Specializations
Customize your coursework
Students work with their Academic Advisor to develop an individualized plan that could include a business specialization, a major outside of business, minors, or any combination of these curricular opportunities.
As a business major, you will select one of 12 specializations or the Business Management program (only offered on our regional campuses). Specializations provide in-depth course work with a focus on a specific area of study in business.
Choosing a Specialization
Accounting is the design and implementation of financial and cost accounting system, both budget and actual . Accountants monitor operations through assembling, analyzing and interpreting the essential dollars and cents information of the organization. It is the maintenance and analysis of records, to provide the planning, control and evaluation necessary to improve financial operations
Careers
Accounting Curriculum
Accounting Specialization Sheet (New GE)
Accounting Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)
Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Program
Undergraduate accounting majors at Fisher with grade point averages of 3.5 or higher may combine the graduate MAcc degree with their undergraduate degree and earn both degrees at the same time. This option allows top students interested in the MAcc degree to complete the two degrees jointly and count a number of graduate courses towards both degrees. Contact the Graduate Programs Office for more information.
Winter "Busy Season" Accounting Internships
- View more information about Winter Accounting Internships
Extracurricular Opportunities
There are many ways for students specializing in Accounting to enhance their education beyond the classroom. You can choose from hundreds of Ohio State student organizations, in addition to other opportunities offered by Fisher. Including the following student orgs:
Learn more about Accounting through the Office of Career Management. If you are interested in completing the CPA exam for licensure in Ohio, please visit the following website for information on guidelines and requirements: CPA (Ohio Accountancy Board).
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
2 | ACCTMIS 2200* | ACCTMIS 2300* |
3 | ACCTMIS 3200 ACCTMIS 3300 | ACCTMIS 3201 ACCTMIS 3400 |
4 | ACCTMIS 3600 ACCTMIS 4200 | ACCTMIS 4500 ACCTMIS Elective (3 hours) |
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
2 | ACCTMIS 2200* | |
3 | ACCTMIS 2300* | ACCTMIS 3200 ACCTMIS 3300 |
ACCTMIS 3201 ACCTMIS 3600 ACCTMIS 3400 | ACCTMIS 4200 ACCTMIS Elective (3 hours) |
*Accounting specialization students must earn a C- or greater
Aviation Management students at Fisher will typically work for either an airline or airport in a business role. The Center for Aviation Studies works with Aviation students from Business, Engineering and Arts & Sciences and has great partnerships with the industry's most influential companies. This allows students to get valuable professional experience with an industry leader in the aviation field.
Careers:
Aviation Curriculum:
Aviation Management Specialization Sheet (New GE)
Aviation Management Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)
Other information:
Learn more about Aviation through the Office of Career Management.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
There are many ways for students specializing in Aviation to enhance their education beyond the classroom. You can choose from hundreds of Ohio State student organizations, in addition to other opportunities offered by Fisher.
Year | Autumn | Spring |
---|---|---|
1 | Aviation 2000 | Aviation 2150 |
2 | Aviation 2200 | Aviation 3000 |
3 | Aviation 3200 | Aviation 3600 |
4 | Aviation 4000 (Autumn only) | Aviation 5000 (Spring only) |
Business Management students register for and complete courses through Ohio State's Lima, Mansfield, Marion and Newark campuses.
Business Management - Curriculum Sheet (New GE) - Ending Summer 2025
Business Management - Curriculum Sheet (New GE) - Starting in Autumn 2025
Business Management Curriculum Sheet (Legacy GE)
Upon completion of the curriculum requirements, students will receive the same undergraduate BSBA degree they would have received had they attended classes on the Columbus campus. Please note: business majors in regional campus programs may choose a specialization, but doing so requires completion of some courses at the Columbus campus.
Courses delivered to the regional campuses are designed to be equivalent to those offered on the Columbus campus. However, there are some differences in form because the regional campus Business Major program is offered partly online and partly in the classroom.
Undergraduate Business Minor at Ohio State Regional Campuses
The Business Minor offered through nationally-ranked Fisher College of Business offers Ohio State students the opportunity to enhance their selected field of study while making themselves more desirable job candidates. The minor is available at all four of Ohio State's regional campuses: Lima, Mansfield, Marion, and Newark.
Economists develop theories to explain how components of an economy operate and interact with one another. They then gather statistical and empirical evidence to estimate the relationships among the various aspects of the economy. Using data, economists predict how different economic entities will respond to changes in policies and external forces. These predictions, in turn, help guide private and public decision-makers to form appropriate policies.
Careers:
Learn more about Economics through the Office of Career Management.
Economics Curriculum:
Economics Specialization Sheet (New GE)
Economics Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)
Extracurricular Opportunities:
There are many ways for students specializing in Economics to enhance their education beyond the classroom. You can choose from hundreds of Ohio State student organizations, in addition to other opportunities offered by Fisher.
