Bethany prepares business students for leadership roles in both profit and non-profit organizations by providing a thorough foundation in accounting, finance, marketing, management, and economics. You will examine current ethical, social, political, and economic challenges that play a role in the work environment.
Business Major Emphases
Commercial loans, bonds, and issuing stock are all manners of raising capital to further business interests and engage stakeholder owners.
Research what consumers are looking for and take a service or product to market. Develop the strategies for advertising, branding, and sales.
A global marketplace of ideas and goods flow rapidly with systems that establish order and timely reach consumers.
Build something of your own by identifying a need and filling that void with a strategic business plan.
Good employees drive business and it is important to care for them through health insurance, equitable treatment, and wise salary structures.
Great leaders nurture a group of people toward shared goals by effectively communicating a vision of the future.
Whether with nation-wide professional teams or community-based recreational development, sports are big business.
Contact for more information
| Name | Title | Office / Phone | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Elizabeth Olson HH 321 507-344-7340 | Associate ProfessorTaylor Leadership Institute | HH 321 507-344-7340 | |
Opportunities for the Bethany Business graduate
Here’s a sampling of potential careers for which this major can prepare you:Business & Leadership
- Business Analyst
- Small business manager
- Operations analyst
- Merchandise buyer
- Retail manager
- Event manager
- Facilities manager
- Project coordinator
Finance
- Financial service consultant
- Audit analyst
- Loan officer
- Insurance account executive
- Wealth Management advisor
Human Resources
- Human Resources manager
- Human Resources specialist
Marketing
- Marketing analyst
- Marketing program coordinator
- Advertising account executive
Internships
While aiding in a better understanding of career options, internships lead our students to gain valuable knowledge and skills that are best acquired in a guided working environment. This practical experience is a must in launching a successful career.
- Greater Mankato Growth– Economic & Talent Development Intern
- Minnesota State Senate– Intern
- Wells Fargo– Lead Tell/Sales Coach Intern
- Disney– Walt Disney World College Program
- Minnesota Vikings, Sports Institute– Training Camp Marketing Intern
- J.Long’s– Sales/Marketing Associate Intern
- Navitor Inc. – Web Implementer Intern
- Lime Valley Advertising Inc.– Marketing Intern
- Compeer Financial– Lending Operations Intern
- Social Security Administration– Intern
- Taylor Development– Shared Services Intern
Experiential Learning
The Business Administration major supplements traditional learning with valuable community work. Below are a few of the activities that gave students practical experience.
- Gave away a café in Sherburn, Minnesota. The students promoted a contest, worked with the city, previous owners, and interviewed local people. The students then collected the applications, reviewed them and invited four in for interviews. From there the students made a recommendation to the previous owner on which applicant to select. The students also worked closely with the Riverbend Center for Entrepreneurial Center (RCEF) on this project.
- Planned, promoted, and hosted a seminar on trade with Russia. Two people from Russia, as well as three business professionals from the Twin Cities, spoke on trade and IP issues.
- Worked with the Minnesota Vikings to help with setup of the Draft Party as well as coordinate autograph sessions and other activities.
- Worked with Minnesota Valley Action Council to conduct projects in support of the non-profit mission: a clothing drive, a fundraiser with Pizza Ranch, selling apple pies at Hy-Vee, and a marketing drive with a local radio station.
For more business activities, check out the Bethany Business Club!
Major Requirements
Students can tailor the business major to complement their strengths and interests by choosing an emphasis in one or more of the following areas: finance, marketing research, consumer marketing, public relations, marketing management, human resources, or sports administration.
The business faculty assists students in developing critical, analytical, interpersonal, and professional skills as they prepare to be contributing men and women in organizations and in society.
Case studies and practicums provide a practical opportunity to hone your communication and critical thinking skills. Setting it apart from other programs, our major emphasizes Christian stewardship and service to others in work, church, and community.
Please see the Program Requirements Disclaimer when planning your coursework.
Pre-major courses:
- MATH111 or higher (prerequisite for MATH120 Introduction to Statistics) 3-4 cr.
- PSYC100 General Psychology or PSYC120 Human Growth and Development 3 cr.
Core Requirements
Required lower division courses:
- ACCT210 Accounting I 3 cr.
- ACCT211 Accounting II 3 cr.
- ECON203 Principles of Macroeconomics 3 cr.
- ECON204 Principles of Microeconomics 3 cr.
- MATH120 Introduction to Statistics 3 cr.
Required upper division courses:
- BUSN310 Principles of Management 3 cr.
- BUSN330 Principles of Marketing 3 cr.
