B'Ann Dittmar, MBA
Instructor of Business Management, MBA Program Director
I utilize active learning techniques and allow students to dig into the material, whether it is in a simulation, classroom activities, projects, or case studies.
Business Administration
Bachelor of Arts
One of the Best Business Administration Degrees in Iowa
In today’s global economy, having a degree from one of the best business administration programs in Iowa can lead to countless career opportunities. Our experienced faculty and focus on practical learning provide students with the foundation they need to succeed in a wide array of industries. With emphasis areas in finance, management, and marketing, you can tailor your experience to your goals.
Clarke University’s Business Administration degree is structured to develop students’ abilities to understand business concepts, terminologies, and theories, as well as to think analytically and communicate efficiently. Through coursework, business simulator projects, presentations, internships, and more, you’ll develop the broad framework and the work-specific skills you need to build a fulfilling career.
Choose from Concentrations in Finance, Management, and Marketing
Those studying for a business administration degree at Clarke University will choose one of the following 3 concentrations:
Finance – A background in finance creates a foundation to succeed in any field. You’ll cover topics such as international finance, financial risk and mitigation, financial planning, financial markets, macroeconomics, microeconomics, investments, and more.
Management – Develop the skills to excel in the worldwide management of people and resources. Your coursework will focus on overseeing budgets, staffing, schedules; contracts; and adherence to the goals of the company, department and/or project.
Marketing – From SEO to social media, to PR campaigns, paid media, and mobile advertising, Clarke’s marketing program will prepare you to find, connect, and attract customers.
Work with Local and National Businesses
Real-world experience is at the heart of the Clarke Business Administration program. Our courses incorporate case studies and data from regional businesses, offer guest lectures from area professionals, and collaborate on projects benefitting nonprofits and community organizations that matter to you. As you progress through the program, you’ll complete job shadows, internships, and other activities that put class concepts into practice. Plus, you’ll have opportunities to network and learn through the Future Young Professionals Club and other organizations that create connections on campus and beyond Dubuque.
Program Details
Program Details
No matter which career or path you wish to pursue, a Business Administration degree from Clarke University will prepare you to meet the challenges of a fast-moving, technology-driven world. As one of the best business degrees in Iowa, Clarke will empower you to develop the leadership skills, business savvy, and collaborative approaches needed to excel. Clarke University’s Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration provides you with a solid academic foundation in core business functions including general business administration, accounting, finance, project management, information technology, human resources, marketing, international business, logistics, and organizational conduct. With a Business Administration degree, you’ll also gain the insights critical for success in contemporary business management, where public pressure is increasing for corporations to address social and environmental concerns.
Learning in Action
These are just a sample of some of the courses you’ll take as a Business Administration major at Clarke:
LEADERSHIP — This course focuses on the process of leadership, the interplay between power and influence, motivation, performance, development, and context. Students in this class have the opportunity to interview local managers to gain leadership insights and conduct a job shadow to see leadership in action.
MICROECONOMICS — You will conduct an analysis of markets such as trade, production, and costs and their role in resource distribution.
MARKETING MANAGEMENT — You’ll examine the marketing tools and techniques used in managing all aspects of the marketing operation and apply concepts into practice.
Admission to Clarke University
Admission to Clarke University
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Apply to Clarke today to begin your journey.
Early Access MBA Program
Get a jumpstart on your career with the Clarke University Early Access MBA Program. You can begin earning graduate level credit while completing your undergraduate degree, saving you time and money on your way to the C-suite!
Program in Pictures
Loren Rice, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Accounting/Business
I hope that my impact on students will be that they will learn concepts, ideas, and general practices that will stay with them for many years.
Jody Wolfe, MBA/JD
Assistant Professor of Accounting/Business
I hope to leave students with an understanding of strategy, finance, and law, but also that the world is a large place, and they should find a place where they feel wanted and comfortable in it.
Vapordeal Sanders
Assistant Professor of Business
I ask students to join me in setting a positive learning atmosphere as we share during face-to-face mini-team projects, discussions prompted by scenarios or cases, video follow-up quizzes, or suggestions for accessing and working with online materials
Maria Morris, MBA
Instructor of Accounting/Business
I want students to apply business concepts, not just learn them. I use my work experiences, and theirs, to illustrate the role classroom material plays in real-life situations. Whether we are playing a game or taking a test, students think creatively and hopefully, maximize the strength of their ‘mind muscles.’
There’s more to college than going to class.
The Classroom and Beyond
Study Abroad
Each year, the Business Department leads a 10-15 day trip abroad to study the artistic, cultural, social, and economic aspects of a country. Students and faculty have traveled to Australia, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, France, England, and Spain.
Clubs & Organizations
Life at Clarke is living traditions, being proud, participating in the campus community, and being an active member of our greater community.
Internships
Our internships are an invaluable resource when it comes time to enter the job market. Recent business internships include: McGraw-Hill, Honkamp Krueger & Co., IMG Artists LLC (N.Y.), Cottingham & Buttler, Re/MAX, and Prudential.
But don’t take our word for it…
Our Students & Alumni
Haddi Thompson
Business Administration and Sport Management '25
As a senior, I have worked hard to understand a lot of marketing, business, and leadership ideas that B’Ann has taught us, but going into an organization and acting on it shows me I can really do this. It makes the work more rewarding too, because at an organization like the Boys and Girls Club, what you do impacts so many children and their families.
Ried Raisbeck
Business Administration '24, MBA '25
My internship was great because I always knew I had an interest in finance and this helped reaffirm my career choice. I worked as a teller and job shadowed loan officers as they met with agriculture and business clients. I learned about how different aspects of banking are interconnected and I’m confident about going into the field after graduation.
Christopher Broderick
Business Administration and Pre-law '26
Coming to Clarke from South Africa was definitely an adjustment, but the people here have welcomed me with open arms. The experiences I’ve had in the Business Administration program and at Clarke overall have changed my life for the better.
100
years
of professional experience of Clarke’s business faculty.
#1
Business is the number one major for college undergraduates, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
$80,920
The median salary for business and financial careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Other Programs to Explore
Experience Clarke Business Administration for Yourself