Business Administration

University of California, Berkeley

About the Program

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Students who earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the Haas School of Business Undergraduate Program possess the knowledge and technical skills necessary to understand the modern business world, to achieve the highest levels of success in their professional careers, and to prepare for subsequent graduate work. Coursework is fully integrated with the University's liberal arts curriculum, resulting in graduates who are able to draw upon their knowledge of the arts and sciences as well as business in their endeavors.

Admission to the Major

The highly competitive Haas Undergraduate Program offers a BS in Business Administration. Students interested in applying can choose one of the following pathways:

Spieker Undergraduate Business Program

The Spieker Program is a four-year undergraduate business program that provides opportunities for deeper learning and enrichment, including career development and internships, study abroad, entrepreneurship programs, capstone projects, mentorship engagements, and student leadership experiences.

Beginning in Fall 2023, you can apply to the Spieker Program as a high-school senior. 

For further information, please see the Spieker Undergraduate Business Program website.

Global Management Program (GMP)
The selective Global Management Program blends rigorous business and general education with broad cultural understanding, preparing students to lead in financial services, communications, social sector solutions, foreign affairs, management consulting, and more.

Study in the four-year program begins in the summer with orientation and courses at UC Berkeley and includes the Berkeley Global Edge experience as a mandatory component—completed in fall of freshman year.

The program is only open to freshmen during the UC application period. 

For further information, please see the GMP web site.

Management, Entrepreneurship & Technology (M.E.T.)

The Management, Entrepreneurship, & Technology program (M.E.T.) at the Haas School of Business and the College of Engineering at Berkeley is a fully integrated, two-degree program. In four years, students earn a full Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Berkeley Haas and choice of a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering (BioE), Civil Engineering (CE), Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences (EECS), Industrial Engineering & Operations Research (IEOR), Materials Science & Engineering (MSE), or from Berkeley Engineering.

The program is only open to freshmen during the UC application period. Current UC Berkeley College of Engineering sophomores majoring in a M.E.T. academic track (AE, BioE, CE, EECS, IEOR, MSE, or ME) are eligible to apply to the M.E.T. program during the fall of their sophomore year. If admitted, students will join M.E.T. during their junior year.

Students enrolled in any other College at UC Berkeley, or admitted as junior transfers to UC Berkeley, are NOT eligible to apply to the M.E.T. Program. In addition, we cannot review applications from students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree.  For more information, see: met.berkeley.edu/continuing-student-admission/

For further information, please see the M.E.T. website.

Transfer and Continuing UC Berkeley

The Haas Undergraduate Program accepts applications from both transfer and continuing UC Berkeley students. Before applying to the major, visit the website which contains complete information concerning academic qualifications for admission with details about prerequisites and degree requirements. Because there are many more applicants than spaces available, completion of the prerequisites does not guarantee admission.

Robinson Life Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship (LSBSE) Program

 
In the Robinson Life Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship (LSBSE) Program, students will earn a BS in Business Administration and a BA in Molecular and Cell Biology in the emphasis of your choice: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Cell & Developmental Biology; Genetics, Genomics, & Development; Immunology & Pathogenesis; or Neurobiology. Admission to the program is highly competitive and open only to students currently enrolled at UC Berkeley. Students apply to the LBSE Program during their sophomore year and must complete all prerequisite requirements for Business alongside the requirements to declare MCB. For further information, please see the LSBSE website.

Minor Program

Summer Minor in Sustainable Business and Policy

The  Summer Minor in Sustainable Business and Policy is hosted by the U.C. Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. Students develop economic and business skills and gain an understanding of government laws and policies.  This minor will equip students with the essential tools for driving business and social change in the 21st century. The program offers an applied approach to studying business and regulatory challenges, and the critical sustainability challenges facing firms operating in a global economy over the next century. 

For further information, please visit the Summer Minor in Sustainable Business and Policy website.

Visit School Website

Major Requirements

In addition to the University, campus, and college requirements, listed on the College Requirements tab, students must fulfill the below requirements specific to their major program.​

General Guidelines

  1. A minimum of 38 upper division business units are required, and a minimum of 12 upper division non-business units are required.
  2. Haas students must adhere to the 7-course breadth guidelines outlined on the Haas Undergraduate Program website. Breadth courses must be completed with at least a C- or P grades.

