Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

UNE's Business programs focus on innovation, internships, data, and experiential connections. Learn about our innovative facilities, supportive faculty and professional staff, and the rewarding careers of UNE Business Administration graduates.

Learn to Lead With UNE’s Business Administration Major

Gain foundational skills in accounting, finance, economics, marketing, and management — all while enjoying the flexible framework of UNE’s Business Administration major. The UNE Business degree positions you to apply innovative business concepts to your other passions — from marine science to neuroscience and beyond. You may choose to concentrate in any of our six intriguing focus areas — or choose to design your own concentration.

Internships reinforce your professional skills while giving you important on-the-job experience in how to run a business. Want to bring out your inner entrepreneur? Take courses in our Makerspace or participate in the Student Innovation Challenge competition.

Why UNE for Your Bachelor’s in Business Administration

UNE’s Business Administration major gives you the flexibility to complete a concentration, minor, or double major that reflects your passion or that empowers you to respond to a unique market opportunity. Learn how to run a business with coursework that covers the full span of business operations.

  • Interdisciplinary focus — learn to apply business principles to your interests in health, the environment, and elsewhere
  • Industry-applicable education
  • Access to multiple internships
  • Learn to lead within modern workplace dynamics
  • Innovation and entrepreneurship courses
  • Makerspace for innovative ideation and prototyping
  • Receptive to students’ interest in emerging markets
  • Choice of several concentration areas including management, economics, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more
Kristin Dechene Campbell
My background at UNE has given me a strong foundation for career success.
Business Administration, Psychology

What will you study? Bachelor’s in Business Administration Curriculum Overview

Whether you are in our business management track, economics track, entrepreneurship track, international business track, health sector management track, or marketing track — you’ll complete five courses in your concentration area to tailor your Bachelor’s in Business Administration for your career goals. In addition, joint degree programs exist in Marine Entrepreneurship and Sustainability and Business.

Examples of Available Courses in the Business Administration Major

The following are just some examples of the exciting courses that the Business Administration major offers:

  • Environmental Economics
  • Innovation through Technology
  • Human Resource Management
  • Business and Society Relations
  • Legal Environment of Business
  • Predictive Analytics

Curriculum

CAS Core Requirements Credits
Total 42–46
Designated Core Courses Credits
BUMG 120 – Innovation thru Technology 3
MAT 120 – Statistics 3
Program Required Courses Credits
BUAC 201 – Financial Accounting 3
BUAC 303 – Managerial Accounting 3
BUEC 203 – Macroeconomics 3
BUEC 204 – Microeconomics 3
BUFI 205/DSC 205 – Introduction to Data Analysis & Modeling 3
BUFI 315 – Business Finance Concepts & Skills 3
BUMG 200 – Management 3
BUMG 302 – Human Resource Management 3
BUMG 311 – Business and Society Relations 3
BUMG 325 – Legal Environment of Business 3
BUMG 335 – International Management 3
BUMG 495A – Internship in Business Administration 3
BUMG 498 – Strategic Management 3
BUMK 200 – Marketing 3
BUMK 312 – Small Business Management or BUMK 313 – Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship 3
Total 45
Business Elective Required Courses (Concentration) Credits
See Concentration section below 15–16
Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits) Variable
Minimum Total Required Credits 120

A business administration student in their sophomore year may, with the permission of the Business chair, enroll in one (1) of the following concentrations.

Management

Choose any five (5) courses from the list below for a total of fifteen (15) credits Credits
BUMG 301 – Organizational Behavior 3
BUMG 303 – Management of Non-Profit Organization 3
BUMG 307 – Operations Management 3
BUMG 315 – Triple Bottom Line Reporting 3
BUMG 360 – Leadership 3
BUMG 400 – Management Seminar 3
BUMK 405 – Sales Management 3
BUMG 495B – Internship (with approved Management focus) 3

Marketing

Choose any five (5) courses from the list below for a total of fifteen (15) credits Credits
BUMK 310 – Advertising 3
BUMK 335 – Global Marketing 3
BUMK 350 – Social Media Marketing Strategy 3
BUMK 400 – Marketing Seminar 3
BUMK 405 – Sales Management 3
BUMK 495B – Internship with approved marketing focus) 3

