations. The program emphasizes how business decisions impact society and the environment, fostering responsible and globally-minded business leaders. Students develop analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills crucial for success in corporate, government, and non-profit sectors.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Business Administration is structured to provide a robust core while allowing for specialization through concentrations. Required foundational courses typically include Business and Society, Principles of Financial Accounting, Principles of Managerial Accounting, Business Law, Business Finance I, Marketing Principles, Management and Organizational Behavior, Management Information Systems, International Business, and Management Strategy and Policy. Students also gain a fundamental understanding of economics and often take a public speaking course. Beyond the core, students can choose to specialize with concentrations in areas like accounting, finance, international business, management, or marketing, allowing for deeper dives into their preferred fields. The program also encourages an interdisciplinary approach, with opportunities to connect business studies with other liberal arts disciplines, such as humanities, through initiatives like the Liberal Arts of Organizational Leadership Program.
Research Focus: While the Business Administration program at Whittier College is highly practical, it also encourages intellectual inquiry and research. Students engage in analytical work throughout their coursework, examining case studies, market trends, and organizational behavior. Opportunities for more formalized research exist through faculty collaboration and participation in the annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) conference. This platform allows students to present original research, which for some, fulfills their capstone experience, demonstrating their ability to conduct in-depth investigations and contribute to business knowledge. The program's emphasis on critical thinking and data analysis naturally leads to research-oriented problem-solving.
Industry Engagement: Whittier College leverages its prime Southern California location to provide significant industry engagement opportunities for Business Administration students. The curriculum often incorporates real-world case studies and off-campus visits to companies and organizations in the Los Angeles area. Professors with real-world experience and professional networks actively mentor students, facilitating connections with the business community. Internship opportunities are highly encouraged and supported by the college's career services, allowing students to gain practical experience in diverse business settings. Success stories from alumni working at major companies like Goldman Sachs, NVIDIA, and various entrepreneurial ventures highlight the program's effectiveness in preparing graduates for the professional world. The accelerated accounting program, for instance, has a strong pipeline connecting students to graduate programs and ultimately to careers with major accounting firms.
Global Perspective: A strong global perspective is integrated into Whittier College's Business Administration program, recognizing the interconnectedness of today's economy. The curriculum includes a dedicated International Business course, and students are highly encouraged to participate in study abroad programs. The Global Poet Scholarship, a $2,000 award, specifically supports students who wish to study business in a foreign country. Professors often lead "globetrotting courses" to locations like China, England, Argentina, and Germany, where students visit multinational corporations, meet with diplomats, and gain firsthand insights into global markets. These experiences, combined with a curriculum that explores global institutions and issues, ensure graduates are well-prepared to navigate and succeed in the international business landscape.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Business Administration from Whittier College provides graduates with a comprehensive and adaptable skillset, preparing them for a diverse array of roles across various industries.
Financial Analyst: Graduates specializing in finance are well-prepared to assess the performance of investments, analyze financial data, and provide guidance to individuals and businesses. They often work in banking, investment firms, or corporate finance departments.
Marketing Manager: With a focus on consumer behavior and brand strategy, marketing-focused graduates can build careers in developing and executing campaigns, managing product launches, and enhancing brand presence for companies of all sizes.
Accountant / Auditor: For those concentrating in accounting, roles involve preparing financial records, ensuring compliance with regulations, and conducting audits. Whittier College's accelerated accounting program provides a strong pathway to becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and securing positions with major accounting firms.
Human Resources Specialist: Understanding organizational behavior and management principles, graduates can work in HR departments, focusing on recruitment, employee relations, training and development, and fostering a positive work environment.
Operations Manager: This role involves optimizing business processes, improving efficiency, and overseeing the day-to-day activities of an organization. Graduates apply their knowledge of management and organizational behavior to streamline operations.
Project Manager: Business administration graduates are well-suited to lead and manage projects from conception to completion across various industries. They are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects, ensuring they meet objectives, deadlines, and budgets.
Sales Manager: Graduates can enter sales management, leading sales teams, setting goals, analyzing market data, and developing strategies to maximize revenue and grow client relationships.
Business Consultant: Leveraging their analytical and problem-solving skills, graduates can work as consultants, advising businesses on strategies to improve performance, overcome challenges, and achieve growth. This often involves market research and data analysis.
International Business Professional: With the program's emphasis on global perspective, graduates can pursue careers in multinational corporations, international trade, or global logistics, managing cross-border operations and understanding diverse market dynamics.
Entrepreneur / Small Business Owner: The broad business foundation, coupled with the liberal arts emphasis on innovation and critical thinking, empowers graduates to start and manage their own ventures. They acquire the knowledge needed for business planning, financial management, and marketing their products or services.
