Supply Chain Management

Major Description

Supply Chain Management studies the movement of materials from their procurement as raw material, parts, or components through the manufacturing or processing sector to the marketing and distribution of end products for industrial or commercial users. It spans processes such as procurement, purchasing, plant and transportation logistics, demand fulfillment, and promotion management. For most manufacturing, distribution and retail companies, supply chains constitute a significant amount of their annual spending – large corporations may have billions of dollars of annual supply chain related costs. Managing this supply chain effectively is vital to compete in a global and hyper-competitive environment.

More About Supply Chain Management

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

BADM 310- Management and Organizational Behavior
BADM 320- Principles of Marketing

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Graduates with a supply chain management background can find employment in a wide range of occupational specialties including logistics, facility management, transportation management, traffic management, operations and production, and purchasing, to name but a few. Salaries for recent graduates in supply chain programs, according to several surveys, rank near the top among the various business majors.

Common Career Skills

Negotiations
Team building
Relationship management
Strategic Planning
Cost/price Analysis

Common Career Titles

Logistics Analyst
Materials Management
Production Planner
Purchasing Specialist
Quality Management Specialist
Vendor Relations Manager

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- OTCR Consulting: Works with clients ranging in size from startups to Fortune 500 corporations with service offerings that span Business Strategy, Technology Strategy, and Technology Implementation.
- Phi Beta Lambda: Provides members with leadership skills and professionalism in preparation for the business world.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Supply Chain Management. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Supply Chain Management. These organizations include American Management Association and Institute for Supply Management.

Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

Major Description

The Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (SIE) Major examines how business opportunities are identified and exploited for society through existing and new organizations. Students will learn how to generate and evaluate ideas, develop those ideas into products and services, assemble resources (including finances), mitigate risks, and lead organizations that meet human needs. The SIE degree prepares students to work within existing organizations and create new for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.

More About SIE

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

BADM 310- Management and Organizational Behavior
BADM 320- Principles of Marketing
BADM 341- Foundations of Strategic Management

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (SIE) students are equipped to develop and manage new businesses, either as independent startups or new business units within existing companies. SIE graduates are prepared for careers as innovators with an existing organization, managers in a creativity-driven field, or developers of new business ventures. Entrepreneurship requires vision, and SIE students are encouraged to be bold as they consider career paths in business development, consulting, private equity, product management, venture capital, and more. Some students may even start their own businesses while they earn their Gies baccalaureate SIE degrees.

Common Career Skills

Oral & Written communication skills
Active listening skills
Critical thinking
Ability to work well with people of differing personalities and background
Ability to make appropriate decisions and sound judgments
Ability to persuade and influence others
Possess a good understanding of vocabulary and have effective communication skills
Ability to solve problems
Physical stamina and emotional well-being
Aptitude for selling
Negotiations
Team building
Relationship management
Strategic Planning

Common Career Titles

Consultant, Management or Organizational
Entrepreneur
Job Analyst
Organizational Development Specialist
Product Analyst
Consultant
Strategy Consultant

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Consider joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to the SIE Major.

Ascend
Illinois Enactus
iVenture Accelerator
FACES Consulting
Founders
Future Business Leader of America
Minority Business Students Association
OTCR Consulting
Society of Women in Business
TAMID

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Supply Chain Management. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Supply Chain Management. Such professional organizations include-

The IndUS Entrepreneurs
The United States Chamber of Commerce
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
The International Entrepreneurs Association, United Kingdom
The International Franchise Association
Business Professionals of America
Business Network International (BNI)
The American Management Association
The American Business Women’s Association
National Association of Black Accountants
The National Association for the Self-Employed
The National Federation of Independent Business
The National Association of Entrepreneurship
TiE Global Network
U.S. Small Business Administration
National Small Business Association
The United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship

The Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (SIE) Major replaced the now-extinct Strategic Business Development and Entrepreneurship (SBD&E) Major.

Operations Management

Major Description

Operations Management centers on integration of technology, people, and operating procedures to execute ongoing organizational tasks. It focuses on analyses, design, and management of processes so the service or product is produced faster, at less cost, and with higher quality. Understanding and improving decision-making is emphasized, along with becoming more productive in work and life, and practicing fact-based management.

More About Operations Management

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

BADM 275- Fundamentals of Operations Management

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

There are a number of options available to students who major in Business Process Management.

Common Career Skills

Understanding of computer and other technologies
Quantitative reasoning skills
Teamwork
Communication skills
Understanding of business systems

Common Career Titles

Consultant
Human Resource Manager
Marketing
Project Manager
Quality Manager Specialist
Strategy Consultant
Supply Chain Analyst

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- OTCR Consulting: Works with clients ranging in size from startups to Fortune 500 corporations with service offerings that span Business Strategy, Technology Strategy, and Technology Implementation.
- Phi Beta Lambda business society: Provides members with leadership skills and professionalism in preparation for the business world.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Business Process Management professionals. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of BPM. These organizations include American Management Association and BPM Institute.

