Frequently asked questions about . . . studying Business Administration at W&L:

Q. What is the business administration major?

A. The business administration major at W&L leads to a Bachelor of Science with Special Attainments in Commerce.  The curriculum of the Department is designed to give students broad exposure to the various aspects of business and commerce.  It includes 

The W&L business curriculum differs from most other undergraduate business programs in at least one important way.  The curriculum is, by design, broad!  In many respects, it is more similar to MBA curricula rather than typical undergraduate business curricula.  Our students do not "major" in finance, marketing, MIS, or any other specific topic.  They may choose elective work in one of these areas if they like, but we aim to provide breadth and an understanding of the interrelationships of the various aspects of the business world, not immersion in one specific area.  To this end, we also recognize the importance of continuing study outside of the Williams School.

Q. When can I start taking business classes?

A. The foundation courses in accounting, economics, and statistics may be taken in the sophomore year.  Other core and elective classes within the major are designed to be taken in the junior and senior years.

Q. If I decide that I want to major in business, what should I do?

A. Probably the most important thing to do if you decide to pursue a business major is to formally declare.  You need to speak with one of the Department faculty about serving as your advisor.  You need to file the relevant paperwork with the registrar's office declaring your intent to pursue a business major.  PLEASE NOTE: Students who have not formally declared themselves as a business administation or accounting major AND completed the needed forms well in advance of attempting to register for junior level business courses may find it difficult to get these courses.

Q. Can I declare management as part of a "double" major?

A. Yes.  Many students do this each year.  Talk to your advisor about whether this is something you should consider.

Q. Should I "double" major?

A. It depends.  Some feel that taking a second major at W&L limits the benefits of a liberal arts education by limiting your exposure to a variety of topics.  Let's assume that you are interested in majoring in psychology and considering a second major in business.  Are you truly interested in all (or at least most) of the business courses you will have to take to satisfy the second major?  If not, would you be better off taking those that you are interested in as electives and sticking with a single (psych) major?  The one difficulty you might face in trying to select specific business courses as electives as a non-business major is class availability.  Many of our classes have been filling up with students majoring in business.  As these students must have the courses to graduate, they get priority during registration.  However, if seats remain after registration, we welcome non-majors in the classes.

I tend to agree with the above perspective on double majors.  The one area where I find myself on the fence is the combination of business and a foreign language or area specialization.  For a student who is intent on working internationally, I do see some clear benefit in combining a business major with either an appropriate foreign language major or a regional studies major (e.g., Latin American Studies).

Q. What other opportunities at W&L would complement a business administration major?

A. There are several opportunities for expanding your experiences as a management major.  For those who qualify academically, you may opt to pursue the Honors Program in Business Administration.  This typically involves an intensive research project under the supervision of a business faculty member.  The result of the project is a Honors Thesis.  The program is outlined in the W&L catalog.  Interested students need to apply for consideration during the latter part of their junior year.  The work is to be done during the Fall and Winter terms of the senior year.

Other options for expanding on your coursework are two very successful student organizations specializing in various aspects of business. Washington and Lee Student Consulting (WLSC) is a student-run organization that provides consulting services to both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.  For more information, visit the WLSC homepage or speak with one of the members.  The Williams Investment Society (WIS) is another student organization.  WIS members actively manage a portion of the W&L endowment.  The organization provides those students interested in investments and financial analysis an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in these activities.  For more information, see the WIS homepage.