  3. No more than 16 units total in courses numbered 98, 99, 197, 198, and 199 may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
  4. Students must complete the degree program in four semesters, not including Summer Session.
  5. All Haas business courses must be taken for a letter grade, including core substitutions, with the exception of UGBA 194UGBA 198 and UGBA 199 (only offered Pass/No Pass).
  6. No more than 1/3 of a student's total UC Berkeley units may be taken Pass/No Pass, including physical education courses, Education Abroad Program, or courses taken on another UC campus.
  7. Students who receive a grade of D+ or lower in a core course must repeat the course until they achieve a grade of C- or better.
  8. A minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required for graduation.

For information regarding residence requirements and unit requirements, please see the College Requirements.

Lower Division Prerequisites

The prerequisites listed below are required for the major. All prerequisites must be completed at UC Berkeley with a letter grade of C- or higher, no more than five years before starting the Business major. For further information regarding the prerequisites and the admissions, please see the program's website.

UGBA 10Course Not Available
ECON 1Introduction to Economics4
or ECON 2 Introduction to Economics--Lecture Format
Select one of the following calculus sequences:6-8
Analytic Geometry and Calculus
and Analytic Geometry and Calculus
MATH 1A
& MATH 1B
Course Not Available
and Course Not Available 1
Multivariable Calculus [4]
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations [4]
Select one of the following statistics courses:4
Introduction to Probability and Statistics [4]
STAT 21Introductory Probability and Statistics for Business4
or STAT W21 Introductory Probability and Statistics for Business
Foundations of Data Science
and Probability and Mathematical Statistics in Data Science 2
STAT C131AStatistical Methods for Data Science4
Concepts of Probability [4]
English/Reading and Composition Requirement (see below).
STAT C140Probability for Data Science4
or DATA C140 Probability for Data Science
1

 Or MATH 1A & MATH 16B.

2

 INFO C8 and COMPSCI C8 are equivalent to STAT C8.

Students can take one of the Foundations of Data Science courses (STAT/INFO/COMPSCI 8) plus a connector course (STAT C88SDATA C88S or UGBA 88) to fulfill the statistics prerequisite.  The connector course is designed to be taken at the same time or after the Foundations of Data Science course.

Some prerequisites and college requirements may be satisfied through exam credit. Please see the Haas School of Business website for details.

English/Reading and Composition Requirement (R&C)

For UC Berkeley students: You must satisfy this requirement by completing courses comparable to both Berkeley's English R1A and English R1B. Check this page for a list of courses that will satisfy the first half ("A") and second half ("B") of the R&C requirement.

You may use first-half and second-half courses from different departments. Please remember that Haas guidelines differ from L&S guidelines. For example, for Haas one course may not be used to satisfy both a prerequisite and a breadth requirement.

Students can complete pre-approved Reading and Composition courses at a California Community College. Pre-approved courses can be found on ASSIST.

For Transfer students: You must satisfy this requirement by completing courses comparable to both UC Berkeley's English R1A and English R1B. Students at schools other than California community colleges should refer to http://admissions.berkeley.edu/transfer_info for a listing of articulated courses.

Required Upper Division Core Courses

UGBA 100Business Communication2
UGBA 101AMicroeconomic Analysis for Business Decisions3
UGBA 101BMacroeconomic Analysis for Business Decisions3
UGBA 102AFinancial Accounting3
UGBA 102BManagerial Accounting3
UGBA 103Introduction to Finance4
UGBA 104Introduction to Business Analytics3
UGBA 105Leading People3
UGBA 106Marketing3
UGBA 107The Social, Political, and Ethical Environment of Business3
Total Units30

Core Substitutions

The following UC Berkeley courses may be used to fulfill the corresponding core business requirement. However, units for these approved substitutions are non-business upper division units and students must take additional business electives towards the required 38 upper division business units.

May substitute one of the following for UGBA 101A:
Microeconomics [4]
Microeconomics (Math Intensive) [4]
Intermediate Microeconomics with Applications to Sustainability [4]
Intermediate Microeconomic Theory [4]
May substitute one of the following for UGBA 101B:
Macroeconomics [4]
Macroeconomics (Math Intensive) [4]
POLECON 107Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory4

UC Extension courses are not equivalent to Haas core or elective courses.

