Benedictine University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational business disciplines with specialised entrepreneurship and small-business courses. You study accounting, finance, marketing and management alongside modules focused on opportunity recognition, business planning, operations for smaller firms and legal and ethical issues for entrepreneurs. Emphasis is placed on applied learning: case studies, simulations, a capstone practicum and opportunities for internships or work with local small businesses.

• Core business foundations — financial accounting, managerial accounting, principles of finance, economics and organisational behaviour.
• Entrepreneurship and small-business subjects — entrepreneurial mindset and opportunity evaluation, new venture creation, small-business management, growth strategies and franchising.
• Marketing and digital channels — marketing principles, digital marketing and e-commerce, customer development and branding for small ventures.
• Operations and finance for small firms — operations management, cash flow management and small-business finance, budgeting and funding options.
• Law, ethics and risk — business law for entrepreneurs, regulatory compliance, intellectual property basics and risk management.
• Experiential components — practicum or capstone project where students build and present a business plan, internships with local firms, and opportunities for mentorship and pitch competitions.

Programme structure

The degree is built from a mixture of general education requirements, major core courses and elective options that allow you to specialise in areas such as social entrepreneurship, family business, or digital commerce. Coursework is complemented by experiential experiences designed to give real-world operational and managerial skills.

Entry requirements

Benedictine University typically requires a completed secondary school diploma or equivalent. Applicants should present a transcript showing strong performance in college-preparatory subjects, and may submit standardised test scores where optional policies allow; transfer applicants are assessed on college transcripts. Mature applicants with relevant work experience are considered. Specific admission criteria — including minimum grade expectations and documentation for international students — vary, so applicants should consult the university admissions office for precise guidance.

• High school diploma or equivalent, with college-preparatory coursework recommended (including mathematics and English).
• Official academic transcripts; standardised test submission may be optional depending on university policy.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and a record of satisfactory academic progress.
• Personal statement or résumé highlighting entrepreneurial interest or relevant experience can strengthen an application; some applicants also include references or an interview.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles in small and growing organisations, or to start their own ventures. Career paths commonly pursued include small-business owner or operator, startup founder, business development manager, operations manager, franchise manager, and consultant for small enterprises. Skills gained are also applicable to roles in nonprofit management, social enterprises and corporate innovation teams where entrepreneurial thinking is valued.

• Launch and manage your own business or social enterprise.
• Startup roles: founder, co‑founder, or early employee in small teams.
• Managerial positions in small and medium-sized businesses — operations, sales, marketing and finance functions.
• Advisory roles such as business consultant, small-business advisor or franchising specialist.
• Further study options include MBA programmes or specialised master’s degrees in entrepreneurship, innovation or finance.

Why study at Benedictine University

Benedictine University provides a personalised learning environment with small class sizes and faculty who combine academic expertise with practical business experience. The university emphasises experiential learning: students benefit from internships, practicum projects and connections to the broader Chicago-area business community for mentorship and placement opportunities. Career services and alumni networks support early-stage entrepreneurs and graduates seeking employment with small firms. The programme’s focus on both the operational realities of small businesses and the innovation skills needed to start new ventures helps graduates move quickly from classroom learning to applied opportunity.