Economics

Choose any five (5) courses from the list below for a total of fifteen (15) credits Credits
BUEC 370 – Money, Credit, and Banking 3
BUEC 375 – International Trade and Finance 3
BUEC 380 – Economic Development of the United States 3
BUEC 385 – Health Economics 3
BUEC 390 – Environmental Economics 3
BUEC 395 – Ecological Economics 3
BUEC 399 – Economic Topics 3
BUMG 495B – Internship (with approved Economics focus) 3
PSC 332 – International Political Economy 3

International Business

Choose any five (5) courses from the list below for a total of fifteen (15) credits Credits
BUMK 335 or 335G – Global Marketing 3
PSC 332 – International Political Economy 3
CMM 320 – Intercultural Communications orSOC 206 – Cross-Cultural Communications 3
BUEC 375 – International Trade and Finance 3
BUFI 347G – International Financial Accounting 3
BUMG 400 – Management Seminar orPSC 240 – American Foreign Policy or PSC 320 – Global Organizations, Politics, and Culture or PSC 409 – Origin of Modern Global Systems or SOC 255 – Globalization of Technology or SOC 377 – International Development 3
BUMG 495B – Internship (with approved international business focus) 3

Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Required Courses Credits
BUMG 120 – Innovation through Technology (EXP) 3
BUMG 313 – Social (Innovation and) Entrepreneurship (ADV) 3
Total 6
Choose two (2) of the following: Credits
CMM 240 – Social Applications of Web 2.0 (SGA) 3
BUMG 309 – Hacking Maine Food Chain (ADV) 3
BUMK 312 – Entrepreneurship/Small Business 3
BUMG 307 – Operations Management 3
BUMG 314 – Grant Writing (ADV) or WRT 317 - Proposal and Grant Writing 3
BUEC 380 – Economic Development of the US 3
BUEC 390 – Environmental Economics (ADV) or BUEC 395 – Ecological Economics 3
DSC 205/BUFI 205 – Introduction to Data Analysis and Modeling 3
MAT 225 – Computer Programming w/MALAB 3
Total 6
Choose one (1) of the following: Credits
BUMG 410 – Creating Social Enterprises through Design Thinking and Innovation 4
BUMG 495B* – Internship with Social I&E Focus 3
Total 3–4
Total Concentration Credits 15–16

*Can be substituted with an Internship of another major with the permission of the BUMG 495B coordinator.

Students will be allowed to use up to 12 credits from another minor or from their major to complete this concentration.

Health Section Management

Required Courses Credits
BUEC 380 – Health Economics 3
BUMG 400 – Management Seminar 3
BUMG 495B – Internship (with approved Health Sector Management focus) 3
Two (2) department-approved courses 6

Individualized Concentration

Choose any five (5) courses from the list below for a total of fifteen (15) credits, with advisor approval Credits
BUEC 365 – Evolution of Economic Theory 3
BUEC 370 – Money Credit and Banking 3
BUEC 375 – International Trade and Finance 3
BUEC 380 – Economic Development of the United States 3
BUEC 385 – Health Economics 3
BUEC 390 – Environmental Economics 3
BUEC 395 – Ecological Economics 3
BUFI 302 – Personal Finance 3
BUFI 321 – Investment Management 3
BUFI 322 – Investments 3
BUMG 120 – Innovation through Technology 3
BUMG 295 – Business Internship 3
BUMG 301 – Organizational Behavior 3
BUMG 303 – Mgmt of Non-Profit Orgs 3
BUMG 309 – Hacking the Maine Food System 3
BUMG 313 – Social Entrepreneurship 3
BUMG 314 – Grant Writing 3
BUMG 315 – Triple Bottom Line Reporting 3
BUMG 328 – Employment Law 3
BUMG 360 – Leadership 3
BUMG 400 – Management Seminar 3
BUMG 410 – Creating Social Enterprises 4
BUMG 495B – Internship in Business Administration 3
BUMK 310 – Advertising 3
BUMK 335 – Global Marketing 3
BUMK 350 – Social Media Marketing Strategy 3
BUMK 405 – Sales Management 3
WRT 233 – Professional and Technical Writing 3

To learn more about the program visit the Academic Catalog.

Bachelor’s in Business Administration Honors Program

We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor. 

