Indiana University

What you'll study

The degree combines a common business core with major-specific courses and experiential learning. Core topics typically include financial and managerial accounting, micro- and macro-economics, business statistics and data analysis, finance, marketing, organisational behaviour, operations management, business law and ethics. Students then choose a major or concentration such as Finance, Marketing, Management, Accounting, Business Analytics, Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship or International Business.

Programme structure usually begins with foundational coursework and quantitative skills in the first year, moves to functional business courses in the second year, and progresses to advanced, integrative and elective modules in later years. Many students complete a senior capstone, practicum or consulting project that applies classroom learning to real organisational problems. Opportunities for experiential learning include internships, case competitions, internship-integrated courses, study abroad, and industry-sponsored projects.

• Core business foundations: accounting, economics, statistics, finance, marketing, management
• Major-specific coursework: e.g. investment analysis and corporate finance for Finance; consumer behaviour and brand management for Marketing; auditing and tax for Accounting
• Data and technology: business analytics, information systems and quantitative modelling
• Practical components: capstone project, internships, practicum, consulting assignments
• Optional enrichment: study abroad, student consultancy groups, entrepreneurship incubators

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and based on academic achievement, coursework rigor, and supporting materials such as personal statements and recommendation letters. Typical preparation includes a strong high-school record with advanced coursework where available (for example calculus, statistics, economics and English).

Specific entry pathways include:

• High school applicants: secondary-school diploma with competitive grades; completion of quantitative coursework is strongly recommended.
• International applicants: equivalent secondary qualification such as the International Baccalaureate or A-levels; English language proficiency through recognised tests or qualifying programmes if required.
• Transfer applicants: college or university coursework with a demonstrated record in quantitative and general education requirements; official transcripts and course descriptions are required for credit evaluation.
• Standardised tests: applicants should consult the university for the current policy; where submitted, scores may be considered as part of the application.

Successful candidates also typically demonstrate extracurricular engagement, leadership or work experience relevant to business, and a clear motivation for pursuing commerce.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of entry-level and early-career roles across the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Common career paths include positions in corporate finance, investment analysis, marketing and brand management, sales, consulting, operations and supply chain, human resources, business analytics and data science, and entrepreneurship.

Many students use the degree as a stepping stone to professional qualifications (for example CPA or CFA) or to postgraduate study in business, law or economics. The programme’s emphasis on internships and employer engagement supports placement into rotational programmes, management trainee schemes and specialised functional roles at regional, national and international employers.

Why study at Indiana University

Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business is known for a comprehensive business curriculum, strong employer connections and extensive career support tailored to commerce students. The school emphasises experiential learning—through internships, student-run funds, consulting projects and entrepreneurship resources—so students graduate with practical experience as well as theory.

Additional advantages include a large, active alumni network, dedicated career services with employer partnerships across industries, options for global study and collaborative student organisations that build leadership and professional skills. The Bloomington campus also offers a traditional residential university environment with cross-disciplinary opportunities across social sciences, computing and the arts.