Charlton College of Business
Business Exploratory
Know you belong in business but still deciding where? Explore accounting, finance, management, marketing, and operations while building a strong business foundation and discovering the major—and career—that fits your goals.
Program details
- Modality
- On-campus
- Duration
- 3 semesters
- Accredited
- AACSB
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Explore business with intention and impact
You know you want to study business — and you want to choose a path that aligns with your goals and potential.
The business exploratory program at the AACSB-accredited Charlton College of Business gives you the flexibility to explore accounting, finance, management, marketing, and operations management — so you can make informed, confident decisions before committing to a major.
During your first three semesters, you’ll build a strong foundation in business fundamentals while engaging with real-world problem solving and exploring career possibilities across industries. By the time you declare your major, you’ll do so with clarity, confidence, and direction for what comes next.
Curriculum
A typical course load is 12–15 credits per semester. After completing 45 credit hours, you will declare a major. Most business majors require 27 credit hours (9 courses), generally including:
- 24 credits within the major
- 1 three-credit upper-level business elective (300–400 level)
Once you declare your major, you’ll be assigned a dedicated advisor within the college to help you map your remaining coursework and stay on track to graduation.
Course descriptions and requirements
Explore the official academic catalog for detailed curriculum requirements, course descriptions and program information.
Student spotlight
After bouncing around majors early in her UMass Dartmouth journey, McLucas chose accounting, earned an MBA, and now works in Ernst & Young's Boston office.
Accolades
UMass Dartmouth is a nationally ranked R2 research university that combines the resources of a major university with a personalized educational experience. Ranked among the top 15 public research institutions with fewer than 10,000 students and in the top 17% nationally for return on investment, UMass Dartmouth is recognized for advancing research, social mobility, and career-ready education.
AACSB-accredited excellence at Charlton
The Charlton College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, a distinction earned by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. Nationally ranked undergraduate, graduate, and online programs combine rigorous academics with experiential learning, while strong employment and salary outcomes demonstrate the lasting value of a Charlton education.
Accreditations and distinctions
Charlton is proud to be one of less than 6% of business schools worldwide to earn AACSB accreditation, the gold standard for business schools.
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about the Business Exploratory program? Here you will find answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.
Students typically explore for their first three semesters. After earning 45 credit hours, you will declare a major.
No. The program is structured so you complete foundational business requirements that apply to all majors.
You’ll work closely with advisors and the Career Development Center to assess interests, strengths, and long-term goals before declaring.
Yes. Many students refine their academic direction as they gain experience.
Yes. Once you declare a major, you will have access to the same internship pipeline and employer network as all Charlton students.