Business & Accounting

The Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration

Today, in business:

• The economic significance of so-called “small business” is enormous; it accounts for the majority of all businesses in the U.S., and is the source for most innovation and employment opportunities. 
• A 2007 Junior Achievement poll indicates that two thirds of teens say they would like to start their own business one day. 
•  You'll have the opportunity to use what you learn to touch people's lives, from creating jobs to helping people plan for major milestones.

Our bachelor’s degree in business administration balances education with an in-depth knowledge of the industry’s professional demands.

In our four-year degree program, you’ll be able to specialize in:

• Accounting: This specialization prepares students for careers with regional and national accounting firms. We have a 90 percent placement rate. Some places hiring our graduates include: PricewaterhouseCoopers, PBGW, and Smart Associates. Students complete at least two internships as undergraduates and have the opportunity to participate in our 4 + 1 program, which allows students to earn an M.B.A. in five years.
   
• Entrepreneurship: Ever had an idea for a business? This program focuses on developing new ideas, as well as the management of the organization, which will make these opportunities a reality. You’ll take courses in: finance, law, and market research as they relate specifically to the entrepreneurial endeavor. When you leave DelVal, you’ll have a portfolio, which you’ll be able to use when launching your business or job searching.
   
• Financial Services: This specialization will prepare you for a career in: banking, insurance, financial planning, stock brokerages, pension funds, mutual funds, and other financial institutions. You’ll study: estate planning, investing, retirement planning, risk management, income tax planning, and marketing of financial services. Our recent grads have gone on to careers as: Merrill Lynch Stockbrokers, Ameriprise Financial Planners, Vanguard account reps, and TD Bank Assistant Managers.This field is expected to grow in the future, due to companies transferring more long-term financial risk to their employees. Our successful alumni are often very willing to mentor our students and recent graduates in this area.
   
• Management: You’ll gain the knowledge and experience needed to make  decisions that will create value in this specialization. We teach skills effective leaders need to have, such as: maximizing motivation, interacting with other cultures, strategic planning, and organizational design. We bring real-word scenarios, and examples of challenges and concepts into the classroom to keep material engaging, challenging, and fun. This specialization is excellent preparation for students who want to take on leadership roles in any area. It can also prepare you to enter our graduate M.B.A. program.
   
• Marketing: No matter what you’re learning about in the marketing specialization, you’ll be applying it as you go. Our Principles of Marketing course has students interview corporate leaders and provide a review of the leader’s organization. This type of interaction will help you make valuable contacts in your field. All other courses follow this philosophy. Speakers and special projects, give you the opportunity to build business contacts, right in the classroom, while completing your undergraduate degree. In Sales and Sales Promotion, you’ll pitch something to your classmates. In Advertising and Promotion, you’ll develop four-part advertising campaign for the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce and work with the local newspaper on it.
   
• Sports Management: Professional sports are a business, not just a lifestyle. If you want a program based out of the business department rather than the health department, DelVal is the place for you. Our program focuses intensely on the sports industry as a business. You’ll learn about: management, marketing, law, finance, and other business-related concepts. You’ll learn from people who have been in this industry and people who still are. Our faculty members have experience in the sports management and marketing industry and still currently represent professional athletes.

Plus, business administration students participate in internships, competitions, and hear from business leaders who guest lecture. This prepares them to stand out and come out of College ready and prepared for rewarding careers in business administration. 

Our nationally-recognized business faculty members provide engaging scenarios, activities, and projects to get you excited about your education and professional development.

Contact: Lawrence Stelmach, Department Chair

Meet the Department