What’s the Best Undergraduate Degree for an MBA? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’re nearing the end of your college career, exploring your transfer options, or are thinking of returning to school, you may be wondering about what the best undergraduate degrees are for an MBA. It’s a fair question, especially if you're starting to think beyond your bachelor's degree toward long-term career goals. The great news? There’s more than one right answer, and lots more paths to business school than you might expect.

 

For many students, especially recent or soon-to-be graduates about to earn their bachelor’s degree, an MBA offers a powerful way to build on what they have already learned. While degrees in business, economics, and finance may seem like the obvious springboards into an MBA program, students from all disciplines— from biology to communications to computer science— are welcomed and often sought after in business school classrooms. Real-world business challenges benefit from a wide range of perspectives, and modern MBA programs know that diversity in academic and career backgrounds makes for stronger leaders.

 

Still, if you’re aiming for a more traditional business role in areas like finance, consulting, or corporate strategy, having an undergraduate foundation in accounting, business administration, or economics can give you a head start. These majors often introduce core topics like financial reporting, marketing strategy, and operations, all concepts that you’ll see again in more advanced form during your MBA.

 

That said, some of the most successful MBA students come from fields outside the business bubble. STEM majors, like those with a computer science, engineering, or data analytics background, bring strong problem-solving skills and technical know-how to the table. In a world where industries are being reshaped by technology and data, that’s a huge asset. Likewise, students from the humanities and social sciences often shine in leadership, ethics, and communication-based courses— key components of any effective management education. If your background is in psychology, sociology, English, or education, you may find your ability to understand people and systems puts you in a unique position to lead.

 

So what’s the best undergraduate degree for an MBA? It truly depends on your personal goals. The best degree is the one that’s meaningful to you, that challenges you intellectually, and that helps you build transferable skills— whether analytical, creative, interpersonal, or technical. You don’t need to have taken a single business class to pursue an MBA. Many graduate business programs, including the one at Our Lady of the Lake University, are built to welcome students from a wide range of academic and professional experiences.

 

For transfer students, this flexibility is especially valuable. You may be entering your final years of undergrad with a clearer sense of your goals than you had when you first started. Whether you’re transferring into a business-related major or continuing in a completely different field, now is a great time to consider how an MBA might complement your undergraduate studies down the line. Planning by choosing electives that strengthen your writing, communication, and analytical skills can help lay the groundwork for a smooth transition to business school later.

 

Further, if you’re a working professional who’s thinking about going back to school, the question of what’s the best undergraduate degree for an MBA might feel more distant, but just as relevant. Many professionals worry that their degree in, say, STEM or the humanities may disqualify them from graduate business study. Quite the opposite is true: your real-world experience is a critical asset. You may already know what kind of leader you want to be, or have insight into the challenges facing your industry. An MBA can help you sharpen your strategic thinking, gain formal business skills, and open new doors— whether that means advancing within your current company or pivoting into a new role.

 

At Our Lady of the Lake University, we see this every day. Our MBA program attracts students with a wide range of undergraduate degrees and life experiences. Our curriculum is designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re a recent grad mapping your future, a transfer student exploring your options, or a seasoned professional looking for your next move. With small class sizes, evening and online options, and faculty who value mentorship, OLLU helps you turn your degree—whatever it may be—into a launching pad for leadership.

 

So the next time you wonder what’s the best undergraduate degree for an MBA, remember: it’s not just about what you majored in, it’s about what you’re motivated to do next. Your background is part of your strength, and with the right MBA program, it can become your advantage.