A Parent's Guide to Business School
Congratulations, your student is seriously considering a degree in business! 🎉
The good news is they'll be amongst friends, as business remains the most commonly declared major in the United States, and for good reason. At Saint Mary's, your student will acquire a blend of liberal arts and business skills, equipping them for success in today's competitive marketplace. Your student will not only graduate with a business degree but will also embody the spirit of being a Saint Mary's Gael:
Vision & Versatility
In today's dynamic job market, Saint Mary's business majors boast a versatile skill set that transcends industry boundaries and job roles. Students not only experience real-world business challenges but also develop the strategic vision essential for a modern business leader navigating diverse landscapes.
Built-In Community
For over 160 years, the 'Saint Mary's Experience' has served as a bridge, uniting Gaels across the globe. This connection is not just a thread, but deeply interwoven into the very fabric of the Bay Area itself. Rest assured, wherever your student's career aspirations take them, a Gael connection will pave the way.
Nurturing "True Norths"
As a Lasallian-based, liberal arts institution, Saint Mary's collective focus is to help shape students into 'True North' business leaders. We accomplish this by encouraging curiosity, and learning to communicate effectively so they can lead ethically and authentically in a globalized environment.
Applied Knowledge
Through experiential learning, all students master practical skills required for a rapidly-evolving business world. What sets us apart from other major institutions is the total accessibility to faculty, ensuring clear explanations of advanced concepts and dedicated support in overcoming academic hurdles.
WHAT IS SEBA?
A Business School Built for You
Saint Mary's School of Economics and Business Administration (SEBA) is one of four schools on the Saint Mary's College campus. SEBA offers ten undergraduate degrees, nine minors, and eight graduate programs making it an attractive center of innovation, creativity and post graduation success. Our classes are small, intimate and provide students with a discussion-based, project-driven education led by faculty committed to your student's academic and personal success.
Business Student for a Day
A Preview of Your Future
Curious about life as a Saint Mary's business student? Our program gives you a firsthand look at SEBA by:
- Attending real classes led by our esteemed faculty.
- Meeting current SEBA students for insights on academic and campus life.
- Enjoying lunch at Oliver Hall and connecting with other students.
- Touring the campus and exploring its resources.
- Experiencing the excitement of a Saint Mary’s athletic event.
Dive into the vibrant life of a Saint Mary’s business student!
Undergraduate Degrees
Accounting
Our Accounting Degree at Saint Mary’s prepares you for success in financial and managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, and computer applications. Led by experienced faculty, our program offers small, discussion-based classes in the liberal arts tradition. Join our Accounting program today and play a critical role in the operation of any organization.
Business Administration
Our Business Administration Degrees (B.S. & B.A.) harness the Bay Area's innovation culture, enabling you to build or enhance organizations. Discover your potential today and grasp core business functions, financial principles, and dive into real world experiences such as internships and projects.
Entrepreneurship Concentration
In our Saint Mary's Entrepreneurship Concentration, students go beyond the business core foundations, taking electives in funding, small business management, and entrepreneurial concepts. Our faculty is committed to equipping students with the wisdom, skills, and mindset to turn innovative ideas into successful business ventures.
Business Analytics
The Saint Mary's Business Analytics Degree equips students for data-driven decision-making in solving real-world problems and advancing businesses. Dedicated professors and Bay Area connections provide hands-on experience alongside industry leaders. This degree prepares you to compete and succeed in today's dynamic competitive job market.
Data Analytics
Saint Mary’s Data Analytics Degree teaches high-level data analysis, including collecting data and using advanced tools for insights. As a major, you'll develop communication and critical thinking skills to share insights ethically and apply expertise to real-world problems in your degree projects.
Data Science
Organizations collect data, but translating it into insights needs analytical skills from a Saint Mary's Data Science Degree. At Saint Mary’s, we use the Bay Area’s industry network and innovation culture to offer hands-on opportunities, turning data science into an art.
Economics
Saint Mary's Economics Degree prepares you for success in the private, public, or nonprofit sector. Whether a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or one of our two concentrations, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of economic activity, enabling strategic financial decisions in the global context.
