A student can complete a four-year degree here at Altoona in Business (BSBAL) or Accounting (ACCAL). All students interested in staying in Altoona can be placed into the pre-major of ALBUS or DUS.
B.S. in Business completed at Altoona—Pre-major ALBUS
The Business degree is a B.S. in BUSINESS degree with option areas in include:
- Accounting
- Business Data Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Management and Marketing
- Individualized Option in Economics
- Individualized Option
Entrance to Major can occur upon completion of ECON 102 and MATH 22 or higher (040, 041, 110, 140) and credits completed > 29.1 and 2.00 or higher cumulative grade-point average.
B.S. in Accounting—Pre-major ALBUS
The Accounting degree is a B.S. in Accounting. Entry to the Accounting major requires the completion of eight entry-to-major courses: ACCTG 211, ECON 102, ENGL 151 or ENGL 301, FIN 301, MATH 1101 or MATH 1401, MGMT 301, MKTG 301, SCM 2001 or STAT 2001; and a 2.00 or higher cumulative grade-point average.
Food for Thought
- Some students complete more than one option when they stay in Altoona (e.g., Management/Marketing and Accounting). It is not difficult to switch options if you decide you don’t like the option you have selected.
- The Sheetz Fellows program is an opportunity you should begin in spring of your sophomore year.
- Language is NOT required for the Altoona Business program (except for admissions). If you complete a language at the third level, we can use it to fulfill a general education requirement (e.g., GN).
- MATH 110 is NOT a “C or better required” course for the Altoona Business (BSBAL) major.
The Sheetz Fellows Program
First-year Entrepreneur Class—ENTR 496-Section 001 (First-year students)
The Sheetz Fellows experience offers "an education for leadership" in the best tradition of the Business program. It molds well-rounded students who are ready for the world and prepares students for citizenship and lifetime learning. Fellows will be acknowledged at graduation, and their accomplishments will be noted on their diplomas. Their achievements will be valuable features of their post-graduate résumés and application materials. In short, Fellows will aspire to the kind of high achievement, values, and integrity associated with the Sheetz name and the Penn State reputation.
Objectives
- To prepare students to be leaders
- To instill a sense of servant leadership through community service
- To challenge students to undertake a rigorous and stimulating academic experience
- To offer students mentoring opportunities with successful entrepreneurs and community leaders
- To provide students with an experiential education through study abroad and internships or research initiatives
- To encourage a sense of esprit de corps by participation in seminars, workshops, and professional development experiences
Benefits of the Fellows Program
- The most significant benefit to Sheetz Fellows is the mentoring opportunities provided by Steve Sheetz and select community leaders, in addition to the challenges it puts before students to undertake a rigorous and stimulating academic experience. Transformative academic development in the business/entrepreneurship program tradition is the hallmark benefit of the program: Fellows will graduate with in-depth academic credentials in at least two fields; develop ethical principles and leadership ability; and gain the ability to think critically, do independent research, communicate effectively, and demonstrate global and intercultural awareness. While all business program students gain such an education at Penn State, Fellows achieve an education of special ambition, depth, and distinction.
- Financial support for enrichment activities: Sheetz Fellows will receive a $5,000 scholarship during their third year and $10,000 scholarship during their fourth year. Additionally, a one-time stipend from the Sheetz Endowment Fund toward meeting their research, study abroad, and internship aspirations; and build a portfolio of experiences that will influence employers, professional schools, and graduate schools. These are the types of experiences that prepare students for leadership and that students and alumni describe as the most defining and unforgettable moments in their college careers.
- Special advising: A small advisory board of up to six members (comprised of Steve Sheetz or designee, the Director of the Sheetz Fellow Program, the Division Head of Business and Engineering, the Program Coordinator for Business, and one select faculty), in conjunction with the business/entrepreneurship program, will provide advising to Sheetz Fellows; ensure that students are meeting expectations in a timely way; administer applications for enrichment funds; and work with programs, Centers, and other university agencies to locate and create academic and co-curricular opportunities for students.
- Participation in a special academic community: Fellows will have opportunities to attend special seminars and presentations by visiting lecturers, business activities, off-campus expeditions, and even social events that promote group identity and a sense of esprit de corps.
Curriculum Checksheet
For Penn State Altoona's Bachelor of Science in Business
B.S.B. Degree Requires a Minimum of 120 Credits (A minimum of 15 credits must be taken at the 400 level.)
This checksheet applies to students entering the program after the summer 2024 semester.