Upper Division Business Administration Elective Courses

UGBA 117Special Topics in Economic Analysis and Policy1-4
UGBA 118International Trade3
UGBA 120AAIntermediate Financial Accounting 14
UGBA 120ABIntermediate Financial Accounting 24
UGBA 120BAdvanced Financial Accounting4
UGBA 121Federal Income Tax Accounting4
UGBA 122Financial Information Analysis4
UGBA 123Operating and Financial Reporting Issues in the Financial Services Industry3
UGBA 125Ethics in Accounting3
UGBA 126Auditing4
UGBA 127Special Topics in Accounting1-4
UGBA 128Strategic Cost Management3
UGBA 131Corporate Finance and Financial Statement Analysis3
UGBA 131ACorporate Strategy and Valuation3
UGBA 132Financial Institutions and Markets3
UGBA 133Investments3
UGBA 134Introduction to Financial Engineering3
UGBA 135Personal Financial Management2
UGBA 136FBehavioral Finance3
UGBA 137Special Topics in Finance1-4
UGBA 141Production and Operations Management2-3
UGBA 143Game Theory and Business Decisions3
UGBA 147Special Topics in Operations and Information Technology Management1-4
UGBA 151Management of Human Resources3
UGBA 152Negotiation and Conflict Resolution3
UGBA 154Power and Politics in Organizations3
UGBA 155Leadership3
UGBA 157Special Topics in the Management of Organizations1-4
UGBA 160Customer Insights3
UGBA 161Market Research: Tools and Techniques for Data Collection and Analysis3
UGBA 162Brand Management and Strategy3
UGBA 162AProduct Branding and Branded Entertainment2
UGBA 164Marketing Strategy3
UGBA 165Advertising Strategy3
UGBA 167Special Topics in Marketing1-4
UGBA 169Pricing3
UGBA C172History of American Business3
UGBA 173Competitive Strategy3
UGBA 174Leading Strategy Implementation3
UGBA 175Legal Aspects of Management3
UGBA 176Innovations in Communications and Public Relations2
UGBA 177Special Topics in Business and Public Policy1-4
UGBA 178Introduction to International Business3
UGBA 179International Consulting for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises3
UGBA 180Introduction to Real Estate and Urban Land Economics3
UGBA 183Introduction to Real Estate Finance3
UGBA 184Urban and Real Estate Economics3
UGBA 187Special Topics in Real Estate Economics and Finance1-4
UGBA 190SStrategy for the Information Technology Firm3
UGBA 190TSpecial Topics in Innovation and Design1-4
UGBA 191CCommunication for Leaders2
UGBA 191IImprovisational Leadership3
UGBA 191LLeadership Communication1
UGBA 191PLeadership and Personal Development3
UGBA 192ALeading Nonprofit and Social Enterprises3
UGBA 192ACSocial Movements and Social Media3
UGBA 192BStrategic Philanthropy2
UGBA 192LApplied Impact Evaluation2
UGBA 192NTopics in Social Sector Leadership1-5
UGBA 192PSustainable Business Consulting Projects3
UGBA 192TTopics in Responsible Business1-4
UGBA 193BEnergy & Civilization4
UGBA 193CPractical Training0.5
UGBA 193IBusiness Abroad4-6
UGBA 194Undergraduate Colloquium on Business Topics1
UGBA 195AEntrepreneurship3
UGBA 195PEntrepreneurship: How to Successfully start a New Business3
UGBA 195SEntrepreneurship To Address Global Poverty3
UGBA 195TTopics in Entrepreneurship1-3
UGBA 196Special Topics in Business Administration1-4
UGBA 198Directed Study1-4
UGBA 199Supervised Independent Study and Research1-4

College Requirements

University of California Requirements

Entry Level Writing

All students who will enter the University of California as freshmen must demonstrate their command of the English language by satisfying the Entry Level Writing Requirement. Satisfaction of this requirement is also a prerequisite to enrollment in all reading and composition courses at UC Berkeley. 

American History and American Institutions

The American History and Institutions requirements are based on the principle that a US resident graduated from an American university should have an understanding of the history and governmental institutions of the United States.

Campus Requirement

The following campus requirements are prerequisites for admission to the undergraduate business major.

