15 answers
taylee
Student
Atlantic, Iowa
6
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What are the most important business classes to take in college?
I am going to attend college next fall, majoring in business, which classes would be most beneficial for future jobs?
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15 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
There are many important classes to take. Some of them will be part of your General University Requirements (GUR's in social sciences), and others will become part of your core major requirements. This will include courses like:
Accounting
Finance
Marketing
Management
Economics
Business Law (you might be interested in pursuing a law degree)
Other specialization courses to consider are:
Business Communications
Human Resource Management
Business Ethics
Data Analytics
Also consider looking at specific specialization courses, which concentrate on Entrepreneurship, Project Management, and International Business.
Check your college or university catalog (and college advisor), to see what they offer, as far as business courses and electives.
Accounting
Finance
Marketing
Management
Economics
Business Law (you might be interested in pursuing a law degree)
Other specialization courses to consider are:
Business Communications
Human Resource Management
Business Ethics
Data Analytics
Also consider looking at specific specialization courses, which concentrate on Entrepreneurship, Project Management, and International Business.
Check your college or university catalog (and college advisor), to see what they offer, as far as business courses and electives.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Taylee!
The best business class to take in college is an intro to marketing and an intro to finance. Surveying entrepreneurship and intro to entrepreneurship, are all good starter classes to see if you might be interested in business. Personally Management and Marketing in 1986 was my winner!
JC
The best business class to take in college is an intro to marketing and an intro to finance. Surveying entrepreneurship and intro to entrepreneurship, are all good starter classes to see if you might be interested in business. Personally Management and Marketing in 1986 was my winner!
JC
Jason White
Lead Product Manager- Network Security
179
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Taylee,
I believe this question is a bit subjective and will be based on one’s desired goals. The core business courses such as finance, marketing, accounting, etc are very important for giving one the foundation in business which is why they’re the core courses. As for me personally i believe that MIS(management information systems) was one of the most important courses for me personally. It was where i learned about business as it relates to technology which was very interesting to me. So much so it’s become my career. As I’m sure you’ve seen the headlines around tech i think it provides a fundamental view into a very important aspect of business which are the systems and technologies available. They are a key part of business growth and will continue to be so MIS has my vote.
I believe this question is a bit subjective and will be based on one’s desired goals. The core business courses such as finance, marketing, accounting, etc are very important for giving one the foundation in business which is why they’re the core courses. As for me personally i believe that MIS(management information systems) was one of the most important courses for me personally. It was where i learned about business as it relates to technology which was very interesting to me. So much so it’s become my career. As I’m sure you’ve seen the headlines around tech i think it provides a fundamental view into a very important aspect of business which are the systems and technologies available. They are a key part of business growth and will continue to be so MIS has my vote.
Andrew Fan
Deals Advisory Associate
13
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Think About Your Career Goals First. When you’re starting out in business, the most important thing to remember is that the “best” classes depend on where you want to go. For example:
- If you’re interested in finance, accounting, or consulting, courses in financial accounting, corporate finance, and statistics will be very valuable.
- If you lean toward marketing or management, classes in consumer behavior, organizational behavior, and communications will help.
- If you’re curious about entrepreneurship or strategy, courses in innovation, business law, and leadership could be most useful.
You don’t need to have everything figured out on day one—but keeping your potential interests in mind will help you prioritize electives down the road.
Additionally, you will want to consider core business classes that benefit everyone. Regardless of your path, there are certain classes that give you a strong foundation and will help in almost any business career:
- Accounting (Financial & Managerial) – understanding financial statements and how money moves through a business is essential.
- Economics (Micro & Macro) – helps you think about markets, incentives, and the bigger economic picture.
- Statistics & Data Analysis – data-driven decision making is a must in today’s business world.
- Finance – teaches you about investments, valuation, and corporate financial strategy.
- Business Law & Ethics – knowing the legal and ethical framework is critical for good decision making.
- Management & Organizational Behavior – helps you understand teams, leadership, and how organizations work.
- Communication / Writing – being able to clearly explain your ideas is just as important as having them.
- If you’re interested in finance, accounting, or consulting, courses in financial accounting, corporate finance, and statistics will be very valuable.
- If you lean toward marketing or management, classes in consumer behavior, organizational behavior, and communications will help.
- If you’re curious about entrepreneurship or strategy, courses in innovation, business law, and leadership could be most useful.
You don’t need to have everything figured out on day one—but keeping your potential interests in mind will help you prioritize electives down the road.
Additionally, you will want to consider core business classes that benefit everyone. Regardless of your path, there are certain classes that give you a strong foundation and will help in almost any business career:
- Accounting (Financial & Managerial) – understanding financial statements and how money moves through a business is essential.
- Economics (Micro & Macro) – helps you think about markets, incentives, and the bigger economic picture.
- Statistics & Data Analysis – data-driven decision making is a must in today’s business world.
- Finance – teaches you about investments, valuation, and corporate financial strategy.