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| ENGL 15 | Yes/No |
| CAS 100 | Yes/No |
| ENGL 202D | Yes/No |
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| MATH 110 (4 credits) | Yes/No |
| SCM 200 or STAT 200 (4 credits) | Yes/No |
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| Arts Course (GA): 3 credits | Yes/No |
| Health and Wellness Course (GHW): 3 credits | Yes/No |
| Humanities Course (GH): 3 credits | Yes/No |
| Natural Sciences Course (GN): 3 credits | Yes/No |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences Course (GS): 3 credits | Yes/No |
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| Integrated Studies Course 1: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| Integrated Studies Course 2: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| ECON 102: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| Exploration Course 2: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| Exploration Course 3: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| United Statues Cultures Course 1: 3 credits | Yes/No |
College Requirements
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| ACCT 211: 4 credits | Yes/No |
| MGMT 301: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| MKTG 301: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| FIN 301: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| MIS 204: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| SCM 301: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| BA 241: 2 credits | Yes/No |
| BA 242: 2 credits | Yes/No |
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| BA 321: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| BA 495A, B or C: 6 credits | Yes/No |
| BA 322: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| IB 303(IL): 3 credits | Yes/No |
| BA 420: 1 credit | Yes/No |
| BA 421: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| BA 422W: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| PSU 3: 1 credit | Yes/No |
| Elective 1: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| Elective 2: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| Elective 3: 3 credits | Yes/No |
Options (18 credits) Choose one option
Accounting Option
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| ACCTG 404: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| ACCTG 471: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| ACCTG 472: 3 credits (Semester 5-6) | Yes/No |
| ACCTG 403W: 3 credits (Semester 7-8) | Yes/No |
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| ACCT 405 or FINSV 411: 3 credits (Semester 7-8) | Yes/No |
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| Select 3 credits of 400-level courses from ACCTG, B A, ECON, ENTR, FIN, FINSV, H P A, I B, MGMT, MIS, MKTG, R M, or SCM (Semester 6-8) | Yes/No |
Entrepreneurship Option
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| ENTR 300: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| ENTR 320: 3 credits (Semester 5-6) | Yes/No |
| ENTR 400: 3 credits (Semester 7-8) | Yes/No |
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| Select 0-3 credits in CAS 352 or ENGL 419: 3 credits (Semester 7-8) | Yes/No |
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| Select 6-9 credits of 400-level ENTR courses in consultation with your adviser | Yes/No |
Management and Marketing Option
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| Select 0-6 credits from the following 3-credit courses: B A 250, CAS 250, CAS 252, CAS 352, CAS 404, ENGL 419, or MKTG 220 (Semester 5-8) | Yes/No |
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| A minimum of 3 credits of supporting courses must be selected at the 400-level | Yes/No |
| Select 3 credits in 300 or 400-level MGMT courses (Semester 5-8) | Yes/No |
| Select 3 credits in 300 or 400-level MKTG courses (Semester 5-8) | Yes/No |
| Select 6-12 additional credits in 300 or 400-level MGMT or MKTG courses (Semester 5-8) | Yes/No |
FINSV Option
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| FIN 420: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| ACCTG 405: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| Select 12 credits in 300- or 400-level (with at least 3 credits at the 400-level) from ACCTG, FIN, FINSV, or RM | Yes/No |
Business Data Analytics Option
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| MIS 301: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| MIS 345: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| MIS 431: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| MKTG 342, MKTG 480, MIS 336, MIS 404, MIS415, MIS441, MKTG 343, MKTG 473, MKTG 474, SCM 340, IST 310, ECON 481 | Yes/No |
Individualized Option
Focus Area: Economics
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| ECON 302: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| ECON 304: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| ECON 428: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| ECON 470: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| ECON 474: 3 credits | Yes/No |
| ECON 485: 3 credits | Yes/No |
Individualized Option
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| Select 28 credits in conjunction with your adviser. A minimum of 3 credits of supporting courses must be at the 400-level. | Yes/No |
Entrepreneurship Minor: 19 credits
| Course | Completed |
|---|---|
| ACCTG 211 | Yes/No |
| ECON 102 | Yes/No |
| 400-Level business course | Yes/No |
| ENTR 300 | Yes/No |
| ENTR 320 | Yes/No |
| 400-Level ENTR course | Yes/No |
Suggested Academic Plans
Suggested Academic Plans (SAPs) are semester-by-semester guides you can use to meet degree requirements. View all of Penn State Altoona's Suggested Academic Plans.
