Preparing tomorrow’s purposeful leaders
Business on Purpose
Bringing purpose to your education
When you join the Gies Business community, you gain access to curriculum and programs intentionally designed to prepare you for life after college. You work on clientbased projects and collaborate with classmates to solve real business problems. You learn to think differently about business, approaching it with the goal of making a difference – on big and small scales.
And you learn how to do it with intention.
Everything we do is on purpose to help you learn how to take that same mentality of intention with you when you graduate and beyond.
Exploring your passions and interests
You don’t need to know exactly what you want to major in when you get here. We encourage you to explore your interests and find what fits your passions.
First-year students are admitted directly to Gies Business under “Business Undeclared.” You will have time to consider your career path before declaring a major in the spring of your sophomore year.
“ Over the course of the last four years, Gies has challenged me to build a purposeful career and to express my personality and passions. I’ve gotten to know myself more than ever before, and because of Gies, I am equipped with endless resources to succeed and prosper.”
David Ramirez (FIN ’24)
Find Your Path to Purpose
At Gies Business, you have two years to officially declare a major, and when you do, it’s a big deal. We host a signing day event – just like you might see in athletics – to celebrate this significant milestone in your academic journey.
Major Programs of Study
Accountancy prepares students for a wide range of careers. By learning how to prepare and evaluate financial documents, you will gain deep insights about operating companies legally and efficiently – and become a highly versatile business professional. More than half of our students who graduate with an accounting undergraduate degree stay at Gies to pursue a fifth-year master’s degree in accountancy.
Accountancy + Data Science and Finance + Data Science students take core business courses paired with instruction in data science, preparing to answer the needs of businesses today and set the stage for businesses of the future.
Business + Data Science students learn broadly about business while also focusing on a specialization in information systems, international business, management, or operations management. This major prepares you for any career that requires the interpretation of large datasets to inform business decisions.
Finance students learn concepts and tools to make effective financial decisions, setting them up for careers in asset management, financial planning, banking and investments, consulting, corporate finance, insurance, real estate, and sales and trading.
Information Systems students learn to apply information technology to business activities. You’ll gain skills in information technology development, systems analysis, e-business management, and e-commerce, setting you up for future work in information systems management and consulting.
Management students analyze and solve managerial problems in complex business environments. This major prepares you to be a leader, decision-maker, and strategic thinker and will help you thrive in careers such as human resources, information technology, consulting, finance, accounting, marketing, and operations.
Marketing includes studying the consumer and deriving business insights from data to help companies better reach their target audiences. Careers in marketing include sales, retail, market research, management, and consulting.
Operations Management students develop skills needed to manage systems, people, ideas, and capital. As a graduate of this major, you might enjoy work as an operations or strategy consultant, project manager, analyst, or quality management professional.
Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship students develop the skills to conceive, launch, and manage new enterprises, whether in independent startups or new business units at existing companies. Business development, consulting, entrepreneurship, private equity, product management, and venture capital are common career paths.
Supply Chain Management involves long-term process planning for raw materials to become finished products. As students develop analytical and creative thinking abilities in consulting, manufacturing, and logistics companies, they prepare for careers as analysts or project managers. If interested in this major, you’ll need to apply to the program in your sophomore year.
Minors
Undergraduate students are not required to complete a minor, but many want to gain knowledge and experience in a secondary field. If you’re interested in pursuing a minor, please work with your academic advisor to discuss all possible options.
Our minor programs include:
• The Hoeft Technology & Management Program: In this program, undergraduate business and engineering majors learn together through an integrated curriculum that includes both engineering and business courses. The program includes a capstone project and a study abroad experience. Students are selected through a competitive admission process during the second semester of their sophomore year.
• International Business Minor: Available exclusively for Gies Business students, this program complements students’ primary business studies while preparing them to lead in the global business environment. Students study international business and marketing, multinational management, and global supply chain management.
• Business Minor: The business minor is designed for students in majors outside of Gies Business who want to round out their education with foundational business knowledge.
