12 answers
taylee
Student
Atlantic, Iowa
6
Questions
Asked
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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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12 answers
Matt M
Auditor
9
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hi Taylee, it’s great that you’re already thinking ahead about your college experience!
Before choosing classes, it helps to first ask yourself a deeper question: Which business career path do I want to pursue? Once you have some clarity on that, the right classes will naturally align — for example, finance or accounting for corporate roles, or marketing and analytics for brand or strategy roles.
To explore potential paths, I’d recommend:
- Joining on-campus clubs or professional organizations
- Doing some online research (Reddit, ChatGPT, Wall Street Oasis, etc.)
- Talking with professors, peer mentors, and career advisors
- Reaching out to alumni to hear about their experiences
Once you’ve narrowed your interests, the class choices will become clearer. That said, a few foundational courses are valuable for any business career:
- Finance: understanding concepts like present value and discount rates
- Economics: learning about incentives, opportunity cost, and supply & demand
- Accounting: the “language of business” that underpins every organization
Finally, don’t limit yourself to just business classes. College is one of the few times in life when you can explore broadly, so take classes that genuinely interest you — they’ll make you a more well-rounded person.
Before choosing classes, it helps to first ask yourself a deeper question: Which business career path do I want to pursue? Once you have some clarity on that, the right classes will naturally align — for example, finance or accounting for corporate roles, or marketing and analytics for brand or strategy roles.
To explore potential paths, I’d recommend:
- Joining on-campus clubs or professional organizations
- Doing some online research (Reddit, ChatGPT, Wall Street Oasis, etc.)
- Talking with professors, peer mentors, and career advisors
- Reaching out to alumni to hear about their experiences
Once you’ve narrowed your interests, the class choices will become clearer. That said, a few foundational courses are valuable for any business career:
- Finance: understanding concepts like present value and discount rates
- Economics: learning about incentives, opportunity cost, and supply & demand
- Accounting: the “language of business” that underpins every organization
Finally, don’t limit yourself to just business classes. College is one of the few times in life when you can explore broadly, so take classes that genuinely interest you — they’ll make you a more well-rounded person.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Your first two years you will be taking your General University Requirements (GUR's), which will assist in the transition into the Bachelors in Business major. During the first two years it is always a good idea, to get as many of the requirements, for admission into the bachelors programs, behind you, so that you can focus on a specific area of concentration within the business degree.
Since Business is a social science, I would look into taking the two Economics courses (Micro and Macro), and take a few electives like maybe Business Law, and Introduction to Business.
Many Business schools have a variety of courses, which they will require for graduation, this will include classes in Accounting. Finance, Statistics or Marketing.
I would check the course catalog and requirements of the college or university that you are going to attend, and then consult with an advisor in the business school.
Since Business is a social science, I would look into taking the two Economics courses (Micro and Macro), and take a few electives like maybe Business Law, and Introduction to Business.
Many Business schools have a variety of courses, which they will require for graduation, this will include classes in Accounting. Finance, Statistics or Marketing.
I would check the course catalog and requirements of the college or university that you are going to attend, and then consult with an advisor in the business school.
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Taylee,
There are many different classes that are important for you business degree. I will create a list for you think over and see if these classes appeal to you. Hope this helps!
List:
Accounting
Marketing
Finance
Economics
Communication
Statistics/Quantitative Analysis
Business Analytics
There are many different classes that are important for you business degree. I will create a list for you think over and see if these classes appeal to you. Hope this helps!
List:
Accounting
Marketing
Finance
Economics
Communication
Statistics/Quantitative Analysis
Business Analytics
Jarrel Thomas
Senior Support Engineer
11
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Jarrel’s Answer
The most beneficial would any economics courses that you can take. Understanding how money works in the business world will set you far apart from others and allow you to stand out when applying. Also, if you want to venture out and start your own business, you will have enough knowledge on how to gain smart capital to use for your business.
A secondary option would be a few marketing courses. Being a business major, I'm sure you understand the importance of branding. Knowing how to brand and when to pivot a brand is a key skill.
A secondary option would be a few marketing courses. Being a business major, I'm sure you understand the importance of branding. Knowing how to brand and when to pivot a brand is a key skill.
Lily Bishop
Student, Assisted Living
3
Answers
East Lansing, Michigan
Updated
Lily’s Answer
your college will have specific course requirements for your major. those are the most important classes that you will take, and should prioritize those in your schedule.
Jason White
Lead Product Manager- Network Security
179
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Taylee,
For me personally I would say management information systems. It was the course that really exposed me to the reality of what a career in tech looked like. It blended 2 things I was interested in which were business and tech and showed me that every business needs technology to grow and thrive. I don’t know that i would have the career i do without taking that course.
