Undergraduate Area of Study

Undergraduate Business Programs

RIC student in Bloomberg Finance Lab

Learn how to compete in tomorrow's economy today at the nationally accredited Rhode Island College School of Business. Our real-world education prepares students to build careers and become transformational leaders in economics, finance, management, marketing and accounting. Our programs combine a rigorous academic foundation in theory with practical application and experiential learning, and integrate the understanding and use of technology throughout the curriculum. We prepare students to work at the cutting edge of a worldwide economy through a focus on the development of communication and team skills, as well as the cultivation of ethical and global perspectives.

Outcomes and Career Tracks

Job Placements

  • Fidelity Investments
  • Lifespan
  • Enterprise Holdings
  • Granite Telecommunications
  • Citizens Bank
  • CVS Health

Graduate Schools

  • Rhode Island College
  • Nichols College
  • Southern New Hampshire University
  • Strayer University
  • Syracuse University
  • Texas A&M University-Commerce
  • University at Albany, SUNY
  • University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  • University of Rhode Island
  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Sample Careers

  • Advertising
  • Credit Counselor
  • Customer Service
  • Loan Officer
  • Management Trainee
  • Manager
  • Marketing Analyst
  • Marketing Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Product Sales
  • Project Manager
  • Property Manager
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Tax Examiner

Undergraduate

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Accounting

About this Program

Explore the “Language of Business” at RIC! The accounting major provides an excellent background for careers in accounting and management. It combines theoretical and practical applications to prepare students for in-demand positions. Our distinguished faculty have practical and academic experience, and work to develop students’ technical and critical thinking skills throughout the curriculum. Depending on the accounting courses taken, a student may qualify for an examination leading to certification in the accounting field (i.e. Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor). 

Why Rhode Island College?

A number of course modalities, including in person, hybrid, and online formats are available, increasing accessibility for those presently in the workforce. Students may also choose from among several specialized electives to support their intended career path. Discover Accounting ranked our accounting program #37 on its list of 101 Most Affordable Accounting Schools Nationwide and Study.com ranked us #32 on its 2021 list of Best Degrees in Accounting.

Contact Information

Dr. Susan F. Weiss

Associate Professor

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Program Type(s)
Major
Minor
Accreditations
International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), School of Business

Economics

About this Program

Economics is a quantitative, policy-oriented social science which studies human behavior. Economic principles describe the process through which societies use scarce resources to achieve goals and predict the consequences of changes in those processes. This field includes the study of theoretical models; understanding the behavior of consumers, businesses, and policy-making institutions; and data analysis. While the study of economics can lead to many interesting career choices in finance, banking, law, government and technology fields, the discipline increasingly offers many more potential career paths.

Why Rhode Island College?

The economics curriculum is designed to build on theoretical foundations of economics and applications of theory to diverse topics. The flexibility of the curriculum allows students to double-major or minor in other disciplines. Small class sizes enable elevated levels of student-faculty interactions. Students gain exposure to research by producing a senior thesis, a requirement for graduation.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Program Type(s)
Major
Minor
Accreditations
The School of Business is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Bloomberg Experiential Learning Partner.

Finance

About this Program

This program helps students develop a firm understanding of theoretical and practical issues in finance and guides them to become competent in using the quantitative tools of modern finance coupled with analytical thinking that lead to sound financial decisions. Finance is dynamic, exciting, and spans a wide array of applications ranging from personal finance decisions, such as those involving student loans and mortgages; to corporate finance decisions, such as project analysis and mergers; to investment decisions, such as valuation of securities and portfolio management. RIC finance graduates are equipped to excel in this vast spectrum.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College gives you the opportunity to earn a top-notch finance degree from an IACBE accredited, CFA Institute Affiliated, and Bloomberg Experiential Learning Partner institution with faculty who bring professional experience and practical relevance to the classroom, all at an affordable tuition.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Program Type(s)
Major
Minor
Accreditations
The School of Business is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Member of CFA Institute University Affiliation Program. Bloomberg Experiential Learning Partner.

Health Care Administration

About this Program

The B.S. in Health Care Administration (HCA) provides baccalaureate-level education and training for students considering careers in the health care industry. The program is specifically targeted for those pursuing supervisory and entry-level management positions and/or preparation for graduate education. The program represents a unique collaboration between the School of Business ​and the Zvart Onanian School of Nursing with significant contributions from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development.

Why Rhode Island College?

The HCA major also incorporates an internship and an integrative capstone experience. For their restricted electives, students are offered choices within gerontology, human resource management, informatics, management foundations, and wellness. There is also a minor in HCA.

Contact Information

Marianne Raimondo
Dr. Marianne Raimondo

Interim Dean - School of Business

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Program Type(s)
Major
Minor

International Business

About this Program

The International Business minor creates an opportunity for students not only to choose an interdisciplinary business program, but also one that focuses on the global nature of business in the current age. With this minor you will have the opportunity to reach beyond your individual disciplines and gain further understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of business, enabling you to communicate better with colleagues in other functional areas and have better mobility within these areas.

Why Rhode Island College?

Students pursuing this minor will also develop appreciation of the value of cultural awareness and sensitivity, and the critical importance of diversity in a global business environment, while being equipped with appropriate communication methods and decision-making tools that are used in the various business disciplines in the global context. The minor in International Business will allow students to become better prepared to handle global issues in their respective careers while at the same time making them more attractive candidates in the job market.

Program Information

Program Type(s)
Minor

Management

About this Program

This program is specifically targeted for those pursuing entry-level business positions. Course work emphasizes an understanding of the behavioral and technical aspects of business. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students achieve mastery of quantitative and qualitative approaches to the field, so they may be promoted into management or move on to graduate education, such as an M.B.A. The program represents a collaboration among all departments within the School of Business, plus courses in math and Computer Information Systems.

Why Rhode Island College?

Our 76-credit bachelor’s degree in management is rigorous and thorough. In addition to management core courses, students choose a concentration in either General Management, Human Resource Management or Operations Management. Students also get an opportunity to incorporate an internship and membership into professional associations such as the Association for Supply Chain Management (APICS), Society for Human Resource Management or the National Society of Leadership and Success into their experience.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Program Type(s)
Major
Minor
Concentrations
General Management, Human Resources Management, Operations Management
Accreditations
School of Business accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

Marketing

About this Program

The marketing program teaches students qualitative and quantitative skills that transfer to successful careers in the profit and nonprofit sectors. Creativity, one of the main skills desired by businesses and organizations, is incorporated throughout the major. Interpersonal and intrapersonal knowledge is developed through individual and team-related projects. Attention is directed toward the development of strong communicative skills. Emphasis is placed upon effective decision making and ethical awareness. We seek to ensure that graduates demonstrate understanding of how organizational facets interact with marketing for successful outcomes. 

Why Rhode Island College?

The marketing program at Rhode Island College offers one of the best value degrees in the country. Faculty are highly knowledgeable and sensitive to students’ needs.  Students grasp current concepts and technology within small class sizes, making it easy to engage their professors and classmates. Professors are readily available to mentor students seeking additional assistance.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Program Type(s)
Major
Minor
Accreditations
International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), School of Business