College of Business and Economics

General Business


The General Business major is ideal for students who are interested in gaining a breadth of business knowledge. The program provides an engaging environment that advances critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, ethical behavior, leadership, and a commitment to diversity.

Students choose classes from accounting, economics, finance and business law, information technology, management, marketing, occupational safety, and supply chain. During the course of their studies, students have the option of changing their major to specialize in a specific area or to remain in the general business major and graduate with a respected business degree from UW-Whitewater. A Safety and Risk Management emphasis is also available for the General Business major. 

In addition to the on-campus program, the Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business is available online. No matter how you complete your degree, the curriculum and learning outcomes will be the same. For more information on completing your degree online, visit UW-Whitewater Online.

The UW-Whitewater Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business requires a minimum of 120 credits, including:

  • General education requirements 
  • Business requirements 
  • Major requirements 
  • Electives (to bring the total to at least 120 credits)

Information on the requirements specific to the general business major can be found in the Course Catalog. Major video guides and course planning sheets are also available in Four Year Planning Resources.

Individuals wishing to deepen their knowledge with post-baccalaureate studies can complete an advanced degree in business online or on campus through the UW-Whitewater  Master of Business Administration and one of 12 unique emphases.

General Business is also available as a minor for non-business students. Requirements can be found in the Course Catalog, or in the College of Business and Economics listing of minors and certificates.

Job Outlook

Career prospects for general business majors are open-ended with the potential for embarking on a number of career paths. Employment of business occupations is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations, and the national median salary was $69,820 in 2019.1

UW-Whitewater Placement Information

Placement Rate2

100%

Highlighted Employers2

American Family, GE Healthcare, Milwaukee Tool, Pfizer, Siemens Healthineers, West Bend Mutual Insurance

Common Titles2

Benefit Consultant, Business Analyst, Buyer, Claims Associate, Manager, Quality and Production Specialist

1 Bureau of Labor and Statistics - Occupational Handbook: Business and Financial Occupations
2 Based on survey responses for the 2019-20 UW-Whitewater graduating class