Business Exploration

To apply to college as an undeclared business major, you typically follow the standard college application process but select a specific "exploration," "undeclared," or "general business" track on your application.

Here is how the process works at most universities, including Rochester Institute of Technology:

• Select the "Exploration" Pathway: On platforms like the Common Application, look under the university's specific major list. Instead of choosing a specialized major like accounting or marketing, select the “business exploration” option.
• Review Prerequisite Requirements: Even as an undeclared business student, you must meet the standard admissions requirements for the university's business school (such as specific high school math credits).
• Understand the Timeline: Most universities give undeclared business majors one to two years to sample foundational courses in accounting, finance, management, marketing, and other business disciplines before officially declaring a specific major.

For example, students applying to RIT's business exploration program take core business classes during their first year and work with academic advisors to officially declare their major by the end of their second year, ensuring they still graduate on time.

When exploring what kinds of business majors are available, the best business majors typically blend core business courses with technology. For example, Rochester Institute of Technology structures its undergraduate business curriculum around tech-infused and quantitative disciplines. RIT offers traditional business majors in accounting, finance, global business management, and marketing alongside highly technical fields like supply chain management and management information systems (MIS). For students interested in specialized industries or analytical tracks, options expand into hospitality and tourism management as well as a bachelor of science in economics—a frequent double-major choice for competitive business students.

Choosing a business major in college involves an analysis of your strengths and interests. Here are three steps to help you make a decision: 

1. Assess Your Analytical vs. Creative Strengths: Determine if you lean toward quantitative fields (finance, accounting) or strategic/relational fields (marketing, management).
2. Sample Diverse Disciplines Early: Take introductory courses across multiple areas of business before committing to a single track.
3. Leverage Academic and Career Advising: Partner with specialized mentors and academic advisors to map specific business majors to career interests and even long-term industry hiring trends.

To streamline this process, universities like Rochester Institute of Technology offer a dedicated business exploration program. This pathway allows students to take introductory courses across all core areas of business—offering a hands-on taste of different disciplines—while utilizing expert academic advising to narrow down the ideal major for their specific career goals.