Today's managers tackle issues involving a number of management functions and do not always fit neatly into subject areas. The UC Merced approach is to integrate key ideas and approaches from across subject areas to evaluate and understand all the dimensions of a given issue. Creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship are emphasized.

The Management and Business Economics major prepares students for a broad range of management-related careers. The major reflects the demands of private- and public-sector organizations for employees who are trained in analytical and quantitative decision-making, who work effectively in teams and on projects, who are comfortable in various cultures, who are "well rounded" in sciences and humanities and who have learned the art of self-directed learning.