There’s of course others like marketing, finance, and economics which gave me a good fundamental skillset to work with.
For me personally I would say management information systems. It was the course that really exposed me to the reality of what a career in tech looked like. It blended 2 things I was interested in which were business and tech and showed me that every business needs technology to grow and thrive. I don’t know that i would have the career i do without taking that course.
There’s of course others like marketing, finance, and economics which gave me a good fundamental skillset to work with.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2397
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in business.
Below are my suggestions ;
1. There are many business related careers, e.g. finance, accounting, banking, marketing, administration, human resources, etc. You can find out more business related careers
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Discuss professors and alumni who are working in these careers
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Select the subjects that are relevant to these careers
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions ;
1. There are many business related careers, e.g. finance, accounting, banking, marketing, administration, human resources, etc. You can find out more business related careers
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Discuss professors and alumni who are working in these careers
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Select the subjects that are relevant to these careers
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Taylee !
If you will be going to college for a degree in Business, it's not so much what classes are "important" to take in that subject, rather which courses are the required courses for that Major.
Go to the specific college's website and read what it says about their Business Program and what is required to take to get your degree in that. Those will be the "important" courses. Also, you didn't mention what career you intend to have in the future, so it's hard to name random courses.
Most Business Programs cover a range of pertinent courses that colleges require students to take. Those courses prepare students for a career in business. If you know what realm of business you intend to pursue, you can choose elective courses that cover that specific career. In other words, if you intend to go into Marketing, you can choose electives or maybe it's even required, courses in advertising, marketing, public speaking, media, etc. The important thing is to follow your college's Business program and think about which type of "business" jobs you'd be applying for.
The actual courses you take as a whole prepare you for the career. Also, doing projects, volunteer work or an internship add to the experience and no one can tell you how to get hired. That is something for you to explore and figure out what role you want in business.
College degrees in Business may also be offered under various aspects of Business, and your Degree could be in subjects such as Business Administration, Business, Marketing, Applied Management, Accounting, or others so depending on the actual name of the degree, there are courses that correlate to specific degrees. It is not helpful to name off subjects, especially if you're not mentioning the exact career you'll go into. There are a lot of "business" category courses online so when you are in college if your college doesn't offer a subject, you can probably take an online course in a particular area of business, but the Major should prepare you to start a career.
So go to the college's website to see exactly what courses you will be required to take for your specific degree in business. Usually this path contains important courses to prepare you and you can always elect to take any course in college in addition to the Major requirements. It's too soon to pre-think getting hired for your career and no one can guarantee that by naming courses for you.
Wishing you all the best in all you do !
If you will be going to college for a degree in Business, it's not so much what classes are "important" to take in that subject, rather which courses are the required courses for that Major.
Go to the specific college's website and read what it says about their Business Program and what is required to take to get your degree in that. Those will be the "important" courses. Also, you didn't mention what career you intend to have in the future, so it's hard to name random courses.
Most Business Programs cover a range of pertinent courses that colleges require students to take. Those courses prepare students for a career in business. If you know what realm of business you intend to pursue, you can choose elective courses that cover that specific career. In other words, if you intend to go into Marketing, you can choose electives or maybe it's even required, courses in advertising, marketing, public speaking, media, etc. The important thing is to follow your college's Business program and think about which type of "business" jobs you'd be applying for.
The actual courses you take as a whole prepare you for the career. Also, doing projects, volunteer work or an internship add to the experience and no one can tell you how to get hired. That is something for you to explore and figure out what role you want in business.
College degrees in Business may also be offered under various aspects of Business, and your Degree could be in subjects such as Business Administration, Business, Marketing, Applied Management, Accounting, or others so depending on the actual name of the degree, there are courses that correlate to specific degrees. It is not helpful to name off subjects, especially if you're not mentioning the exact career you'll go into. There are a lot of "business" category courses online so when you are in college if your college doesn't offer a subject, you can probably take an online course in a particular area of business, but the Major should prepare you to start a career.
So go to the college's website to see exactly what courses you will be required to take for your specific degree in business. Usually this path contains important courses to prepare you and you can always elect to take any course in college in addition to the Major requirements. It's too soon to pre-think getting hired for your career and no one can guarantee that by naming courses for you.
Wishing you all the best in all you do !
Margie Thomson
Marketing
4
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Margie’s Answer
I’d like to add to what others have mentioned. While there are specific business courses you can take, it's really important to have a 'lifelong learner' attitude in your career. Even though I went to college, the industry has changed a lot since then. I've had to keep learning on the job to keep up with new trends and expectations. My college courses were helpful, but the most important thing I learned was how to keep learning beyond those classes. Business moves fast these days, so being open to learning new things all the time will really benefit you in the long run.