- Business Law & Ethics – knowing the legal and ethical framework is critical for good decision making.
- Management & Organizational Behavior – helps you understand teams, leadership, and how organizations work.
- Communication / Writing – being able to clearly explain your ideas is just as important as having them.
Wendy (Uyen) Joe
Account Manager
6
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Wendy (Uyen)’s Answer
Hi Taylee,
You are very prepared and love you're thinking about your future! Here are the courses that would be beneficial for you:
- Communications/Writing (If I knew then, I would have taken a class)
- Marketing
- Economics
- Accounting (If you want to pursue an Accounting career, you can take more advanced classes)
- Business Law (It was one of my favorite classes, almost pursued a business law degree, but my heart was not set in the reading pages of documents for a living)
- If there are any social media, AI, etc. classes, that would great to add.
- To supplement: any classes, YT videos, or workshops on presentations, storytelling, interviewing, Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint, Word.
- Skills that cannot be taught, but should consider: Positive work habits, efficiency, time management, resourcefulness, and problem solving.
Giving you some perspective on future jobs, since I graduated from business school, honestly, I know I liked Marketing, and not Accounting, but didn't know what job I was looking for, but considered the business industry. For example, entertainment (Hulu, Netflix, Warner Bros), social media (X, Meta), Saas (software as a service - Adobe, Salesforce), or technology (Microsoft, Amazon). In addition to the classes, consider internships, any business-related internship (paid or not). This can also help you figure out which business major or minor you will be interested in.
Wishing you all the best in college and you're on the right path with your questions!
You are very prepared and love you're thinking about your future! Here are the courses that would be beneficial for you:
- Communications/Writing (If I knew then, I would have taken a class)
- Marketing
- Economics
- Accounting (If you want to pursue an Accounting career, you can take more advanced classes)
- Business Law (It was one of my favorite classes, almost pursued a business law degree, but my heart was not set in the reading pages of documents for a living)
- If there are any social media, AI, etc. classes, that would great to add.
- To supplement: any classes, YT videos, or workshops on presentations, storytelling, interviewing, Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint, Word.
- Skills that cannot be taught, but should consider: Positive work habits, efficiency, time management, resourcefulness, and problem solving.
Giving you some perspective on future jobs, since I graduated from business school, honestly, I know I liked Marketing, and not Accounting, but didn't know what job I was looking for, but considered the business industry. For example, entertainment (Hulu, Netflix, Warner Bros), social media (X, Meta), Saas (software as a service - Adobe, Salesforce), or technology (Microsoft, Amazon). In addition to the classes, consider internships, any business-related internship (paid or not). This can also help you figure out which business major or minor you will be interested in.
Wishing you all the best in college and you're on the right path with your questions!
Darragh Simm
Marketing
1
Answer
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Darragh’s Answer
Hi Taylee,
Great question, and the most simple answer is all of them. In business it's important to have a base level understanding of all the different facets of business so that you can understand the full picture regardless of what you focus on. For example, even if decide to be a marketer, it's helpful to understand how your finance department works.
It's also worth considering how quick the business world moves and how often times your future career will focus on something that wasn't even available as a class when you were in college. Take AI for example, this was not available in most colleges a decade ago when I was in school, but not it's my main focus at work.
Hope this guidance and examples help you in your decisions! Best of luck!
Great question, and the most simple answer is all of them. In business it's important to have a base level understanding of all the different facets of business so that you can understand the full picture regardless of what you focus on. For example, even if decide to be a marketer, it's helpful to understand how your finance department works.
It's also worth considering how quick the business world moves and how often times your future career will focus on something that wasn't even available as a class when you were in college. Take AI for example, this was not available in most colleges a decade ago when I was in school, but not it's my main focus at work.
Hope this guidance and examples help you in your decisions! Best of luck!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2397
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have interest in business.
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many business related careers, eg accounting, finance, marketing, banking, human resources, administration, etc..You can find more related careers
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from the professors, your mentor, college career counselor, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Choose the subjects relevant to the careers in the business course
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many business related careers, eg accounting, finance, marketing, banking, human resources, administration, etc..You can find more related careers
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from the professors, your mentor, college career counselor, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Choose the subjects relevant to the careers in the business course
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Anthony McCormick
Director of Digital Marketing
2
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Congratulations on starting the next chapter of your education. College will bring new adventures, challenges, and opportunities.
I highly recommend taking Business Ethics and Leadership classes. These courses will be valuable in your future career, no matter your major. Understanding ethics is essential because employees often face ethical challenges, and having a solid foundation will help you in your studies and future job. Ethics is crucial for a successful career.
Also, consider leadership classes. Leadership isn't about your job title; you can be a leader at any level in a company. Good leadership skills will influence your work and positively affect those around you.
Best of luck in college!
I highly recommend taking Business Ethics and Leadership classes. These courses will be valuable in your future career, no matter your major. Understanding ethics is essential because employees often face ethical challenges, and having a solid foundation will help you in your studies and future job. Ethics is crucial for a successful career.
