Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Law

 

Business and law are rarely separate—contracts, compliance, liability and regulation touch every organization in every industry. WMU Haworth's business law program is built around that reality, giving you a foundation in legal principles alongside the business acumen to apply them in the real world. 

The program's interdisciplinary approach draws from multiple areas of law, helping you build the critical thinking skills and legal fluency that will set you apart in fields like corporate business, government, insurance and entrepreneurship. Whether you're planning to launch a career in business, pursue law school or build something of your own, this degree empowers you to operate confidently at the intersection of law and commerce. 

Statistics

100%

of business law graduates participated in Experience-Driven Learning

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report

93%

of business law graduates are working or continuing their education quickly after earning their degree

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report

99%

of WMU Haworth undergraduate students had instructors who made them excited about learning

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report

Pursue a B.B.A. in business law

WMU Haworth's business law program prepares you to understand, interpret and apply legal principles in business contexts, a skill set that is valuable across virtually every sector of the economy. 

The curriculum builds a foundation in law from several diverse disciplines, helping you develop the analytical reasoning and legal literacy that employers in corporate, government, nonprofit and entrepreneurial settings actively seek. 

You will learn to navigate real-world issues including contracts, business formation, real estate, mediation and compliance, gaining knowledge that translates directly to professional practice. 

The program also serves as a strong foundation for students considering law school, combining the rigor of a business education with substantive legal preparation. And 100% of recent business law graduates participated in Experience-Driven Learning, so you can be confident you’ll graduate prepared with real experiences in your field. 

What you’ll learn

The business law curriculum at WMU Haworth draws from multiple areas of law to give you a well-rounded legal foundation, with coursework covering business formation, contracts, real estate, mediation and regulatory compliance. You’ll develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills alongside the practical knowledge needed to identify legal issues and address them in business environments. 

The program's interdisciplinary structure means you’ll be equipped to work within legal frameworks across a wide range of professional settings, not just traditional legal careers. Experiential learning opportunities connect coursework to real-world legal and business challenges, reinforcing what you’re learning throughout the program. 

Quote

In my junior year I interned with Honorable Judge Rebecca D’Angelo in the Ninth Circuit Family Court here in Kalamazoo, and I was able to get immense experience. I was also able to learn how to conduct myself in the courtroom around prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses, as well as clients.
— Malia Applegate, B.B.A.'25, business law

Where you’ll be after graduation

Business law graduates from WMU Haworth go on to a wide range of careers, with recent graduates working as account representatives, business development associates and court services specialists. Employers hiring WMU business law graduates include Lucent Enterprises, State Farm, Wayne State University and the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court and World Business Chicago. 

WMU Haworth’s Zhang Career Center connects business law students with career coaching, internship opportunities and employer recruiting events throughout their degree. The program's breadth means you’ll have a competitive edge across business, government, legal and nonprofit sectors. 

What others have achieved

What others have achieved

WMU business law students and graduates are already making their mark—here's a look at their impact.

Making the most of your learning experience

WMU Haworth's business law program integrates experiential learning throughout, connecting legal and business theory to real-world practice in and outside the classroom. The Zhang Career Center supports you with career coaching, internship connections and employer networking tailored to the range of industries where graduates land. 

Student organizations at WMU Haworth offer additional ways for you to build professional relationships and develop leadership skills alongside academic coursework. Academic advising is available throughout the program to help you shape your course of study, explore law school pathways and make the most of your time at WMU. 

Malia Applegate at internship

What scholarships are available for a business law degree?

WMU Haworth offers a range of scholarships for business law students, based on academic merit and financial need. Admitted students can explore and apply for scholarships, including department-specific awards, through WMU's Scholarship Universe matching tool. WMU's financial aid team is here to help you find every resource available and make your education as affordable as possible. 

Frequently asked questions

Earning a B.B.A. in business law from WMU Haworth prepares you for careers across business, government, legal services and entrepreneurship, including roles as an account representative, business development associate and court services specialist. You'll graduate with legal fluency and analytical skills that employers across corporate, government, nonprofit and entrepreneurial sectors actively look for. Recent graduates are working at organizations including Lucent Enterprises, State Farm, Wayne State University, the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court and World Business Chicago.

No, but there's meaningful overlap. WMU Haworth's B.B.A. in business law is a standalone undergraduate degree that prepares you for careers in business, government and entrepreneurship on its own. It also serves as a strong foundation for students planning to attend law school, combining rigorous business preparation with substantive legal coursework. If law school is your goal, business law pairs well with WMU's pre-law advising resources.

No, the B.B.A. in business law from WMU Haworth is designed to be career-ready on its own; no additional legal education is required. Graduates go directly into roles in business, government, insurance, nonprofit work and entrepreneurship. That said, the program provides a strong foundation if you do want to pursue law school, and many graduates choose that path.

Yes, business formation and entrepreneurship are part of what the program covers. You'll gain legal fluency in areas directly relevant to launching and operating a business, including contracts, real estate, regulatory compliance and mediation. That combination of business knowledge and a strong background in common legal concepts is genuinely useful for anyone starting a business.

Yes. 100% of recent business law graduates participated in Experience-Driven Learning as part of their degree at WMU Haworth. The program connects coursework to real-world legal and business challenges throughout the program, and the Zhang Career Center supports you in finding internship and professional development opportunities relevant to your career goals.