La Roche University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme combines core business fundamentals with specialised courses focused on entrepreneurship and small business management. You will study financial and managerial accounting, principles of finance, microeconomics and marketing alongside entrepreneurship-specific modules such as small business planning, new venture creation, family business dynamics, and operations for small enterprises.

• Core business modules: Accounting, finance, marketing, management, business law, business ethics and economics.
• Entrepreneurship and small business modules: Opportunity recognition, business plan development, startup finance, family and closely held business issues, franchising, and growth strategies for small firms.
• Operations and applied skills: Operations management for small businesses, project management, supply chain basics, e-commerce and digital marketing, customer relationship management and basic data analysis for decision making.
• Experiential learning: Internship or practicum placement with a small business or startup, capstone project (often a comprehensive business plan or consulting project), and participation in entrepreneurship workshops or competitions.
• Electives and cross-disciplinary options: Courses in leadership, social entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, or technology commercialization to tailor the degree to specific career goals.

The programme emphasises applied learning, so students frequently work on real business problems, build and pitch business plans, and receive mentorship from faculty and local business leaders.

Entry requirements

Admissions for the bachelor’s programme typically require a completed secondary school qualification recognised by La Roche University. Applicants are expected to provide official transcripts demonstrating academic readiness for college-level study.

• High school diploma or equivalent with a competitive academic record in relevant subjects.
• Submission of official transcripts; standardised test scores may be optional depending on institutional policy.
• A personal statement or essay outlining interest in entrepreneurship and career aspirations.
• Letters of recommendation from a teacher, employer or mentor are often advised to support the application.
• Applicants with prior college coursework should submit college transcripts for transfer credit evaluation; relevant work experience may strengthen an application.

Prospective students with questions about specific entry thresholds or documentation should consult La Roche University’s admissions office for personalised guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles in small and growing organisations, or to start their own ventures. The skill set gained—business planning, financial literacy, operations, marketing and problem solving—is highly transferable.

• Small business owner or founder of a startup
• Operations manager or business manager in a small-to-medium enterprise (SME)
• Business development or sales manager for regional enterprises
• Franchise owner or operator
• Consultant specialising in small business strategy or operational improvement
• Roles in family business leadership and succession planning
• Positions within nonprofit organisations or social enterprises focused on community impact

Many graduates continue their education with professional certifications or postgraduate study in business, accounting, marketing or management to advance specialised career pathways.

Why study at La Roche University

La Roche University offers a small-college environment that emphasises personalised instruction and close faculty mentoring—advantages for students developing business ideas or seeking hands-on internships. The university’s Catholic liberal arts foundation supports ethical leadership and community engagement, which can be an asset for entrepreneurs focusing on social impact.

• Small class sizes: More direct interaction with faculty and tailored feedback on projects and business plans.
• Experiential focus: Internships, practicum placements and applied capstone projects linked to the Pittsburgh business community.
• Access to local networks: Proximity to a diverse regional economy and small-business ecosystem for mentorship and partnership opportunities.
• Support services: Career services, academic advising and entrepreneurship resources to help transition ideas into viable ventures.

These features make La Roche a suitable choice for students who want a practical, community-connected programme that emphasises launching and operating small businesses with an ethical and sustainable perspective.