To see a list of all minor programs across campus, visit catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/minors
Double Majors and Dual Degrees
The way we’ve constructed our core business curriculum makes it simple to expand your knowledge and pursue a second program of study within the College. You can also choose a second major outside of Gies Business, if desired.*
Students can declare a double major with two Gies Business programs. A double major:
• results in one bachelor’s degree consisting of a primary and a secondary major
• requires completion of at least 124 credit hours
Pursuing a dual degree is possible with some, but not all majors, in other colleges on campus. A dual degree:
• results in two bachelor’s degrees consisting of a primary major in Gies Business and a secondary major in another college/school on campus
• requires completion of at least 154 credit hours
* The student’s home college must be Gies Business, due to course registration restrictions.
Intentionally Designed Coursework
Degree Requirements
No matter your major, the Gies Business experience sets you up for success. As you earn your undergraduate degree, you’ll take general education courses that give you in-depth knowledge across many fields of study and build a strong foundation in core business disciplines.
Credit Hours for Degree and Course Breakdown
GENERAL EDUCATION
All Illinois students Science, Humanities, Cultural Studies
BUSINESS CORE
All Gies Business students Accounting, Finance, Business Analytics, Management, Marketing
124 HOURS
YOUR MAJOR
Specific Gies Business
Information Systems Courses
ELECTIVES
Varies by individual student and could be used for double major or minor requirements
Purpose-Focused Course Sequence
Gain valuable skills and the mindset to lead with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to making an impact beyond financial gain.
BUS 101: Business Foundations
Explore the broader purpose of business in creating value for society, along with your own purpose, gaining skills for doing business ethically along the way.
BUS 201: Business Dynamics
Expand your critical thinking and teamwork skills while experiencing job dynamics and problem-solving through a hypothetical business scenario.
BUS 301: Business in Action
Develop and apply your teamwork and communication skills by completing a project for an actual client, interacting with them regularly throughout the semester as part of a team.
BUS 401: Crafting Your Purpose in Business
Identify a personal growth area to strengthen before you graduate while leading a “purpose project” that addresses a cause you feel passionate about.
Transferring College Credit
AP & IB Exams: Illinois awards college credit for some Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores of 3 and higher, and International Baccalaureate (IB) exam scores of 4 and higher. AP and IB course completion doesn’t provide credit; you can only get credit through exam scores.
Dual Enrollment: Receive credit for any transferable college course that appears on an official college transcript. If you enroll at Illinois, the grade you’ve earned in that course will be part of your cumulative GPA.
Summer Coursework: Prior to starting at Gies Business, you can take summer courses at another college or university. Before signing up, check with our admissions team to ensure external coursework can be applied to your degree: admissions@business.illinois.edu.
You can check the transferability of outside coursework through: transferology.com
Visit the University Admissions office web page for more information on specific awarded credit: admissions.illinois.edu/ Apply/Freshman/college-credit
Successful undergraduate career outcomes
Enhancing your college experience
At Gies Business, your future is our priority. We intentionally weave career readiness and global citizenship into your learning experience, equipping you with the tools and confidence you need to pursue and achieve success throughout your life.
The Office of Career and Professional Development works with every student, leading personalized one-onone sessions, skill-building workshops, and vibrant networking opportunities all year round.
Gies Global helps students expand their horizons through international study, projects, research, and internship opportunities.
Career & Professional Development Programming
• Behavioral Interview Practice Sessions: Build confidence in articulating your experiences and skills effectively during interviews.
• Career Exploration and Optimization (CEO): Explore potential professions and cultivate social connections in this transformative summer program designed for rising sophomores and juniors.
• Career Fair Prep Series: Hone your networking skills and make a lasting impression on potential employers.
• Career Fairs and Employer Showcases: Immerse yourself in unparalleled networking opportunities, connecting with hundreds of prospective employers during these engaging events.
• Career Labs: Engage in hands-on activities that prepare you to put your best self forward.
