Learn to Lead in Business
- $320/credit (120 total credits)
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Program accredited by ACBSP
- 14 unique concentrations
- Receive credit for prior learning
- No application fee or SAT/ACT scores
Online Business Degree Overview
To succeed in business, you need a deep understanding of how organizations run. That's why interpersonal skills, strategic problem solving and operational principles are at the core of Southern New Hampshire University's online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program. By focusing on these key business skills, this degree program will help prepare students to be successful entrepreneurial thinkers and decision-makers in various fast paced, complex environments.
Why earn a business administration degree at SNHU?
- Median annual salary of $69,820 for business and financial occupations1
- 7% projected growth in business and financial occupations through 20281
- Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Covers all foundation courses to enter our MBA programs upon completion
- Transfer up to 90 credits in your program, saving you time and money
You can choose the bachelor's degree in business administration alone or elect one of over a dozen concentrations.
Concentration Options
Accounting
Learn how to solve business challenges by helping organizations manage their finances with an online bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in accounting.
Businesses recognize employees who have sound financial, accounting and management knowledge as well as language and computer skills. Professionals with adequate accounting knowledge work with middle and upper management and in public accounting, where complex financial transactions are analyzed and reported. The accounting concentration is ideal for students who wish to supplement their business administration major with specialized accounting skills.
The business and accounting degree curriculum provides both an accounting and general business course of study. With the accounting concentration, you'll develop knowledge and skills in financial accounting practices, complete the accounting cycle, prepare complex financial statements, identify and correct financial reporting issues, create budgets, and conduct ratio analyses to assess financial information.
Career outlook:
With your specialized business administration degree from SNHU, you’ll be in a great position to begin a career in public accounting and private industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in accounting and auditing is expected to grow 6% through 2028.1
Courses may include:
- Cost Accounting
- Intermediate Accounting
- Financial Statement Analysis/Business Valuation
If you're interested in this subject, you may also be interested in a full online accounting degree.
Entrepreneurship
Gain the skills you need to start and manage your own business with an online bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship. This concentration is perfect for natural leaders looking for the foundation they need to bring their startup ideas to life.
Learn more about earning your business administration degree in entrepreneurship online.
Courses may include:
- Small Business Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Business Plan Preparation
Finance
Invest in your future with an online bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in finance.
Corporations in every industry seek employees who understand the complexity of economic activity and the demands facing all firms to take a bottom-line perspective. With a business finance degree from SNHU, you'll be prepared to fill these roles. This program is ideal for adults who wish to transfer credits, switch to finance from another field or supplement an existing degree with a bachelor's in business.
You'll learn how to apply theory to the real world of international and domestic finance. You'll also develop the analytical and quantitative skills needed for corporate and individual financial management industries.
Career outlook:
SNHU's business finance degree online will prepare you to pursue a wide variety of business- and finance-related careers such as:
- Accountant
- Budget analyst
- Financial advisor
- Loan officer
- Cost estimator
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for financial analysts are set to grow 6% through 2028.1 The need for financial managers is also likely to climb 16% through 2028.1
Courses may include:
- Personal Financial Planning
- Fundamentals of Investment
- Multinational Corporate Finance
If you're interested in this concentration, you may also be interested in a full online finance degree.
Healthcare Administration
Put your finger on the pulse of healthcare with an online bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in healthcare administration.
Healthcare is a booming industry. According to the BLS, employment of healthcare occupations is projected to grow 14% through 2028 – adding about 1.9 million new jobs.1 As the aging population continues to grow, so does the need for educated healthcare leaders who can help plan, direct and coordinate health services and improve patient care.
The online healthcare business administration program will give you a foundation in business with an added focus in healthcare. Coursework covers topics such as healthcare delivery systems, reimbursement, ethics, quality management, and research and evaluation methods.
Career outlook:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 18% through 2028 – much faster than the national average for all occupations.1
SNHU's healthcare business administration program prepares you for a variety of roles, such as community health manager, health policy analyst, health promotion specialist, health services manager and medical services administrator. Positions exist in various settings, including:
- Behavioral health organizations
- Consulting firms
- Governmental healthcare agencies
- Health insurance companies
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- National health associations
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Physician offices
Courses may include:
- Healthcare Economics
- Healthcare Strategic Management & Policy
- Organizational Behavior
If you're interested in this concentration, you may also be interested in a full healthcare administration degree online.
Human Resources Management
Learn the ins and outs of HR with an online bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in human resources management. You'll gain the specialized skills you need to succeed in any industry – whether its the private, nonprofit or government sector.
