Southern Cross University is set to launch a reimagined Bachelor of Business in 2026, marking a bold transformation in business education and how future graduates are prepared for the evolving world of work.
Developed in consultation with industry, the redesigned degree moves away from the traditional structure of majors and electives by offering a comprehensive, integrated curriculum that reflects real-world business needs.
Students will gain broad, practical knowledge across entrepreneurship, finance, human resources, marketing, business analytics and applied artificial intelligence. A specialisation in accounting will remain available for students pursuing accreditation pathways.
Associate Professor John Haw, Head of Business at Southern Cross University, says the new degree is a direct response to what industry is asking for.
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Play video "Our Bachelor of Business is unique in the market. Students will look at every other business degree and they're pretty much the same thing. They've got a standard suite of majors. Ours is different, and we're playing the long game because we're going to graduate the best students that businesses want," Professor Haw said.
With a focus on whole-of-business thinking, the degree fosters adaptability, strategic awareness and collaboration, capabilities that modern employers are actively seeking.
"Industry is telling us they want graduates who aren't just narrowly trained in one area. They want people who fit the culture of their organisation, who work toward the overall mission, who are good team players and who have soft skills such as leadership, collaboration, and communication, the kinds of things that AI can't do," Associate Professor Haw said.
The program includes more than 200 hours of embedded professional experience, with students completing a mix of career development units, internships, and real-world industry projects that solve practical business challenges.
"We've had a 30-year history of industry relationships, especially around internships. Now we're taking that one step further," he said.
A global outlook is also a key feature of the new degree. Through international exchange and overseas placement opportunities, students are encouraged to experience business in a global context.
"We tell our students to make sure they've got a passport, because there are so many opportunities to study or work overseas during the degree," Associate Professor Haw said.
"They might go to North America or Europe to study international business, then complete a placement overseas in their final year, maybe in Cambodia, Disneyland or even on a cruise ship. It opens up their world."
The University has partnered with international institutions such as San Francisco State University, ICN Business School in France, Tec de Monterry in Mexico, KonKuk University in South Korea, and Mahindol University in Thailand, to provide students with opportunities to study business units as part of an international exchange program.
The Bachelor of Business also makes space for innovation, embedding emerging areas such as business analytics and artificial intelligence into the core curriculum to ensure graduates are prepared for the future of work.
"Students will study AI, they will study analytics, and they will learn how these technologies are shaping business," he said.
With its forward-thinking structure, strong industry links and global perspective, the new Southern Cross Bachelor of Business is set to graduate adaptable, workplace-ready professionals who stand out from the crowd.
"In time, we believe employers will be saying, 'We want Southern Cross graduates because they're different. They know how to work across teams, contribute to business goals and bring the kind of energy that organisations need,'" Associate Professor Haw said.
Hear more from Associate Professor Haw on the SCU Buzz Podcast , and learn about the Bachelor of Business here .
