Courses

Entrance-to-Major Requirements

This degree program includes Entrance-to-Major requirements (ETMs) that must be satisfied before you are officially admitted to the major.

Here’s how it works:

  • If you meet the ETMs at the time you apply, you will be admitted directly into the program.
  • If you have not met the ETMs, there’s nothing to worry about. It’s very typical for a student not to enter their major until sometime between their third and fifth semester as a Penn Stater.
  • If you are admitted, you will work closely with your World Campus academic adviser to learn how to fulfill the business ETMs.

Once you have successfully met your Entrance-to-Major requirements (either through transfer credits or during your first few semesters of course work), you can change your major to business.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Course Bulletin

Learn more about the requirements for your program by visiting the Penn State Undergraduate Bulletin.

Scheduling the B A Series

The B A Series consists of five courses that you will need to take over a three- to four-semester sequence during the last three to four semesters of your program. Please note that this sequence cannot be shortened, so it is best to work backward in building a graduation plan that is suitable for you. Alternative paths are suggested below.

Alternative Paths for Completing the B A Sequence

Course Sequence

Semester 5: BA 321
Semester 6: BA 322, BA 420
Semester 7: BA 421
Semester 8: BA 422W

Semester 5: BA 322 
Semester 6: BA 321, BA 420 
Semester 7: BA 421 
Semester 8: BA 422W

Semester 5: BA 321, BA 322
Semester 6: BA 420, BA 421
Semester 7: BA 422W
Semester 8: sequence completed

Semester 5: BA 321 
Semester 6: BA 322, BA 420, BA 421 
Semester 7: BA 422W 
Semester 8: sequence completed

Semester 5: BA 322 
Semester 6: BA 321, BA 420, BA 421 
Semester 7: BA 422W 
Semester 8: sequence completed

Each of these sequences will meet the criteria for the course prerequisites. 

Choosing Between CAS 100A, 100B, and 100C 

CAS 100A focuses on civil engagement and presentation skills, and will provide the opportunity to practice creating and giving different types of presentations (informative, research-based, persuasive, personal). Great for those interested in sharpening presentation skills in a variety of situations and understanding how we can use our voice to engage with our communities. CAS 100B is geared toward helping you enhance your group communication skill set. You will work with team members via video conferencing and communicating through email to complete group projects and presentations. 

CAS 100B is a great course if you want to further enhance your team-working skills. 

CAS 100C is a course geared toward helping you supplement your individual presentation skills. This course has more writing assignments, and you will also have to complete individual speeches. 

Scheduling Controlled Courses 

Many of the business and math courses have controls, which means you cannot schedule them using LionPATH. This is to ensure that when you are entering the courses in the business major, you have completed all of the prerequisite courses. If you contact your adviser prior to your first day of scheduling, you will be granted permission in the registration system, so that when you call to schedule, it will be a quick process. If you do not contact your adviser in advance, the registrar will need to get permission from an adviser before you can be scheduled in the course.