Marketing

Major Description

Marketing encompasses business activities directly related to the process of placing meaningful assortments of goods and services in the hands of the consumer. It is concerned with the efficient performance of marketing activities and their effective coordination with other operations of the firm. Initially, students graduating with this concentration are qualified for entry-level positions in marketing, sales, and marketing research. They may be selling consumer goods to retailers and wholesale industrial goods to manufacturing or services to consumer and business users.

More About Marketing

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

BADM 320- Principles of Marketing

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Marketing majors start in entry-level positions in marketing, sales, market research, and more.

Common Career Skills

Ability to work well with people of differing personalities and background
Ability to make appropriate decisions and sound judgments
Ability to persuade and influence others
Possess a good understanding of vocabulary and have effective communications skills
Good knowledge of marketing techniques and consumer products and needs
Ability to solve problems
Physical stamina and emotional well-being
Aptitude for selling

Common Career Titles

Account Representative
Advertising Executive
Art Director
Bank Officer
Buyer
Claims Adjuster or Examiner
Consumer Loan Officer
Credit Manager
Credit or Loan Administrator
Customer Service Manager
Distribution Manager
Financial Planner
International Marketer
Investment Manager
Lobbyist
Marketing Director
Marketing Planner
Marketing Researcher
Packaging Specialist
Product Manager
Promotions Director
Product Analyst
Public Relations Manager
Purchasing Agent
Media Planner
Merchandising Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Representative
Specialty Advertising
Wholesale Salesperson

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- American Marketing Association: Provides business students with the opportunity to take part in marketing activities and listen to professional speakers.
- Krannert Center Student Association: Promotes and celebrates the arts by providing volunteer opportunities and activities that unite those who appreciate the arts throughout the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, the University of Illinois, and larger communities.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Marketing. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Marketing. Check out the American Marketing Association and The American Advertising Federation.

Management

Major Description

Management is designed to prepare students to be leaders and innovators in analyzing and solving managerial problems that every organization faces in its day-to-day operations. To be effective, managers must be able to design organizations that can compete in complex and volatile business environments, as well as execute their strategies within these organizations. Effective managers also must be ethical leaders and competent decision makers who formulate goals and long-term plans, build effective teams, and motivate their employees.

More About Management

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

BADM 310- Management and Organizational Behavior

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

A management degree is a solid foundation for any number of future business careers.

Common Career Skills

Leadership
Problem solving
Sound decision-making
Critical thinking
Numerical computation
Oral & written communication
Organizing activities
Computer literacy
Planning activities
Flexibility
Team player
Coordinating activities
Directing activities and staff
Cross-cultural skills
Interpersonal skills
Analyze and interpret data

Common Career Titles

Administrative Services Manager
Advertising Executive
Business Credit or Loan Administrator
City Manager
Compensation or Benefits Administrator
Consultant, Management or Organizational
Consumer Credit or Loan Officer
Contract Administrator
Database Administrator
Department Store Manager
Employment Agency Counselor
Entrepreneur
Facilities Manager
Hospital or HMO Administrator
Human Resource Manager
Insurance Agent or Broker
IRS Investigator
Job Analyst
Management Accountant
Manager Trainee
Nursing Home Administrator
Organizational Development Specialist
Plant Manager
Production Manager
Property Manager
Public Relations Specialist
Purchasing Agent
Restaurant Manager
Sales Representative

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Society for Business and Management in Architecture: Informs and educates architecture students about the large array of opportunities available to them in the fields of firm management, real estate, construction management, development and law.
- Construction Management Association of America: Encourage the development of a professional consciousness among construction engineering and management students.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Management. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Management. These organizations include American Management Association and Society for Human Resource Management.

Information Systems

Major Description

Information Systems provides students the skills necessary to understand and manage information, information technology development, systems analysis, e-business management, and electronic commerce. Information Systems (IS) professionals are interested in the application of information technology to business activities. They are concerned with the design and implementation of information systems to support the information processing needs of an organization.

More About IS

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

BADM 350- IT for Networked Organizations

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Majors in Information Systems’ ability to understand both technical and business concepts will make graduates an ideal project manager, consultant, or systems analyst.

