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Business Immersion Program – Summer 2027

Six credits count toward Minor in Business In just five weeks, you can learn the fundamentals of business while strengthening your resume with the skills employers and graduate school admissions teams look for in their candidates. This 9-credit, team-based, experiential program is perfect for students from any major.

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Students working together at the Summer Management Program

The Business Immersion Program At A Glance

9 Credits

in Just 5 Weeks
BIP

12 Subject Areas

covering core business disciplines
BIP

Outstanding Faculty

dedicated to the program
BIP

$8,550 in Tuition

for 2027
BIP

Open To All Majors

in the College of Arts & Sciences
BIP

Applied Learning

through real-world scenarios
BIP

May 27 – June 29

Summer 1 Term
BIP

May 22, 2027

Enrollment Deadline
BIP

What is the Business Immersion Program?

Kick start your business journey with the Wake Forest School of Business Business Immersion Program (BIP). It’s an intensive 5-week experience set in Summer Session 1, designed to accelerate your learning and provide a sneak peek into the dynamic world of business.

The Business Immersion Program is a gateway for aspiring students who are curious about business to immerse themselves in business, hands-on projects, and networking opportunities – setting the stage for future success. From being a team player to learning how to interview, this “business boot camp” will elevate your Liberal Arts education to a whole new playing field, increasing your marketability and opening doors in today’s highly competitive job market.

Regardless of your major, interests, or career aspirations, business will touch your life. The Business Immersion Program is a great way to learn the fundamentals – and perhaps jump start a new adventure.

Over the course of five rigorous and rewarding weeks you will:

  • Gain a solid grounding in the fundamental principles of business
  • Learn from outstanding business faculty
  • Apply your new knowledge to case studies based on real-world scenarios
  • Receive valuable career coaching
  • Earn 9 hours of course credit

The Business Immersion Program is held during Summer Session 1.

What You Need to Know

The Business Immersion Program is a primer anyone interested in gaining a foundation in the constructs of business. Based on where you’re coming from, here is essential information on what you need to enroll:

If you’re a rising sophomore considering the BIP, here are some FAQ’s to help you navigate:

What if I haven’t declared my major?

No major? No problem! The Business Immersion Program (BIP) will introduce you to business AND it will complement any major you choose.

  • After BIP, you can choose to stay in the College with all the great majors available to you.
  • After BIP, you can choose to apply to the Business School and will be better prepared for the process because of BIP.

What if I really wanted to take a break for the Summer?

The Business Immersion Program lasts only five weeks, which leaves you most of the summer to enjoy a much-needed break.

Can I get a head start on my credits?

The Business Immersion Program is the most efficient way to earn 9 credit hours, 6 of which can count toward the Minor in Business.

What if I’m interested in Business?

Regardless of your passion, your major, or your interests, business will touch your life. The Business Immersion Program is a great way to learn the fundamentals of business.

Shouldn’t Summer be Fun?

Believe it or not, our students tell us the Business Immersion Program is fun. You will work in teams, engage in fun projects, meet amazing faculty, and attend social events.

If you’re a rising junior, here are some FAQ’s that might come up as you consider the BIP:

What if I need to enhance my resume?

The Business Immersion Program (BIP) is the perfect credential for your resume. It complements your major and will catch the eye of your next employer or your graduate program’s admissions team.

What if I had an internship planned for the Summer?

It only takes five weeks to complete the Business Immersion Program. Students often intern with a company after they complete the BIP, or use the BIP credential to help land internships the following summer.

What if I need to focus on earning more college credits?

The Business Immersion Program is the most efficient way to earn 9 credit hours, 6 of which can count toward the Minor in Business.

What if I’m interested in Business?

Regardless of your passion, your major, or your interests, business will touch your life. The Business Immersion Program is a great way to learn the fundamentals of business.

Shouldn’t Summer be Fun?

Believe it or not, our students tell us the Business Immersion Program is fun. You will work in teams, engage in fun projects, meet amazing faculty, and attend social events.

If you’re a rising senior looking at your final year, here are some FAQ’s about why the BIP is perfect for you:

What if I need to enhance my resume in advance of graduation?

The Business Immersion Program (BIP) is the perfect credential for your resume. It complements your major and will catch the eye of your next employer or your graduate program’s admissions team.

What if I had an internship planned for the Summer?

It only takes five weeks to complete the Business Immersion Program. Students often intern with a company after they complete the BIP, or use the BIP credential to help land jobs after graduation.

What if I need to focus on earning more college credits in order to graduate on time?

The Business Immersion Program is the most efficient way to earn 9 credit hours, 6 of which can count toward the Minor in Business.

What if I’m interested in Business?

Regardless of your passion, your major, or your interests, business will touch your life. The Business Immersion Program is a great way to learn the fundamentals of business.

Shouldn’t my last Summer before graduation be fun?

Believe it or not, our students tell us the Business Immersion Program is fun. You will work in teams, engage in fun projects, meet amazing faculty, and attend social events.

If you’re the parent of a student considering the BIP, here are some quick facts about why it will enhance their future:

Leverage Your Educational Investment

In a word, our students call the Business Immersion Program “Transformational.”

In today’s global marketplace, careers in the business world are becoming ever more competitive. A liberal arts degree coupled with a solid education in business fundamentals offers a compelling story for corporate recruiters and Graduate School admissions departments. The Business Immersion Program achieves this synergy!

