Business programs in the US at an undergraduate level are highly sought-after by international students. The US universities offer superior academic standards and world-class faculty, consistently ranking among the top institutions globally. A wide range of business programs, from undergraduate to master’s programs and even doctoral programs are available. Some unique courses such as Corporate Social Responsibility, Business Law, Sustainability, and Ethics, besides the regular specializations in Marketing, Finance, Accounting, and Entrepreneurship, allow students to align these to their career goals.
The study of business can vary in focus and depth. Since the programs are practical and experiential, they not only provide knowledge but also skills necessary to succeed in the world of work as future managers, marketers, financial analysts, entrepreneurs, or in other capacities.
This blog can be a starting point for you in understanding the different types of business programs the U.S. has to offer. The list is not representative of the rankings of the colleges.
1. University of Pennsylvania- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
UPenn’s Wharton School ranks #1 on US News, and with good reason: their longstanding reputation as the best allows students access to an extensive global alumni network. All students graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in an area of their choice. The flexible and rigorous curriculum allows students to enroll in nine liberal arts and sciences courses while leaving five unrestricted.
Keep in mind that Wharton is known to be highly selective, with only 524 students enrolling in the 2027 cohort.
2. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor: Ann Arbor, Michigan
The Ross School of Business ranks #4 in the 2024 US News Ranking. Associating with such a big name is almost certainly guaranteed to land you a job in the global market, but what makes the Ross School stand out is its emphasis on hands-on learning experience. The Ross Experience in Action-Based Learning (REAL), encourages students to develop their business ideas, consult with real-world businesses, and/or manage student-run investment funds. With several on-campus initiatives along with its reputation, the Ross School of Business is for a student who is sure they want to pursue a business career and will thrive in an ecosystem that allows them to jump in headfirst, networking with faculty and classmates all the way through.
3. University of California, Berkeley-Berkeley, California
Berkeley’s Haas School of Business ranks #2 on the US News ranking list. Haas offers four programs: The Spieker Undergraduate Business Program, The Global Management Program, The Robinson Life Sciences and Business Entrepreneurship Program (LSBE), and the Management, Entrepreneurship, and Technology Program. All four are highly interdisciplinary and encourage students to delve deeper into disciplines outside of business. The Global Management Program offers exciting project-based travel opportunities, whereas the LSBE may appeal to students who want to combine their passion for the life sciences with entrepreneurship.
4. University of Southern California: Los Angeles-CA
USC Marshall ranks #8 on the US News ranking list. Marshall’s undergrad business program is considered one of the world’s leading business courses. Their core curriculum, closely tied to hands-on learning enables students to apply theory to practice in real time. The BS Artificial Intelligence for Business (BUAI), offers a joint business program with the USC Vertebi School of Engineering. This leads students to become tech-savvy business leaders. Students interested in a career in Accounting can study at the Leventhal School of Accounting (ACCT) – USC Marshall. Having close ties with the accounting and business community, students are exposed to state-of-the-art education with an international focus. USC’s unique curriculum game enables you to look at various possibilities, year by year, as you build your career. (Mapping Your Marshall Experience (usc.edu)
5. Northeastern University-Boston, Massachusetts
Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration, International Business, and a wide selection of Combined Majors. Students then concentrate on one of the many specialization areas offered.
Northeastern’s cooperative education program, or co-op, is a critical feature that sets Northeastern apart from other universities. This program allows students to gain valuable experience in a professional work environment for at least one semester while still enrolled in university, providing a solid foundation for their future careers. Co-op optionsSpecialized Entry Program
6. New York University- NewYork
NYU Stern Undergraduate College is ranked #5 in Business Programs according to US News.
High school students aspiring to study business can apply to the BS in Business program, the BS in Business and Political Economy program, or the Anand Khubani BS in Business, Technology, and Entrepreneurship program. All the programs are STEM-certified degrees.
The BS in Business program is their flagship program that offers 12 business concentrations, 7 interdisciplinary tracks, and 44 electives.BS Degree in Business – NYU Stern. Students wanting a global experience can start their business program at NYU LONDON. Students spend the first year in the London campus before joining the NY Campus to complete their program.
The BPE degree prepares students for a broad array of international business careers, at non-profit organizations, at multinational corporations, and in government.
