Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in General Management

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Central Michigan University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in General Management at Central Michigan University prepares students to lead teams, make strategic business decisions, manage resources, and solve organizational challenges across different industries. Through a combination of business coursework, leadership development, internships, and practical experiences, students build versatile skills in management, human resources, business operations, decision-making, and communication that can support careers in both established organizations and entrepreneurial ventures.

Curriculum Structure

First Year – Building Business Foundations

Students begin by developing a foundation in business principles, communication, quantitative reasoning, and organizational thinking. Introductory business studies help them understand how companies operate, while general education coursework strengthens the analytical and communication skills needed for future management responsibilities.

Second Year – Understanding Business Functions

Students expand their knowledge of essential business areas, including accounting, economics, marketing, and organizational behavior. These subjects help students understand financial information, customer needs, workplace relationships, and the factors that influence business performance.

Third Year – Developing Management and Leadership Skills

Students progress into more advanced business studies, exploring management practices, business decision-making, human resource responsibilities, and operational processes. The program also emphasizes practical experiences, including internships and applied learning, allowing students to connect classroom concepts with professional situations.

Fourth Year – Strategic Management and Professional Preparation

In the final stage, students strengthen their ability to evaluate business challenges, coordinate organizational resources, and make informed management decisions. Upper-level business coursework, practical experiences, and opportunities to engage with the College of Business community help students prepare for management-related careers or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas

General Management, Business Leadership, Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, Business Operations, Strategic Decision-Making, Business Communication, Resource Management, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to make informed business decisions, lead and motivate teams, analyze organizational challenges, manage resources, communicate effectively with stakeholders, solve business problems, and apply management principles across different industries. The program also develops professional skills in business knowledge, data analysis, oral communication, written communication, and problem-solving.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Central Michigan University's College of Business Administration holds accreditation from AACSB International in both business and accounting. This accreditation reflects the College's commitment to academic quality, relevant business education, continuous improvement, and learning aligned with employer expectations.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

CMU reports that more than 91% of College of Business Administration graduates find employment within six months of graduation. The university also identifies its business and accounting accreditation as placing the College among approximately 2% of institutions worldwide with both AACSB accreditations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Central Michigan University's General Management program combines business coursework with internships and practical experiences to help students develop the confidence to manage teams, solve organizational problems, and make decisions in professional environments. Students can participate in business-focused student organizations, connect with industry professionals, and gain experience through projects, presentations, and professional development activities. The College's learning approach emphasizes applying business knowledge to real challenges rather than relying solely on classroom theory.

Students can strengthen their practical business and leadership skills through the following opportunities:

Internships: Students can gain practical workplace experience through internships that connect management concepts with professional responsibilities.
Project-Based Learning: Students work on applied business challenges through coursework, projects, and presentations.
New Venture Challenge: Students can participate in CMU's business competition, developing entrepreneurial thinking and business planning skills.
ERPsim: Students can engage with ERPsim business simulation activities, gaining exposure to business decision-making and enterprise resource planning.
Business Student Organizations: Students can join the Society for Human Resource Management, Society of Women in Business, and Supply Chain Management Association.
Industry Networking: College activities provide opportunities to build relationships with business professionals and connect with employers.
Business Residential College: Beddow Hall offers a business-focused residential community where students can participate in campus activities, service opportunities, and professional development.
Career Preparation: The College emphasizes communication, problem-solving, data analysis, and professional readiness through its academic and student development activities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The General Management B.S.B.A. prepares graduates for professional opportunities in management, human resources, business operations, customer service, and organizational leadership. Its broad business curriculum allows students to pursue roles across industries such as retail, manufacturing, finance, hospitality, and professional services while developing transferable skills for long-term career growth.

Potential career paths include:

General Manager
Management Analyst
Human Resources Specialist
Business Operations Manager

Students can develop their career prospects through the following university opportunities:

Career Placement Support: CMU reports that more than 91% of College of Business Administration graduates find employment within six months of graduation.
Central Career Guarantee: Eligible graduates who do not receive a job offer or acceptance to graduate school within six months of graduation may qualify for a $2,000 payment, subject to the university's terms and conditions.
Employer Connections: The College provides opportunities to connect with employers through business activities, internships, professional networking, and student organizations.
Industry-Relevant Learning: AACSB accreditation supports continuous curriculum improvement and alignment with changing employer expectations.
Career and Salary Outlook: CMU publishes the following projected salary figures for career paths associated with General Management:

Career	Projected Salary
Customer Service Manager	$42,830
Human Resources Specialist	$72,910
General Manager	$105,350
Management Analyst	$101,190
Property Manager	$66,700
Restaurant Manager	$65,310

Salary figures are those published on CMU's program page; they are projected occupational figures, not guaranteed graduate starting salaries.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S.B.A. in General Management, graduates can pursue a Master of Science in Administration (M.S.A.) through CMU's accelerated master's pathway, subject to eligibility and program requirements. They may also explore other relevant graduate business or management programs to deepen their expertise in leadership, administration, and organizational strategy.