Innovative teaching methods and an intensive curriculum drive students to explore topics and opportunities in business they otherwise might not have encountered.

Over the course of five weeks, your student will gain a fundamental grounding in business education as well as the opportunity to develop essential skills they will need to succeed after college, including:

  • Working Effectively in Teams
  • Successful Leadership Attributes
  • Thinking Critically
  • Art of Communication
  • Career Management

Additionally, they will have the opportunity to take part in practical experiences, through on-site business lectures, case studies, and business simulation exercises that will serve them for years to come.

Costs

Tuition for the 2027 program is $8,550, and that covers tuition, books, and fees. (Please check with Residence Life in the spring for housing costs.)

The return on this investment is extraordinary and we encourage interested students to reach out to past participants to discuss the program.

Encourage your child to take part in an experience they will not forget and start them off on a path to a successful future.

Scholarship Support Form

Thank you for your interest in our Summer Programs! We’re excited to offer dynamic opportunities for students to explore the world of business through our Business Immersion Program and SportsBiz Program.

To help expand access, a limited number of scholarships may be available for these programs. By completing this form, you’ll help our team better understand your interests and determine eligibility for potential scholarship support. We look forward to learning more about you!

Name(Required)
Would scholarship assistance help make participation possible?(Required)

Student
Testimonials

For decades, the BIP has offered a concentrated primer in business to a variety of liberal arts undergraduates from diverse backgrounds. Since its inception, approximately 2,000 students have completed the program. Explore what former students have to say about their experience at the Business Immersion Program.

A Sample Week in the Business Immersion Program

Here’s what a typical week looks like when you’re in the BIP:

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
MorningMarketingBusiness LifeAccountingCollege to CareerPersonal Finance
MorningBreakBreakBreakBreakBreak
MorningCollege to CareerBusiness AnalyticsBusiness Life SkillsBusiness AnalyticsAccounting
LunchBreakBreakBreakBreakBreak
AfternoonBusiness Life SkillsBusiness SkillsMarketingFinanceCollege to Career
AfternoonMeeting with Dr. HerbstWorkshopTeam Meeting

Consulting Day

Consulting Day gives students a chance to use their newfound business knowledge, build their social capital by meeting consultants, and explore opportunities to consider working for a consulting firm.

Highlights of Consulting Day include:

  • Interviewing Tips Presentations
  • Introduction to the World of Consulting
  • Instruction in the Area of Case Interviewing (a very common interviewing technique)
  • Team-based Competitions and Presentations
  • Informal Q&A and Networking Events

BIP students consider Consulting Day one of the most exciting days of the program. Career path trajectories change as a result of this impactful experience.

Students mingling with advisor on SMP Consult Day

BIP CourseWork

Students attending the Business Immersion Program participate in a variety of carefully designed courses that provide a concentrated primer on business. Business Immersion students earn 9 credits towards graduation, 6 of which can count towards the Minor in Business.

Core Topics

Learn how to read, interpret, and use financial statements to understand how organizations measure performance and make decisions.

Explore how businesses evaluate investments, manage risk, and allocate capital to create long-term value.

Discover how companies identify customer needs, build brands, and design strategies that drive growth in competitive markets.

Apply your knowledge in a dynamic, team-based simulation where you make real-time decisions and compete in a simulated marketplace.

Develop practical skills in analyzing data and using information systems to support smarter business decisions.

Examine how organizations create competitive advantage by aligning goals, resources, and market opportunities.

Exploration Topics

Build essential professional capabilities—such as communication, teamwork, and executive presence—that translate across any career path.

Gain practical guidance on navigating the transition from undergraduate studies to the workplace or graduate school.

Understand how business principles shape industries, organizations, and career opportunities across every sector.

Strengthen your technical proficiency with Excel to confidently analyze data and solve real-world business problems.

Collaborate in teams to solve a live business challenge and present actionable recommendations to stakeholders.

Learn foundational financial planning skills to manage income, savings, investing, and long-term financial goals with confidence.

Meet the BIP Team

The Business Immersion Program is provided by an award-winning team of staff and faculty committed to preparing undergraduate students with the essentials of business and a solid skill set as they prepare for their careers.

Profile image of Professor Ben King

Professor Ben King

Professor of the Practice

(336) 758-4903 |
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Profile image of Michael Fox (Mike)

Michael Fox (Mike)

Adjunct Professor of Practice

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Profile image of Professor Bren Varner

Professor Bren Varner

Associate Dean for Undergraduate Business Program & Master of Science in Management (MSM) Program; Senior Lecturer

(336) 758-5098 |
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Profile image of Dr. Kenny Herbst

Dr. Kenny Herbst

Board of Visitors Faculty Fellow in Marketing; Utility Associate, Allegacy Financial Center for Leadership and Character, Associate Professor

(336) 758-4215 |
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Profile image of Dr. Deon Strickland

Dr. Deon Strickland

L. Glenn Orr Faculty Fellow of Financial Services; Teaching Professor

(336) 758-2522 |
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Profile image of Mark Johnson

Mark Johnson

Faculty Fellow in Investments and Portfolio Management; Vice Department Chair for Law, Economics, Accounting & Finance; Teaching Professor

(336) 758-6177 |
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