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The Pre-Business Major at Western Michigan University provides students with a flexible introduction to business before they choose a specialized major within the Haworth College of Business. During the first four semesters, students explore accounting, finance, information systems, management, marketing, and economics while developing professional skills, helping them make a more informed decision about their future business career.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Students establish their business foundation through courses such as BUS 1000 – Business Preparation, BUS 1750 – Applying Business Fundamentals, and BCM 1420 – Introduction to Business Communication. These subjects introduce business concepts, professional communication, and the skills needed to succeed in college-level business studies.
Year 2: Students strengthen their understanding of business operations and decision-making through ECON 2010 – Principles of Microeconomics, ACTY 2100 – Introduction to Financial Accounting and Analysis, and CIS 2500 – Data Analytics for Business. Additional courses such as ACTY 2110 – Introduction to Managerial Accounting, MGMT 2500 – Organizational Behavior, and MKTG 2500 – Marketing Principles help students explore different business functions before selecting a specialized major.
Note: The pre-business curriculum is a four-semester pathway. Students apply to the professional BBA program and declare a specialized major after completing the required foundational coursework.
Focus Areas
Business fundamentals, accounting, finance, economics, marketing, management, information systems, business communication, data analytics, professional development
Learning Outcomes
Foundational business knowledge, financial literacy, business data analysis, economic reasoning, professional communication, understanding of organizational behavior, marketing fundamentals, career exploration, preparation for specialized business study
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The Haworth College of Business is AACSB-accredited, providing an established quality framework for its business education. Students transition from the pre-business pathway into the professional BBA curriculum after meeting the college’s academic and readiness requirements.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
According to the 2024–25 Career Outcomes Report, 97% of Haworth undergraduate students were working or continuing their education shortly after graduation, and 97% participated in Experience-Driven Learning. These are college-wide undergraduate outcomes, not results specific to pre-business students.
At Western Michigan University, pre-business students begin exploring real business environments before declaring their specialized major. The Student Professional Readiness Series (SPuRS) encourages students to participate in career-development and co-curricular activities, while the Business Externship Program provides opportunities to explore industries and professional roles. Students can also connect with business-related student organizations and career-readiness events to discover which business area matches their interests.
Students can build practical experience through the following opportunities:
Business Externship Program: Explore professional environments and gain insight into business industries and career paths.
Student Professional Readiness Series (SPuRS): Complete at least six foundational activities during the first two years, covering personal awareness, business majors, industries, and professional development.
Business-related student organizations: Participate in co-curricular activities that help students explore business interests and develop connections.
Career readiness events: Attend professional development and career exploration activities offered through the Haworth College of Business.
Business computing and data analysis: Study CIS 1020 – Business Computing and Data Analysis and CIS 2500 – Data Analytics for Business to develop practical digital and analytical skills.
Academic advising: Work with a business advisor to plan the pre-business curriculum and prepare for transition into the professional BBA program.
The Pre-Business Major is designed as a pathway into the professional Bachelor of Business Administration program rather than a standalone terminal degree. After completing the required foundational coursework, students can declare one of the specialized majors offered by the Haworth College of Business and continue toward careers in business, management, finance, marketing, analytics, or related fields.
Potential career paths after completing a specialized BBA major include: Business Analyst, Financial Analyst, Marketing Coordinator, Management Trainee
Career Development and Graduate Outcomes
Career preparation: The Zhang Career Center and SPuRS activities support career exploration, professional readiness, and engagement with business-related opportunities.
Employment outcomes: 97% of Haworth undergraduate students were working or continuing their education shortly after graduation, according to the 2024–25 Career Outcomes Report.
Experience-driven learning: 97% of Haworth undergraduate students participated in Experience-Driven Learning during the 2024–25 reporting period.
Professional development: SPuRS includes foundational activities in the first two years and advanced engagement activities during the junior and senior years.
Industry exposure: The Business Externship Program, career-readiness events, and student organizations help students explore professional interests before choosing a specialized major.
Accreditation value: AACSB accreditation provides an established quality framework for the Haworth College of Business.
Further Academic Progression: After completing the pre-business requirements and entering the professional BBA program, students can pursue one of the college’s specialized business majors. Following completion of the BBA, they may consider postgraduate study such as an MBA or a relevant master's degree, depending on their academic interests and career goals.
Students must complete the required pre-business courses with a grade of C or higher and finish the six foundational activities of the Student Professional Readiness Series (SPuRS).
Students must submit the BBA declaration application and attend the required orientation to progress into the professional BBA program. US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.
Profile Assessment: Business-related applicants are assessed on academic performance, quantitative preparation, communication, initiative and evidence of engagement with organisations or economic issues. Mathematics is particularly important for Finance, Economics, Business Analytics and other quantitative programs. Entrepreneurship, business competitions, investment or economics clubs, internships, case studies, market research and community projects may strengthen the profile.Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.Business AnalystFinancial AnalystMarketing CoordinatorManagement TraineeBusiness Development AssociateOperations CoordinatorHuman Resources SpecialistMarket Research AnalystAccount ExecutiveSales RepresentativeEntrepreneurProject CoordinatorBusiness ConsultantSupply Chain AnalystManagement Consultant
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