- BUSN350 Principles of Finance 3 cr.
- BUSN360 Business Ethics or PHIL204 Ethics 3 cr.
- BUSN470 Strategic Management 3 cr.
- ECON330 International Economics 3 cr.
- MISY300 Software Applications 3 cr.
Major Electives
Students choose four electives, at least three of which must be BUSN courses from the following:
- GRDS332 Graphic Design III: Introductionto Web and UX Design: Introduction to Web and UX Design 3 cr.
- BUSN307 Business Communications and Lab 3 cr.
- BUSN333 Consumer Behavior 3 cr.
- BUSN351 Financial Institutions 3 cr.
- BUSN352 Investments 3 cr.
- BUSN371 3 cr.
- BUSN372 3 cr.
- BUSN373 3 cr.
- BUSN410 Leadership and Organizational Change 3 cr.
- BUSN420 Managing Human Resources 3 cr.
- BUSN430 Entertainment and Sport Marketing 3 cr.
- BUSN431 Integrated Marketing Communication 3 cr.
- BUSN441 Marketing Research 3 cr.
- BUSN450 Risk Management 3 cr.
- BUSN460 Advanced Finance 3 cr.
- BUSN471 Sport Administration 3 cr.
- BUSN480 Topics in Business 3 cr.
- COMM318 Small Group Communication 3 cr.
- COMM360 Visual Communication 3 cr.
- COMM370 Organizational Communication 3 cr.
- COMM375 Public Relations and Advertising 3 cr.
- LEGL308 Business Law 3 cr.
- SOCL320 Research Methods in Social Sciences 3 cr.
- SOCL330 American Minorities 3 cr.
Internship
Students complete 1 internship (1-3) credits total
- BUSN499 Business Internship 1–3 cr.
Area of Emphasis
Finance & Investments
- BUSN351 Financial Institutions 3 cr.
- BUSN352 Investments 3 cr.
- BUSN450 Risk Management 3 cr.
- BUSN460 Advanced Finance 3 cr.
Marketing
- BUSN307 Business Communications and Lab 3 cr or COMM375 Public Relations and Advertising 3 cr.
- BUSN333 Consumer Behavior 3 cr.
- BUSN431 Integrated Marketing Communication 3 cr.
- BUSN441 Marketing Research 3 cr.
Human Resources Management
- BUSN307 Business Communications and Lab or COMM318 Small Group Communication 3 cr.
- BUSN410 Leadership and Organizational Change 3 cr.
- BUSN420 Managing Human Resources 3 cr.
- LEGL308 Business Law or LEGL320 Legal Research and Writing 3 cr.
Organizational Leadership
- BUSN307 Business Communications and Lab 3 cr.
- BUSN352 Investments or BUSN450 Risk Management 3 cr.
- BUSN410 Leadership and Organizational Change or BUSN420 Managing Human Resources 3 cr.
- LEGL308 Business Law 3 cr.
- Recommended: SOCL330 American Minorities 3 cr.
Sport Management
- BUSN333 Consumer Behavior 3 cr.
- BUSN430 Entertainment and Sport Marketing 3 cr.
- BUSN471 Sport Administration 3 cr.
- LEGL308 Business Law 3 cr.
Supply Chain Management
- BUSN371 3 cr.
- BUSN372 3 cr.
- BUSN373 3 cr.
- BUSN410 Leadership and Organizational Change 3 cr.
Business Administration Minor
A minor in business administration requires:
- ACCT210 Accounting I 3 cr.
Two of the following:
- BUSN310 Principles of Management 3 cr.
- BUSN330 Principles of Marketing 3 cr.
- BUSN350 Principles of Finance 3 cr.
One of the following:
Choose two electives, one of which must be upper division:
- Any BUSN courses 3 cr.
- COMM370 Organizational Communication 3 cr.
- ECON330 International Economics 3 cr.
- MATH120 Introduction to Statistics 3 cr.
- MISY300 Software Applications 3 cr.
- SOCL320 Research Methods in Social Sciences 3 cr.
To view the most recent course list and requirements for the Business Administration major, please consult the Academic Catalog.
Opportunities for Involvement
Riverbend Center for Entrepreneurial Facilitation
The Riverbend Center for Entrepreneurial Facilitation (RCEF) is a non-profit entrepreneur and business development organization that provides one-on-one business consultation services to regional start-ups and established businesses. Free services include: Needs, Goals and Business Assessments; Business Plan Writing/Development; Feasibility Studies; Sales and Marketing Plans; Market Research; Start-up and Expansion Assistance; Financial Analysis; Strategic Planning; and Professional Management Advice. The organization engages students and faculty on projects that span across various majors fostering an applied learning opportunity on the BLC campus. For more information on RCEF you may contact Bryan Stading at (507) 344-7897 or bryan@rcef.net.organizations
Enactus
The Business Club is a member of the international organization Enactus®, the world’s largest experiential learning platform. The club develops projects and participates in competitions to create a better, more sustainable world. Also, the club organizes and hosts an annual golf event to connect current students with alumni and regional business leaders for networking and employment opportunities.
