Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Pepperdine University

Program Overview

Pepperdine University’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration combines a strong liberal arts foundation with practical training in accounting, finance, management, and marketing, helping students build the skills needed to succeed in a wide range of business careers. Designed for students interested in leadership, business strategy, entrepreneurship, or further graduate study, the program also emphasizes ethical decision-making, quantitative analysis, teamwork, and service-oriented leadership.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students begin by developing a broad academic foundation through Seaver College’s general education curriculum while exploring essential business concepts. Early studies build communication, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and an understanding of business within society, preparing students for more specialized coursework in accounting, finance, management, and marketing.

Year 2

Students progress into the core functional areas of business, strengthening their understanding of financial information, organizational operations, marketing principles, and management. Coursework develops analytical and research skills while helping students understand how business decisions affect organizations, customers, and communities.

Year 3

Students deepen their business knowledge and apply it to practical challenges through advanced business coursework, collaborative learning, and the required Service Leadership Project. In this project, student consulting teams work with nonprofit organizations, applying business concepts to mutually agreed-upon community projects.

Year 4

In the final year, students integrate their learning across accounting, finance, management, and marketing while strengthening professional communication, teamwork, ethical reasoning, and evidence-based problem-solving. Students can also pursue a business internship for academic credit, helping connect their academic preparation with workplace experience.

Focus Areas

Accounting, finance, management, marketing, business research, quantitative analysis, ethical decision-making, leadership, teamwork, communication, diversity and inclusion, service leadership, and business problem-solving.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop fundamental knowledge across business functions, apply research skills, create evidence-based solutions to business problems, evaluate ethical implications of business practices, communicate through written reports and oral presentations, collaborate effectively in teams, and understand diversity and inclusion in organizations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Pepperdine’s Business Administration degrees are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This accreditation recognizes the business division’s academic standards and commitment to quality business education.

Reputation (Employability and Rankings)

For the Class of 2025, Pepperdine’s Seaver College reported that 82% of graduates were employed, continuing education, volunteering full-time, or serving in the military within six months of graduation. The university’s Business Administration major page separately reports that 79% of its 2025 graduates were settled, including 67% employed full- or part-time and 12% continuing education. These figures represent reported graduate outcomes, not a guarantee of individual employment.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Pepperdine emphasizes practical business learning through consulting projects, internships, student organizations, and professional development opportunities. The required Service Leadership Project allows students to work in consulting teams with nonprofit organizations, applying business knowledge to real community needs. Students can also pursue academic-credit internships and connect with employers across the Los Angeles area.

Students can gain practical experience through:

Service Leadership Project: Work in student consulting teams with nonprofit organizations, applying business concepts to community-based projects.
Business internships: Complete BA 495 Business Internship for 0–4 units, subject to applicable academic requirements.
Internship coordination: Receive support from a dedicated faculty internship coordinator within the Business Administration Division.
Professional organizations: Participate in the Accounting Society, Alpha Kappa Psi, Delta Sigma Pi, Pepperdine Microfinance Club, Pepperdine Entrepreneur Club, Rotaract, and Sports Business Association.
Career development tools: Access Handshake, VMock, Roadtrip Nation, and Real World for career exploration, professional preparation, and internship or job searches.
Career events and networking: Participate in employer information sessions, career fairs, job shadowing, and company visits.
Technology preparation: Meet the Business Administration Division's laptop computer and software requirements to support academic and professional work.
Nonprofit Leadership Collaborative: Explore service-oriented leadership and contribute to strengthening the nonprofit sector.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Pepperdine’s Business Administration program can pursue careers across finance, management, consulting, sales, human resources, and business operations. The degree also provides a foundation for graduate study, including an MBA or other advanced business qualifications.

Potential career paths include Business Analyst, Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Human Resource Manager, Sales Manager, Accountant, Supply Chain Manager, Compliance Officer, Credit Manager, and Business Development Manager.

Career preparation and graduate opportunities include:

Career Center support: Access career assessments, individual career coaching, résumé and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, internship and job-search assistance, networking, and graduate school advising.
Internship and employment resources: Use Handshake and other career platforms to explore internships, jobs, employer events, and professional opportunities.
Employment outcomes: The 2025 Seaver College graduating class reported 82% of graduates employed, in graduate school, volunteering full-time, or serving in the military within six months of graduation.
Graduate school outcomes: The university reported an 84% graduate school acceptance rate for the Class of 2025.
Employer connections: Recent graduates have joined organizations such as Amazon, Boeing, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Fidelity Investments, JPMorgan Chase, KPMG, PwC, and Walt Disney Company.
Industry engagement: Internships, employer information sessions, career fairs, company tours, and alumni connections help students explore professional opportunities.
Accreditation: AACSB accreditation of Pepperdine’s Business Administration degrees provides recognition of the business school's academic standards.
Alumni network: Students can benefit from Pepperdine's alumni community and career connections as they pursue professional development.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, graduates may pursue an MBA or a specialized master's degree in areas such as finance, management, or business-related disciplines. Pepperdine offers graduate business programs through the Graziadio Business School, including MBA and Master of Science options. Eligible Pepperdine alumni may receive a 20% tuition discount and a waived application fee for select graduate programs, subject to university conditions.