Meredith College School of Business

Meredith College, located in the vibrant city of Raleigh, North Carolina, is a private, four-year, comprehensive institution that has long stood as a symbol of academic excellence, leadership development, and personal growth. Since its founding in 1891, the college has been committed to educating strong women and, more recently, both women and men in select graduate and post-baccalaureate programs. Meredith offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, with its School of Business standing out as a hub for those seeking to excel in the complex and dynamic world of commerce.

The School of Business at Meredith College delivers high-quality programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, the Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and the Master of Business Administration (MBA). These programs are designed not only to build strong business acumen but also to instill ethical leadership, communication skills, and the confidence needed to thrive in diverse professional settings. With rigorous academics, experienced faculty, and real-world learning opportunities, Meredith equips students with the tools they need to make a meaningful impact in the business world.

The School of Business: Mission and Vision

Meredith College’s School of Business is guided by a mission to prepare students to become ethical leaders in the global economy. The school combines theory with practical application, developing graduates who can think critically, solve problems, and lead with integrity. Whether pursuing a career in accounting, finance, marketing, or management, students are challenged to understand business concepts within a broader ethical, cultural, and global context.

Through a combination of classroom instruction, case studies, internships, and group projects, students learn to navigate the complexities of business decision-making. The curriculum is designed to be adaptable to the changing demands of the marketplace, ensuring that students graduate not only with knowledge but with the skills to apply it effectively.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Flexibility and Career Focus

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Meredith College is a comprehensive undergraduate program tailored to meet the needs of students preparing for a variety of professional paths. Whether students aim to enter the banking sector, pursue a career in marketing, work in consulting, or specialize in human resource management, this degree provides a strong foundation in core business principles.

The curriculum includes courses in economics, management, finance, marketing, statistics, organizational behavior, and strategic planning. The goal is to develop well-rounded professionals who understand both the technical and human sides of business. In addition to academic instruction, students benefit from mentorship opportunities, career services support, and access to internships that help bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace.

Students are also encouraged to engage with extracurricular opportunities, such as business clubs and honor societies, which allow them to build leadership skills and develop professional networks. These experiences reinforce the lessons learned in the classroom and enhance employability upon graduation.

Bachelor of Science in Accounting: Preparing the Financial Experts of Tomorrow

Meredith’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting program is carefully structured to prepare students for careers in various accounting fields, including public accounting, internal auditing, taxation, and managerial accounting. The program emphasizes technical competence, ethical responsibility, and effective communication—all essential qualities in the accounting profession.

Courses in financial accounting, auditing, cost accounting, taxation, and governmental accounting provide a thorough grounding in both theory and practice. The program is also designed to meet the educational requirements for students who wish to pursue the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination, which is a common next step for those interested in working in public accounting or advancing in the field.

What sets Meredith’s accounting program apart is its integration of liberal arts education with professional preparation. Students not only master accounting techniques but also learn to think critically about the role of financial information in organizational decision-making. They develop the ability to explain complex financial data to non-experts and contribute meaningfully to strategic planning processes within any organization.

Master of Business Administration: Leadership for the Global Economy

The MBA program at Meredith College is a standout offering, recognized for its rigorous academics, leadership development, and flexibility. Designed for working professionals as well as recent graduates, the program helps individuals strengthen their leadership capacity, expand their business knowledge, and increase their confidence in tackling complex problems.

With a curriculum that covers finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and global management, the Meredith MBA prepares students to succeed in today’s competitive and rapidly evolving global business environment. Ethical leadership and communication are at the heart of the program, ensuring that graduates lead with integrity and effectiveness in diverse organizational settings.

One of the key features of the MBA program is its flexibility. Courses are offered in the evenings and in hybrid formats, allowing students to balance work, school, and personal responsibilities. Small class sizes create an intimate learning environment where students receive personalized attention from faculty members who are experts in their fields.

Students also benefit from Meredith’s strong ties to the Raleigh business community. Networking events, guest lectures, and partnerships with local companies provide valuable insights into industry trends and open the door to internship and job opportunities. Whether students want to climb the corporate ladder, start their own businesses, or transition into new careers, the Meredith MBA offers the skills and support to make it happen.