Meet Pat, Business '21

A business major (and lifelong hockey goalie) who designed a helmet camera and proprietary computer interface in UNE’s P.D. Merrill Makerspace, Pat’s invention allows hockey players to study fine points of body motion and position.

Career Paths for Business Administration Majors

Grounded by your technical knowledge of how to run a business and equipped with people skills acquired from teamwork, hands-on experiences, and internships, you will stride along the path to an exciting career in business. Your coursework and experience in your concentration area will make you even more marketable in the career path you choose. 

Our graduates have pursued many fascinating professions, including:

  • Entrepreneur
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Public Relations expert
  • Financial Advisor
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • Loan Officer
  • Accountant

Career Advising in the Business Administration Program

Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.

A Flexible Foundation for Your Business Studies

As a first-year Business Administration student at UNE, you will take a variety of courses that help set the foundation for some of our other business degree programs. You can feel confident launching your college career with this major, knowing you’ll have mentorship to help you consider other business majors in a way that keeps you on track. Some of our additional career-specific business programs include:

Bachelor’s in Business Administration Facilities

UNE’s Makerspace is an innovative campus resource that serves as a laboratory for creation and building. You’ll discover how to run a business using cutting-edge technology in our Fabrication Lab and Design Lab.

Solving Real-World Problems in UNE’s Makerspace

Using Drones in Research Through the UNE Makerspace

Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s of Business Administration

The Business Administration major puts you in real-world settings and challenges you to find solutions to actual industry problems. So you don’t just learn how to run a business — you do business.

Internships for Business Administration Majors

Receive course credit while developing your skills and interacting with professionals. As you build confidence, you will network in your field—whether that’s in health sector management, social innovation and entrepreneurship, economics or marketing—explore career options, and gain the perspective to successfully transition into the workforce. Past internship sites have included the following:

  • American Red Cross
  • NASA
  • IBM
  • Geico
  • Smithsonian Institution
  • Southwest Airlines

For more information, contact the Internship Office.

Hands-on Learning

  • Use innovative technology and design in the Makerspace
  • Compete in the annual Student Innovation Challenge
  • Be part of the Green Learning Community first-year experience

Accreditation

The University of New England’s Business Administration Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Report to Communities of Interest and Student Achievement (PDF)

Apply Today

Ready to begin your future and study business in UNE’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration? Get started today.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration FAQ

What is a business administration degree?

A business administration degree is a well-rounded program that prepares you for administrative or managerial roles by teaching you various aspects of business, such as accounting, business law, economics, finance, management, and marketing.

UNE in Maine offers a flexible business administration program through its College of Business, allowing students to specialize in one of six concentrations, or create their own in areas like economics, health sector management, international business, management, marketing, or social entrepreneurship.

Learn more about UNE’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Business Administration

What can you do with a business administration degree?

A business administration degree is highly versatile, preparing students for various careers in accounting, finance, management, marketing, and more. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts above-average job growth in business and financial occupations from 2022 to 2032.

UNE Business Administration graduates have pursued diverse careers like accountants, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, HR managers, sales managers, PR specialists, loan officers, and market research analysts. UNE students can also benefit from the Academic and Career Advising Center, whether they have specific career goals or general field interests.

Learn more about Career Advising at UNE

How much can I make with a business administration degree?

As of September 2023, the average salary for a business administration major in the U.S. was about $72,503, as reported by Zippia. Common salary breakdowns by job for business administration majors according to the BLS* include:

  1. Accountant: $78,000
  2. Budget Analyst: $82,260
  3. Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists: $67,780
  4. Cost Estimators: $71,200
  5. Financial Analysts: $96,220
  6. Financial Examiners: $82,210
  7. Human Resources Specialists: $64,240
  8. Market Research Analysts: $68,230
  9. Personal Financial Advisors: $95,390
  10. Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents: $75,120
*Last updated 2022. These jobs cite a bachelor’s degree as entry-level education.

How long does a business administration degree take?

Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration typically enroll in a four-year program. However, transfer students from other colleges with eligible credits can complete the degree in two years.

To achieve a two-year bachelor's in business administration as a transfer student, you usually need either an associate's degree or a minimum of 60 transferable credits. Make sure to verify the eligibility of your transfer credits.

