Business Administration

I study AI for business at USC (so a bit of a tangent from the traditional business degree). The business classes are all fairly simple as long as you put in effort outside of class hours (ie. you do need to study). The harder workload comes from the more advanced classes such as BUAD313 or BUAD312. However, their counterparts (311 & 310) are much simpler. The engineering classes are a bit more difficult and time-intensive, which may be why I consider the business portion a bit easier. I think it is doable to graduate with high degrees if you are in regular BA.

I really love Marshall, the professors and students are all very ambitious and dedicated. There is a lot of hands-on learning and in-class discussions, so while there are a lot of lectures it is still very interactive. I’ve felt very prepared for the workplace and think that my classes have taught me a lot that I’ve been able to apply to my internships.

This major is well structured and the work you do is all very easy. You make the most of this major by exploring the career and student organization resources.

Overall it was quite easy in terms of workload and thought process compared to different majors from what I’ve witnessed.

As a current student in USC's Business Administration program, I've found the experience at the Marshall School of Business to be incredibly dynamic and rewarding. The program excels in blending rigorous academic theory with practical, real-world application, forcing us to tackle relevant case studies and collaborative projects from day one. What truly sets it apart, however, is the unparalleled power of the Trojan network; the access to internships, guest lecturers from top industries, and a genuinely supportive alumni base is tangible and invaluable. The curriculum is flexible enough to explore diverse interests, from finance to marketing analytics, all while being surrounded by ambitious, bright peers and supportive faculty, which collectively creates an environment that truly prepares you for a successful career.

Good major. A lot of resources, mentorship program, and networking opportunities. The workload is not heavy

Highly career-oriented major. Networking & Recruiting outside the classroom is more useful than contents taught in class.

Coursework of Business administration is easier than I thought. But for this major, the extracurricular activities are more important. You need to be proactive to participate in info sessions and networking events.

I chose Business Administration because it blends analytical thinking with real-world application—allowing me to explore strategy, marketing, and finance while developing leadership and communication skills. My favorite aspect is the case-based learning and teamwork, which simulate real business decision-making. The most challenging part is managing group projects and quantitative coursework simultaneously, as the workload can be heavy during midterms. Faculty are generally supportive and accessible, especially for career guidance. There are many internship and networking opportunities, and the major offers strong preparation for consulting, finance, or entrepreneurship.

Math-realted courses (Econ, Accounting, Finance) are pretty test heavy and will take a long time to study.