Experiences that shape your potential Undergraduate Programs
THE GIES BUSINESS COMMUNITY
3,300+ Undergraduate students
11
Undergraduate programs
The Gies Business Experience At Gies Business, we think beyond the traditional measures of student success to deliver the full value of a business education. As a student at Gies Business, you’ll experience a unique combination of coursework and opportunities outside the classroom that blend three key principles:
Purpose You’ll explore what motivates you, reflect on your values and goals, and gain the confidence to chart your own path.
Edge The skills, mindset, and experience you build here will gain you a competitive edge in your career. Not only will you create your own story, you’ll also learn to share it with others in a compelling way.
Community You’ll belong to a supportive, inclusive community where you are seen, heard, and valued, and where you build lasting relationships.
220+ Faculty & instructors
350+
Administrators & staff members
10
Graduate programs
26:1
Undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio 2026-27 ACADEMIC YEAR
I chose Gies Business because it’s a place that pushes me to dream bigger and gives me the tools to make those dreams real. From day one, I’ve found the foundation, guidance, and community I needed to grow both personally and professionally. Joel Guzman (Marketing, Information Systems ‘26)
Find Your Path to Purpose First-year students are admitted directly to Gies Business under “Business Undeclared.” This structure gives you two years to explore your interests and passions before you declare a major in the spring of your sophomore year.
Major Programs of Study Accountancy: Become a highly versatile business professional by learning how to evaluate financial documents, solve problems analytically, and operate companies legally and efficiently. Accountancy students also have opportunities to gain up to 8 graduate credit hours that can be applied toward Master of Science in Accountancy degree. Accountancy + Data Science, Business + Data Science, or Finance + Data Science: Grow your computing and technical skills and learn to create new knowledge from unstructured data while you specialize in one of three areas of business. Finance: Learn concepts and tools to make effective financial decisions, setting you up for careers in asset management, financial planning, banking and investments, consulting, corporate finance, insurance, real estate, and sales and trading. Information Systems: Learn to apply information technology to business activities. You’ll gain skills in information technology development, systems analysis, e-business management, and e-commerce, setting you up for future work in information systems management and consulting. Management: Analyze and solve managerial problems in complex business environments. This major prepares you to be a leader, decisionmaker, and strategic thinker and will help you thrive in careers such as human resources, information technology, consulting, finance, accounting, marketing, and operations.
Marketing: Gear up for a wide range of careers in research, management, brand development and more by gaining deep insights about human decision-making and learning how to build strategies that motivate your audience to act. Operations Management: Develop skills needed to manage systems, people, ideas, and capital. As a graduate of this major, you might enjoy work as an operations or strategy consultant, project manager, analyst, or quality management professional. Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship: Develop the skills to conceive, launch, and manage new enterprises, whether in independent startups or new business units at existing companies. Business development, consulting, entrepreneurship, private equity, product management, and venture capital are common career paths. Supply Chain Management: Develop analytical and creative thinking abilities in consulting, manufacturing, and logistics companies, they prepare for careers as analysts or project managers. If interested in this major, you’ll need to apply to the program in your sophomore year.
Minors
Double Majors and Dual Degrees
Business Minor*: The business minor is designed for students in majors outside of Gies Business who want to round out their education with foundational business knowledge.
We make it simple to pursue a second program of study within the College. You can also choose a second major outside of Gies Business, if desired.**
Business Analytics Minor: Learn the science of sound decision-making through curriculum focused on big data analysis and management. For Gies Business students only Entrepreneurship*: Learn about building a business from the ground up as you practice creative thinking, strategic decision-making, informed risk-taking, and purposeful innovation. The Hoeft Technology & Management Program: In this program, undergraduate business and engineering majors learn together through an integrated curriculum that includes both engineering and business courses. The program includes a capstone project and an international immersion opportunity. Students are selected through a competitive admission process during the second semester of their freshman year. International Business Minor: Available exclusively for Gies Business students, this program complements students’ primary business studies while preparing them to lead in the global business environment. Students study international business and marketing, multinational management, and global supply chain management. *available to students outside of Gies Business See all minor programs accross campus
Students can declare a double major with two Gies Business programs. A double major: • •
results in one bachelor’s degree consisting of a primary and a secondary major requires completion of at least 124 credit hours
Pursuing a dual degree is possible with some, but not all majors, in other colleges on campus. A dual degree: •
•
results in two bachelor’s degrees consisting of a primary major in Gies Business and a secondary major in another college/school on campus requires completion of at least 154 credit hours