This program concentration is currently aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM) HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. These guidelines are part of SHRM's Academic Initiative to define HR education standards taught in university business schools.
Learn more about earning your business administration degree in human resources online.
Courses may include:
- Human Resource Management
- Employee and Labor Relations
- Managing Organizational Change
Industrial Organizational Psychology
Help improve productivity in your business with an online bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in industrial organizational psychology. This specialized concentration is perfect for students looking for a degree that blends psychology and business.
Learn more about earning your industrial organizational psychology business degree.
Courses may include:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Industrial Organizational Psychology
If you're interested in this concentration, you may also want to check out a full online psychology degree.
International Business
Drive business beyond borders with an online bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in international business. In an increasingly globalized society, this specialized degree will give you the foundation you need to understand and appeal to multinational markets.
Learn more about earning your business administration degree in international business online.
Courses may include:
- Global Financial Systems
- Multinational Marketing
- International Strategic Management
Management Information Systems
Bridge the gap between the technical and business aspects of management information systems (MIS) with an online bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in management information systems. This concentration explores client systems, programming, data and business intelligence tools that can help you drive business decisions.
Learn more about earning your business administration degree in management information systems online.
Courses may include:
- Applied Data Structure and Database
- Business Systems Applications
- Business Intelligence Applications
Marketing
Capture the hearts and minds of consumers with an online bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in marketing.
This specialized marketing concentration will introduce you to areas such as market research, social media marketing and communication and consumer behavior, so you can be prepared for a variety of careers in the fast-paced and ever-evolving field of marketing.
With a marketing-focused business degree under your belt, you'll have the skills required for a variety of entry- and mid-level marketing roles in advertising, customer relations, market research, product/brand management, product distribution, purchasing, retail management and sales.
The curriculum for this marketing concentration focuses on developing effective leadership tools for survival, growth, increased productivity and conflict management in today's increasingly complex business environment. By combining broad-based business courses with marketing courses, you'll learn how to apply theory to real-world situations.
Career outlook:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment for advertising, promotions and marketing managers is expected to increase by 8% through 2028 – faster than the national average for all occupations.1 With new opportunities opening up in the field of digital media marketing, the potential for marketing professionals to reach even wider audiences continues to rise.
Courses may include:
- Social Media and Marketing Communications
- Marketing Research
- Consumer Behavior
If you're interested in this concentration, you may also be interested in a full online marketing degree.
Nonprofit Management
Make it your mission to empower nonprofit organizations with an online bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in nonprofit management.
This specialized online bachelor's in business administration was developed in cooperation with business professionals to provide the expertise you need to succeed in today's workplace.
With a concentration in nonprofit management, you'll benefit from a curriculum focused on the skills you need to achieve organizational goals within the nonprofit world. Nonprofit management courses will help you master grant writing, government and nonprofit accounting, nonprofit management and entrepreneurship. Courses are taught by instructors with professional credentials and experience in their field.
Career outlook:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects for social and community service managers are set to grow 13% through 2028 – much faster than the national average for all occupations.1
The nonprofit field is as versatile as it is rewarding. You’ll find valuable roles in human resources, public relations, accounting, grant writing and more within a variety of organizations, including hospitals, universities and social organizations.
Courses may include:
- Human Resource Management
- Social Environment of Business
- Organizational Behavior
Organizational Leadership
Manage organizational growth with an online bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in organizational leadership. This specialized program will give you the foundation you need to effectively lead employers through times of change.
Learn more about earning your business administration degree in organizational leadership online.
Courses may include:
- Principles of Management
- Business Plan Preparation
- Leadership and Organizational Behavior
Project Management
Take charge with an online bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in project management. You'll learn how to effectively keep the ball rolling in every aspect of the project life cycle – from ideation and implementation to assessing outcomes.
As part of this project management concentration, you'll have the option to take the QSO-345: Project Management for CAPM® Certification course, which will help prepare you to take the PMI® Certified Associate in Project Management® exam.
Learn more about earning your business administration degree in project management online.
Courses may include:
- Project Management
- Project Contracting and Procurement
- Adaptive Project Management
Public Administration
Make public service your bottom line with an online bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in public administration. This specialized concentration is perfect for civic-minded students who want to use business as a vehicle for social change.
Learn more about earning your business administration degree in public administration online.
Courses may include:
- Policy Analysis and the Role of the Public
- American Politics
- Public Fiscal Management
Sports Management
Reach your career goals with an online bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in sport management.
