UC Riverside: Leader in Social Mobility with
UC’s Largest Undergraduate Business Program
(No. 1 in Social Mobility-U.S. News and World Report 2020-2022, 2024, 2025) During UCR Highlander Day on April 12th, I immersed myself in the UCR School of Business, a popular choice for many of my students. This impressive undergraduate program holds the No. 70 spot in U.S. News and World Report’s 2024 Best Undergraduate Business Programs, and recognized as the largest undergraduate business program within the entire UC system. Fun fact: UCR also boasts the largest land-mass campus among all the UCs!
Academics at the UCR School of Business
The UCR School of Business structures its four-year undergraduate program to provide a comprehensive learning experience to students.The first two years focus on pre-business fundamentals and cross-functional preparation,building a strong base for the upper-division coursework in the final two years.
Despite large lecture classes of 200+ students, a key highlight is that these are always taught by professors. Smaller discussion groups, typically 20-30 students, are led by Teacher Assistants, ensuring a more personalized experience. Students consistently feel supported, not just “a
number,” thanks to the faculty’s accessible and open-door policy.
Opportunities at the UCR School of Business
The business school boasts an impressive instructional faculty of over 70 professors and lecturers. Operating on a quarter system, known for its faster pace compared to a semester system, students are well-prepared for the demands of the professional world. For career development, students leverage Handshake for internships, and the school hosts two dedicated career fairs specifically for business students. The opportunities for engagement extend far beyond the classroom, with a vibrant array of student organizations including:
- Business Strategy Club (BSC)
- Women in Business
- Highlander Consulting Group
- Highlander Financial Group
- Highlander Business Society
- California Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
- Latino Business Student Association (LBSA)
- Undergraduate Business Association (UBA)
- Black Scholars in Business
- The Product Club
UCR School of Business Highlights
The UCR School of Business stands out due to several key distinctions:
- AACSB Accreditation: It holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a prestigious mark achieved by only 6% of business schools worldwide.
- Employer Preference: Notably, 20% of companies recruit exclusively from AACSB-accredited business schools.
- Career Advantage: Graduates from AACSB-accredited institutions consistently receive higher and more competitive salaries.
State-of-the-Art Learning Environment: The New Business Building
The recently opened new business building provides a cutting-edge learning environment. It features a 350-seat auditorium, two 80-seat classrooms equipped with advanced learning technologies, and multiple study lounges. Students also benefit from a dedicated finance computer lab and ample faculty offices. The building boasts a sustainable design, including a 15,000-square-foot solar canopy, underscoring UCR’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
Concentrations Offered
The UCR School of Business offers a diverse range of seven concentrations, allowing students to specialize in their areas of interest:
- Accounting and Auditing
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- Information Systems
- Management
- Marketing
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
Top Employers– included Goldman Sachs, Google, Meta, Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, Amazon, Accenture, SEO, Pepsico, Kaiser Permanente, Bank of America and more.
Source: Highlander Day Campus Visit and https://business.ucr.edu/undergraduate/major