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
1 | Econ 2001.01, 2001.02, or 2001.03H | Econ 2002.01. 2002.02, or 2002.03H |
3 | Econ 4001.01, 4001.02, or 4001.03 | Econ 4002.01, 4002.02, or 4002.03 |
4 | Econ 4XXX or 5XXX Econ 4XXX or 5XXX | Econ 4XXX or 5XXX Econ 4XXX or 5XXX |
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
1 | Econ 2001.01, 2001.02, or 2001.03H | Econ 2002.01. 2002.02, or 2002.03H |
3 | ||
4 | Econ 4001.01, 4001.02, or 4001.03 Econ 4XXX or 5XXX | Econ 4002.01, 4002.02, or 4002.03 Econ 4XXX or 5XXX |
Finance is the study of how to allocate scarce resources over time, so as to satisfy people's consumption preferences. The financial officer has responsibility in such activities as funds and cost analysis, investments, the formulating of credit and other financial operating policies.
Careers:
Learn more about Finance through the Office of Career Management. If you are interested in certification, please visit the following website for more information on guidelines and requirements: CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
Finance Curriculum:
Finance Specialization Sheet (New GE)
Finance Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)
Extracurricular Opportunities:
There are many ways for students specializing in Finance to enhance their education beyond the classroom. You can choose from hundreds of Ohio State student organizations, in addition to other opportunities offered by Fisher.
- Common Cents Investment Group
- Buckeye Capital Investors
- Undergraduate Finance Association
- Fisher Futures Program
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
3 | BUSFIN 3220* | BUSFIN 4211 BUSFIN 4221 |
4 | BUSFIN Advanced Course (3 hours) BUSFIN 4201 BUSFIN 4250 | BUSFIN Elective (9 hours) |
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
3 | BUSFIN 3220* | |
4 | BUSFIN 4211 BUSFIN 4221 BUSFIN 4201 BUSFIN 4250 | BUSFIN Advanced Course (3 hours) BUSFIN Elective (9 hours)
|
* Finance specialization students must earn a C- or greater
Human Resources is a general term used to describe a variety of functions aimed at effectively managing an organization's employees. HR oversees the people side of an organization including compensation and benefits, career development, training, and hiring. They assist organizations to meet their strategic goals by attracting and retaining qualified employees, and managing them effectively while ensuring that the organization complies with all appropriate labor laws. Job activities can involve writing job descriptions, interviewing and testing applicants, administering salary and benefit programs, staff training, dealing with rule violation and conducting research in employment problems.
Careers:
Learn more about Human Resources through the Office of Career Management.
Human Resources Curriculum:
Human Resources Specialization Sheet (New GE)
Human Resources Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)
Extracurricular Opportunities:
There are many ways for students specializing in Human Resources to enhance their education beyond the classroom. You can choose from hundreds of Ohio State student organizations, in addition to other opportunities offered by Fisher.
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
3 | BUSMHR 3200* | BUSMHR 4320 BUSMHR 4323 |
4 | BUSMHR 4322 BUSMHR 4326 BUSMHR 4330 | BUSMHR 4324 BUSMHR Elective (3 hours) |
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
3 | BUSMHR 3200* | |
4 | BUSMHR 4323 BUSMHR 4322 BUSMHR 4326 BUSMHR 4330 | BUSMHR 4320 BUSMHR 4324 BUSMHR Elective (3 hours) |
*Human Resources specialization students must earn a C- or greater
Information Systems is the art of applying information technology to enhance productivity, efficiency and effectiveness of business processes. Companies need the skills offered by information systems majors to help them design, implement and manage the systems that support their operations, management and decision making functions. Every area of business depends on technology; info systems can also be used to help increase revenue and provide a competitive edge. The objective is to enhance productivity by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes. Computers and other information technologies are the technical foundations or the tools of information systems.
Careers:
Learn more about Information Systems through the Office of Career Management.
Information Systems Curriculum:
Info Systems Specialization Sheet (New GE)
Info Systems Specialization Sheet (Since Au 2022 with Legacy GE)
Info Systems Specialization Sheet (Before Au 2022 with Legacy GE)
** If you've completed CSE 2133, you are on the Before AU 2022 with Legacy GE curriculum. If you have not, you are on the Since AU 2022 with Legacy GE curriculum.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
There are many ways for students specializing in Information Systems to enhance their education beyond the classroom. You can choose from hundreds of Ohio State student organizations, in addition to other opportunities offered by Fisher.
