What do you learn from an MBA or from majoring in business?
Interested in business or being an entrepreneur? Learn more about Pacific University’s MBA or undergraduate business major or minor.
What do you learn in business school? What job skills do you gain from majoring in business? And what do you learn in an MBA? Pursuing a business degree is about gaining the skills, confidence, and tools needed to lead effectively in today’s fast-changing business world. Students earning a business administration major/minor or an MBA program at Pacific University pursue their purpose to become well-rounded, forward-thinking business professionals who are equipped to tackle challenges, drive results, and make a meaningful impact across industries.
What do you learn in business school? Job skills employers look for.
Job skills employers look for in 2026 include leadership, management, communication, business development, strategy, and risk and compliance management. These are skills Pacific University students learn through our business degrees and programs. At Pacific University, these skills aren’t just buzzwords. They’re built into every course, project, and interaction, ensuring that graduates leave not only with a degree, but with a professional skill set that sets them apart.
Business school can be challenging, but a supportive and individualized program like the business programs at Pacific University, help you to meet those challenges while gaining skills employers look for.
1. Strategic Thinking, Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
A business degree helps you to think strategically and approach challenges effectively. You’ll learn to analyze complex situations, identify opportunities, apply problem-solving frameworks to develop effective, innovative solutions. Pacific University’s local business internship program gives undergraduate business students the opportunity to gain real-world experience.
2. Financial and Business Acumen
Through courses in finance and accounting, you’ll learn key concepts like budgeting, forecasting, and how to understand financial reports and performance metrics. You’ll build a solid foundation in data analytics, decision analysis, finance, accounting, economics, and decision modeling, all essential for making informed, data-driven business decisions. Undergraduate students majoring in business at Pacific can choose concentrations like accounting and finance. Pacific's MBA program includes a specific track for students interested in working management in the healthcare industry.
3. Leadership, People Management and Cultural Awareness
Effective leadership is not just about authority — it involves emotional intelligence, empathy and the ability to build strong teams. Through group projects, case studies and mentorship, you’ll learn how to lead with confidence and clarity, becoming the kind of leader organizations actively seek. Pacific University’s MBA program’s International Seminar travels to various destinations each year so students can gain a deeper understanding of how business operates across borders, preparing global leaders.
4. Communication and Presentation Skills
Whether you're pitching ideas, leading a team, or delivering key messages, the ability to communicate clearly and confidently is critical to your success. In Pacific University’s business school, you’ll participate in numerous group presentations, giving you the opportunity to refine your public speaking, collaborate effectively and develop presentations that make an impact. You’ll grow your ability to present information clearly, persuasively, and professionally — both in writing and in person.
5. Teamwork and Collaboration
Whether you work in healthcare or the business world, the ability to work effectively in teams is a critical skill. Throughout a business program, you’ll work in diverse, collaborative teams that reflect today’s workplace. You’ll strengthen your ability to manage group dynamics, resolve conflicts, and leverage individual strengths to achieve shared goals.
Study Business at Pacific University
Pacific University offers an undergraduate major and minor in business administration and an MBA. Pacific University’s business programs have been recognized for their diversity efforts with the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insights Into Diversity magazine. Pacific University's undergraduate business program was also awarded a Future Ready Workforce Grant in 2024 to support its innovative data analytics program, “Empowering Communities Through Student Leadership & Technology Integration,” that pairs undergrad students with local businesses.
Students in Pacific University’s undergraduate major in business administration choose from six concentrations:
The MBA program at Pacific is a part of the guaranteed grad school admissions program, meaning that you can secure your place in the program before you complete your undergraduate degree.
Students in the MBA program enjoy a flexible schedule, meeting on the Hillsboro Campus on select weekends: Fridays from 3–8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.–6 p.m, making it easy to earn your business degree as a working professional. While the MBA is delivered in person in Hillsboro, students also have the option to join class sessions live via Zoom when needed. All classes are recorded and shared with the cohort for on-demand review, providing added flexibility for professionals balancing work, travel, or personal commitments.
At Pacific University, we provide the support you need to meet the challenges of business school. Whether you're an undergraduate or working professional, Pacific University’s business programs provide the technical knowledge, soft skills, and leadership mindset that today’s employers are actively seeking.