NYU Stern’s unique Anand Khubani BS in Business, Technology, and Entrepreneurship, leverages NYU’s excellence in data analytics, computer science, and technology through strategic partnerships with NYU Courant and NYU Tandon.
7. The University of Texas –Texas, Austin
The McCombs School of Business, a top-tier institution, embraces the entrepreneurial drive of students from all walks of life. The hallmark of this Business School is Innovation. Whether students are creating an app or driving community transformation, the curriculum is designed to enhance the invaluable skills students bring to the table. Here you are taught by a world-class faculty and you can choose from one of the top-ranked, in-demand majors. McCombs BBA is ranked #5 by the US News. The school’s Centers & Initiatives | McCombs School of Business (utexas.edu) sees a confluence of research, teaching, and corporate partnerships.
8. Boston University- Massachusetts
The Questrom School of Business is a top-ranked undergraduate program in the U.S. BU’s BS in Business Administration (BSBA), is focused on collaboratively tackling business problems while interacting with managers and alumni. With an aim at providing cohesive learning, BU’s BSBA curriculum is balanced between the core requirements and a variety of electives (100+), enabling students to develop competencies. You can choose from, Branding, Negotiations, or Analytics for Managers. Throughout the four years, students are nurtured to understand the world of business and achieve in-depth knowledge in their field of study.
9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Kenan-Flagler Business School is one of the most versatile and broadly applicable educational paths available to undergraduates. By earning a business degree from UNC Kenan-Flagler, students will be equipped with crucial skills in problem-solving, collaboration, teamwork, and analysis. The focus is to equip students with wide-ranging interdisciplinary applications. These competencies prepare students for a thriving career in a wide array of sectors, including finance, consulting, commerce, government, and the non-profit world. The curriculum is designed to ensure you not only learn theoretical concepts but also gain practical experience through internships, real-world projects, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. UNC Kenan-Flagler’s study abroad programs provide you with the overseas exposure and experience that is critical in this interconnected world.
The Career Development Cell organizes events that provide an opportunity for students to network, look for internship opportunities, and create lasting connections.
Lehigh University-Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Lehigh University’s College of Business offers Bachelor of Science degree programs in Business and Economics, Computer Science and Business (CSB), Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE), and Integrated Business and Health (IBH). There are a variety of majors and minors accessible to students.
Lehigh’s core curriculum is designed to equip students with practical skills that are crucial in the business world. It emphasizes leadership techniques, communication skills, and data analytics that drive business decisions.
In collaboration with the Lehigh@Nasdaq Center, the Startup Academy is a summer internship program that places students with early—to mid-stage startups within San Francisco’s innovation ecosystem. Students are assigned a startup and expected to work on deliverables while honing their entrepreneurial skills. In addition, students complete an entrepreneurship course at the Lehigh@Nasdaq Center with a mentor in their professional area of interest.
Lehigh’s Baker Institute is the campus’s hub of entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation. Programs such as “The Hatchery” take students through the Design Thinking process as they explore novel ideas to real-world problems. Pitch nights, initiated through the EUREKA! Venture Program encourages students to pitch their ideas and, at the discretion of a panel of expert reviews, will be granted funding and/or mentorship to proceed with them.
How to Identify a Quality Business School
Since there are plenty of schools offering Business Degrees, it becomes important to be able to assess the value of the education you receive there. Some points to look for when searching for a college are:
Accreditation Accrediting agencies set high standards for courses. Ensure that a school is accredited by a recognized agency, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Expert Faculty: An experienced faculty in your desired field of study will make a world of difference to the outcome of your degree. From practical insights and advice regarding your career, an experienced faculty will prepare you for the future. with experience in your desired field of study will likely offer practical insights and advice to prepare you for your career. Additionally, faculty members should be accessible to students and willing to provide mentorship and support.
Curriculum: Research about the curriculum. It should include experiential, case study-based learning, providing opportunities such as internships and projects. The curriculum should also include experiential learning opportunities such as internships, case studies, and projects. Getting hands-on experience will help you develop skills and gain practical experience that prepares you for your career.
Innumerable colleges in the USA offer excellent business programs. Understanding the strengths of each college and finding the best fit for you is crucial. At Ivy Central, we can help you identify the right colleges, guide you through admission requirements, and support you in achieving your aspiration of studying business at a top institution.
