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.
UIC Business Scholar Info
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.
- E-mail: bizscholarshelp@uic.edu
Innovative Curriculum and How to Apply
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
Innovative Curriculum (continued)
- Internships and job shadowing with leading Chicago-area companies
- Plentiful alumni networking opportunities
Application and Selection Criteria
UIC Business Scholars is a selective leadership development program for first-year students.
1. Apply to UIC
Submit a completed Common Application with the College of Business as your program of choice. Once prompted under Program Specific Information, check the box for Business Scholars.
2. Submit the Business Scholars Statement
Students who apply to the Business Scholars Program through the Common Application should submit a 400-500 word statement explaining why they want to be a Business Scholar and why they are a strong fit for the program.
If you did not indicate interest in the Business Scholars Program through the Common Application, you may still have an opportunity to apply after you are admitted to UIC. Eligible admitted students will receive a link to complete a Business Scholars supplemental application.
Business Scholars applicants should demonstrate:
- A 3.6 or higher unweighted GPA
- A rigorous high school curriculum, typically including: Dual enrollment, Honors, AP or IB courses
- Strong demonstrated interest in business
- Strong leadership experience
3. Complete an Interview
Selected applicants will be invited to complete an interview with UIC Business faculty and staff as part of the Business Scholars selection process.
Admission to the Business Scholars Program is separate from admission to UIC and does not affect a student’s admission to the College of Business Administration.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible or have other questions, please email us at bizscholarshelp.@uic.edu
Information Sessions
UIC Business Scholars
UIC Business Scholars
UIC Business Scholars
Application Deadlines
Fall 2027 Business Scholars Priority Deadline
Fall 2027 Business Scholars Final Deadline
Pride Points
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3.68 Average GPA (2025)
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94 % Completed internships (2025)
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100 % Graduated in 4 years (2025)
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.
Business Scholars Testimonials
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.
| 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.
| Class of 2023
Business Scholars News