UNE in Maine generally accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, AP, CLEP, accredited military training programs, and, to some extent, prior experiential learning, subject to certain restrictions.

Learn more about how to apply to UNE as a transfer student

If you are interested in applying to UNE’s business administration degree program as a first-year student, we also want to simplify the process as much as possible.

First-year high school students should:

  1. Submit either a Common Application or the UNE Application along with a $40 application fee.
  2. Provide an official high school transcript.

UNE follows a test-blind admissions policy, which means ACT or SAT scores are not considered for general admission. Instead, we assess your overall high school experience.

Learn more about how to apply to UNE as a first-year student

How do I get a business administration degree?

A business administration degree is commonly presented as a four-year program, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the business world. However, the specific program requirements differ among schools.

At UNE in Maine, you'll be required to finish 120 credits to obtain your degree. Our Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Business Administration is designed to work together with the University’s liberal arts core curriculum. This includes:

  • 42–46 credits of College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) core curriculum
  • 6 credits of designated core courses
  • 45 program required courses
  • 15–16 credits of business elective required courses in your concentration
  • Variable elective courses as needed to reach 120 credits

Learn more about UNE’s business administration curriculum

What’s the best business administration degree program for me?

To evaluate whether a business school fits your needs, start by looking at these important criteria. This list below can help you choose which business administration degree program is best for you.

Faculty

Seek out business administration professors whose expertise matches your interests, whether it's in areas like management, marketing, finance, or related fields. Make sure their research interests and professional backgrounds align with your own.

UNE’s School of Business faculty are experienced, skilled and supportive offering relevant curricula that will help prepare students to thrive in and face the challenges of an ever-changing world.

Meet faculty and professional staff in UNE's College of Business

Curriculum

Evaluate the business administration program to suit your preferences, considering areas such as management, marketing, finance, or related subjects, as well as opportunities for business administration internships.

UNE's Business Administration program offers flexibility, allowing you to choose a concentration, minor, or double major that aligns with your interests or market opportunities. Concentration options include marketing, management, economics, international business, social innovation and entrepreneurship, and health sector management. We also offer joint degree programs in Marine Entrepreneurship and Sustainability and Business.

We emphasize hands-on learning through various opportunities such as utilizing innovative technology in the Makerspace, participating in the Student Innovation Challenge, joining the Green Learning Community to focus on conservation, and enhancing your professional skills through internships.

Learn more about UNE’s business administration curriculum

Career goals

Choose a business administration program that aligns with your career aspirations and goals. Explore the available resources to help you plan your path forward.

The UNE College of Business is committed to helping students achieve their personal and career goals. We prepare students for entry-level positions in the private or public sector and offer graduate-level coursework preparation. Our Business Administration majors engage in experiential learning, preparing you for rewarding careers and leadership roles with prominent employers in Maine and nationwide.

According to our 2016-2022 UNE graduate surveys, 95% of our undergraduates are either employed or pursuing higher education, including MBA programs, within a year of graduation. Zippia ranked UNE as the top university in Maine for job placement in 2022. Students can also seek guidance from the Academic and Career Advising Center, whether they have a specific career path in mind or a general interest in a field.

Learn more about Career Advising at UNE

Learning environment

Consider the location and environment that best supports your business school journey.

As a UNE Business student, you can study on our beautiful Biddeford, Maine Campus, near the Saco River's convergence with the Atlantic Ocean. We also offer a unique semester abroad program in Tangier, Morocco.

Learn more about UNE’s campuses and how you can visit us

You'll have access to various opportunities, including internships, mentorship, and interdisciplinary fellowships through UNE's Office of Innovation and the P.D. Merrill Makerspace.

UNE's Global Education program lets you study abroad in Spain, France, Iceland, or our own campus in Morocco for a semester. You can also choose from shorter travel courses to destinations like Ireland, Mexico, Kenya, Italy, Cuba, and more.

Learn more about study abroad opportunities at UNE

Financial aid

Consider whether the school you're interested in provides financial aid or scholarships to support your education.

A UNE in Maine, undergraduate education is affordable. Our tuition is 16% below the average tuition for private universities in New England. Plus, all incoming full-time undergraduate students at UNE will receive Merit Scholarships in amounts from $5,000 to $22,000 per year.

Learn more about grants and scholarships available to students at UNE