**The student’s home college must be Gies Business, due to course registration restrictions.
Intentionally Designed Coursework Degree Requirements No matter your major, the Gies Business experience sets you up for success. As you earn your undergraduate degree, you’ll take general education courses that give you in-depth knowledge across many fields of study and build a strong foundation in core business disciplines.
Credit Hours for Degree and Course Breakdown General Education
124
HOURS
Your Major
All Illinois students Science, Humanities, Cultural Studies
Business Core
Specific Gies Business students Example: Information Systems courses
Electives
All Gies Business students Accounting, Finance, Business Analytics, Management, Marketing
Varies by individual student and could be used for double major or minor requirements
Purpose-Focused Course Sequence Gain valuable skills and the mindset to lead with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to making an impact beyond financial gain.
BUS 101
BUS 201
BUS 301
BUS 401
Business Foundations
Business Dynamics
Business in Action
Explore the broader purpose of business in creating value for society, along with your own purpose, gaining skills for doing business ethically along the way.
Expand your critical thinking and teamwork skills while experiencing job dynamics and problem-solving through a hypothetical business scenario.
Develop and apply your teamwork and communication skills by completing a project for an actual client, interacting with them regularly throughout the semester as part of a team.
Crafting Your Purpose in Business Identify a personal growth area to strengthen before you graduate while leading a “purpose project” that addresses a cause you feel passionate about.
Transferring College Credit AP & IB Exams: Illinois awards college credit for some Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores of 3 and higher, and International Baccalaureate (IB) exam scores of 4 and higher. AP and IB course completion doesn’t provide credit; you can only get credit through exam scores. Dual Enrollment: Receive credit for any transferable college course that appears on an official college transcript. If you enroll at Illinois, the grade you’ve earned in that course will be part of your cumulative GPA. Summer Coursework: Prior to starting at Gies Business, you can take summer courses at another college or university. Before signing up, check with our admissions team to ensure external coursework can be applied to your degree: admissions@business.illinois.edu. Check the transferability of outside coursework
LEARN MORE ABOUT SPECIFIC AWARDED CREDIT
Enhancing Your College Experience At Gies Business, your future is our priority. We intentionally weave career readiness and global citizenship into your learning experience, equipping you with the tools and confidence you need to pursue and achieve success throughout your life. The Office of Career and Professional Development works with every student, leading personalized one-on-one sessions, skill-building workshops, and vibrant networking opportunities all year round. Gies Global helps students expand their horizons through international study, projects, research, and internship opportunities.
Career & Professional Development Programming Behavioral Interview Practice Sessions: Build confidence in articulating your experiences and skills effectively during interviews. Career Exploration and Optimization (CEO): Explore potential professions and cultivate social connections in this transformative summer program designed for rising sophomores and juniors. Career Fair Prep Series: Hone your networking skills and make a lasting impression on potential employers. Career Fairs and Employer Showcases: Immerse yourself in unparalleled networking opportunities, connecting with hundreds of prospective employers during these engaging events.
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Career Labs: Engage in hands-on activities that prepare you to put your best self forward. Career Treks: Step into the shoes of industry professionals with insider experiences at renowned companies across various sectors and fields. Case Interview Preparation: Master the art of acing case interviews, a crucial skill in many industries. “Let’s Explore” Series: Embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring your strengths and aligning them with your career aspirations. Recruiter Secrets Series: Gain insider insights into the hiring process and learn how to stand out in a competitive job market.
