Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2019-2020

Business

School of Business

Concentration(s):
Management/Entrepreneurship
Program description

The activity of management is concerned with setting an organization’s strategic goals and formulating processes to achieve them. Managers carry out their administrative roles by handling such duties as preparing and administering budgets, planning and directing operations, and coordinating employees’ activities.

The management/entrepreneurship concentration empowers students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and complementary skill set needed to provide creative solutions for new ventures and existing organizations. Students gain knowledge of entrepreneurial and design concepts useful for questioning assumptions, exploring alternatives and developing creative solutions.

Career opportunities

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about the mechanics of how to start and grow a business (although you’ll certainly pick up some of those skills in the program). Rather, it is a mindset that enables you to seek opportunities, take risks, recover from failure, leverage your resources, and overcome obstacles to push an idea to implementation or to solve a difficult problem.  Students in the entrepreneurship concentration develop an understanding of the whole entrepreneurial process, from the initial idea generation to the launch of a new business or social venture.  They develop strong research skills, learning how to analyze markets for potential opportunities, and also develop the ability to identify and acquire resources needed to start new ventures.  So, while entrepreneurship may mean starting a new business for some of our graduates, entrepreneurial careers can be found in just about every field where there are opportunities for creating new products, services, and other innovations.  Most of our graduates will in fact go to work for traditional companies, applying the entrepreneurial mindset and complementary skill set needed to provide creative solutions to organizational problems.  Job titles of recent graduates include project manager, workflow coordinator, customer logistics manager, business analyst, sales representative, and VP of Strategy & Business Development.

https://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/business/entrepreneurship-major.htm

Change of major requirements

Students are eligible for admission into the advanced business program with a major in the School of Business upon meeting the minimum cumulative GPA requirement and successful completion of the Business Foundation coursework, as outlined here: http://bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/shared-curriculum/


Bachelor-level job titles
  • Account Manager
  • Business Analyst
  • Business Development Specialist
  • Consultant
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Owner/President
  • Program Director
  • Project Coordinator
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Management Consultant
  • Real Estate Developer
  • Venture Capitalist
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Highest level of math required
  • MATH 200 or SCMA 212 or BUSN 212
  • SCMA 302
Science required
  • Core only
Foreign language requirements
  • No
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.5 to declare major/2.0 to graduate
Department name:
Department of Management
Building/room location:
Snead Hall, Room B4106
Phone:
(804) 828-1530
Email:
mgmt@vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park

Major map compass icon
Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
  • Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.  
  • Take Math Placement; register for math classes each semester through SCMA 302.
  • Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA and 15 credits a semester to declare your major at the end of year 2 & graduate in 4 years.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake.
  • Create a draft resume and have it reviewed by VCU Career Services, Business Career Services, or Engineering Career Services, depending on your course of study.
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
  • Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.
  • Take Winning Presentations to develop the public speaking and communication skills employers want.
  • Meet fellow entrepreneurs at Founder’s Corner.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
  • Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
  • Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
  • Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.  
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
  • Make sure to take INFO 165.
  • Be prepared for a challenging year of ACCT, ECON and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
  • Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
  • Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership and Involvement Center.
  • Consider becoming a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, or Student Ambassador.
  • Research social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
  • Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
  • Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
  • Consider learning a language; open doors to international organizations & future study.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
  • Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. 
  • Attend Black & Gold Academy, Career & Internship Fairs, and career events throughout the year.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.   
  • Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Join related professional organizations such as R.A.M.S., Collegiate DECA, and StartUp VCU.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
  • Take MGMT 321, FIRE 311.
  • Keep cumulative and major GPAs above 2.0 to meet graduation requirements
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
  • Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events.
  • Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
  • Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Attend Black & Gold Academy in the fall.
  • Apply to the Pre-Accelerator Program to pitch your startup.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Talk to advisors, faculty, and Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
  • Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. 
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Have your resume reviewed by Business Career Services.
  • Research professional certifications needed for your field.

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. 
  • Take MGMT 435 (fall only), MGMT 313 (fall only), and MGMT 436 (spring only).
  • Complete the BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
  • Take MGMT 434 in your final semester. Be aware of the multiple prereqs!
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
  • Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
  • Schedule a mock Interview with Business Career Services.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
  • Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
  • Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. 
  • Apply for start-up funding to develop ideas.
  • Complete an internship during your senior year at an employer where you'd like to work.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
  • Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview with your Career Services office. 
  • Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2019-2020

Business

School of Business

Concentration(s):
Management/Entrepreneurship
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
  • Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.  
  • Take Math Placement; register for math classes each semester through SCMA 302.
  • Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA and 15 credits a semester to declare your major at the end of year 2 & graduate in 4 years.
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake.
  • Create a draft resume and have it reviewed by VCU Career Services, Business Career Services, or Engineering Career Services, depending on your course of study.
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
  • Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.
  • Take Winning Presentations to develop the public speaking and communication skills employers want.
  • Meet fellow entrepreneurs at Founder’s Corner.
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
  • Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
  • Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
  • Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.
Experience Year 2
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.  
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
  • Make sure to take INFO 165.
  • Be prepared for a challenging year of ACCT, ECON and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
  • Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
  • Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
  • Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership and Involvement Center.
  • Consider becoming a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, or Student Ambassador.
  • Research social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility.
  • Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
  • Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
  • Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
  • Consider learning a language; open doors to international organizations & future study.
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
  • Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. 
  • Attend Black & Gold Academy, Career & Internship Fairs, and career events throughout the year.
  • Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.   
  • Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Join related professional organizations such as R.A.M.S., Collegiate DECA, and StartUp VCU.
Year 3
  • See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
  • Take MGMT 321, FIRE 311.
  • Keep cumulative and major GPAs above 2.0 to meet graduation requirements
  • Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
  • Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events.
  • Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
  • Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.
  • Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Attend Black & Gold Academy in the fall.
  • Apply to the Pre-Accelerator Program to pitch your startup.
  • Talk to advisors, faculty, and Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
  • Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. 
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Have your resume reviewed by Business Career Services.
  • Research professional certifications needed for your field.
Excel Year 4
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. 
  • Take MGMT 435 (fall only), MGMT 313 (fall only), and MGMT 436 (spring only).
  • Complete the BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
  • Take MGMT 434 in your final semester. Be aware of the multiple prereqs!
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
  • Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
  • Schedule a mock Interview with Business Career Services.
  • Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
  • Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
  • Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. 
  • Apply for start-up funding to develop ideas.
  • Complete an internship during your senior year at an employer where you'd like to work.
  • Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
  • Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview with your Career Services office. 
  • Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.