The Business Pathways Academy (BPA) is an academic community dedicated to increasing the success of promising Gies undergraduate learners.
BPA is an academic wellness program part of Student Success in the Gies Office of Undergraduate Programs.
Unite with Gies staff, faculty and peers in a high-touch experience designed to keep learners on track, engage in a vibrant community, and build crucial skills
BPA learners will engage in expansive views of the early Business Core Currriculum.
Commitment to BPA is a condition of Gies undergraduate admissions for selected learners.
Engage with BPA programs to connect with a vibrant social and academic life throughout the college.
The Student Success Team provides the tools and guidance needed for learners to stay on track for success.
FAQs
What is Business Pathways Academy (BPA)?
BPA is a new, proactive, four-semester, academic wellness community coordinated through the Student Success unit in the Office of Undergraduate Programs. BPA offers promising learners access to earning a Gies Undergraduate degree with the additional support of faculty, staff and peer networks. Learners are enrolled in BPA as a condition of their admission. Commitment to Gies and BPA means completion of program requirements in the areas of academic skill development and community engagement.
What are the benefits of BPA?
Stay on Track
Gies Student Success promotes academic wellness as means to build the academic and personal strength of learners. We aim to provide attention to wellness areas that meet student needs in and out of the classroom...leading to timely graduation. BPA learners will benefit from a high-touch, proactive wellness approach to academic performance.
Engage with Your Community
All BPA learners will receive a Student Success Peer Mentor who will meet with them regularly to attend significant college opportunities and events. Because early Business Core coursework is hosted in other college buildings on campus, a relationship with a Peer Mentor is important to stay connected with a Gies network.
Build Crucial Skills
BPA learners will engage with a small, committed cohort through the completion of early Business Core Coursework: Accountancy 201 & 202, Business Analytics 210 & 211, Business Core Math (Quant I... STAT 100 or Math 234), Computer Science 105 or Statistics 107 (Quant II), Econ 102 & 103. BPA provides a built-in network of experienced Peer Mentors and Tutors, trained to coach students through academic skill development. BPA students will also gain a close knowledge of Gies Professional Pathways (GPP), a career discovery program through the Offices of Career and Professional Development. Specifically for BPA learners, GPP will be utilized to prepare to build relationships with our cooperate partners through site visits.
Who qualifies for BPA?
BPA is a direct admit program. The University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions identifies eligible students during the admissions process.
Are BPA learners part of the Gies College of Business?
Yes. All BPA learners are full-time undergraduate learners in Gies. BPA students will follow the same major exploration and declaration path as all undergraduates.
What majors are available to BPA learners?
As is the case with all Gies incoming freshmen, BPA students will enter Gies as “Business Undeclared.” BPA students will have access to all majors within Gies and will work with their Academic Advisor and Student Success staff to choose the best major to fit their interests and desired outcomes.
Can I double major with BPA?
Yes. BPA students can double major. All Gies students work closely with the Undergraduate Advising Team to track their progress toward timely graduation. A double major is not required. Only one major is required to graduate.
Can I declare a minor with BPA?
Yes. BPA learners have access to declare college and campus minors. Some minors require pre-requisites and/or applications. Students are encouraged to work closely with minor Academic Advisors to create a plan for completing minor requirements by graduation.
How many learners does BPA accept each year?
Fall 2025 will welcome the first cohort of BPA learners. Comparable programs on campus enroll about 30 students.
How long does it take to graduate through the BPA program?
All Gies students are given 9 semesters to complete an undergraduate degree. It is the aim of BPA to have students complete early Business Core requirements in the first four semesters in order to have a timely graduation of 8 to 9 semesters. Sometimes students are able to reduce the hours per semester by completing courses over the summer and/or taking courses that meet more than one requirement. All BPA students will work closely with the Undergraduate Advising Team to keep track of their degree progression. View BPA's course curriculum for an in initial four semester outline.
Do I have to attend the Illinois Scholar Program (ISP)?
ISP is an opportunity for incoming students to become familiar with campus and college responsibilities before the first day of instruction. All Gies students are encouraged to build a campus network, and this program can serve as a jumpstart to that charge. While seats are limited, all BPA students accepted to ISP are expected to attend and get their college education off to a great start. Read more about ISP through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
I plan on participating in programs that conflict with BPA. Am I still eligible?
BPA is a condition of admission for BPA learners. Priority to BPA is expected for committed learners. Learners can work closely with BPA administration to discuss commitment conflicts.
I didn't receive an admissions letter into BPA. Can I still apply to be part of the program?
BPA is a direct admit program based on qualifiers through the Illinois Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students who are not selected for BPA will still have access to academic wellness programs through Gies Student Success.
What financial support is available to BPA learners?
BPA students are subject to the same process of funding for tuition and fees through the Illinois Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA). Examination of each BPA learner's award package will be conducted through OSFA. When available, financial support will be offered to fill financial gaps for BPA learners.
Contact Us
Learn more by sending an email to StudentSuccess@business.illinois.edu .