While family-owned businesses account for around 70–90% of businesses worldwide and contribute more than 70% of global GDP, many struggle with one of their biggest challenges: successfully passing leadership from one generation to the next. Recognizing this need, Stetson University offers one of the nation's longest-running undergraduate programs dedicated to family business leadership through its Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Family Enterprise Management. The program is home to the first undergraduate major and second-oldest minor in family business in the United States. Backed by nearly two decades of experience and four national awards, it prepares students to lead family-owned companies, advise business-owning families, or launch careers supporting family enterprises through consulting, finance and legal services. Rather than focusing solely on traditional business management, the curriculum explores the unique dynamics that shape family-owned companies, including governance, succession planning, conflict resolution and long-term strategic growth. Designed as a 32-unit (128-credit-hour) degree, the program also encourages students to pursue double majors, allowing them to combine family enterprise studies with disciplines such as finance, accounting, marketing or management. "We explored the challenges and opportunities in family-owned businesses," said Frederik Welding ('18), a graduate of the program. Students also gain practical experience through internships, research projects and community engagement, helping bridge classroom learning with real-world business challenges. The curriculum is guided by an advisory board of industry leaders to ensure graduates develop skills that reflect the evolving needs of family enterprises. Graduates are prepared for careers across family businesses, family offices and family foundations, …
While family-owned businesses account for around 70–90% of businesses worldwide and contribute more than 70% of global GDP, many struggle with one of their biggest challenges: successfully passing leadership from one generation to the next.
Recognizing this need, Stetson University offers one of the nation’s longest-running undergraduate programs dedicated to family business leadership through its Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Family Enterprise Management.
The program is home to the first undergraduate major and second-oldest minor in family business in the United States. Backed by nearly two decades of experience and four national awards, it prepares students to lead family-owned companies, advise business-owning families, or launch careers supporting family enterprises through consulting, finance and legal services.
Rather than focusing solely on traditional business management, the curriculum explores the unique dynamics that shape family-owned companies, including governance, succession planning, conflict resolution and long-term strategic growth.
Designed as a 32-unit (128-credit-hour) degree, the program also encourages students to pursue double majors, allowing them to combine family enterprise studies with disciplines such as finance, accounting, marketing or management.
“We explored the challenges and opportunities in family-owned businesses,” said Frederik Welding (’18), a graduate of the program.
Students also gain practical experience through internships, research projects and community engagement, helping bridge classroom learning with real-world business challenges. The curriculum is guided by an advisory board of industry leaders to ensure graduates develop skills that reflect the evolving needs of family enterprises.
Graduates are prepared for careers across family businesses, family offices and family foundations, as well as consulting, financial and legal firms that support privately owned enterprises. Career pathways include business owners, operations managers, succession planning advisors, consultants and family office professionals.
The program is led by faculty including Dr. Ram Subramanian and Dr. Areti Vogel, who provide students with academic mentoring and industry-focused guidance throughout their studies.
As family-owned businesses continue to drive economies around the world, Stetson University’s Family Enterprise Management program is helping prepare graduates with the leadership, governance and succession planning skills needed to ensure those businesses continue thriving for generations.