American Cultures

American Cultures (AC) is the one requirement that all undergraduate students at UC Berkeley need to take and pass in order to graduate. The requirement offers an exciting intellectual environment centered on the study of race, ethnicity, and culture of the United States. AC courses offer students opportunities to be part of research-led, highly accomplished teaching environments, grappling with the complexity of American culture.

College Requirements

The following are requirements for the Haas Undergraduate Program:

  • A minimum of 120 units
  • Complete General University Requirements:
    • American History
    • American Institutions
  • Berkeley campus requirement:
    • American Cultures
  • Completion of degree in four or eight semesters, not including summer session

Breadth Requirements

The undergraduate breadth requirements provide Berkeley students with a rich and varied educational experience outside of their major program. As the foundation of a liberal arts education, breadth courses give students a view into the intellectual life of the University while introducing them to a multitude of perspectives and approaches to research and scholarship. Engaging students in new disciplines and with peers from other majors, the breadth experience strengthens interdisciplinary connections and context that prepares Berkeley graduates to understand and solve the complex issues of their day.

Seven Course Breadth Requirement

Students must successfully complete the seven course breadth sequence to earn a BS degree from the Haas School. Although breadth coursework is not required for admission, students are encouraged to spread breadth courses over 4 years.

  • Arts and Literature
  • Biological Science
  • Historical Studies
  • International Studies
  • Philosophy and Values
  • Physical Science
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences

Haas students should adhere to the seven course breadth guidelines outlined on the Haas Undergraduate website. 

Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate credit will not satisfy the Seven Course Breadth requirement. A Level exams are accepted. Please contact a Haas Adviser to determine how your A Level exams can be applied to breadth requirements.

Breadth courses may be taken at a California Community College. Please follow the most current Articulation Agreement between the community college and UC Berkeley for the business administration major. This information can be found at www.assist.org  by selecting the community college followed by UC Berkeley then the business administration major.

Plan of Study

For more detailed information regarding the courses listed below (e.g., elective information, GPA requirements, etc.), see the College Requirements and Major Requirements tabs.

Below is the Spieker Undergraduate Business Program Academic Plan.

Freshman
FallUnitsSpringUnits
MATH 16A3MATH 16B3
OR
 
OR
 
MATH 1A [4]
 
MATH 1B [4]
 
Reading and Composition A4Reading and Composition B4
Breadth 1 of 74Breadth 3 of 74
Breadth 2 of 74Breadth 4 of 73
 LD Elective2
 15 16
Sophomore
FallUnitsSpringUnits
UGBA 103STAT 214
ECON 14Backup Major course4
Breadth 5 of 74Backup Major course3
Breadth 6 of 7/Amer Cultures3Breadth 7 of 74
LD Elective2 
 16 15
Junior
FallUnitsSpringUnits
UGBA Core 1 of 104UGBA Core 4 of 104
UGBA Core 2 of 103UGBA Core 5 of 103
UGBA Core 3 of 102UGBA Core 6 of 103
UGBA Elective2UGBA Elective3
UD non-UGBA Elective3UD non-UGBA Elective3
 14 16
Senior
FallUnitsSpringUnits
UGBA Core 7 of 103UGBA Core 9 of 103
UGBA Core 8 of 103UGBA Core 10 of 103
UGBA Elective3UGBA Elective3
UD non-UGBA Elective3UD non-UGBA Elective3
LD/UD Elective3LD/UD Elective3
 15 15
Total Units: 122
1

 This is a sample program plan. This plan assumes that the student has completed the Entry Level Writing and the American History and Institutions requirements prior to admission.

2

 Students are strongly advised to work with an academic adviser to determine a personal program plan. Your program plan will differ depending on previous credit received, your course schedule, and available offerings.

Graduate in 3 or 3.5 Years

For students considering graduating in less than four years, it's important to acknowledge the reasons to undertake such a plan of study. While there are advantages to pursuing a three-year degree plan such as reducing financial burdens, they are not for everyone and do involve sacrifices; especially with respect to participating in co-curricular activities, depth of study,  and summer internships, which typically lead to jobs upon graduation. All things considered, please see the tables for three and three and a half year degree options.

Student Learning Goals

Mission

Guided by the missions of the undergraduate program, and the University's mission of teaching, research, and service, the mission of the Haas School of Business is to develop leaders who redefine how we do business.

