Bachelor of Science in General Business Administration: Applied Business Communication

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Central Michigan University

Program Overview

Central Michigan University’s General Business Administration: Applied Business Communication program combines a strong foundation in business with practical communication skills, preparing students to communicate confidently and effectively in professional environments. Students develop expertise in business communication, social media, graphic design, emerging technologies, and artificial intelligence while strengthening their leadership, teamwork, creativity, and critical-thinking abilities for careers across business, marketing, management, and communications.

Curriculum Structure

The program combines business administration knowledge with applied communication courses, allowing students to understand how organizations operate while learning to communicate ideas, information, and strategies effectively.

Year 1 – Business Foundations

Students begin by developing a foundation in business principles, communication, and professional development. Introductory studies in management, marketing, accounting, finance, and information systems help students understand how different business functions work together, while general education courses strengthen their writing, analytical thinking, and communication abilities.

Year 2 – Business Communication and Digital Skills

Students build their communication expertise through courses such as Applied Business Communication (BIS 360), Global Business Communication (BIS 260WI), and Visual Business Communication and Digital Media (BIS 308). These subjects develop professional writing, presentation, visual communication, and audience-focused messaging skills, helping students communicate effectively across different business situations.

Year 3 – Social Media and Emerging Technologies

Students explore how organizations use digital platforms and technology to connect with customers and employees. Through Social Media and Emerging Technologies in Business (BIS 315), students examine social media strategies and emerging communication tools, while further business studies develop their understanding of management, marketing, and organizational decision-making.

Year 4 – Professional Application and Career Preparation

In the final stage, students bring together their business and communication knowledge through advanced coursework and professional preparation. Internship in Applied Business Communication (BIS 495) provides an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a professional setting, while students refine their communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities for employment or further study.

Note: The year-wise structure above is an indicative progression, not an official fixed four-year course sequence. Course availability and prerequisites should be checked in the university bulletin.

Focus Areas

Business communication, professional writing, public speaking, business administration, visual communication, graphic design, social media management, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence in business, marketing communication, collaboration, leadership, and critical thinking.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to communicate business information clearly, prepare professional presentations, create audience-focused messages, use digital communication tools, apply social media strategies, collaborate effectively with teams, analyze business situations, and use technology to support organizational communication and decision-making.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Central Michigan University’s College of Business Administration is associated with AACSB accreditation, an internationally recognized accreditation framework for business education. This provides students with a business education aligned with established standards of academic quality and continuous improvement.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Central Michigan University highlights the career relevance of this program through its emphasis on applied learning, professional communication, networking opportunities, and social media certifications. The university also publishes career-related salary estimates for occupations connected to the degree, including brand management, public relations, technical writing, and sales and marketing management.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Central Michigan University, the Applied Business Communication program emphasizes practical learning that connects business concepts with real professional communication needs. Students develop their abilities through applied coursework, collaborative experiences, digital communication activities, and opportunities to interact with business professionals. The curriculum also introduces students to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and provides opportunities to earn industry-relevant social media certifications.

Students can strengthen their professional readiness through the following experiences:

Applied Business Communication (BIS 360): Develop practical oral, written, and employment communication skills through business-focused learning.
Visual Business Communication and Digital Media (BIS 308): Explore visual communication and digital media techniques used to present business information effectively.
Social Media and Emerging Technologies in Business (BIS 315): Learn how businesses use social media and emerging technologies to support communication and engagement.
Internship in Applied Business Communication (BIS 495): Apply communication knowledge in a professional environment and gain relevant workplace experience.
Hootsuite Academy Certification Opportunities: Students may pursue social media management certifications through opportunities associated with the program.
Professional Networking Events: Connect with business professionals through networking events organized for students.
Business Residential College – Herrig Hall: Participate in a business-focused residential community with opportunities for campus activities, service, collaboration, and professional development.
Artificial Intelligence in Communication: Explore how AI can support managerial communication and improve business processes.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Central Michigan University’s General Business Administration: Applied Business Communication program can pursue opportunities in business management, marketing, public relations, customer relations, social media, and organizational communication. By combining business knowledge with professional writing, digital communication, presentation, and collaboration skills, students are prepared to contribute to organizations that value effective communication and business problem-solving.

Potential Career Roles:

Public Relations and Communications Specialist
Brand Manager
Social Media Specialist
Technical Writer

Career Development and Employment Opportunities

Career Preparation: Students develop professional communication, presentation, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills that can support their transition into the workplace.
Professional Networking: Dedicated networking events provide opportunities to connect with business professionals and build industry relationships.
Internship Experience: Internship in Applied Business Communication (BIS 495) provides an opportunity to gain professional experience and apply academic knowledge.
Social Media Certification: Opportunities to earn certifications through Hootsuite Academy can help students demonstrate practical social media management skills.
Career Opportunities and Salary Estimates: CMU lists the following projected salary figures for related occupations:

Career	Projected Salary (USD)
Sales & Marketing Manager	$138,060
Education Program Manager	$78,240
Brand Manager	$90,740
Public Relations/Communications Specialist	$69,780
Technical Writer	$91,670

These are university-published projected occupational salary figures, not guaranteed starting salaries or program-specific graduate earnings.

Business Residential College: Herrig Hall offers a community where business students can participate in campus events, service activities, and peer learning.
Long-Term Business Education Value: The College of Business Administration's AACSB accreditation provides an internationally recognized quality framework for business education.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates can continue their education through postgraduate programs that build on their business and communication background. Central Michigan University identifies accelerated master's pathways that may allow eligible undergraduate coursework to count toward graduate study, helping students save time and tuition.

Potential pathways include:

Accelerated Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in General Business.
Accelerated Master's in Communication.
Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS), subject to the applicable pathway and eligibility requirements.
Other postgraduate studies in business administration, marketing, strategic communication, organizational leadership, or management.