The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.), with a major in Business Administration and Law, requires 120 semester hours as follows:
- 42 hours of liberal studies courses
- 5 hours of foundations of knowledge for business courses
- 21 hours in Business Administration and Law major area courses
- 12 hours of elective courses
Careers with this degree
A wide variety of job opportunities exist in entrepreneurship, insurance, banking and real estate for students with a Business Administration and Law degree. Graduates also may pursue careers as legal administrators, as well as in human resource management and in government agencies. The degree is an exceptional pre-law program as well and prepares its graduates for the rigors of law school. In fact, some of our graduates, who subsequently earned law degrees, now teach as adjunct faculty!
What makes this program special?
WCU’s College of Business is accredited by AACSB International, which assures quality and promotes excellence and continuous improvement in undergraduate and graduate education for business administration and accounting. Students who major in Business Administration and Law develop a comprehensive grounding in business theory, application, and practice through academic rigor and application of practical relevance. They receive a thorough background in the interrelationship of business and law, legal theory, legal research, and the application of law in everyday business transactions and management. The Business Administration and Law degree is unique in the University of North Carolina system and is the only one of its kind east of the Mississippi! This degree provides majors with a solid background in business, as well as the pre-law foundation for continued study in law school. The combination of business and law emphasizes critical and analytical thinking, legal research and writing, and presentation skills. Business Administration and Law majors receive the best of both worlds. The degree opens doors to interesting and promising careers, and provides an excellent foundation for further study at the graduate or professional level.
Are there any additional admission requirements?
No additional requirements are necessary beyond being accepted to WCU.
What scholarship monies are available?
All students are considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission. Additional scholarships are available based on FAFSA information. The Business Administration and Law program also has several scholarships available ranging from $500 to $1,000.
What will I be able to do with this degree when I graduate?
The employment field includes insurance, banking, personnel administration and governmental agencies. It also provides excellent preparation for law school and other types of graduate programs.
What are the professors like?
All law faculty members hold Juris Doctorate degrees from ABA-accredited law schools. Some faculty members hold additional graduate degrees as well in such fields as public affairs and public administration. Faculty members have distinguished themselves in research in law and the application of law in management education. Several have been recognized for teaching excellence, including the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award, the Board of Governors Creative and Innovative Teaching Award, and the College of Business Professor of Excellence Award. Beyond the classroom, faculty members work in research, public service and consulting in business and industry. Faculty members are also active in professional organizations and serve as editors for professional journals.
What are the students in the program doing?
Students are engaged in active learning throughout the curriculum. For example, students have been certified as community mediators, in addition to visiting the North Carolina Supreme Court for oral argument as part of a research project. Students have participated in international study abroad programs as well. Students also are encouraged to participate in internship and cooperative educational opportunities under the supervision of departmental faculty. By working in area law firms, insurance companies and state agency offices, students gain valuable, practical and real-world experiences, in addition to their course work.
Will I be able to participate in internships, clubs and other extracurricular opportunities?
The Business Administration and Law major hosts the Business and Law Society, which is open to all majors. The mission of the society is to promote interest in the fields of business and law, to encourage further study in those areas, to enhance the student environment of Western Carolina University, and to provide opportunities for campus and community service. There are several additional honor and fraternal organizations that also are available to majors. Activities include such events as holiday decorations and snacks in the lobby of Forsyth Building, cookouts and pool parties to get to know members, collection of ink cartridges as an office project for purchase of discount office supplies, serving on the alumni relations committee, visiting various law and graduate schools, and participating in law school admission test study groups and LSAT/GRE/GMAT study groups. Community service and campus involvement activities include Relay for Life, firewood delivery to the elderly, AIDS walk, AWAKE – Teddy Bear Collection, Angel Tree presents for local needy children in the community, and Pick Your Butts Up Campaign (picking up cigarettes butts in front of Forsyth Building.)
Contact
Debra Burke
E-mail: burke@email.wcu.edu
phone: 828-227-3720
Visit the Business Administration and Law Program Website
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