Taylor Leadership Institute
The Taylor Leadership Institute seeks to develop leaders through a comprehensive three-year certificate program that will connect you to community leaders. The experience will strengthen your leadership skills and community awareness by applying established leadership theories and research coursework, preparing you for leadership roles on campus and after graduation.
- Students enroll in BUSN410 Leadership and Organizational Change, a three credit course in the spring semester. This course establishes leadership theory and self-awareness of students’ leadership traits and abilities.
- Students participate in at least two outside leadership development activities.
- Participate in the Taylor Corporation Leadership Speaker Series (open to the Bethany community). SLI students plan and organize the speaker series to work on developing project management skills while developing relationships with the speakers and community members.
- Ropes course and other team-building activities.
- Conduct leadership research with local companies.
- Leadership activities with faculty and staff.
- Students participate in E-Leaders, a mentoring program wherein Bethany students are partnered with Taylor Corporation leaders as well as other community leaders in the students’ field of interest. Students and mentors will develop a relationship electronically focusing on leadership and helping students prepare for their career. Throughout the year, the Glen Taylor Chair of Leadership and Business will send out prompts for the student and mentor to respond to each other.
- Students attend the Leader to Leader Trip, Greater Mankato Day at the State Capital to interact with state and local government leaders. The two-day trip will also include visits with alumni leaders.
- Students assist with recruiting the new Leadership Institute class and other activities on campus.
Leading through Vocation: How am I to serve others? How is leadership a form of service? Can I be a leader? These questions will be explored to develop an understanding of how God presents different tasks, some of which require us to serve others through different types of leadership roles.
Challenges of Leadership: Each of us has unique, God-given talents. Learn to understand what your talents are, and to appreciate the talents of others, through a developmental assessment, discussion, and personal development activities.
Leading through Service: Ultimately, the leader’s role is one of Christian service to others. Participants will explore opportunities on campus, at church, and in the community to serve in leadership roles.
Leading through Advocacy: Our role as Christians and citizens will be explored in this two day session. Participants will meet with local and state government leaders and travel to the Minnesota State Capitol in order to gain an understanding of how government functions and of advocacy.
The Ethics of Leadership: How are Christians to live in this world? What are faith fruits? Leaders are often challenged with decisions about right and wrong. An understanding of the limits and boundaries can help leaders with these difficult decisions.
Communicating to Influence: In order to develop and meet goals, gain the support of others, and work well in team settings, leaders must be good communicators.
The above schedule subject to change
Alumni Profiles
Read stories from these past Business Administration majors:
Avis Van Zomeren
Avis Van Zomeren – Graduation Year 2017 – Business Administration Customer and Product Support Representative, John Deere, Moline, IL What
MacKenzie Lindstrom
What you do: U.S. Bank, Mankato City Center Branch, Mankato, MN. Position: Credit Review Specialist 2 I started with U.S.
Andrew Jelkin
What you do: Credit Analyst, U.S. Bank, Mankato, MN, Head Boys Tennis Coach, Mankato West High School, Mankato, MN As
Jacob Schneider (’16)
Jacob Schneider is a 2016 business administration graduate and he is a universal banker/loan officer at Reeseville State Bank. WHAT
We have 88 alumni profiles ready to browse! Check out a few in your areas of interest.
Business Faculty
| Name | Title | Office / Phone | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Kenneth Johnson HH 319 507-344-7358 | Associate Professor | HH 319 507-344-7358 | |
 | Andy Krueger HH 327 507-344-7323 | Assistant Professor | HH 327 507-344-7323 | |
| Elizabeth Olson HH 321 507-344-7340 | Associate ProfessorTaylor Leadership Institute | HH 321 507-344-7340 | |
 | Esther Peng HH 317 507-344-7337 | Assistant ProfessorOnline Instruction | HH 317 507-344-7337 | |
 | Jeff Younge OM 228 507-344-7328 | DirectorAdjunct Faculty | OM 228 507-344-7328 | |
Next Steps
Interested in studying at Bethany? Scheduling a campus visit is a great way to see what we have to offer. You can meet professors or sit in on a class too! Contact our admissions office to learn more.