Resources - What Classes Should I Take in High School To Become a Business Major?
Business programs don’t have prerequisites like a pre-med or engineering program does. That said, there are some strategic choices you can make over your high school years to prepare yourself for a business major in college.
Freshman and sophomore year
Business-specific courses aren’t commonly available in the first two years of high school, but you can still build a foundation for your future studies. Taking standard or advanced math and English coursework is important, because business schools want to see applicants who are skilled in both numbers and words. If it’s possible to take an introductory economics or personal finance elective in your freshman or sophomore year, do it. These courses are a good opportunity to see whether you truly like the subject.
Junior year
AP courses become available in the junior year at many high schools. AP Calculus (AB or BC) and AP Statistics provide a strong math preparation for business majors. AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics can also give students a solid foundation for college-level business courses. If any of these are offered, it’s a good idea to consider these options alongside your math, economics and English courses.
Senior year
At this point, your transcript reflects strong academic preparation for business studies. Taking a public speaking or data-focused class can complement what you’ve already learned. You can also explore whether your high school has partnerships with local community colleges, which can give you the opportunity to take business-focused courses for transferable credits. Leadership roles in school clubs or part-time jobs outside of school can also boost your application to business school.
If your high school doesn’t offer any of the AP or business-specific courses on this list, don’t worry. Admissions readers at colleges and universities understand that not every school offers the same opportunities. If you consistently challenge yourself in math, English and economics courses, it shows you're ready for the rigor of a business curriculum.
