Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

The undergraduate business curriculum begins with a shared core that develops foundational skills in accounting, economics, statistics, quantitative methods and business law. In the early years you study microeconomics and macroeconomics, financial and managerial accounting, principles of marketing, organisational behaviour, and business statistics. Later, you choose a major or concentration—common options include finance, accounting, marketing, management, supply chain/operations, business analytics and economics—then progress to more specialised, upper‑division modules.

• Intermediate and advanced accounting (for accounting majors)
• Corporate finance, investment analysis and banking
• Consumer behaviour, digital marketing and brand management
• Operations management, logistics and supply chain strategy
• Business analytics, data visualisation and forecasting
• Strategic management, ethics and leadership
• Business law, international business and electives such as entrepreneurship
• Capstone projects, case studies and experiential learning opportunities

Students typically complete general education requirements alongside business coursework; many programmes encourage or require an internship, practicum or study abroad to apply learning in real workplace settings.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on secondary school qualification and a portfolio of academic records. Domestic applicants usually present a high school diploma with a competitive GPA and a preparation in mathematics (college preparatory algebra). Standardised tests may be optional, but strong quantitative and writing skills are expected. Transfer students must submit college transcripts and typically need to complete specified lower‑division business prerequisites.

International applicants must provide proof of secondary school completion and demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or approved alternatives. Applicants should check the university’s published admissions page for specific documentation and any programme‑specific prerequisites, such as introductory economics or accounting.

Career prospects

Graduates of the NAU business programme enter a wide range of commercial and public sector roles. Common entry positions include financial analyst, marketing coordinator, management trainee, supply chain analyst, business analyst and junior accountant. With relevant majors or certifications, graduates may pursue careers in corporate finance, commercial banking, consulting, digital marketing, human resources, operations and sales.

The degree also prepares students for professional progression: accounting graduates may complete the educational requirements for CPA candidacy, analytics students may move into data roles, and many alumni go on to postgraduate study such as an MBA or specialised master’s degrees.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University’s business programmes are housed within the W. A. Franke College of Business, which emphasises experiential learning, small class sizes and close faculty interaction. The college holds professional accreditation and offers access to career services, industry partnerships and student organisations that support networking and professional development.

Studying in Flagstaff provides a campus environment with connections to regional business centres and opportunities for internships across the Southwest. The university also supports practical learning through case competitions, consulting projects, internship placements and centres focused on entrepreneurship and analytics, helping students build the skills employers seek.