Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

The BBA in Management and Operations combines core business coursework with specialised study in operations, supply chain and organisational management. You will complete general education requirements alongside lower-division business fundamentals such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics, business law and statistics. Upper-division major coursework typically covers principles of management, organisational behaviour, operations management, supply chain management, project management, business analytics, quality management and strategic management.

Programme structure emphasises experiential learning: students usually undertake case studies, simulations, team-based projects and a capstone or practicum that integrates management and operations topics. Electives allow further focus in areas such as human resource management, procurement and sourcing, logistics, data analytics for business, or entrepreneurship. Many students also complete an internship or cooperative education placement with a regional or national employer to gain hands-on experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically consider an applicant’s overall academic record, including performance in college preparatory subjects such as mathematics and English. Standardised tests may be optional depending on the admissions pathway, but strong quantitative skills are recommended given the programme’s analytical content.

Transfer students from community colleges are welcome; they should present college transcripts and meet the university’s transfer GPA threshold and course equivalencies for business prerequisites. International applicants must meet NAU’s English language proficiency requirements. Specific admission conditions and any prerequisite course requirements are provided by NAU admissions and the W. A. Franke College of Business advising office.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BBA in Management and Operations are prepared for roles that combine people leadership with operational decision-making. Common entry and mid-level positions include operations manager, supply chain analyst, logistics coordinator, production supervisor, procurement specialist, project coordinator and continuous improvement analyst. With experience, graduates often move into senior roles such as operations director, supply chain manager, plant manager or management consultant.

The programme’s emphasis on analytics, process improvement and experiential work-readiness also supports careers in related fields such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare operations, transportation and distribution, and public sector operations. Many alumni leverage internships and NAU’s career services to secure employer connections in the American Southwest and beyond.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University’s W. A. Franke College of Business offers a personalised learning environment with small class sizes and faculty who combine academic expertise with industry experience. The college emphasises applied learning and provides opportunities for internships, capstone projects and engagement with local and regional employers.

Students benefit from dedicated business advising, career services, and student organisations focused on management, supply chain and entrepreneurship that help build professional networks. NAU’s campus and regional partnerships offer practical insight into operations challenges across sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, logistics and public services, while study-away and exchange options enable international business exposure.