Business Law Program
Why Business Law?
The Department of Business Law Department offers a course of study leading to a B.S. Degree in Business Administration with an option in Business Law. This program prepares students to analyze complex problems, think critically and communicate effectively while learning the legal principles pertinent to making business decisions.
Our mission is to equip students with the academic knowledge, problem solving, analytical and professional skills in the areas of business law, business ethics, and real estate necessary to achieve their personal and professional goals. We offer one of the largest business law programs nationally, with a broad array of courses and opportunities. All of our business law faculty are accomplished attorneys who are committed to teaching. We are dedicated to the success of our students, and our program is designed to prepare students for careers in business, public service, and professional practice.
What's new?
For Business Law majors, beginning Fall, 2016, the business breadth requirement disappears and, instead, students will take BLAW 368 (Law, Business & Ethics) and BLAW 453 (Negotiation).
Because we can’t offer every elective every semester, this means that you should take them as they’re offered – don’t wait until your last year or you may not be able to get the classes you need to graduate.
Here is a typical rotation of classes:
- Offered every semester: BLAW 280, 308, 368
- Offered every year or more often, depending on enrollments and budget: BLAW 391, 428, 430, 450, 453
- Offered biannually or more often, depending on enrollments and budget: all other classes
- Offered in the summer: BLAW 280 and 308 and (often) 453
I’m a BLAW major or minor from a previous catalog year. Can I use RE 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, or 422 as BLAW electives towards the major?
No. You’ll find the advisement sheets here. They do not include real estate classes, RE 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, or 422. However, if you’re under a catalog year where you’re required to take 6 units of “business breadth” classes, you can petition to take RE 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, or 422 as one or two of those required breadth classes. You’ll find the course substitution/waiver form here.
How can I find out the most recent information about the programs?
“Like” and “Follow” CSU Northridge Department of Business Law on Facebook and “Follow” CSUN COBAE Department of Business Law on LinkedIn – this is the quickest way for us to get information to you.
I’m a graduating senior but the department isn’t offering enough electives for me to graduate on time. Is there anything I can do?
Yes. (Not to nag, but plan to take the courses as they are offered; don’t wait until your senior year.) However, if it’s too late for that, consider applying for a course substitution. Choose an upper-division class in another department (in any college in the university) that would further your educational or professional goals. Petition for the class to substitute for a BLAW elective or breadth requirement class. In your accompanying email, explain how this class would further your professional or educational goals. For example, if you’re planning to go to law school, it might make sense for you to take English 306 (Report Writing) so that you can be a better writer, Finance 355 (Corporate Finance) so that you can be more knowledgeable about corporate structure, or Religious Studies 307 (Religion in America) so that you have a better understanding of the interplay of ethics, belief, and societal expectations. There are many, many more examples. Alternatively, if you’re planning to go into business after graduation, it may make sense for you to take classes related to your professional interests. Take the initiative and opportunity to add depth to your education.
I’m interested in going to law school. Where can I get more information?
You can find a list of resources here and a summary of information here (PDF).
You can also speak with the department faculty, most of whom are attorneys. We’re happy to offer guidance.
I’m interested in getting a Business Law degree. How strong is CSUN’s program?
Immodestly, we’re great. We were the first business school in the western U.S. to create a Business Law program and we’re accredited by the AACSB (an honor achieved by only 5% of business schools globally). All of our law faculty are licensed attorneys with excellent academic credentials along with real world practice of law. Our graduates go on to business careers in various fields, including regulated industries (for example banking, insurance, securities, health care), along with business fields like human resources, contract administration, risk management, and public affairs. Lots of our graduates go to law school as well. In fact, CSUN is the tenth-largest “supplier” of undergraduate degrees of licensed California attorneys.