Year | Autumn | Spring |
---|---|---|
2 | CSE 1223 | CSE 2123 Math 2366 (Spring only) |
3 | CSE 3241 | ACCTMIS 3620 |
4 | CSE 3232 ACCTMIS elective (3 credits) | ACCTMIS 4630 ACCTMIS elective (3 credits) |
Year | Autumn | Spring |
---|---|---|
3 | CSE 1223 | CSE 2123 MATH 2366 (Spring only) |
4 | CSE 3241 ACCTMIS elective (3 credits) ACCTMIS 3620 | CSE 3232 ACCTMIS 4630 ACCTMIS elective (3 credits) |
Insurance is the study of methods used by organizations and individuals to manage activities whose outcomes cannot be forecasted exactly, such as measures taken to reduce the risk of damage to physical assets, exposure to legal liability, or injury to employees or customers. In organizations, the purpose of insurance is to enable the organization to progress toward its goals and objectives on a direct, efficient and effective path. Insurance is an element of virtually any area of management specialization. The program is designed to provide students with a firm foundation in general principles as well as familiarity with methods used by organizations and individuals to manage risks.
Careers:
Learn more about Risk Management through the Office of Career Management.
Insurance Curriculum:
Insurance Specialization Sheet (New GE)
Insurance Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)
Extracurricular Opportunities:
There are many ways for students specializing in insurance to enhance their education beyond the classroom. You can choose from hundreds of Ohio State student organizations, in addition to other opportunities offered by Fisher.
Year | Autumn | Spring |
---|---|---|
3 | BUSFIN 3220* | BUSFIN 3300 |
4 | BUSFIN Elective (3 hours) | BUSFIN 4310 BUSFIN 4311 BUSFIN 4312 |
*Insurance specialization students must earn a C- or greater
International Business (IB) prepares one to understand and participate in worldwide productions and distribution activities. Study of domestic, international, and foreign business environments and of business practices and problems related to them.
Careers:
What is International Business?
Learn more about International Business through the Office of Career Management.
International Business Curriculum:
International Business Specialization Sheet (New GE)
International Business Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)
Extracurricular Opportunities:
There are many ways for students specializing in International Business to enhance their education beyond the classroom. You can choose from hundreds of Ohio State student organizations, in addition to other opportunities offered by Fisher.
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
2 | BUSMHR 2000* | |
3 | BUSMHR 3000 | BUSMHR 4020 Complete International experience |
4 | IB elective (3 credits) | IB electives (6 credits) |
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
3 | BUSMHR 2000* Complete International Experience | |
4 | BUSMHR 3000 IB elective (3 credits) | BUSMR 4020 IB electives (6 credits) |
*International Business specialization students must earn a C- or greater
International Experience Policy: Students must complete an international experience as part of the international business specialization.
This must be an educational international experience, such as a study abroad, internship or professional experience abroad. Any program offered through Fisher’s Office of Global Business is accepted. For any other experience, please work with an academic advisor to ensure that the planned experience is meeting the below requirements:
- It is educational in nature. In most cases, an eligible experience would include academic course credit.
- The experience lasts at least one week.
- The experience takes place during your time as a college student (previous high school experience will not be accepted).
In general, vacation travel or mission trips would not be accepted to meet this requirement. Questions? Please contact an academic advisor.
Logistics Management is concerned with the design and management of systems for the movement of products from points of production to points of consumption. Such systems typically encompass activities such as transportation, warehousing, materials handling, inventory planning, customer service, facility location, scheduling and purchasing.
Careers:
Learn more about Logistics through the Office of Career Management.
Logistics Management Curriculum:
Logistics Specialization Sheet (New GE)
Logistics Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)
Extracurricular Opportunities:
There are many ways for students specializing in Logistics to enhance their education beyond the classroom. You can choose from hundreds of Ohio State student organizations, in addition to other opportunities offered by Fisher.
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
3 | BUSML 3380* | BUSML 4380 BUSML 4381 BUSML 4383 |
4 | BUSML 4382 BUSML Elective (6 hours) | BUSML Elective (3 hours) |
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
4 | BUSML 3380* | BUSML 4380 BUSML 4381 BUSML 4382 BUSML 4383 BUSML Electives (6 hours) |
*Logistics Management specialization students must earn a C- or greater
Marketing is the process of planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion and distribution of ideas goods and services to create exchanges that satisfy individual and organizational objectives. Often the career path to top management is through marketing management because marketing products and services is how companies generate revenues. The conception, promotion and physical distribution of goods and services to satisfy the economic needs of society.
Careers:
Learn more about Marketing through the Office of Career Management.
Marketing Curriculum:
Marketing Specialization Sheet (New GE)
Marketing Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)
Extracurricular Opportunities:
There are many ways for students specializing in Marketing to enhance their education beyond the classroom. You can choose from hundreds of Ohio State student organizations, in addition to other opportunities offered by Fisher.