Accreditation: A Standard of Excellence

Meredith College’s School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. AACSB accreditation is widely regarded as the highest standard of excellence in business education, signifying a commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and academic rigor.

This accreditation reflects Meredith’s dedication to providing a top-tier business education. It assures students that they are receiving instruction from qualified faculty, following a curriculum that is current and relevant, and engaging in a learning environment that promotes ethical and responsible business practices.

AACSB accreditation also enhances the value of a Meredith business degree in the job market. Employers recognize the accreditation as a mark of quality, and graduates often enjoy greater opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential as a result.

National Rankings and Recognition

Meredith College has consistently received national recognition for its academic excellence, value, and commitment to student success. In the 2013 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, Meredith was placed third among the South’s Best Regional Colleges. This ranking reflects the college’s strong reputation, high graduation and retention rates, and overall quality of education.

Additionally, Meredith was included on the “Great Schools, Great Prices” list, ranked ninth among regional colleges in the South. This designation takes into account both academic quality and the net cost of attendance, highlighting Meredith’s ability to provide an excellent education at a competitive price.

The Princeton Review also named Meredith one of the best colleges in the Southeast in its “Best in the Southeast” section. This recognition is based on student surveys and reflects the positive experiences of those who attend Meredith. Students praise the college for its supportive community, dedicated professors, and opportunities for leadership and growth.

Meredith’s global engagement efforts have also been recognized. According to the Open Doors 2007 report, Meredith ranked 24th for study abroad participation among master’s institutions. This ranking underscores the college’s commitment to preparing students for success in a globalized world. Business students, in particular, benefit from these international experiences, which deepen their understanding of global markets, cultures, and business practices.

Global Perspective and Ethical Leadership

A defining feature of Meredith’s business programs is their emphasis on ethical leadership and global awareness. In a world where business decisions often have far-reaching implications, Meredith aims to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also socially responsible.

Courses across the business curriculum explore the ethical dimensions of decision-making, the importance of sustainability, and the role of diversity and inclusion in modern organizations. Students are encouraged to think critically about their responsibilities as leaders and to consider the impact of their actions on employees, customers, communities, and the environment.

Global awareness is also deeply embedded in the Meredith experience. The college encourages students to study abroad, participate in international internships, and engage in cross-cultural learning. These experiences prepare students to navigate and lead in an increasingly interconnected world, where understanding different perspectives is a critical component of success.

Student Experience and Career Development

Meredith College places a strong emphasis on the overall student experience. Small class sizes allow for meaningful interaction between students and faculty, and the college’s student-centered approach ensures that each individual receives the guidance and support they need to thrive.

Business students have access to a variety of resources to help them plan their careers and develop professionally. The Office of Career Planning provides services such as resume reviews, mock interviews, job search strategies, and career counseling. Additionally, students can participate in career fairs, alumni networking events, and employer information sessions.

Internships are an integral part of the business programs, providing students with valuable hands-on experience. Meredith’s location in Raleigh—a growing hub for business, technology, healthcare, and education—offers numerous opportunities for internships and employment. Many students find internships that lead directly to full-time job offers after graduation.

Students are also encouraged to take on leadership roles in campus organizations, business clubs, and community service initiatives. These activities build confidence, foster collaboration, and enhance students’ resumes, making them competitive candidates in the job market.

Conclusion

Meredith College stands out as a leader in business education, offering a rich blend of academic excellence, ethical leadership training, and real-world preparation. Through its School of Business, Meredith provides students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in today’s global economy. With programs such as the Bachelor of Science in Accounting, the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and the MBA, the college offers pathways for students at different stages of their educational and professional journeys.

The School of Business’s AACSB accreditation confirms the high quality of its programs, while national rankings and recognitions affirm its value and impact. From undergraduate education to graduate-level leadership training, Meredith empowers students to become thoughtful, capable, and ethical professionals ready to make a difference.

With a strong focus on personalized learning, career readiness, global engagement, and community involvement, Meredith College offers more than just a degree—it offers an experience that shapes the whole person. For students looking to pursue a career in business within a supportive and forward-thinking academic environment, Meredith is a place where aspirations are nurtured, and futures are built.