Skip to main content

Summer Management Program

NEW: Six credits count toward new Minor in Business In just five weeks, you can learn the fundamentals of business while strengthening your resume with the skills employers and graduate school admissions teams look for in their candidates. This 8-credit, team-based, experiential program is perfect for students from any major.

Enroll Now
For Parents
Students working together at the Summer Management Program

The Summer Management Program At A Glance

8

Credits in

just 5 weeks

12

SUBJECT AREAS

10

outstanding

Faculty MEMBERS

$13,672

Program Tuition (2026*)

*Pending Trusetee approval

Open To

ALL Majors

Classes Are

Pass/
Fail
x

Summer Session 1

May 29 –
July 3

Enroll By

May 22,
2026
x

What is the Summer Management Program?

Kick start your business journey with the Wake Forest School of Business Summer Management Program (SMP). It’s an intensive 5-week experience set in Summer Session 1, designed to accelerate your learning and provide a sneak peek into the dynamic world of business.

The Summer Management Program is a gateway for aspiring students who are curious about business to immerse themselves in business, hands-on projects, and networking opportunities – setting the stage for future success. From being a team player to learning how to interview, this “business boot camp” will elevate your Liberal Arts education to a whole new playing field, increasing your marketability and opening doors in today’s highly competitive job market.

Regardless of your major, interests, or career aspirations, business will touch your life. The Summer Management Program is a great way to learn the fundamentals – and perhaps jump start a new adventure.

Over the course of five rigorous and rewarding weeks you will:

  • Gain a solid grounding in the fundamental principles of business
  • Learn from outstanding business faculty
  • Apply your new knowledge to case studies based on real-world scenarios
  • Receive valuable career coaching
  • Earn 8 hours of course credit

The dates for the Summer Management Program will be during Summer Session 1.

What You Need to Know

The Summer Management Program is a primer for non-business majors looking for a foundation in the constructs of business. Based on where you’re coming from, here is essential information on what you need to enroll:

If you’re a rising freshman considering the SMP, here are some FAQ’s to help you navigate:

What if I haven’t declared my major?

No major? No problem! The Summer Management Program (SMP) will introduce you to business AND it will complement any major you choose.

  • After SMP, you can choose to stay in the College with all the great majors available to you.
  • After SMP, you can choose to apply to the Business School and will be better prepared for the process because of SMP.

What if I really wanted to take a break for the Summer?

The Summer Management Program lasts only five weeks, which leaves you most of the summer to enjoy a much-needed break.

Can I get a head start on my credits?

The Summer Management Program is the most efficient way to earn 8 credit hours, Pass/Fail (6 credits can count toward the new Minor in Business). These credit hours will serve you as you march toward graduation.

What if I’m interested in Business?

Regardless of your passion, your major, or your interests, business will touch your life. The Summer Management Program is a great way to learn the fundamentals of business.

Shouldn’t Summer be Fun?

Believe it or not, our students tell us the Summer Management Program is fun. You will work in teams, engage in fun projects, meet amazing faculty, and attend social events.

If you’re a rising sophomore considering the SMP, here are some FAQ’s to help you navigate:

What if I haven’t declared my major?

No major? No problem! The Summer Management Program (SMP) will introduce you to business AND it will complement any major you choose.

  • After SMP, you can choose to stay in the College with all the great majors available to you.
  • After SMP, you can choose to apply to the Business School and will be better prepared for the process because of SMP.

What if I really wanted to take a break for the Summer?

The Summer Management Program lasts only five weeks, which leaves you most of the summer to enjoy a much-needed break.

Can I get a head start on my credits?

The Summer Management Program is the most efficient way to earn 8 credit hours, Pass/Fail (6 credits can count toward the new Minor in Business). These credit hours will serve you as you march toward graduation.

What if I’m interested in Business?

Regardless of your passion, your major, or your interests, business will touch your life. The Summer Management Program is a great way to learn the fundamentals of business.

Shouldn’t Summer be Fun?

Believe it or not, our students tell us the Summer Management Program is fun. You will work in teams, engage in fun projects, meet amazing faculty, and attend social events.

If you’re a rising junior, here are some FAQ’s that might come up as you consider the SMP:

What if I need to enhance my resume?

The Summer Management Program (SMP) is the perfect credential for your resume. It complements your major and will catch the eye of your next employer or your graduate program’s admissions team.

What if I had an internship planned for the Summer?

It only takes five weeks to complete the Summer Management program. Students often intern with a company after they complete the SMP, or use the SMP credential to help land internships the following summer.

What if I need to focus on earning more college credits?

The Summer Management Program is the most efficient way to earn 8 credit hours, Pass/Fail (6 credits can count toward the new Minor in Business). These credit hours will serve you as you march toward graduation.

What if I’m interested in Business?

Regardless of your passion, your major, or your interests, business will touch your life. The Summer Management Program is a great way to learn the fundamentals of business.

Shouldn’t Summer be Fun?

Believe it or not, our students tell us the Summer Management Program is fun. You will work in teams, engage in fun projects, meet amazing faculty, and attend social events.

If you’re a rising senior looking at your final year, here are some FAQ’s about why the SMP is perfect for you:

What if I need to enhance my resume in advance of graduation?

The Summer Management Program (SMP) is the perfect credential for your resume. It complements your major and will catch the eye of your next employer or your graduate program’s admissions team.

What if I had an internship planned for the Summer?

It only takes five weeks to complete the Summer Management program. Students often intern with a company after they complete the SMP, or use the SMP credential to help land internships the following summer.

What if I need to focus on earning more college credits in order to graduate on time?

The Summer Management Program is the most efficient way to earn 8 credit hours, Pass/Fail (6 credits can count toward the new Minor in Business). These credit hours will serve you as you march toward graduation.