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
3 | BUSML 3250* | BUSML 4201 BUSML 4202 |
4 | BUSML 4203 BUSML 4204 | Marketing Elective (6 hours) |
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
3 | BUSML 3250* | |
4 | BUSML 4201 BUSML 4202 | BUSML 4203 Marketing Elective (6 hours) |
*Marketing specialization students must earn a C- or greater
Operations Management can refer to all the activities related to producing and managing an organization's goods and services. Operations takes various inputs (labor, materials, capital, information, time, energy) and transforms those into the wide array of outputs of goods and services. Companies recognize that the operations functions can be a competitive weapon to strengthen their position in today's market place as they seek to improve productivity while still providing a broad array of high quality products and services.
Careers:
What is Operations Management?
Learn more about Operations through the Office of Career Management.
Operations Curriculum by track:
Students majoring in Operations Management may choose from one of two tracks: Purchasing and Operations. Please see the advising sheets below for each track. Students will need to declare which track they intend to pursue by contacting an Academic Advisor.
- Operations Management Specialization Sheet (New GE)
- Operations Management Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)
- Operations Management- Purchasing Track Specialization Sheet (New GE)
Extracurricular Opportunities:
There are many ways for students specializing in Operations to enhance their education beyond the classroom. You can choose from hundreds of Ohio State student organizations, in addition to other opportunities offered by Fisher.
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
3 | BUSOBA 3230* | BUSOBA 4250 BUSOBA 4232 |
4 | BUSOBA 4239 | Operations electives (6 credits) |
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
4 | BUSOBA 3230* | Operations electives (6 credits) BUSOBA 4250 BUSOBA 4239 BUSOBA 4232 |
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
3 | BUSOBA 3230* | |
4 | BUSOBA 4261 BUSOBA 4262 BUSOBA 4263 | BUSOBA 4232 Operations electives (3 credits) |
*Operations Management students in either track must earn a C- or greater.
Real Estate involves working with all those who manage, buy, sell, rent, lease, or invest in residential and/or commercial property. Real estate and urban analysis also includes application of economic trends, business trends, zoning laws, financial services and knowledge of urban society as they meet the needs of people and businesses who need to buy or sell property.
Careers:
Learn more about Real Estate through the Office of Career Management. If you are interested in Ohio Real Estate licensure, please visit the following website for information on guidelines and requirements: R.E. (Ohio Real Estate Licensing)
Real Estate Curriculum:
Real Estate Specialization Sheet (New GE)
Real Estate Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)
Extracurricular Opportunities:
There are many ways for students specializing in Real Estate to enhance their education beyond the classroom. You can choose from hundreds of Ohio State student organizations, in addition to other opportunities offered by Fisher.
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
3 | BUSFIN 3220* | BUSFIN 3400 BUSFIN 4410 |
4 | BUSFIN Elective (3 hours) | BUSFIN 4411 BUSFIN 4412 Real Estate Option Course (3 hours) |
Year | Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
3 | BUSFIN 3220* BUSFIN 3400 | |
4 | BUSFIN Elective (3 hours) | BUSFIN 4410 BUSFIN 4411 BUSFIN 4412 Real Estate Option Course (3 hours) |
*Real Estate specialization students must earn a C- or greater
The Special Area Specialization is designed for students who have well-defined academic and career interests which are not represented by the twelve specializations offered by the BSBA program. Students must be self-motivated and willing to work in consultation with faculty to develop a cohesive and interdisciplinary area of study.
Special Area Specialization (SAS)
Special Area Specialization Sheet
Steps to declaring a Special Area specialization:
- Complete a thorough search of University academic programs (majors and minors) to ensure that the idea for the SAS does not exist at Ohio State through another college or department.
- Talk to faculty in different departments about the SAS and potential courses for the major to make sure the program is well thought out and the courses are at an appropriate level of depth for the major.
- Schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor in the Fisher Undergraduate Programs and Advising office to go over the SAS application and requirements.
- Complete an application for the SAS that includes:
- Applicant information, faculty signatures, and the title of the SAS
- Motives and rationale for the Special Area Specialization
- A list of specific courses (15-18 credit hours) that comprise the major.
- Students must have a 3.0 GPA at Ohio State for the SAS to be approved and have completed a minimum of 30 OSU hours.
Do you want to change your specialization?
You should email your current advisor to request a change of specialization by the below deadlines:
- January 31st for summer admission
- June 1st for autumn admission
- September 15th for spring admission
In order to change your specialization, you must meet the below requirements and admission is not guaranteed:
- Minimum Ohio State GPA of 3.10 or better
- Completion of a minimum of 12 semester hours of Ohio State letter-graded credit *Must be earned post-high school graduation*
It is recommended you be admitted into your specialization of choice at least three semesters prior to graduation. Questions? Schedule an appointment with an advisor.
Are you considering a second specialization? Please keep in mind the second specialization policy.
©2024 Fisher College of Business
2100 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210