California State University

What you'll study

This programme delivers a broad foundation in business principles combined with opportunities to specialise. You will study core subjects such as accounting, finance, marketing, organisational behaviour, operations management and business law, alongside quantitative skills in statistics and business analytics.

• Core modules: Principles of Management, Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Corporate Finance, Marketing Principles, Business Law and Ethics, Organisational Behaviour, Operations and Supply Chain Management.
• Analytical and practical skills: Business Statistics, Data Analysis for Decision Making, Information Systems for Managers, Spreadsheet Modelling.
• Specialist and elective options: Consumer Behaviour, Digital Marketing, Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, Human Resource Management, International Business, Project Management.
• Applied learning: Internship or practicum, capstone or strategic management project, and team-based case studies that link classroom theory to real organisational problems.

The programme typically combines general education requirements with major coursework, elective concentrations and an experiential component. Students can tailor study to career goals through elective choices or by pursuing minors and certificate programmes offered across the university.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions criteria include satisfactory academic performance in high-school coursework, with particular emphasis on mathematics and English. Applicants without direct qualifications may be considered through alternative entry pathways or foundation programmes.

• Academic background: Completion of college-preparatory subjects including algebra and written communication; some campuses expect a minimum grade-point average for direct entry.
• Transfer students: Students transferring from community colleges or other institutions usually need an associate degree or a specified number of transferable units and fulfilment of general education requirements.
• Supporting materials: Many campuses request a personal statement and may consider letters of recommendation, a résumé of work experience, and evidence of leadership or extracurricular involvement.
• Prerequisites: Introductory college-level mathematics and English composition are commonly required before taking upper-division business courses.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a wide range of entry- and mid-level roles across industries. The programme emphasises transferable competencies—communication, teamwork, quantitative analysis and problem solving—that employers value.

• Typical roles: management trainee, business analyst, marketing coordinator, sales or account manager, operations coordinator, human resources specialist, and project analyst.
• Sector opportunities: private enterprises, public sector agencies, non-profits, consulting firms, start-ups and family businesses.
• Progression and further study: alumni commonly move into supervisory and managerial roles, specialised positions in finance, marketing or operations, or pursue graduate study such as an MBA or specialised master’s degrees to accelerate career advancement.

Why study at California State University

California State University programmes are known for their practical, career-focused approach and strong links with local and regional employers. Many campuses offer close faculty engagement, opportunities for internships and cooperative placements, and career centres that support job search and employer connections.

• Applied learning: Emphasis on experiential projects, internships and community partnerships that allow students to apply classroom learning to workplace challenges.
• Accessibility and support: Broad student services including academic advising, tutoring, mentoring and career guidance, designed to support diverse student populations.
• Industry connections: Collaboration with local business communities, guest speakers, networking events and practicum placements that increase employability.
• Flexible pathways: Options for transfer students, part-time study and combined minors or certificates to tailor the degree to specific career objectives.