Whitman School of Management Launches New Summer Business Academy for Current Syracuse Undergrads

Are you a Syracuse University undergraduate student who would like to add a solid understanding of business concepts to your resumé? The Whitman School of Management is excited to announce the launch of its inaugural Summer Business Academy, an intensive program allowing current undergraduate, non-business majors at Syracuse University to complete five of the six required courses for a business minor over the summer at a discounted cost, regardless of class year.

The Summer Business Academy is designed for non-business majors interested in gaining a foundational understanding of various business principles. Taught by experienced Whitman instructors, courses will cover accounting, finance, marketing, human resources and business law. Students who participate in all five courses will receive a grant decreasing the total tuition cost to $15,000—a savings of over 50%.

“We are excited to announce the Whitman School’s inaugural Summer Business Academy, which will provide Syracuse University non-business majors with a unique opportunity to explore topics that complement their current academic track,” says Alex McKelvie, interim dean of the Whitman School. “This program will also connect them with like-minded peers, allow them to build professional networks with Whitman faculty, alumni and supporters, and enhance their resumés with a business background that is sure to give them a real advantage in a competitive job market.”

A hybrid model, the Summer Business Academy will kick-off with an in-person Maymester session (May 12 to 23) with MGT 355: Strategic Human Resource Management. It will continue with synchronous online courses during Summer Session 1 (May 27 to June 27), ACC 201: Essentials of Accounting and LPP 255: Introduction to the Legal System; and Summer Session 2 (June 30 to Aug. 8) FIN 301: Essentials of Finance and MAR301: Essential of Marketing, totaling 15 credits. The final three-credit requirement for the minor, EEE 370: Intro to Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises, can be completed at the Whitman School at any time during the regular academic year—and even through some Syracuse Abroad locations.

According to Lindsay Quilty, assistant dean for undergraduate programs at the Whitman School, “Over the years, we have had many students who request to take more classes at Whitman as they pursue their studies in other colleges across the University and realize how important business is in every field and industry. Because of this demand, Whitman has created the perfect opportunity to learn these essentials through the Summer Business Academy, a lower cost, intensive business minor.”

The application deadline for the 2025 Summer Business Academy is Tuesday, April 15. Students must be able to participate in the in-person Maymester session, and the tuition grant is available only to students taking the full 15 credits. All applicants must be in good academic standing at their home school or college and are advised to speak to their academic advisor to understand how this program’s credits will count towards degree completion.

For more information, contact Quilty at lquilty@syr.edu or visit Summer Business Academy.