UIC Business Scholars is a selective four-year honors program for high-achieving undergraduates. Students gain leadership skills, business expertise, and mentorship from faculty and professionals, preparing them to thrive in global business. Scholars are diverse, driven, and deeply engaged in our academic community.

Business Scholar female students on the quad

Thank you for your interest in UIC Business Scholars. Our team is here to support you and answer any questions you may have about the Business Scholars and the admission process.

Innovative Curriculum

Business Scholars offers special activities and cohort classes designed to develop critical thinking and leadership capabilities.

  • Business Scholars-specific section for business core courses
  • Simulation courses and experiential learning designed to foster leadership and management skills
  • Capstone course integrating business scholarship with managerial decision making
  • Business Scholars seminars led by industry experts
  • Designated academic adviser
  • Faculty mentor from the student’s major
  • Skill-enhancing service opportunities
  • Tours of Chicago-area corporations with Q & A sessions with corporate leaders
  • Internships and job shadowing with leading Chicago-area companies
  • Plentiful alumni networking opportunities

How to Apply

UIC Business Scholars applicants are considered to join this selective leadership program and if selected, will participate in an honors cohort and be considered for scholarships. Students interested in the Business Scholars program must apply online.

  1. Submit a completed Common Application along with the UIC First Year Supplement. Students can apply to the Business Scholars program with submission of their Common Application by clicking “Yes” on the “Business Scholars Program” section under the “Questions” tab.
  2. Submit the Business Scholars statement. This essay should be 400-500 words and tell us why you want to be a Business Scholar and why you are a good fit for this business honors program.

If you have already submitted your UIC supplement to the Common Application without indicating that you wanted to be considered for the Business Scholars Program, please email us at bizscholarshelp@uic.edu.

Application Deadlines

  • 3.65 Average GPA (Spring 2024)

  • 95 % Completed internships (Spring 2024)

  • 90 % Graduated in 4 years

Thought Leadership in Action

Recent Guest Speakers

  • Manny Favela–Former Chief Financial Officer for McDonald’s Latin America and Co-Founder of Burrito Parilla Mexicana
  • Brian Croll–Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing for Operating Systems and Services at Apple
  • Meenal Sethna–Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Littelfus

 

Company Visits

Company visits give scholars the opportunity to make valuable industry connections as well as see the inner workings of area companies. Seeing a work environment up close and meeting those who spend their days there can help you determine the best path for your own career.

Outings and Field Trips

Business Scholars is a rigorous program, which is why we build in plenty of fun. Each year, scholars and faculty go on outings such as Cubs and Sox baseball games, or head down the street to the United Center to watch the Blackhawks. We also get together in Student Center East for an annual bowling party. Scholars are afforded ample opportunity to build friendships among the cohort and get to know their professors, all part of graduating from UIC Business with a strong professional network.

What I have learned from the Business Scholars Program is to always remain humble, regardless of what my position will be in the future. Also, a powerful leader should be willing to serve and connect with others in a special way. Additionally, the program taught me how to network and develop my professional skills, which are crucial in any business environment.

Susan Williams  |  Class of 2022

The Business Scholars program gave me the chance to work with students who have similar goals and dreams. I have taken classes with a tight-knit group of motivated students. Without this program, I would have struggled to make some of the strong connections that I have made during my time at UIC.

Luke Washburn  |  Class of 2023