Major & Minor
Business Management & Leadership
The study of business combines elements of accountancy, finance, marketing, organizational studies, human resource management, and operations.
About the Business Major
Ranked by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) as the most popular and in-demand major in the nation, the need for business majors is ever-growing. One of the top two most popular majors at Southern Virginia University, the business major provides students with a solid understanding of introductory accounting, statistics, economics, finance, marketing, organizational leadership and management, and business law. Leadership, ethics, and a global perspective are also integrated and emphasized throughout the curriculum.
Students in the business program gain hands-on experience working with various organizations, having worked with the Buena Vista Farmers’ Market, local radio stations, and The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Business students often work in collaboration with their professors on personal and professional projects, receiving one-on-one training, guidance, and advice, and are encouraged to participate in the Business Club, the Cryptocurrency Investment Club (CIA), and the business honors society Chi Epsilon Omega (CEO).
Learning Outcomes
What you’ll learn in the Business major:
- Skill in theory and practice of measuring, classifying, and reporting economic data.
- Knowledge of theory and models of economic behavior at the micro- and macroeconomic levels.
- Knowledge of theory and models of organizational behavior pertaining to organizational leadership, development, and maintenance.
- Understanding of principles and analytical methods of corporate financial analysis and management.
- Understanding of principles and methods involved in marketing goods and services.
- Knowledge of law, the legal system, agency, and organizational structure as they apply to business.
- Knowledge of cultural, political, legal and economic environments relating to global trade and investment.
Career Opportunities
There is a wide array of potential careers with a business management & leadership degree, including jobs in sales, marketing, finance, accounting, and more depending on your personal and professional goals. Learn where a career in business can take you.
- Accountant
- Entrepreneur
- Financial analyst
- Marketing manager
- Business analyst
- Human Resources generalist
- Public Relations specialist
Getting Started in the Business Major
Follow these simple steps below to get a head start in the
Business Management & Leadership Major today.
Enroll
Begin by taking Principles of Accounting (BUS 201) in your first year
Contact Your Advisor
Get in touch with New tab, Opens Bio of: Professor W. Todd Brotherson to discuss your interests and goals
Declare
Turn in a completed PDFDeclare Major Form to the Registrar’s Office
Questions? Contact the Registrar at emailregistrar@svu.edu.
Business Faculty
Todd Brotherson
Business Management & Leadership Program Coordinator; Associate Professor of Business
Jared Covington
Instructor of Marketing
Jack Heilpern
Assistant Professor of Business
Eric Nielsen
Visiting Instructor of Business
Alumni Success
Nate Ondricek (‘12)
With his dual degrees from Southern Virginia University in political science and business management and leadership, Nate began working at Portfolio Advisors LLC as an investment analyst and worked his way to eventually becoming senior vice president of investor relations. He recently completed a master’s in business administration from New York University and is now the director of investor relations at Apogem Capital.
Link to news article.Nate’s Story
In the News
Interning on Capitol Hill: A Look into Business Major Meg Huber’s (’23) Career-launching Experience
“Being a student at [Southern Virginia University] aided me because I have relationships with professors who, I feel, genuinely care about me and my future. When I told professors about my opportunity, they all encouraged me to accept and were excited, which reassured me about my decision.”
Link to news articleMegan’s Story
Alumni Success
Derick Maggard (’10)
Professional Experience Executive Director at APEX Center for Entrepreneurs
Links to news articleIn the News
Alumni Success
Sarah Edwards (’16)
Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab
Links to news articleSarah’s Story
In the News
W. Todd Brotherson Awarded the Ray and DeLona Zinn Professor of Business
“Todd is a very committed individual. He’s not only committed to the University, but also to building our business program and making it applicable to our students. Todd is really good at understanding who our students are and their needs, and then meeting those needs.” — Provost James Lambert
Link to news articleRead More
In the News
Jordan Sorensen Joins the Office of Development as Senior Data Analyst
Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer Brett Garcia recently named Jordan Sorensen as the senior data analyst for the Office of Development.
Link to news articleRead More