Finance
Saint Mary's Finance Degree maximizes exposure to the financial world through project-based learning, technology, competitions, and student-led investment groups. Faculty encourage active involvement for the experience needed today's job market and your career path.
Management and Leadership
Saint Mary's unique Management and Leadership Degree goes beyond typical business programs. We provide the tools and support for students to be ethical leaders in the workforce. Prepare to make decisions that benefit employees, communities, and the environment, alongside stakeholders and shareholders.
Marketing
Saint Mary's Marketing Degree is a top choice for those passionate about the dynamic blend of strategy, technology, and sales. With a Saint Mary's Marketing degree, you'll be equipped to achieve tangible results in the modern, tech-driven business landscape – the perfect starting point to make your mark.
The Gael Spirit
What does it mean to be a Gael?
Gael athletics epitomizes the spirit of what it means to be a Saint Mary’s business student. Time and time again, SEBA students defy expectations through their work ethic, determination, and perseverance. They achieve this through teamwork and collaboration, key tenets to a successful business career.
From the court to the classroom, and the classroom to the boardroom—Gael Spirit turns perceived disadvantages into strengths for athletes and academics alike.
What makes the Saint Mary's experience unique?
While business fundamentals are crucial, SEBA focuses on holistic leadership to prioritize educating the whole student. By integrating business knowledge with liberal arts values, students graduate from SEBA with an understanding of ethical, economic, social, and environmental issues. SEBA students are equipped with the technical and soft skills needed to succeed in today's competitive market landscape. The possibilities are limitless, and we're here to guide you towards achieving your goals.
Why is a Liberal Arts Degree important in today's business world?
Encouraging your child to pursue a Liberal Arts Degree at Saint Mary's College is an investment in a transformative educational journey grounded in the Lasallian Core Principles. Businesses seek professionals with a well-rounded education. Beyond specialized knowledge, a Liberal Arts Degree fosters critical thinking, effective communication, adaptability, and a holistic understanding of complex issues—qualities highly sought after by employers.
Meet the Associate Dean
Dr. Berna Polat Aksu, Ph.D., is an endowed professor and chair of the Management & Entrepreneurship Department at St. Mary’s College School of Economics and Business Administration. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she received the 2015 Saint Mary's College Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Aksu has consulted for startups and large corporations, and her research has been published in international journals like Academy of Management Discoveries and Journal of International Finance and Economics. Her specialties include strategy, global management, entrepreneurial mindset, top management teams, creativity and innovation, and corporate governance.
Business School FAQs
A business degree is crucial for developing essential skills, expanding career opportunities, fostering entrepreneurial success, and gaining a versatile understanding of global markets, all of which contribute to professional growth and adaptability in today's dynamic business landscape.
A business degree opens diverse career paths for your child, ranging from finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship to management roles in various industries. It provides a solid foundation for success in today's competitive job market.
To help your child choose a business degree, encourage them to explore their interests within the field, consider future career goals, and research different specializations. Discussing potential industries, networking opportunities, and seeking guidance from academic advisors can provide valuable insights for informed decision-making. Discover our degrees within the Saint Mary's School of Economics and Business Administration.
A student with a business degree can pursue a wide range of internships and jobs, including roles in finance, marketing, human resources, management, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Here is a partial listing of exciting Bay Area companies that employ SMC alums: Airbnb, Amazon, Apple, AT&T, Bank of America, Blackrock, Charles Schwab, Chevron, Clorox, Comcast, Deloitte, DocuSign, Facebook, Federal Reserve Bank, Gap, Genentech, Google, Hewlett Packard, Intel, JPMorgan Chase, Kaiser Permanente, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Oracle, Pixar, PG&E, Provident Credit Union, PWC, Salesforce, San Francisco Giants, Target, Tesla, Warner Brothers, Wells Fargo and Yelp.
Encouraging your child to get involved in extracurricular activities within the business school is a fantastic way to enhance their college experience and professional development. SEBA offers a variety of Clubs & Organizations where students can participate in workshops, networking events, career development sessions, and are given the opportunity to build lasting friendships as a part of the business school.
