2020-2021
Business
School of Business
Concentration(s):
Management/Business Administration
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/business administration concentration provides students with a broad-based study of management and other business disciplines. The course options in the curriculum give students flexibility in developing a program of study that can lead to a variety of entry-level positions in private and public organizations.
Career opportunities
The management/business administration concentration crosses all areas of business and as such prepares you to have many choices for a career path upon graduating. Important skills such as communication, leadership, decision making, data analysis, and strategic thinking are developed in this concentration and are critical for all types of business careers. Typical managers address a wide variety of problems: financial, operational, human, legal, and political, on a routine basis. Private, public and government agencies all require employees with strong management skills. Typical titles upon graduating include account manager, business analyst, management trainee, sales representative, and recruiter.
Because the business administration degree provides a broad business background, it’s important for students to pursue internship and externship experience to gain depth and specialization in their future fields of work.
https://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/business/business-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
- Bank Manager
- Construction Supervisor
- Credit Analyst
- Entertainment Agent
- Government Services Administrator
- Hotel Manager
- Loan Officer
- Management Analyst
- Payroll Assistant
- Purchasing Agent
- Quality Control Auditor
Graduate and professional level job titles
- Account Executive
- Chief Executive Officer
- Management Consultant
- Real Estate Developer
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
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
Transfer Maps
Contact information
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
Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
- Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
- 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.
- Take the Math Placement Test; work with your Advisor to register in the correct math level.
- 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
- Apply to join the Honors College.
- Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs.
- Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
- Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
- Use REAL’s Student Opportunity Center platform to take the hassle out of finding hands-on experiences and make your first-year extraordinary.
- Attend BOSS DAYS hosted by OSE.
- Attend Wellness Wednesday events hosted by OSE.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication.
- Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities.
- Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage.
- Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options.
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.
- Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
- Create a draft resume, submit it to VMock for initial feedback, and meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to discuss it.
- Join Bizconnect and do an informational interview with a member of the Richmond community.
- 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.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
- Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
- Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
- Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
- 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
- Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
- Find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
- 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).
- Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership and Involvement Center.
- Consider becoming a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, or Student Ambassador.
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 studying abroad with The International Consulting Program.
- Consider learning a language; open doors to international organizations & future study.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events.
- Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
- Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
- Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
- Consider joining any Business Student organizations that interest you.
- Attend Career & Internship Fairs and career events throughout the year.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Conduct an informational interview 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.
- Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
- Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
- Attend 100 first days event hosted by OSE.
- Join related professional organizations such as R.A.M.S., Collegiate DECA, and StartUp VCU.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
- Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
- See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
- Take MGMT 303, MGMT 310, BUSN 325.
- Keep cumulative and major GPAs above 2.0 to meet graduation requirements
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
- Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
- Create a community-engaged research project.
- Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
- Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.
- Join groups on LinkedIn connected to your future career. Expand your network.
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.
- Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office.
- Experience VCU’s richness of diversity by attending VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
- Update your ePortfolio.
- Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
- Apply to get a professional mentor through connect mentoring.
- Attend panels presented by OSE consisting of alumni and/or Richmond business partners.
- Wanting to develop your project management, strategic planning, and analytics skills prior to internship searching/completion? Utilize LinkedIn Learning.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
- Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year.
- Update your business resume to include new experiences you have gained and skills you have developed. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
- Talk to advisors, faculty, and Business Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
- 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 389, MGMT 319, Supply Chain Elective, Systems and Marketing Elective, Global Elective, Financial Markets Elective, and Management Elective.
- 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
- Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
- Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above).
- Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
- Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
- Serve in a leadership role of a local community organization.
- Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector, B Corps, or SCRs.
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.
- Schedule a mock Interview with VCU Career Services.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- 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.
- Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
- Complete an internship during your senior year at an employer where you'd like to work.
- Attend at least one employer sponsored networking event in the fall and spring semester.
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.
- 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.
- Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview through InterviewStream or with a career advisor.
- Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
- Update your business resume to include new experiences, skills, and high level academic projects. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
- Attend the School of Business Career Fair in fall and spring.
2020-2021
Business
School of Business
Concentration(s):
Management/Business Administration
| MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING | GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY | DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY | EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS | PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE | ||
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| Experience | Year 2 |
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| Excel | Year 4 |
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