Specializations

Accounting involves designing and managing financial systems that track, analyze and interpret an organization’s performance. Accountants provide the insights needed for planning, control and evaluation of financial operations. Fisher’s Accounting specialization equips students with a strong foundation in financial reporting, managerial accounting, auditing and taxation—preparing them for a range of careers in public accounting, corporate finance and beyond. Additionally, Fisher offers opportunities beyond the classroom to enrich your Accounting experience with student organizations such as the  Accounting Association and the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). Fisher also offers high-achieving students (GPA 3.5 or higher) the opportunity to pursue an Accelerated BSBA/MAcc program, allowing you to earn both degrees simultaneously by applying select graduate courses toward both.

Learn more about Fisher's Accounting specialization below. Interested in CPA licensure in Ohio? Visit CPA Advising Office Hours  to learn more.

• Accounting Specialization Curriculum (New GE)
• Accounting Specialization Curriculum (Legacy GE)

*Accounting specialization students must earn a C- or greater

Aviation Management focuses on the business operations of the aviation industry, preparing students for roles at airlines, airports and aviation-related organizations. Fisher’s Aviation Management specialization, offered in collaboration with Ohio State’s Center for Aviation Studies, provides a strong foundation in airport management, airline operations, aviation safety and regulatory issues—equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in this dynamic field. Students benefit from industry partnerships and hands-on learning experiences with leading aviation companies. Beyond the classroom, students can enhance their education through involvement in aviation-focused student organizations such as the Flight Team at The Ohio State University and Women in Aviation International.

Learn more about Fisher's Aviation Management specialization below:

• Aviation Management Specialization Sheet (New GE)
• Aviation Management Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)

Business Management is offered through Ohio State’s Lima, Mansfield, Marion and Newark campuses and provides students with a flexible, high-quality business education. Courses are designed to mirror the rigor and content of those delivered on the Columbus campus, with a combination of in-person and online instruction to meet regional campus needs. Students completing the Business Management curriculum receive the same Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree awarded through Fisher College of Business.

Regional campus students may choose to specialize in a specific area of business; however, doing so may require completion of some coursework on the Columbus campus. For curriculum details, please refer to the appropriate advising sheet based on your start term:

• 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)

Students at Ohio State’s regional campuses can also enhance their business acumen by pursuing the undergraduate business minor, available at all four locations. The minor complements a variety of majors and helps students build versatile, career-ready skills.

Economics explores how individuals, businesses and governments make decisions and interact within complex systems. Economists use theories and data to analyze trends, understand behavior and forecast the impact of policies and market changes. Fisher’s Economics specialization provides a strong foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and economic theory—preparing students for careers in business, government, research and consulting. Beyond the classroom, students can get involved in student organizations to deepen their experience and connect with peers who share similar interests.

Learn more about Fisher's Economics specialization below:

• Economics Specialization Sheet (New GE)
• Economics Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)

Finance is the study of how individuals and organizations manage resources, assess risk and make strategic decisions to create value over time. Fisher’s Finance specialization builds a strong foundation in corporate finance, investment management, financial markets and risk analysis—preparing students for careers in banking, consulting, asset management and corporate finance. Students also have the opportunity to explore certification paths such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Beyond the classroom, students can enhance their experience by getting involved in student organizations like Common Cents Investment Group, Buckeye Capital Investors, the Undergraduate Finance Association and the Fisher Futures Program.

Learn more about Fisher's Finance specialization below:

• Finance Specialization Sheet (New GE)
• Finance Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)

* Finance specialization students must earn a C- or greater

Human Resources focuses on managing the people side of organizations to support performance, growth and employee well-being. HR professionals play a key role in areas such as recruitment, compensation and benefits, employee relations, training and compliance. Fisher’s Human Resources specialization provides a strong foundation in organizational behavior, employment law, talent management and strategic HR practices—preparing students for careers in corporate HR departments, consulting firms and nonprofit organizations. Beyond the classroom, students can deepen their experience by joining student organizations such as the Human Resources Association.

Learn more about Fisher's Human Resources specialization below:

• Human Resources Specialization Sheet (New GE)
• Human Resources Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)

*Human Resources specialization students must earn a C- or greater

Information Systems focuses on applying technology to improve business operations, decision making and overall organizational effectiveness. Professionals in this field design, implement and manage systems that support functions across every area of business. Fisher’s Information Systems specialization provides a strong foundation in data management, systems analysis, IT strategy and business analytics—preparing students for careers in consulting, technology services and corporate IT departments. Beyond the classroom, students can further their experience through involvement in student organizations such as the Information Systems Association.

Learn more about Fisher's Information Systems specialization below:

• Info Systems Specialization Sheet (New GE)
• Info Systems Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)

International Business prepares students to navigate the complexities of a global economy by understanding how businesses operate across borders and cultures. This specialization provides insight into international trade, cross-cultural management, global supply chains and economic environments around the world. Fisher’s International Business specialization equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in multinational corporations, government agencies and international nonprofits. Beyond the classroom, students can enhance their global perspective through involvement in student organizations such as the International Business Club.