The Haas School of Business Undergraduate Program has developed student learning goals for the Business major that provide faculty and students with a shared understanding of the purpose of the major as well as what graduating seniors are expected to know or to be able to do at the end of their course of study as it relates to the school’s mission.

The learning goals are assessed to determine whether students are achieving the outcomes. The assessment results are used to inform curricular design and other program offerings. All steps require input and participation from the business school community, particularly the faculty. The resulting learning goals, which have their origin in the core curriculum, were shaped over several months by faculty and administration and are listed below.

Learning Goals for the Major

  1. Students will be skilled in critical thinking and decision making, as supported by the appropriate use of analytical and quantitative techniques.
  2. Students will apply functional area concepts and theories appropriately.
  3. Students will be effective communicators who can prepare and deliver oral and written presentations using appropriate technologies.
  4. Students will be sensitive to the ethical requirements of business activities.
  5. Students will tackle strategic and organizational challenges with innovative solutions.

For a visual representation of the relationship between the core curriculum and the expected outcomes, please see the Haas School of Business website.

Major Map

Major maps are experience maps that help undergraduates plan their Berkeley journey based on intended major or field of interest. Featuring student opportunities and resources from your college and department as well as across campus, each map includes curated suggestions for planning your studies, engaging outside the classroom, and pursuing your career goals in a timeline format.

Use the major map below to explore potential paths and design your own unique undergraduate experience:

View the Business Administration Major Map.

Advising

Advising Hours

Advisers are available in S460 (Haas Student Services Building) during open hours.

Advising Open Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Advising is closed for lunch daily from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Advising is available by appointment or on a walk-in basis. 

For assistance by phone, please call 510-642-1421.

Academic Opportunities

The Haas undergraduate experience offers opportunities for personal growth beyond the classroom, including leadership development, career development, and close interaction with faculty and alumni. A number of programs offered to Haas students support this design, such as global experiences, case competitions, student organizations, cohort program, and many more.

Career & Internship Information

Career Resources for Haas Undergraduate Students

The dedicated business team at Berkeley Career Engagement (BCE, formerly the Career Center) provides multiple career resources to Haas students, including 1:1 coaching, career fairs, interview rooms, professional photo booth, 24/7 online resources, etc. to guide students in every step of their career journey. 

Below are some highlighted resources. To learn more, visit BCE Website or their Instagram page.

1:1 Coaching

From perfecting your resume to accepting an offer or applying to graduate school, 1:1 coaching is available via appointment on Handshake

Career Fairs

BCE organizes various career fairs throughout the year, including themes such as Finance, Consulting, STEM, Nonprofit & Public Service, and Diversity & Inclusion, connecting students with opportunities across various industries.

Other Events

BCE also organizes employer info sessions, workshops, panels, and networking events that allow students to learn more about different career options and organizations. A list of upcoming career events can be found on Handshake under the “Events'' tab

On-Campus Interview (OCI)

During the fall and spring semesters, many employers conduct interviews at the BCE office for internships and full-time positions. OCI allows current students to interview for jobs and internships with top companies without having to leave campus.

24/7 Online Resources

These resources help students seek career Clarity, gain Competitiveness, and make the right Connections, 24/7.

Common Career Paths for Business Majors

BCE’s First Destinations Survey captures the jobs that students obtain when they graduate from Cal. For business majors, graduates pursue a diverse range of careers, encompassing industries such as 

  • Financial Services

  • Consulting

  • Technology

  • Healthcare

  • Consumer Goods

  • Entertainment

  • Non-profit

and assuming roles commonly in 

  • Accounting

  • Finance

  • Consulting

  • Sales

  • Marketing

  • Business Analytics

  • Product management

  • Human resources

  • Supply chain management

Our class of 2023 graduates attained positions with an average starting salary of $97,000 and 83% of graduates accepted a job or continued education offer within 3 months of graduation.

 

Courses

Business Administration

Contact Information

Haas School of Business

S545 Student Services Wing, Haas School of Business

Phone: 510-642-1421

Visit School Website

College Dean

Ann E. Harrison, PhD

deansoffice@haas.berkeley.edu

Undergraduate Assistant Dean

Emma Hayes Daftary

edaftary@haas.berkeley.edu

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