Also, consider leadership classes. Leadership isn't about your job title; you can be a leader at any level in a company. Good leadership skills will influence your work and positively affect those around you.
Best of luck in college!
LaKisha Mack M.B.A., BSN, RN
Registered Nurse, Entrepreneur
3
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
LaKisha’s Answer
The must important class to get alot from is marketing and economics. These courses are give driving forces of understanding business in today's times.
L D
Manager
36
Answers
Killona, LA
Updated
L’s Answer
Taylee,
It's great that you're thinking about your college classes and how they can impact your skills and career options. Here are some classes I recommend for building a strong foundation for future jobs:
- Accounting: Learn to read financial statements, manage budgets, and understand business basics.
- Finance: Covers investments, financial planning, and corporate finance, which are important for many business roles.
- Economics: Understand markets, consumer behavior, and what influences business decisions.
- Management: Develop leadership, planning, and decision-making skills.
- Marketing: Learn about branding, consumer behavior, and digital marketing strategies.
If you're interested in the legal side of business, consider these classes:
- Business Law: Understand contracts, regulations, and the legal aspects of business.
- Business Communications: Improve writing, public speaking, and persuasion skills.
- Business Ethics: Learn to handle dilemmas with integrity.
- Human Resource Management: Focus on people management and organizational culture.
Best of luck!
It's great that you're thinking about your college classes and how they can impact your skills and career options. Here are some classes I recommend for building a strong foundation for future jobs:
- Accounting: Learn to read financial statements, manage budgets, and understand business basics.
- Finance: Covers investments, financial planning, and corporate finance, which are important for many business roles.
- Economics: Understand markets, consumer behavior, and what influences business decisions.
- Management: Develop leadership, planning, and decision-making skills.
- Marketing: Learn about branding, consumer behavior, and digital marketing strategies.
If you're interested in the legal side of business, consider these classes:
- Business Law: Understand contracts, regulations, and the legal aspects of business.
- Business Communications: Improve writing, public speaking, and persuasion skills.
- Business Ethics: Learn to handle dilemmas with integrity.
- Human Resource Management: Focus on people management and organizational culture.
Best of luck!
Sarah Chen
Financial Analyst
1
Answer
Redmond, Washington
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
I agree with the great advice already given and want to add that pairing a business degree with classes outside of business can be very rewarding. While business knowledge is a strong base, exploring other subjects in college can open up new opportunities. Think about what type of business you want to work in or start. If you're interested in the mix of business and technology, consider taking classes in AI or information technology. For those wanting to work in non-profits that support women, a course in women, gender, and sexuality studies could be valuable. Planning to work abroad? Start learning a new language now!
A varied learning experience will make you stand out when applying for jobs. Consider what excites you and take classes in those areas alongside your business studies. This approach will not only enhance your college years but also help you connect with a diverse range of people.
A varied learning experience will make you stand out when applying for jobs. Consider what excites you and take classes in those areas alongside your business studies. This approach will not only enhance your college years but also help you connect with a diverse range of people.
Joseph Ford
221
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
OK you have a couple questions with similarities and differences. Business Major is very opportunistic with lots of flexibilities. Here we go:
Awesome link:
https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-classes-are-required-for-a-business-degree
Courses you will probably be taking:
Economics. As a business major, you may take at least one introductory economics course. ...
Accounting. Many business programs may require you to take basic accounting courses, such as Principles of Accounting. ...
Business law. ...
Marketing. ...
Management. ...
Human resources. ...
Business ethics.
Another great blog:
https://blog.collegeboard.org/basics-business-majors
Awesome link:
https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-classes-are-required-for-a-business-degree
Courses you will probably be taking:
Economics. As a business major, you may take at least one introductory economics course. ...
Accounting. Many business programs may require you to take basic accounting courses, such as Principles of Accounting. ...
Business law. ...
Marketing. ...
Management. ...
Human resources. ...
Business ethics.
Another great blog:
https://blog.collegeboard.org/basics-business-majors
Job Hall
Real Estate Manager
157
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Job’s Answer
In my opinion accounting is the most valuable.
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Taylee,
There are many different business classes that you can take in order to progress through college. Depending on what type of business path you want to go there will classes that are more important than others. I will create a list of classes for you to think about and look over. Hope this helps!
List:
-Finance
-Accounting
-Business communication
-Marketing
-Business Management
-Business Analytics
-Business Law
-Budgeting and Planning
There are many different business classes that you can take in order to progress through college. Depending on what type of business path you want to go there will classes that are more important than others. I will create a list of classes for you to think about and look over. Hope this helps!
List:
-Finance
-Accounting
-Business communication
-Marketing
-Business Management
-Business Analytics
-Business Law
-Budgeting and Planning
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
818
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Anything involving human resource management or classes on group process and or conflict resolution. Especially if you plan to manage people, you will be amazed by how helpful these are.