What if I’m interested in Business?

Regardless of your passion, your major, or your interests, business will touch your life. The Summer Management Program is a great way to learn the fundamentals of business.

Shouldn’t my last Summer before graduation be fun?

Believe it or not, our students tell us the Summer Management Program is fun. You will work in teams, engage in fun projects, meet amazing faculty, and attend social events.

If you’re the parent of a student considering the SMP, here are some quick facts about why it will enhance their future:

Leverage Your Educational Investment

In a word, our students call the Summer Management Program “Transformational.”

In today’s global marketplace, careers in the business world are becoming ever more competitive. A liberal arts degree coupled with a solid education in business fundamentals offers a compelling story for corporate recruiters and Graduate School admissions departments. The Summer Management Program achieves this synergy!

Innovative teaching methods and an intensive curriculum drive students to explore topics and opportunities in business they otherwise might not have encountered.

Over the course of five weeks, your student will gain a fundamental grounding in business education as well as the opportunity to develop essential skills they will need to succeed after college, including:

  • Working Effectively in Teams
  • Successful Leadership Attributes
  • Thinking Critically
  • Art of Communication
  • Career Management

Additionally, they will have the opportunity to take part in practical experiences, through on-site business lectures, case studies, and business simulation exercises that will serve them for years to come.

Costs

Tuition for the 2026 program is $13,672 (pending Trustee approval), and that covers tuition, books, and fees. (Please check with Residence Life in the spring for housing costs.)

The return on this investment is extraordinary and we encourage interested students to reach out to past participants to discuss the program.

Encourage your child to take part in an experience they will not forget and start them off on a path to a successful future.

Student
Testimonials

For decades, the SMP has offered a concentrated primer in business to a variety of liberal arts undergraduates from diverse backgrounds. Since its inception, approximately 2,000 students have completed the program. Explore what former students have to say about their experience at the Summer Management Program.

A Sample Week at the Summer Management Program

Here’s what a typical week looks like when you’re in the SMP:

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
MorningMarketingBusiness LifeAccountingCollege to CareerPersonal Finance
MorningBreakBreakBreakBreakBreak
MorningCollege to CareerBusiness AnalyticsBusiness Life SkillsBusiness AnalyticsAccounting
LunchBreakBreakBreakBreakBreak
AfternoonBusiness Life SkillsBusiness SkillsMarketingFinanceCollege to Career
AfternoonMeeting with Dr. HerbstWorkshopTeam Meeting

Consulting Day

Consulting Day gives students a chance to use their newfound business knowledge, build their social capital by meeting consultants, and explore opportunities to consider working for a consulting firm.

Highlights of Consulting Day include:

  • Interviewing Tips Presentations
  • Introduction to the World of Consulting
  • Instruction in the Area of Case Interviewing (a very common interviewing technique)
  • Team-based Competitions and Presentations
  • Informal Q&A and Networking Events

SMP students consider Consulting Day one of the most exciting days of the program. Career path trajectories change as a result of this impactful experience.

Students mingling with advisor on SMP Consult Day

SMP CourseWork

Students attending the Summer Management Program participate in a variety of carefully designed courses that provide a concentrated primer on business. There are 12 business modules, delivering 8 credits (Pass/Fail; 6 credits can count towards the Minor in Business) towards graduation.

Core Topics

Learn how to read, interpret, and use financial statements to understand how organizations measure performance and make decisions.

Explore how businesses evaluate investments, manage risk, and allocate capital to create long-term value.

Discover how companies identify customer needs, build brands, and design strategies that drive growth in competitive markets.

Apply your knowledge in a dynamic, team-based simulation where you make real-time decisions and compete in a simulated marketplace.

Develop practical skills in analyzing data and using information systems to support smarter business decisions.

Examine how organizations create competitive advantage by aligning goals, resources, and market opportunities.

Exploration Topics

Build essential professional capabilities—such as communication, teamwork, and executive presence—that translate across any career path.

Gain practical guidance on navigating the transition from undergraduate studies to the workplace or graduate school.

Understand how business principles shape industries, organizations, and career opportunities across every sector.

Strengthen your technical proficiency with Excel to confidently analyze data and solve real-world business problems.

Collaborate in teams to solve a live business challenge and present actionable recommendations to stakeholders.

Learn foundational financial planning skills to manage income, savings, investing, and long-term financial goals with confidence.

Meet the SMP Team

The Summer Management Program is provided by an award-winning team of staff and faculty committed to preparing undergraduate students with the essentials of business and a solid skill set as they prepare for their careers.

Profile image of Professor Ben King

Professor Ben King

Director of Interdisciplinary Programs; Professor of the Practice

(336) 758-4903 |
email
| read more
Profile image of Dr. Norma R. Montague

Dr. Norma R. Montague

Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs & Innovation; John B. McKinnon Professor; Associate Professor of Accounting

(336) 758-4302 |
email
| read more
Profile image of Michael Fox (Mike)

Michael Fox (Mike)

Adjunct Professor of Practice

email
| read more
Profile image of Professor Bren Varner

Professor Bren Varner

Assistant Dean of the Master of Science in Management Program; Senior Lecturer

(336) 758-5098 |
email
| read more
Profile image of Dr. Kenny Herbst

Dr. Kenny Herbst

Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Business Program; Board of Visitors Faculty Fellow in Marketing; Associate Professor of Marketing

(336) 758-4215 |
email
| read more
Profile image of Dr. Deon Strickland

Dr. Deon Strickland

L. Glenn Orr Faculty Fellow of Financial Services; Teaching Professor

(336) 758-2522 |
email
| read more
Profile image of Mark Johnson

Mark Johnson

Faculty Fellow in Investments and Portfolio Management; Teaching Professor

(336) 758-6177 |
email
| read more