Valparaiso University

What you'll study

The programme balances foundational business courses with specialised management and operations topics. You will take core subjects such as financial and managerial accounting, corporate finance, marketing, business law and business ethics alongside quantitative and analytical coursework including statistics and business analytics.

Management and operations-specific modules typically cover:

• Principles of Management — organisational design, leadership, decision-making and HR fundamentals.
• Operations Management — process analysis, capacity planning, quality control and continuous improvement.
• Supply Chain Management — logistics, procurement, inventory management and distribution strategies.
• Project Management — project planning, scheduling, risk management and team leadership.
• Organisational Behaviour — motivation, team dynamics and change management.
• Business Analytics and Quantitative Methods — data-driven decision making, forecasting and optimisation techniques.
• Strategic Management — integrating functional areas to formulate and implement strategy; often delivered as a capstone.

Students also complete general education courses and have opportunities for electives, practicum experiences and internships. Many students undertake a senior capstone or consulting project that applies classroom learning to a real organisational problem.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school diploma or equivalent. Valparaiso University typically looks for a strong academic record with coursework in mathematics and English; coursework in economics, business or statistics is recommended. Admission also considers the overall application package, which may include high-school transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Transfer applicants must submit college transcripts and will have transfer credit assessed against degree requirements.

Some applicants strengthen their candidacy by demonstrating relevant experience such as part-time work, internships or extracurricular leadership. Contact the admissions office for details about standardised test policies, international credential evaluation and any programme-specific prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates of the BBA in Management and Operations are prepared for roles that require managing people, processes and resources. Common entry-level positions include operations coordinator, supply chain analyst, production planner, project coordinator and management trainee. With experience, alumni move into roles such as operations manager, logistics manager, process improvement manager, project manager or management consultant.

The programme also provides a strong foundation for entrepreneurship or for graduate study in business, supply chain management or related fields. Valparaiso’s emphasis on experiential learning and internship placements helps students build practical skills and employer networks in regional and national industries.

Why study at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University offers a personalised learning environment with small class sizes and faculty who combine academic expertise with industry experience. The College of Business provides career services, internship support and opportunities for applied projects with local organisations. The curriculum emphasises ethical leadership and community engagement, reflecting the university’s Lutheran liberal-arts tradition.

Geographically, Valparaiso’s location in northwest Indiana provides access to a diverse regional economy and to internship and employment opportunities in the Chicago metropolitan area. The business programmes benefit from a focus on experiential learning, networking events and mentorship from alumni working across operations, manufacturing, logistics and service sectors.