Successful undergraduate career outcomes
UNDERGRADUATE CLASS OF 2025
Learn more about career and professional development at Gies Business
Gies Global Programs Studying abroad teaches you about other places and cultures – but also about yourself. As you travel and interact with new people, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the world around you and acquire important skills that you’ll use throughout your lifetime. We encourage all learners to study abroad. With short and long-term options, you can participate in more than one study abroad program during your time at Gies Business – and many of our students do. Our study abroad opportunities are affordable, award college credit, and can be incorporated into your schedule without affecting graduation timelines. Gies Global learners have traveled to these countries: Short-term programs: Brazil, Ecuador, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Japan, China, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom Semester-long programs: China, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, and Australia
I think the biggest benefit of going abroad, for me, was that I gained confidence adapting to new situations. Each day is a new challenge, and you have all these experiences in such a short time that you learn and grow from really quickly. . . . I’ve gained a new sense of independence. Chris Stefani (ACCY, FIN ’25)
I connected with a ton of people from different parts of the world, and I really enjoyed learning about their culture and hearing their perspectives. . . . I put myself in a lot of situations where I was meeting new people and learned to take initiative to be more social. Now I have an expanded view of the world. Kyle Stefani (ACCY, FIN ’25)
LEARN MORE ABOUT CHRIS AND KYLE’S STUDY ABROAD ADVENTURES
Learn more about Gies Global Programs
A Community That Cares For You Located on the first floor of the Business Instructional Facility, the Undergraduate Student Success Lab provides academic, emotional, and social guidance. Drop in anytime for peer advising and tutoring, or to join our counseling center workshops.
Supporting Your Success The success of one takes the efforts of many. We’ve designed our extracurricular programming to grow and nurture a supportive culture and community – no matter where you’re coming from, you’ll know that you belong at Gies Business.
Student Engagement We know you take your studies seriously, but your college experience should also be fun. We strive to deliver signature experiences for you to unwind, meet new people, and make long-lasting memories with your community. We promote the health and well-being of all learners through our programming, registered student organizations (RSOs), and dynamic events. Some of our activities include: • • • •
“Welcome Week” events to celebrate incoming students each year “Business Quad Day” to connect learners with RSOs Professional development and training opportunities for RSO leaders and learners Social & community-building events in the Lincoln International Atrium
Financial Support
Student Success
College is a substantial cost investment in a student’s future, and we’re committed to helping students overcome barriers through merit- and need-based scholarships.
Helping you reach your goals is our priority. Our dedicated staff take a holistic approach to academic wellness to support you throughout your undergraduate journey. Through our programs, we’ll help you:
•
•
First-year and transfer applicants are automatically evaluated for potential scholarship eligibility based on their FAFSA and/or application for admission. We encourage continuing students to submit a FAFSA each year they are are enrolled to be eligible for any additional Gies Business scholarships.
After graduation, our students see the benefits and return on investment of their Gies Business degree with high-paying starting salaries, exceptional personal and professional connections, and rewarding lifelong careers.
Stay on track
We’ll review your academic standings, identify potential risks, and provide the tools and guidance you need to succeed.
Engage with your community
These programs connect you with the vibrant social and academic life throughout the College.
Build crucial skills
We host workshops to help you master effective study habits and time and resource management, setting you up for graduation and beyond.
Embedded Counseling Our embedded clinical counselor, located in the Office of Undergraduate Programs, offers comprehensive support including individual talk therapy appointments, connections to group sessions, physician referrals, and a range of outreach and prevention services.
Excellence Backed by Intention ACADEMICS
CAREER
NETWORK
#12
96%
35+
UNDERGRADUATE CLASS OF 2025
Gies-affiliated undergraduate student organizations
100%
95,000+ Gies Business alumni in all 50 states and 165 countries
POETS&QUANTS
of undergraduates collaborate on real client projects before they graduate
#5
$81,621
285
Undergraduate business school for academic experience
Average starting salary of full-time employed grads
POETS&QUANTS
UNDERGRADUATE CLASS OF 2025
Undergraduate business program in the country U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
#4 among public undergraduate business schools
Successful undergraduate career outcomes
Gies Undergraduate Admissions GiesBusiness.illinois.edu/undergrad/admissions 217.244.3890 • admissions@business.illinois.edu University Office of Undergraduate Admissions admissions.illinois.edu 217.333.0302 • admissions@illinois.edu
companies hired Gies graduates for full-time employment