The Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Studies is a competency-based, interdisciplinary degree that provides students with core business skills that can be applied to a range of areas. Underpinned by career readiness competencies and the principles of responsible management education (PRME), the program promotes hands-on learning and prepares students for rewarding career opportunities through an intentional curriculum which includes up to 12 credits for internships, co-ops, or work experience.

The courses that comprise this 42-credit major help students develop core business and practical interpersonal, leadership, communication skills that can be applied in organizations. Students develop Career and Self-Development; Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork, and Technology competencies through the interdisciplinary curriculum and General Education program. Students are encouraged to take a minor and/or a certificate in addition to the major coursework. For example, minors are available in Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Leadership; Sustainability; Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design; Gerontology (Aging Services), and the Business of Digital Media.

Curriculum: 

You must complete 120 total credits to graduate, with 42 program-level credits. The B.A. in Business Studies
program requires work experience, a co-op, or an internship. All BABS students take courses that provide a foundation for leading others, understanding organizations, learning business fundamentals, managing projects, and leading change, including:

• LDR290 Modern Leadership Issues
• INE140G The Power of Business
• MGT201 Management Foundations: Building Better Businesses
• INE247 The Business of Innovation: The Design Process
• BUS325 Introduction to Finance and Budgeting or ACC201 Financial Accounting
• BAI110 Business Computing Applications or BAI310 Business Data Analysis with Excel
• INE304G Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• MGT341 Organizational Behavior
• MGT343 Skills Development In Organizational Behavior or INE348 Business of Innovation: Social Design
• SCA415 Project Management

Students can focus elective courses and hands-on/internship experiences into a career-focused pathway of Sports Management, Human Resources Leadership, and Tourism Leadership.

Sports Management – Prepares students for dynamic careers at the intersection of business, athletics, and community engagement. This multi-billion-dollar industry is growing at an exponential rate. Students will explore how sports organizations, events, and athletes are shaped by digital transformation. Internships and co-op opportunities provide hands-on experience in sports-related industries. Development of leadership, branding, and management skills necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving sports industry, including:

• Sports Teams
• Sports Event Companies
• Wellness and Fitness Management
• Fitness Organizations
• Athletic Administration
• Sports Marketing

Opportunities that leverage sports management/leadership skills have an anticipated growth rate of 5.7% (vs. 3.1% for all careers) in the next ten years, with 60K anticipated openings. According to Lightcast (2024), Game Day/Event Coordinators make ~$56K; Sport Marketing Specialists make ~$75K; Facilities Event Managers make ~$102K; and Guest Relations Managers make ~$63K per year. These selected careers have an anticipated growth rate of 7.9% (vs. 3.1% for all careers and 5.7% for a more inclusive list, which includes coaches and other facilities managers).

Human Resources Leadership – prepares students to lead people, build inclusive and effective organizational cultures, and design systems that help employees and organizations thrive. This pathway prepares students for a growing business need and offers versatile careers. Students will:

• Gain a deep understanding of human behavior, interpersonal dynamics, and social systems.
• Explore how talent is recruited, developed, motivated, and retained
• Learn to navigate complex workplace issues such as equity and inclusion, organizational change, conflict
  resolution, and leadership communication.
• Experience concepts directly with a required internship or co-op

The curriculum draws on courses from management, human development and family science, education, and sociology to offer complementary perspectives on how individuals and groups function in professional environments. Students will graduate ready to pursue careers in:

• Human Resources
• Organizational Development
• People Analytics
• Talent Management
• Leadership Training
• Recruiting

According to 2024 data from Hanover Research, relative to a 3.1% anticipated growth for all occupations in the next ten years, Training and Development Specialist roles are expected to be up 5.8% (avg salary ~ $158K); and Human Resource Specialists are expected to be up 2.9% (avg. salary ~ $88K). Benefits and compensation management roles are supposed to be down 2%, but carry a higher avg salary ($179K). We anticipate there will be demand for uniquely human skills, and will continue to update courses to reflect market needs and help position our graduates for the changing market.

Tourism Leadership – equips students with the skills to lead organizations and communities in today’s rapidly evolving travel and tourism sector. A great student experience in a state that knows tourism. Students learn how to design and deliver memorable experiences, manage destinations and hospitality services, and advance sustainability in one of the world’s most dynamic and growing industries. Internship requirement within a tourism-related field (Numerous opportunities to choose from in Rhode Island!)

The pathway emphasizes both strategic leadership and hands-on application, preparing graduates to work in
areas such as:

• Destination Marketing
• Resort and Hotel Management
• Sustainable Tourism Development
• Event Planning
• Cultural/Heritage Tourism
• Guest Experience Management

According to 2024 data from Hanover Research, relative to a 3.1% anticipated growth for all occupations in the next ten years, Entertainment and Recreation Management roles are expected to be up 7.7% (avg salary ~ $88K); and Personal Service Managers are supposed to be up 6.5% (avg. salary ~ $69K), and Lodging Managers are expected to increase 3.4% (avg salary ~$81K).