What is Business Administration?

Interested in leading organizations, managing people, or starting your own business? Business Administration is the foundation of successful businesses and organizations, covering everything from strategic management and finance to marketing and communication. With this degree, you’ll develop the skills to analyze business challenges, make data-driven decisions, and drive innovation in today’s fast-moving economy. 

At MSU-Northern, our Business Administration program gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree with business or non-business minors, allowing you to align your education with your career goals. Whether you’re planning to work for a Fortune 500 company, manage a small business, or start your own venture, this program provides the real-world knowledge and hands-on experience you need to succeed. 


Why Choose the Business Administration Program?

MSU-Northern’s Business Administration program provides a strong foundation in business management while allowing you to specialize in areas that match your interests. With both online and in-person course options, you can complete your degree in a way that works for you. 

Our faculty bring years of industry experience from both corporate and non-profit sectors, providing practical insights and professional guidance. You’ll gain hands-on experience through case studies, projects, and internships, ensuring you graduate with the skills employers are looking for. 


Here are some of the things you'll learn:

  • Manage finances, marketing, and operations in a business environment
  • Think critically and solve business challenges with data-driven decision-making
  • Communicate effectively and develop interpersonal skills for business leadership
  • Gain hands-on experience through real-world projects and internships
  • Specialize in areas like accounting, small business management, and technical sales

Northern offers a flexible learning experience, with all business courses available both online and in person. You can also enhance your studies with a wide range of minors, including technical fields like diesel technology or agriculture operations, or humanities minors like community leadership. This flexibility allows you to customize your degree to fit your career aspirations. 

Our Business Administration program stands out for its personalized learning paths and real-world application. With both online and in-person options, our program is designed to fit your schedule while still providing engaging, hands-on learning. Our faculty have extensive industry experience, offering valuable practical insights into today’s business world.

Graduates also benefit from MSU-Northern’s industry partnerships, giving them access to networking opportunities, internships, and career connections. Whether your goal is finance, entrepreneurship, management, or marketing, this degree gives you the tools to thrive in a competitive job market.  

A Business Administration degree opens the door to a wide range of careers across industries. MSU-Northern graduates have found success in corporate settings, small businesses, and non-profit organizations, taking on roles in finance, management, marketing, and consulting.

Potential Careers
Career Description Median Salary*

Business Analyst 

Analyzes organizational processes, identifies areas for improvement, and develops solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.  $99,410  
Financial Advisor  Provides financial guidance to clients on investments, insurance, mortgages, college savings, estate planning, taxes, and retirement.  $99,890
Marketing Specialist  Researches market conditions to identify potential sales opportunities, develops marketing strategies, and analyzes the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.  $74,680
Small Business Owner  Manages all aspects of a small business, including operations, finance, marketing, and human resources, to ensure profitability and growth.  Varies widely based on industry, location, and business. 
Human Resources Manager  Oversees the administrative functions of an organization, including recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, and compliance with labor laws.  $104,000
Corporate Consultant  Provides expert advice to organizations to help improve their performance, efficiency, and profitability by analyzing existing business problems and developing future strategies.  $99,410

*Please note that the salaries provided here are for illustrative purposes only and are general estimates based on various data sources. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and specific employer. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting industry-specific reports or professional organizations is recommended.

Luke Malo

Though he initially took automotive classes, Luke soon realized that Diesel Technology was the path he wanted to pursue.

Read about Luke Malo working toward not just one, but two four-year degrees

 
Shyan Kass

Tate O'Neill's internship was more than just a job—it’s a stepping stone to his dream of working in Disney Imagineering.

Read more!

 

 

I have learned multiple aspects of the railroad industry including locomotive technical functions, operating locomotives, and railcar movers. I have also had the opportunity to develop my interpersonal skills working with our customers. These include improving my teamwork abilities with people of multiple backgrounds, gaining knowledge of data analytic abilities to make data driven decisions, and gaining knowledge of operations management within the workforce.
-Katharine Greenwood

The Academic Map provides a clear semester-by-semester breakdown of the courses required to complete the program.

Example Courses:

  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Operations Management

Not looking for a full degree? Check out these minors to enhance your major:

Our Financial Aid team is here to support you in overcoming financial barriers and unlocking opportunities.  Learn about scholarships, grants, loans, work study, and federal aid.

For estimated tuition/fees, residence hall rates and more, see the 2024-2025 Estimated Costs of Attendance document, and for detailed tuition and fee costs including course fees, see the Tuition and Fees page.
 

Additional Program Costs

BMGT 494 Seminar has a course fee attached to pay for the required online simulation component.

Laura Gomez 
  Office: Brockmann Center 210 E
  Phone: (406) 265-4154

Jay Howland
  Office: Brockmann Center 210 N
  Phone: (406) 265-4186

Erin Markus
  Office: Brockmann Center 210 I
  Phone: (406) 265-4128

Kristi Peterson
  Office: Brockmann Center 210 B
  Phone: (406) 265-4193

Kenny Wait
  Office: Brockmann Center 210 H
  Phone: (406) 265-4136

Barbara Zuck
  Office: Brockmann Center 210 C
  Phone: (406) 265-4175