Berea College

What you'll study

The programme pairs a core liberal-arts curriculum with a coherent set of business courses designed to prepare students for professional roles or further study. Typical modules include introductory and intermediate Accounting, Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, Finance, Marketing, Management, Business Law and Ethics, and Entrepreneurship. Quantitative and analytical skills are developed through courses in Business Statistics and Data Analysis for Decision-Making. The programme usually culminates in a capstone or integrative seminar that emphasises strategic planning, applied projects and case studies.

Because Berea is rooted in the liberal arts model, students also complete general-education requirements in humanities, natural sciences and social sciences to develop communication, critical thinking and ethical reasoning. Experiential learning is central: many students undertake internships, client-based projects, community-engaged work and a practicum connected to the College’s distinctive student work programme.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a high-school diploma or equivalent with a record of solid academic achievement across a range of subjects; coursework in mathematics (typically algebra) and an introductory business or economics course are advantageous. Berea’s admissions process considers academic transcripts, recommendations, and a personal statement that addresses the candidate’s interests and fit with the College’s mission. Because Berea gives priority to students with limited financial resources, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate financial need as part of the application process. International applicants are required to meet additional language-proficiency expectations if their previous instruction was not in English.

Career prospects

Graduates with a business bachelor’s degree from Berea commonly enter roles in accounting, financial services, marketing, sales, operations and human resources. The programme’s emphasis on ethics and community engagement also prepares alumni for work in non-profit management and public-sector organisations, and many pursue entrepreneurship or family-business development. Graduates often continue to postgraduate study in business, law, public administration or specialised master’s programmes. Career outcomes are supported by faculty mentorship, internship coordination and the College’s strong alumni network.

Why study at Berea College

Berea College offers a distinctive combination of a liberal-arts education, mandatory student work experience and a commitment to access: the institution is known for prioritising students with limited financial resources and for providing a high level of faculty contact in small classes. The student work programme gives practical workplace experience that complements classroom learning and helps build employability skills. Students benefit from personalized advising, opportunities for community-engaged projects, and a campus culture that emphasises service, leadership and ethical practice. For those seeking a business education grounded in broad critical thinking and real-world practice, Berea provides a supportive and value-driven environment.