Major in Management
If you want to become a leader, start a business, manage teams, or build a successful career in business, a Management degree can help you get there. The Idaho State University Management program prepares students with the leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills employers value across nearly every industry.
Management is a multidisciplinary business field that combines leadership, organizational behavior, psychology, sociology, and business operations. Students learn how organizations function, how teams work together, and how effective leaders motivate people, manage change, and drive results. Through hands-on, applied learning experiences, students gain practical skills they can use in internships, future careers, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Whether your goal is to launch your own business, advance into management roles, lead projects, or influence decision-making within an organization, the Management program provides the knowledge and experience to help you succeed. Students learn how to build high-performing teams, navigate workplace challenges, develop leadership strategies, and create positive organizational cultures.
One of the program's unique advantages is the Flexible BBA option, which allows many students to double major in Management and another business discipline such as Marketing, Economics, or Finance with little to no additional coursework. This flexibility helps students broaden their expertise and expand their career opportunities after graduation.
Career Outlook from Idaho Department of Labor
- Average salary for General and Operations Managers: $91,880 per year
- Projected job growth: 16.7% through 2032
- Annual statewide job openings: 1,640
Hands-On Learning and Real-World Management Experience
Shark Tank 101 Pitch Competition
This annual business plan competition gives students the opportunity to develop a business plan for an innovative product, service, or startup idea. Students research their market, build a viable business strategy, and pitch their ideas to a panel of experienced business leaders and industry professionals via Zoom for a chance to win cash prizes.
In addition to strengthening entrepreneurial thinking and business planning skills, participants develop valuable career-ready skills such as public speaking, persuasive communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional presentation. Winners of this competition typically advance to the College of Business's U.S. Bank Pitch-Off, where they compete for additional prize money and further refine their ideas before an even larger audience of judges and business professionals.
International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition
The International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition (ICBSC) is a rigorous competition challenging top-level students from around the world to complete 12 quarters (three years) of simulated business decisions expedited over the course of a semester in addition to submitting a formal business plan and annual report. Students then travel to Anaheim for an intense 72-hour competition against their international peers followed by a formal presentation to executive-level judges from companies throughout the western United States. Idaho State is the only university in the states of Idaho, Utah, Montana and Wyoming to participate in the ICBSC and has consistently placed within first or second place.
Small Business Consulting
This management course gives students the opportunity to work directly with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), one of several community business resources housed within the College of Business, to consult with real businesses facing real-world challenges. Students collaborate with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop solutions for complex issues such as financial planning, business strategy, marketing plans, and organizational growth.
Working with actual clients gives students valuable hands-on consulting experience while strengthening both technical business skills and essential professional skills. These real-world experiences help students build confidence, strengthen their resumes, and graduate with the practical experience employers seek.
Career-Ready Credentials and Professional Development Opportunities
Recognized for Quality
In 1978, the Idaho State University College of Business became the first business school in the state to receive accreditation from the International Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Over 40 years later, we continuously strive to meet these world class standards of excellence.
Elevate Your Degree
Set Yourself Apart
The College of Business is home to a unique Professional Development program, designed to prepare students for the career search as early as their freshman year. Our Professional Development team helps students navigate internships, networking opportunities and resume preparation.