Find Your Path in Business

Business-related majors at Penn State equip students with a broad range of skills that are essential for success in today’s competitive marketplace. These skills provide the foundation for a variety of careers and help students stand out to employers.

• Analytical and quantitative skills: Essential for fields like finance and data science, students learn to analyze data and make data-driven decisions.

• Technical proficiency: Students gain skills in programming, data management, and IT support for roles in operations and technology sectors.

• Business acumen: Students build a foundation in economics, financial planning, and strategic management to make informed business decisions.

• Communication and interpersonal skills: Students develop clear communication for roles in marketing, HR, and management, building strong relationships.

• Problem-solving and critical thinking: Business students learn to think critically and solve problems in any field.

• Leadership and teamwork: Students develop leadership and teamwork skills, essential for management roles and collaboration in many settings.

Penn State’s business programs are designed to cultivate strong leaders who can drive change and inspire teams.

Through coursework, hands-on experiences, and leadership development opportunities, students gain the skills needed to lead with confidence. From group projects to leadership workshops, you'll build critical leadership abilities such as decision-making, communication, and strategic thinking.

Whether you're leading a team or managing a project, our business degree programs prepare you to take on leadership roles in a variety of business settings.

The Smeal College of Business at Penn State University Park, the Black School of Business at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, and the School of Business Administration at Penn State Harrisburg are accredited by AACSB International, the world’s leading business school accrediting body. This prestigious distinction is awarded to top business programs globally and recognizes excellence in teaching, research, and program quality.

AACSB accreditation sets business schools apart, as employers trust graduates from these programs. Schools that meet AACSB’s rigorous standards produce students ready to excel from day one. Graduates from AACSB-accredited programs enjoy a competitive edge, attracting top employers and gaining access to global opportunities.

Penn State offers a range of opportunities for students eager to launch their own businesses or drive innovation within existing industries. Through Invent Penn State, you'll have access to programs that support entrepreneurial education both in and outside the classroom.

Our signature programs provide students with the knowledge, resources, and mentorship needed to bring bold ideas to life. Whether you want to start your own venture or lead innovation within a company, Penn State provides the support to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Learn more about Invent Penn State.

Our business-related degrees are designed to set you up for continued success, whether you’re looking to enter the workforce or pursue advanced education.

At Penn State, you’ll have access to top graduate-level business programs that allow you to build on your undergraduate foundation and specialize in areas like business administration, data analytics, and more. Continue your academic journey with the knowledge and skills needed to excel at the graduate level and beyond.

Learn more about graduate business programs. [linked]

Penn State offers comprehensive career services to help students confidently navigate their career. Our dedicated advisers provide personalized career counseling, resume workshops, interview prep, mock interviews, and job placement assistance.

With over 50,000 career preparedness programs annually and career fairs featuring top employers, we ensure you're well-equipped to succeed. There's a reason recruiters turn to Penn State graduates again and again.

You’ll also have access to networking opportunities with alumni, recruiters, and industry professionals to jumpstart your career.

Learn more about Career Services.

At Penn State, we provide unmatched networking opportunities through our world’s largest dues-paying alumni network, connecting students to a lifelong community of professionals.

With access to alumni and industry leaders, you’ll gain valuable insights, career advice, and potential job opportunities. Our alumni network and partnerships with top employers ensure that you're building relationships that will support your career for years to come.

Participate in internships and co-op programs to gain valuable real-world experience by connecting you with leading companies across industries.

These opportunities allow you to apply classroom learning to professional settings, build industry-specific skills, and network with potential employers.

Internships are short-term, hands-on positions, while co-ops involve alternating work and study periods for a more in-depth experience. Both are designed to give you a competitive edge, preparing you for a successful career after graduation.

Broaden your perspective with over 300 study abroad programs in more than 50 countries, available year-round for all majors.

Whether through embedded programs that let you take classes while traveling during breaks or global service opportunities like alternative spring break, these experiences will deepen your understanding of international business and culture. Gain the global insights and connections that today’s leaders need to succeed.

Learn more about global learning opportunities.

At Penn State, undergraduates can dive into research projects that explore new ideas and trends. This experience will set you apart and give you a deeper understanding of your field.

Explore undergraduate research opportunities.

We are dedicated to shaping the future by fostering a community where all students are encouraged to share their unique perspectives. We believe that progress happens when we embrace and amplify ideas, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

Our commitment goes beyond the classroom, weaving together integrity, leadership, and social responsibility. With a focus on creating positive change, Penn State prepares students to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact. From cutting-edge initiatives to global learning opportunities, we empower students to drive social good.

Penn State’s Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) degree programs allow students to pursue both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree as a continuous course of study. This streamlined path accelerates the completion of the master's degree and offers early exposure to graduate-level coursework. IUG students also benefit from networking opportunities with graduate students and faculty who share similar academic and career interests.

Learn more about IUG programs at Penn State.

Take your education further with honors programs, where high-achieving students gain access to small, discussion-based classes, faculty mentorship, and unique academic experiences.

With honors opportunities available across our campuses and Schreyer Honors College, you’ll engage in research, leadership development, and hands-on learning that sets you apart. Personalized advising, study abroad options, and career resources help you make the most of your college journey.

We offer more than sixty articulation agreements with colleges and universities around the world to help transfer students continue their education at Penn State. With hundreds of academic majors and campuses across Pennsylvania, you'll have plenty of options to find the right path for your future.