- You know you want to study business but aren't sure which major fits best.
- You have several business interests and want to explore them before deciding and still graduate in four years.
- You want personalized guidance from faculty and career professionals.
- You prefer making an informed choice rather than committing to a major immediately.
Not Sure Which Business Major Is Right for You?
Business Pathways lets you explore business careers, take introductory courses, receive personalized advising, and choose your major after you've had time to discover your strengths and interests.
There's No Need to Stress
You don't have to choose your business major before you've taken a business class.
Business Pathways is Perfect For You If...
How Business Pathways Works
Step 1: APPLY TO BUSINESS PATHWAYS
Open to all first-year applicants to the Ithaca College School of Business, on the CommonApp, choose “School of Business Pathways.”
STEP 2: START EXPLORING
When you arrive, you'll start your exploration in World of Business, a four-credit course that meets three days a week, with all business first year students. The course introduces you to a range of companies and discovering how the world’s most successful businesses work. You'll be able to match your interests with the business majors we offer including: accounting, business analytics, finance, marketing, strategic leadership, or sport management.
STEP 3: GET GUIDANCE
Throughout your first year, work with your faculty advisor, peer mentors, and our career engagement specialist who help connect your interests to possible careers. As you explore majors, you'll continue to take coursework in accounting, analytics, finance, economics, leadership, and strategy that keeps you on track for graduation while building skills valued by employers across industries.
STEP 4: CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR
Typically by the end of your first year, declare the business major that best fits your goals using an easy electronic form when you're ready.
Personalized Advising and Mentorship for Future Business Leaders
Your World of Business professor will serve as your first-year advisor and as a mentor as you begin exploring business majors and career opportunities. You can talk to them about your interests, ask questions about courses to complete, and connect your strengths to future career goals. Through one-on-one advising, mentoring, and ongoing support, you'll gain the confidence to explore different business disciplines and make informed decisions about your major. From your first day on campus, you'll have an experienced professional in your corner, helping you build a strong foundation for success in business school and beyond.
You’ll also work with a Peer Advisor who brings a student perspective on how to succeed in and out of the classroom. More resources are available through our Academic Support Center. At Ithaca College, you’ll always have help in exploring your interests.