Common Career Skills

Math & Science skills
Research
Design systems
Oral & Written communication skills
Understanding of computer programs
Active listening skills
Critical thinking
Investigating data to solve problems
Ability to prepare technical reports
Work independently and on a team

Common Career Titles

Data Communications Analyst
Consultant
End-User Computing Manager
Inventory Manager
Product Development Manager
Quality Assurance Analyst
Medical Systems Designer
Applications Programmer
Operating Systems Programmer
Software Tester
Web Master
Telecommunications Manager

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Association for Information Systems: Progresses knowledge in the use of IT to improve organizational performance and individual quality of work life.
- Business Leaders of Today: Prepares members for professional life after college within their careers and how to effectively be a leader.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Information Systems. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of IS. These organizations include Association for Information Systems and Association of Information Technology Professionals.

Finance + Data Science

Major Description

The Department of Finance sponsors this major in collaboration with the Departments of Statistics, Computer Science, iSchool, and Mathematics. The Finance + Data Science Major is designed for students seeking to supplement their finance foundation with a strong background in data science. This major prepares students for professional or graduate work in all Finance fields, particularly those focused on data analytics.

More About Finance + Data Science

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

FIN 221- Corporate Finance
CS 107- Data Science Discovery or IS 107 or STAT 107

Possible Career Opportunities

The study of finance is designed to provide students with both the theoretical background and the analytic tools required to make effective financial judgments. Finance students select careers in business financial management, financial analysis, commercial and investment banking, investments, government finance, insurance, and real estate.

Common Career Skills

Active listening
Writing & Speaking skills
Critical thinking
Computer skills
Data Analysis
Mathematics
Prepare/organize records
Plan & Administer budgets

Common Career Titles

Account Executive
Account/Branch Manager
Analyst
Consultant
Credit Advisor
Employee Benefits
Financial Auditor
Financial Data Analyst
Financial Planner
Inventory Control Specialist
Manager
Researcher
Sales
Stockbroker

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

ASCEND
Data Science Club
Finance Academy

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Finance. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse into the world of Finance. These organizations include the American Finance Association and the Financial Management Association.The Finance + Data Science Major is among the three newest Gies College majors. The Finance + Data Science Major was introduced to campus in August 2022.

Finance

Major Description

The field of Finance is primarily concerned with the acquisition and management of funds by business firms, governments, and individuals. A business seeks financial advice when considering the purchase of new equipment, the expansion of present facilities, or the raising of additional funds. Determining the value of financial and real assets and derivatives is a key activity in Finance. Finance is designed to provide students with both the theoretical background and the analytical tools required to make effective judgments in these situations.

More About Finance

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

FIN 221- Corporate Finance

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

As the study of finance is designed to provide the student with both the theoretical background and the analytic tools required to make effective judgments in finance, many students select careers in business financial management, commercial and investment banking, investments, government finance, insurance, and real estate.

Common Career Skills

Active listening
Writing & Speaking skills
Critical thinking
Computer skills
Mathematics
Prepare/organize records
Plan & Administer budgets

Common Career Titles

Account Executive
Account/Branch Manager
Analyst
Consultant
Credit Advisor
Employee Benefits
Financial Auditor
Financial Planner
Inventory Control Specialist
Manager
Researcher
Sales
Stockbroker

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- ASCEND Student Chapter: Promotes the development of leadership skills in Asian and Pacific Islander students interested in pursing a career in accounting, finance and other business related professions.
- Personal Finance Club: Works together as an organization to achieve an elevated level of professionalism.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Finance. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Finance. These organizations include American Finance Association and Financial Management Association.

Business + Data Science

Major Description

The Department of Business Administration sponsors this major in collaboration with the Departments of Statistics, Computer Science, iSchool, and Mathematics. The Business + Data Science Major is designed for students seeking to supplement their Business Specializations foundations with a strong background in data science. This major prepares students for professional and graduate work while involving a particular distinction for analytics.

More About Business + Data Science

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

CS 107, IS 107 or STAT 107- Data Science Discovery
BADM 350- IT for Networked Organizations
BADM 310- Mgmt and Organizational Behavior
BADM 275- Fundamentals of Operations Management

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The Business + Data Science Major will develop abilities to understand technical and business concepts, making graduates ideal Project Managers, Consultants, or Systems Analysts.