Learn more about Fisher's International Business specialization below:

• International Business Specialization Sheet (New GE)
• International Business Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)

*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 focuses on the efficient movement of goods and materials from production to consumption. This specialization covers key areas such as transportation, inventory planning, warehousing, purchasing and customer service. Fisher’s Logistics Management specialization provides students with a strong foundation in supply chain operations and strategy—preparing them for careers in manufacturing, retail, distribution and logistics consulting. Beyond the classroom, students can enhance their experience through involvement in student organizations such as The Logistics Association.

Learn more about Fisher's Logistics Management specialization below:

• Logistics Specialization Sheet (New GE)
• Logistics Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)

*Logistics Management specialization students must earn a C- or greater

Marketing focuses on creating, communicating and delivering value to customers through the development and promotion of products, services and experiences. It plays a critical role in generating revenue and shaping how organizations connect with their audiences. Fisher’s Marketing specialization provides a strong foundation in consumer behavior, marketing strategy, branding and digital marketing—preparing students for careers in advertising, product management, sales and market research. Beyond the classroom, students can build their skills and network by joining student organizations such as the American Marketing Association.

Learn more about Fisher's Marketing specialization below:

• Marketing Specialization Sheet (New GE)
• Marketing Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)

*Marketing specialization students must earn a C- or greater

Operations Management focuses on the processes that transform resources into goods and services, playing a critical role in organizational efficiency and effectiveness. This specialization explores how businesses manage inputs like labor, materials and information to deliver high-quality outputs while optimizing productivity. Fisher’s Operations Management specialization provides a strong foundation in process analysis, quality management, supply chain operations and decision-making tools—preparing students for careers in manufacturing, consulting and service industries. Beyond the classroom, students can expand their experience by joining student organizations such as the Buckeye Operations Management Society (BOMS) and the Purchasing and Supply Management Association.

Students majoring in Operations Management may choose from one of two tracks: Purchasing or 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.

Learn more about Fisher's Operations Management specialization below:

• Operations Management Specialization Sheet (New GE)
• Operations Management Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)
• Operations Management- Purchasing Track Specialization Sheet (New GE)  

*Operations Management students in either track must earn a C- or greater.

Real Estate focuses on the development, management and exchange of residential and commercial properties, as well as the financial and legal frameworks that support these activities. Students in this specialization explore topics such as market analysis, property valuation, zoning, urban planning and investment strategy. Fisher’s Real Estate specialization provides a strong foundation for careers in real estate development, brokerage, finance and property management. Students interested in pursuing Ohio Real Estate licensure can visit the Ohio Real Estate Licensing website for information on guidelines and requirements. Beyond the classroom, students can build experience and professional connections through student organizations such as the Fisher Real Estate Society.

Learn more about Fisher's Real Estate specialization below:

• Real Estate Specialization Sheet (New GE)
• Real Estate Specialization Sheet (Legacy GE)

*Real Estate specialization students must earn a C- or greater

The Special Area Specialization (SAS) is designed for students with well-defined academic and career interests that are not represented by Fisher’s 11 existing BSBA specializations. This option allows highly motivated students to create a customized, interdisciplinary plan of study in consultation with faculty and academic advisors. The SAS encourages intellectual curiosity and academic exploration across departments and disciplines at Ohio State.

To pursue a Special Area Specialization, students must:

• Conduct a thorough review of academic programs across Ohio State to confirm that the proposed area of study is not already available through another major or minor
• Consult with faculty to identify appropriate courses that provide depth and cohesion
• Meet with an academic advisor in the Fisher Undergraduate Programs and Advising Office to review application materials and requirements
• Submit a completed application, including:
  • Student information, proposed title and faculty approval
  • A rationale for the SAS and how it supports the student’s academic and career goals
  • A list of 15–18 credit hours of proposed coursework

Students must have a 3.0 GPA and at least 30 credit hours completed at Ohio State to be eligible.

• Special Area Specialization Sheet

To request a change to your current specialization, email your academic advisor by the deadlines below:

• Summer admission – January 31
• Autumn admission – June 1
• Spring admission – September 15

Eligibility Requirements:

• At least 12 semester hours of letter-graded Ohio State credit (earned after high school graduation)

Admission is not guaranteed and varies by specialization. To stay on track for graduation, we recommend being admitted into your preferred specialization at least three semesters before graduating.

Have questions? Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor.

Pursuing a second specialization is an option, but it’s important to understand the guidelines:

• Only one specialization is required to earn the BSBA degree. A second is optional and not guaranteed.
• Completing a second specialization may extend your time to graduate.
• Enrollment in courses for a second specialization is not guaranteed.
• We recommend completing your first specialization before starting coursework for a second.
• Admission into some specializations is competitive and GPA requirements may vary by term.
• Specializations appear on your transcript, not your diploma.

Students interested in completing a second specialization should schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor.