Business Management
Prepare for a dynamic career in business with Manchester University’s Business Management bachelor’s degree. Engage in experiential learning, including internships and real-world projects, to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills essential for success in today’s competitive business environment.
Get Ahead with a Business Management Bachelor’s Degree and Minor from Manchester
At Manchester University, the Business Management bachelor’s degree and minor programs prepare students to thrive in today’s fast-paced business world. Through a curriculum that blends classroom theory with real-world application, students gain critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills.
Business majors engage in project-based learning, internships with top regional companies, and a capstone that involves managing a student-run business. Meanwhile, the Business Minor offers non-majors a valuable foundation in key business principles, expanding career potential across disciplines. Both programs emphasize ethical decision-making and practical experience, with a clear path to graduate study through Manchester’s MBA program.
Program Information:
Major | BS
- 51 Credit Hours
Minor | Business
- 20-22 Credit Hours
Certificate
- 9 Credit Hours
Location
- North Manchester
- Online
Connor Hindman, Business Management, Class of 2025
Why Choose MU for Business Management?
Hands-On, Project-Based Learning
Strong Industry Partnerships
Expert Faculty and Career Resources
MBA 3+1
The MBA Program is an integrated 3+1 program. You can enroll simultaneously in both undergraduate and master’s level management coursework, which will allow you to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four years instead of the traditional five. The management track is open to those with bachelor’s degrees in any major.
What You Can Do with Your Business Managemet Degree
Marketing Manager
Develop strategies to promote brands, products, and organizational growth.
Human Resources Specialist
Manage employee relations, recruitment, and organizational development initiatives.
Operations Manager
Oversee daily operations and improve business efficiency and processes.
Business Analyst
Evaluate data to inform decisions and improve business performance.
Average Starting Salary for Business Management Degree Holders
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for management occupations was $116,880 in May 2023 and rose to $122,090 in May 2024—well above the national median. Manchester University’s business management program equips students for this high-earning potential through hands-on learning, internships, and real-world projects. Graduates are prepared to succeed in roles across marketing, operations, HR, and finance, whether entering the workforce or pursuing advanced degrees like an MBA.
How the Business Management Program Supports Your Growth
Hands-On, Project-Based Learning
Career-Ready Internships and Industry Partnerships
Manchester University’s strong ties with companies such as Zimmer Biomet, INGUARD, Sweetwater, Honeywell, and Steel Dynamics create valuable internship and job opportunities for business management students. Internships are a required part of the program, giving students the chance to apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments. These partnerships often lead to job offers post-graduation, helping you establish your professional network before you even leave campus.
Expert Faculty and Modern Resources
Student Groups
Business management students can enhance their education through student organizations and leadership opportunities. Whether you join a business-focused student group or take part in service projects, you’ll find ways to apply your skills beyond the classroom. These groups often work closely with faculty and community partners, expanding your learning network and sharpening your collaboration and communication skills.
- The College of Business Club (CBC) is designed to provide members with opportunities to develop leadership experiences; to provide exposure to business professions through presentations from guest speakers, both inside and outside the classroom; to provide a social organization for students to develop relationships with their peers as well as with prospective business partners and employers; and to relate what is learned in the classroom to the business world. Students are eligible to join CBC immediately upon entering Manchester University, and the Club provides numerous opportunities for students to get involved. A number of committees exist within the Club that provide interested students with many leadership opportunities.
Explore Courses and Curriculum
The business management degree at Manchester University emphasizes a strong foundation in core business principles. Courses cover essential topics such as accounting, data analysis, sales, economics, and business law. Major-specific classes include:
- Principles of Management
- Business Information Systems
- Human Resource Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Operations Management
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
Students also complete a required internship for hands-on learning and participate in a senior capstone course, where they manage a real business and donate profits to nonprofit organizations. This applied learning experience ties together classroom knowledge and real-world decision-making.
Pathway to a Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Manchester’s Bachelor of Science in Business Management sets the stage for advanced study through its fully online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. Students can pursue specialized MBA tracks in:
- Management (fully online)
- Health Care (fully online)
- Accounting (online with some in-person coursework)
This flexible pathway allows graduates to deepen their expertise, expand their career opportunities, and transition smoothly into leadership or specialized roles in the business world. The undergraduate curriculum is designed to align with graduate-level expectations, giving you a competitive edge when pursuing your MBA.
Meet the Faculty
Heather Twomey
Dean of the College of Business and the Howard and Myra Brembeck Professor of Accounting and Business
Beth Driscoll
Associate Professor of Marketing and Management
Frequently Asked Questions About Manchester University’s Business Management Degree
What will I learn in the business management degree program?
The business management bachelor’s degree at Manchester University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of key disciplines in modern business. You’ll explore subjects such as accounting, business law, marketing, operations management, and human resource management, along with real-world applications that develop critical business thinking. Courses like Organizational Behavior and Principles of Management help you build leadership skills, strategic insight, and a solid foundation in management concepts.
What sets Manchester’s business management degree program apart is its emphasis on project-based learning. Through hands-on simulations, internship experiences, and a senior capstone, students gain exposure to practical applications of theory. You’ll also engage in ethical decision-making and sharpen your communication skills, all while preparing to thrive in today’s global business environment.
This degree equips students with problem solving and critical thinking abilities that are applicable across a wide array of fields, from international business and financial management to supply chain management and business analytics. Graduates emerge as well-rounded, job-ready professionals who understand how to manage teams, analyze data, and support organizational goals.
Are internships required as part of a business degree?
Yes. All students pursuing a business management bachelor’s degree at Manchester University must complete an internship as part of the curriculum. This experiential component is a cornerstone of the business management program, ensuring students graduate with real-world experience and practical workplace skills.
Our university partners with respected companies like Zimmer Biomet, INGUARD, Sweetwater, Honeywell, and Steel Dynamics, offering business students the chance to apply what they’ve learned in meaningful, career-relevant settings. Whether you’re focused on human resource management, operations management, marketing, or project management, your internship will help develop your professional acumen and may even lead to full-time employment.
Internships are often aligned with students’ career goals and provide critical exposure to management strategies, business ethics, and industry-specific challenges. These opportunities allow you to build your résumé, sharpen your business skills, and expand your professional network before you graduate.
Completing an internship not only boosts your confidence in the workplace but also enhances your qualifications for business management jobs, graduate school, or even entrepreneurial ventures.
Can I combine a degree in business management with a minor or certificate?
Absolutely. In addition to the business management bachelor’s degree, Manchester University offers a Business Minor and a Certificate in Business Management. These flexible options are ideal for students seeking to broaden their business knowledge and customize their career paths.
The Business Minor is a popular choice among non-business majors looking to build a foundational understanding of business core subjects such as management principles, financial statements, and strategic planning. It pairs well with majors like communication, psychology, or sport management, enhancing both employability and interdisciplinary understanding.
The Business Management Certificate requires just three core courses—Principles of Management, Managing a Diverse Workforce, and Organizational Behavior—and is designed to complement your bachelor’s degree or support ongoing professional development. It’s especially useful for those interested in leadership roles or transitioning into the field of business administration.
These additional credentials provide students with enhanced versatility in a competitive job market and can also prepare you for graduate-level study such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
What are my career options with a business management degree?
Graduates of Manchester’s business management degree program are well-positioned for diverse and rewarding career opportunities. The degree is designed to prepare students for roles in human resources, operations, marketing, project coordination, financial analysis, and more. Common job titles include operations manager, marketing manager, business analyst, and sales manager.
This degree develops business management skills like strategic planning, data analysis, and team leadership, making graduates valuable across sectors such as healthcare, retail, finance, nonprofit, and technology. As companies seek professionals who can support innovation and achieve organizational goals, Manchester graduates stand out thanks to their hands-on training and ability to adapt quickly to business challenges.
The curriculum’s combination of theory and practical applications, along with strong internship placements and faculty mentorship, helps ensure that students graduate not just with a business degree, but with the confidence and competencies needed to succeed in a variety of roles.
Does this program prepare me for graduate study, like an MBA?
Yes. The business management bachelor’s degree serves as an ideal foundation for pursuing a Master of Business Administration or other graduate-level studies. Manchester University offers its own fully online MBA program with specialized tracks in Management, Health Care, and Accounting, designed to build on the strengths of its undergraduate business programs.
Students in the business management program engage in rigorous coursework that includes organizational behavior, strategic management, and a capstone experience that challenges them to operate a business. These experiences help students develop leadership skills, deepen their understanding of business administration, and become effective problem solvers in real-world settings.
Because the undergraduate curriculum is designed to mirror graduate-level expectations, students find the transition to an MBA or other graduate programs both natural and rewarding. Whether you’re aiming to advance in human resource roles, become a business analyst, or lead in international finance, this program prepares you for continued academic and professional success.
How flexible is the business management degree program at Manchester University?
Manchester University’s business management degree program is delivered in person at the North Manchester campus, allowing students to benefit from face-to-face instruction, campus resources, and hands-on collaboration with faculty and peers. While this bachelor’s degree in business management is not currently offered fully online, many courses integrate digital platforms, project-based learning, and real-world business technologies that mirror today’s hybrid work environments.
This approach ensures that students build both in-person and virtual collaboration skills—valuable assets in modern business management jobs. Whether you’re preparing for roles in operations, human resources, or project coordination, the program emphasizes communication, critical thinking, and leadership in diverse business settings.
Students looking for additional flexibility after earning their business management degree can explore graduate study through Manchester’s fully online MBA programs. These options allow graduates to continue advancing their careers while balancing work, family, or other commitments. With both practical classroom experiences and modern digital tools, Manchester’s business management program prepares you to lead in today’s evolving business world.
What kind of support does Manchester offer for job placement and financial aid?
Manchester University provides comprehensive career services and financial aid support to help students succeed during their studies and long after graduation. From the moment you enroll in the business management program, you’ll have access to personalized advising, résumé workshops, mock interviews, and employer networking events designed to help you develop skills that translate directly to today’s competitive job market.
The Office of Career and Professional Development assists students with internship placements and preparation for a variety of business management jobs across sectors. Many students receive job offers from their internship employers, thanks to Manchester’s strong partnerships with regional businesses and organizations. These experiences allow students to build valuable skills in communication, leadership, and strategic thinking that employers actively seek.
Manchester’s financial aid offerings include scholarships, grants, work-study positions, and access to federal financial aid programs. Dedicated advisors guide students through every step of the financial aid process, helping them maximize resources and minimize debt while pursuing their business bachelor’s degree.
The support doesn’t stop at graduation. Alumni services and faculty mentorship continue as students explore career paths in organizational leadership, project management, and more, ensuring long-term success and a return on their educational investment through Manchester’s exceptional business management degree program.
Business Management Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate that they possess the core business knowledge generally expected of all business students and the depth of knowledge generally expected of students in their particular major or minor areas of study.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fundamental business principles, including accounting, finance, marketing, and management.
- Students will apply specialized knowledge in their major or minor areas of study to practical and real-world scenarios.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will gain hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings and develop practical skills that are essential for their career.
- Students will demonstrate their ability to apply business concepts to real-world situations, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically and to communicate effectively.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically by identifying, analyzing, and resolving unstructured business problems, and by making evidence-based decisions.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process
Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.
Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.