Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of California Berkeley

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of California, Berkeley, offered through the Walter A. Haas School of Business, prepares students to understand the modern business environment, develop leadership capabilities, and make informed decisions across industries. Combining business education with Berkeley’s liberal arts curriculum, the program covers accounting, finance, marketing, business analytics, organizational leadership, and strategic management, making it suitable for students aspiring to build careers in business, consulting, technology, finance, or entrepreneurship.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Business Foundations

Students begin by developing a foundation in business principles, quantitative reasoning, economics, and communication. Courses such as UGBA 10 – Principles of Business, UGBA 88 – Data and Decisions, and introductory mathematics and economics requirements help students understand business operations, analytical thinking, and decision-making. Students also complete general education requirements while exploring their academic interests.

Year 2 – Developing Core Business Knowledge

Students strengthen their understanding of business functions through accounting, economics, statistics, and business communication. Courses such as UGBA 101A – Microeconomic Analysis for Business Decisions, UGBA 102A – Financial Accounting, and UGBA 100 – Business Communication help students develop financial literacy, economic reasoning, and professional communication skills.

Year 3 – Applying Business and Leadership Concepts

Students progress into upper-division business courses that develop expertise in finance, analytics, marketing, and organizational leadership. Subjects such as UGBA 103 – Introduction to Finance, UGBA 104 – Introduction to Business Analytics, and UGBA 105 – Leading People help students interpret business information, understand financial decisions, and manage teams effectively. Students can also explore electives aligned with their career interests.

Year 4 – Strategic Thinking and Professional Preparation

In the final year, students integrate their business knowledge through advanced coursework, electives, and experiential learning opportunities. Courses such as UGBA 107 – The Social, Political and Ethical Environment of Business, alongside advanced subjects in corporate finance, leadership, brand management, and international business, prepare students to address organizational challenges and make responsible strategic decisions. Students can also participate in case competitions, professional workshops, and career development activities.

Focus Areas

Business Strategy, Accounting, Corporate Finance, Business Analytics, Marketing, Organizational Leadership, International Business, Entrepreneurship, Business Communication, Ethical Decision-Making, Human Resource Management, Product Management.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop critical thinking and quantitative decision-making skills, apply business concepts across functional areas, communicate effectively through written and oral presentations, understand ethical responsibilities in business, and develop innovative solutions to strategic and organizational challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is offered through the Walter A. Haas School of Business, which holds AACSB accreditation. This internationally recognized accreditation reflects the school's commitment to academic quality, continuous improvement, relevant business education, and student learning outcomes.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

According to Berkeley Haas's published Class of 2025 undergraduate career outcomes, 90% of graduates accepted a job or continued education offer within three months of graduation, with an average starting salary of USD 100,000. Graduates pursue opportunities across financial services, consulting, technology, healthcare, consumer goods, entertainment, and nonprofit organizations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Berkeley Haas, students complement classroom learning with practical experiences that develop analytical thinking, leadership, communication, and professional confidence. Through experiential learning workshops, case competitions, internships, study abroad opportunities, and entrepreneurship programs, students can apply business concepts to real-world challenges. The program also provides access to professional career coaching, employer networking, and opportunities to learn from industry practitioners.

Students can strengthen their practical skills through the following opportunities:

- Haas Experiential Learning Program: Participate in non-credit workshops led by professional facilitators, covering subjects such as corporate valuation, financial statement analysis, financial modeling, and mergers and acquisitions.

- Financial Modeling Workshops: Develop practical financial modeling skills by building interactive financial models and applying accounting and finance concepts to business scenarios.

- Case Competitions: Work through business challenges, develop analytical solutions, and strengthen teamwork and presentation skills through undergraduate case competitions.

- Internships and Career Opportunities: Access internship opportunities through Berkeley's Handshake platform, career fairs, employer information sessions, and on-campus interviews.

- Global Management Program: Participate in international business education through the Berkeley Global Edge experience, which introduces students to global business perspectives and cultural understanding.

- Study Abroad: Explore international study opportunities through Berkeley's global education programs, including partner institutions such as Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Thammasat University in Thailand, McGill University in Canada, and the University of British Columbia.

- Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Explore opportunities through the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology, where students can develop entrepreneurial thinking and innovation-related skills.

- Undergraduate Research: Explore business research opportunities, including the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program and research conducted through Haas faculty and research centers.

- Student Organizations: Participate in Haas-sponsored student organizations to develop leadership, teamwork, networking, and professional skills.

- Berkeley Career Engagement: Access one-to-one career coaching, career fairs, interview facilities, professional photo services, employer events, and online career resources.

- Professional Networking: Attend industry panels, employer information sessions, workshops, and networking events to connect with business professionals and potential employers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Business Administration B.S. at UC Berkeley prepares graduates for professional opportunities across finance, consulting, technology, marketing, analytics, and business management. Through a combination of analytical training, leadership development, and business knowledge, graduates can pursue roles in established companies, entrepreneurial ventures, nonprofit organizations, and other professional sectors.

Potential Career Roles:

Business Analyst, Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Marketing Manager

Career Development and Graduate Opportunities

- Berkeley Career Engagement: Students receive one-to-one career coaching for resume development, job applications, interview preparation, and graduate school planning.

- Career Fairs and Employer Events: Students can attend career fairs focused on finance, consulting, STEM, nonprofit, and public service, alongside employer information sessions, workshops, and professional networking events.

- On-Campus Interviews: Employers conduct internship and full-time recruitment interviews through the Berkeley Career Engagement office during fall and spring semesters.

- Employment Outcomes: The Class of 2025 achieved a 90% job or continuing-education offer rate within three months of graduation, with an average starting salary of USD 100,000. These figures represent the published Haas undergraduate outcomes rather than a guaranteed result for individual students.

- Industry Opportunities: Graduates pursue careers in financial services, consulting, technology, healthcare, consumer goods, entertainment, and nonprofit organizations.

- Professional Development: Access to career coaching, alumni connections, industry events, and employer engagement helps students develop professional networks and explore long-term career opportunities.

- Accreditation Value: AACSB accreditation provides international recognition of the business school's academic quality and educational standards, supporting the professional credibility of the qualification.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates can pursue postgraduate education to develop advanced expertise in business, finance, management, analytics, or specialized professional fields.

- Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.): Develop advanced knowledge in business strategy, leadership, organizational management, and executive decision-making.

- Master of Finance: Build specialized expertise in corporate finance, investment analysis, financial markets, and financial management.

- Master of Business Analytics: Develop advanced capabilities in data analysis, predictive modeling, business intelligence, and data-driven decision-making.

- Master of Management: Strengthen management, organizational leadership, and strategic planning capabilities.

- Master of Marketing: Pursue advanced studies in consumer behaviour, marketing strategy, brand management, and digital marketing.

- Doctoral Studies (Ph.D.): Students interested in academic research or university teaching can pursue doctoral study in business-related disciplines, subject to admission requirements.