Keep a list of learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning in your toolbelt
Read about what is going on in your business industry to understand what pivots and changes are happening. What is relevant at that moment.
Margie recommends the following next steps:
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello Taylee. One of the most important classes to take is Accounting. This class teaches you how to manage money, read financial statements, and understand how businesses track their income and expenses. Accounting is useful for many jobs, not just for becoming an accountant.
Finance is another key class. It helps you learn how to make smart financial decisions, manage budgets, and understand investments. Finance is important for roles in banking, financial planning, or working in a company's finance department.
Marketing is a valuable class if you are interested in advertising, sales, or helping companies reach customers. In this class, you will learn how to promote products, understand customer needs, and create marketing plans.
You should also take Management classes. These classes teach you how to lead a team, make business decisions, and manage a company's day-to-day operations. Good management skills are important for leadership positions.
Economics is another useful subject. It helps you understand how the economy works, including supply and demand, inflation, and market trends. This knowledge is helpful for almost any business role.
Business Communication is also important. In any job, you need to write emails, reports, and give presentations. This class helps you develop clear and professional communication skills.
Lastly, you can consider taking Business Law and Information Systems. These classes teach you about legal rules in business and how technology is used in the workplace.
Taking these classes will prepare you for many types of jobs in the business world.
Finance is another key class. It helps you learn how to make smart financial decisions, manage budgets, and understand investments. Finance is important for roles in banking, financial planning, or working in a company's finance department.
Marketing is a valuable class if you are interested in advertising, sales, or helping companies reach customers. In this class, you will learn how to promote products, understand customer needs, and create marketing plans.
You should also take Management classes. These classes teach you how to lead a team, make business decisions, and manage a company's day-to-day operations. Good management skills are important for leadership positions.
Economics is another useful subject. It helps you understand how the economy works, including supply and demand, inflation, and market trends. This knowledge is helpful for almost any business role.
Business Communication is also important. In any job, you need to write emails, reports, and give presentations. This class helps you develop clear and professional communication skills.
Lastly, you can consider taking Business Law and Information Systems. These classes teach you about legal rules in business and how technology is used in the workplace.
Taking these classes will prepare you for many types of jobs in the business world.
Jodi Dyer (Farr)
Product Marketing Manager
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Jodi’s Answer
That’s a great question — and honestly, the answer depends a bit on where you want to end up.
If your goal is to major in business, then yes — you’ll want to make sure you’re taking all the prereqs required to get accepted into the business school. That’s the practical side. Those classes will give you a solid foundation in areas like finance, accounting, economics, and marketing, which are all super useful no matter what part of business you go into later.
But here’s my two cents: college is also the best time to explore. If you’re curious about something completely different — like biology, design, or hospitality — take a class or two in that area. You never know what might spark a new interest or give you a fresh perspective that you can bring back into your business career. Some of the best marketers, strategists, and entrepreneurs I’ve worked with had really unexpected academic backgrounds.
Unless you already know you want to do something super specific and niche, don’t feel like you have to stay in one lane right away. Exploration is part of the process — and it can make you a more well-rounded, creative, and adaptable professional down the line.
If your goal is to major in business, then yes — you’ll want to make sure you’re taking all the prereqs required to get accepted into the business school. That’s the practical side. Those classes will give you a solid foundation in areas like finance, accounting, economics, and marketing, which are all super useful no matter what part of business you go into later.
But here’s my two cents: college is also the best time to explore. If you’re curious about something completely different — like biology, design, or hospitality — take a class or two in that area. You never know what might spark a new interest or give you a fresh perspective that you can bring back into your business career. Some of the best marketers, strategists, and entrepreneurs I’ve worked with had really unexpected academic backgrounds.
Unless you already know you want to do something super specific and niche, don’t feel like you have to stay in one lane right away. Exploration is part of the process — and it can make you a more well-rounded, creative, and adaptable professional down the line.
Natalie Quiles
Marketing Operations
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
Hi Taylee! This is a great question, and it sounds like you're already thinking ahead to set yourself up for success heading into college next year! Definitely take a look at whatever the requirements are to complete your major before graduation. Outside of that, try out different field-specific classes within business (marketing, accounting, human resources, business admin., etc.) to get an idea of what is exciting or interesting to you.
I recommend paying attention to what you like about those classes - is it the subject? the teaching style? your specific professor? Pay attention to that and get to know your professor as well - they may be a great resource in the future, whether you're looking for an internship, job, or just a mentor as you navigate college and your future career! Best of luck!!
I recommend paying attention to what you like about those classes - is it the subject? the teaching style? your specific professor? Pay attention to that and get to know your professor as well - they may be a great resource in the future, whether you're looking for an internship, job, or just a mentor as you navigate college and your future career! Best of luck!!