• Career Treks: Step into the shoes of industry professionals with insider experiences at renowned companies across various sectors and fields.
• Case Interview Preparation: Master the art of acing case interviews, a crucial skill in many industries.
• “Let’s Explore” Series: Embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring your strengths and aligning them with your career aspirations.
• Recruiter Secrets Series: Gain insider insights into the hiring process and learn how to stand out in a competitive job market.
Learn more about career and professional development at Gies GiesBusiness.illinois.edu/career-services
Kyle Chris
Gies Global Programs
Studying abroad teaches you about other places and cultures – but also about yourself. As you travel and interact with new people, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the world around you and acquire important skills that you’ll use throughout your lifetime.
We encourage all learners to study abroad. With short and long-term options, you can participate in more than one study abroad program during your time at Gies Business – and many of our students do.
Our study abroad opportunities are affordable, award college credit, and can be incorporated into your schedule without affecting graduation timelines.
Gies Global learners have traveled to these countries:
• Short-term programs: Brazil, Ecuador, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Japan, China, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom
• Semester-long programs: China, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, and Australia
“ I think the biggest benefit of going abroad, for me, was that I gained confidence adapting to new situations. Each day is a new challenge, and you have all these experiences in such a short time that you learn and grow from really quickly. . . . I’ve gained a new sense of independence.”
Chris Stefani (ACCY, FIN ’25)
“
I connected with a ton of people from different parts of the world, and I really enjoyed learning about their culture and hearing their perspectives. . . . I put myself in a lot of situations where I was meeting new people and learned to take initiative to be more social. Now I have an expanded view of the world.”
Kyle Stefani (ACCY, FIN ’25)
Learn more about Chris and Kyle’s study abroad adventures.
Supporting Your Success
The success of one takes the efforts of many. We’ve designed our extracurricular programming to grow and nurture a supportive culture and community – no matter where you’re coming from, you’ll know that you belong at Gies Business.
Student Engagement
We know you take your studies seriously, but your college experience should also be fun. We strive to deliver signature experiences for you to unwind, meet new people, and make long-lasting memories with your community.
We promote the health and well-being of all learners through our programming, registered student organizations (RSOs), and dynamic events. Some of our activities include:
• “Welcome Week” events to celebrate incoming students each year
• “Business Quad Day” to connect learners with RSOs
• Professional development and training opportunities for RSO leaders and learners
• Social & community-building events in the Lincoln International Atrium
Undergraduate Student Success Lab:
Your one-
stop
shop
for balance, excellence, and wellness.
Located on the first floor of the Business Instructional Facility, the Undergraduate Student Success Lab provides academic, emotional, and social guidance. Drop in anytime for peer advising and tutoring, or to join our counseling center workshops.
Student Success
Helping you reach your goals is our priority. Our dedicated staff take a holistic approach to academic wellness to support you throughout your undergraduate journey. Through our programs, we’ll help you:
• Stay on track: We’ll review your academic standings, identify potential risks, and provide the tools and guidance you need to succeed.
• Engage with your community: These programs connect you with the vibrant social and academic life throughout the College.
• Build crucial skills: We host workshops to help you master effective study habits and time and resource management, setting you up for graduation and beyond.
Financial Support
College is a substantial cost investment in a student’s future, and we’re committed to helping students overcome barriers through merit- and need-based scholarships.
• First- year and transfer applicants are automatically evaluated for potential scholarship eligibility based on their FAFSA and/or application for admission.
• We encourage continuing students to submit a FAFSA each year they are are enrolled to be eligible for any additional Gies Business scholarships.
After graduation, our students see the benefits and return on investment of their Gies Business degree with high-paying starting salaries, exceptional personal and professional connections, and rewarding lifelong careers.
Embedded Counseling
Our embedded clinical counselor, located in the Office of Undergraduate Programs, offers comprehensive support including individual talk therapy appointments, connections to group sessions, physician referrals, and a range of outreach and prevention services.
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