Common Career Skills

Research
Design systems
Understanding of computer programs
Critical thinking
Investigating data to solve problems
Ability to prepare technical reports
Work independently and on a team
Leadership
Problem-solving
Sound decision-making
Critical thinking
Numerical computation
Organizing activities
Computer literacy
Planning activities
Flexibility
Team player
Coordinating activities
Directing activities and staff
Cross-cultural skills
Interpersonal skills
Analyze and interpret data
Quantitative reasoning skills
Teamwork
Communication skills
Understanding of business systems

Common Career Titles

Data Communications Analyst
Consultant
End-User Computing Manager
Inventory Manager
Product Development Manager
Quality Assurance Analyst
Medical Systems Designer
Applications Programmer
Operating Systems Programmer
Telecommunications Manager
Administrative Services Manager
Business Credit or Loan Administrator
Compensation or Benefits Administrator
Consultant, Management or Organizational
Contract Administrator
Database Administrator
Entrepreneur
Facilities Manager
Hospital or HMO Administrator
Human Resource Manager
Insurance Agent or Broker
Job Analyst
Management Accountant
Manager Trainee
Organizational Development Specialist
Plant Manager
Production Manager
Property Manager
Purchasing Agent
Consultant
Human Resource Manager
Project Manager
Quality Manager Specialist
Strategy Consultant
Supply Chain Analyst

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Association for Information Systems: Progresses knowledge in the use of IT to improve organizational performance and individual quality of work life.
Business Leaders of Today: Prepares members for professional life after college within their careers and how to effectively be a leader.
Society for Business and Management in Architecture: Informs and educates architecture students about the large array of opportunities available to members in firm management, real estate, construction management, development, and law.
Construction Management Association of America: Encourage the development of a professional consciousness among construction engineering and management students.
OTCR Consulting: Works with clients ranging in size from startups to Fortune 500 corporations with service offerings that span Business Strategy, Technology Strategy, and Technology Implementation.
Phi Beta Lambda Business Society: Provides members with leadership skills and professionalism in preparation for the business world.
Illinois Data Science Club: students explore data-oriented careers through special projects. It offers a speaker series about cutting-edge research in data science and networking events with top data science companies.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to the Information Systems (IS) Specialization. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse into the world of IS. These organizations include the Association for Information Systems and the Association of Information Technology Professionals.

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Management Specialization. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse into the world of Management. These organizations include the American Management Association and the Society for Human Resource Management.

There are several professional organizations dedicated to the Operations Management (OM) Specialization. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse into the world of OM These organizations include the American Management Association and the BPM Institute.

The Business + Data Science Major is among the three newest Gies College majors. The Business + Data Science Major was introduced to campus in August 2023.

Accountancy + Data Science

Major Description

The Department of Accountancy sponsors this major in collaboration with the Departments of Statistics, Computer Science, iSchool, and Mathematics. The Accountancy + Data Science Major is designed for students seeking to supplement their accounting foundation with a strong background in data science. This major prepares students for professional or graduate work in all Accounting fields, particularly those focused on analytics.

More About Accountancy + Data Science

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

ACCY 201- Accounting and Accountancy I
ACCY 202- Accounting and Accountancy II
CS 107- Data Science Discovery or IS 107 or STAT 107

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Accountancy + Data Science students may become Accountants, but there are also other possibilities like Controller, Data Analyst, Forensic Accountant, Finance Director, Risk and Compliance professional, and Environmental Accountant. If you wish to pursue a career as an Accountant, you may still have some choices to make. There are many different types of Accounting (e.g., tax and audit) and there are various work settings to consider. You can be a government accountant working at the city, state, or federal levels. You may decide to work in public accounting for a small firm, a regional firm, or one of the “Big Four” accounting firms. You could join the Accounting Department in the corporate office of a large company or take a position as the only Accountant for a small business. Since all businesses require some type of accounting function, the possibilities are endless!

Common Career Skills

Problem solver
Adapt well to frequent change
Organized
Numerical computation
Analyze and interpret data
Critical thinking
Computer literacy
Systemizing skills
Efficient
Work independently or in teams
Logical thinking
Oral and written communication

Common Career Titles

Budget Analyst
Credit Manager
Actuary
Data Analyst
FBI Agent
Financial Analyst
IRS Agent
Management Consultant
Statistician
Underwriter
Banker
Research Analyst
Tax Accountant
Loan-Consumer Credit
Estate Planner
Fund Raiser
Treasurer
Actuary
Claims Adjuster
Commodities Trader
Industrial Buyer
Assistant Controller
Auditor
Consumer Credit Officer
International Trade Specialist
Collection Agent
Bank Examiner
Governmental Accountant
Controller
Personal Financial Planner
Inventory Control Specialist
Commercial Banker
Industrial Accountant
IRS Investigator
Loan Administrator
Stockbroker
Certified Public Accountant
Loan Officer / Consumer Credit
ax Specialist
Estate Planner
Management Consultant
Trust Accountant
Claim Adjuster/Examiner
Commodities Trader
Financial Investment Analyst
Insurance Agent/Broker
International Trade Specialist
Public Accountant
Securities Broker
Budgetary Control Analyst

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Accounting Club
National Association of Black Accountants
Tax Club
Data Science Club

Further Information

The Accountancy + Data Science Major is among the three newest Gies College majors. The Accountancy + Data Science Major was introduced to campus in August 2022.