With a degree focused on sports, you'll be prepared to handle a number of areas of the business that come your way, like media, merchandising, hospitality and event management.
When you add a sport management concentration to your business degree, you'll have the skills you need to succeed in a fast-paced profession. Our program combines our long-standing, comprehensive business education with the sport management principles that allow you to ethically address business needs in sport organizations.
Career outlook:
The sports industry continues to grow: Sports and entertainment occupations are projected to see an increase of 5% through 2028.1 In addition, management occupations are expected to climb 7% in that same period.1 The increasing popularity of sports is driving the need for qualified professionals with a specialized skill set.
Completion of your online sports business degree can open many career opportunities in the field, including marketing, sales, operations and finance management for professional sports organizations, sporting goods manufacturers, intercollegiate athletics, parks and recreation departments, and fitness facility management. A well-rounded business degree with a focus on sports management skills is essential in this rapidly growing field.
Courses may include:
- Introduction to Sport Management
- Sport Marketing
- Sport, Society and Ethics
If you're interested in this subject, you may also be interested in a full online sports management degree.
Career Outlook
The bachelor's in business administration program prepares graduates for a wide range of career options. There's a tremendous need in the marketplace for professionals who know how to manage the resources of an organization or business in an effective manner.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of business and financial operations occupations is projected to grow 7% through 2028, adding about 591,800 new jobs.1 In May 2019, the median annual wage for business and financial occupations was $69,820.1
With a solid foundation in the principles of information technology, analytical skills, legal and ethical issues, behavioral dynamics and quantitative analysis, you'll be prepared for a number of roles including:
- Financial analyst
- Market research analyst
- Sales manager
- Human resources and compensation manager
- Accountant
Upon completing this bachelor's degree, you'll have earned vital competencies that can be applied to your personal and professional life, including communications and critical thinking skills as well as economics, finance and organizational leadership.
Plus, as business graduate Ed Ponte '14 points out, learning online will help you build a whole other set of skills employers want to see.
"When you're a top performer in an online program, hiring managers take notice, because those same attributes will make you a valuable employee," he said. "It's about balancing a schedule, setting priorities, working in ambiguity, and finding both the resources and paths to success. It's the exact same skill set of a top-performing employee."
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Business Degree
Why SNHU for Your Online Business Degree
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 90 credits from your previous institution.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, Southern New Hampshire University has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
- Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.2 Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
How to Apply
Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process. Start by:
- Completing a free undergraduate application
- Providing previous institutions attended – so we can retrieve transcripts for you at no cost
Test scores are not required as part of your application.
Courses & Curriculum
The curriculum for our online business degrees prepares SNHU graduates for the workforce – as do our career services, learning resources and support services. SNHU's programs offer a variety of courses that provide you with a well-rounded foundation, in some cases featuring experiential learning opportunities like simulations and internships.
You'll learn from expert faculty, such as Jessica Rogers, PhD, Associate Dean of Business Programs at SNHU.
Leveraging experience in operations, management, sales and marketing, Rogers also serves as an editorial board member of The Journal of Education for Business. But even with her accomplished career, few moments hold a candle to seeing her students succeed.
"SNHU instructors really love our disciplines and want to share our passions with students," said Rogers, who's affectionately known by learners as Dr. J. "Inspiring. Mentoring. Cheerleading. I love all that, and want students to take that grit and evolve.”
You can tailor your program to work for you, too. Choose the general BS in Business Administration to gain a broad understanding of business and management principles, or opt for a concentration to specialize your skill set. Students unsure about a concentration area may choose to add one after enrollment.
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
- Business core: Revised for fall 2020, our undergraduate business programs contain 10 cutting-edge business courses. These core courses are designed to help prepare you for success wherever you go.
- General education courses: All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes, if not obtained in prior coursework. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
- Technology resources: We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
- Earn credits for what you already know: Did you know certain work and life experience – like industry-recognized certifications, law enforcement training and math knowledge – could save you time and money at SNHU? Learn how you could get credit for work or life experience.
View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
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BS in Business Administration |
Courses May Include | ||
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BS in Business Administration Online | ||
ACC 201 | Financial Accounting | Students will learn the steps of the accounting cycle and how to prepare financial statements in accordance with industry established rules and regulations. Students will develop skills needed to analyze financial accounting information, communicate this information to stakeholders, and understand the accounting procedures that produce this information. |
ACC 202 | Managerial Accounting | Students will explore the financial impact of short-term and long-term business decisions. By learning how accounting and other productivity information can be used to assess and improve performance of an organization, managers will be provided the essential information they need to execute growth strategies and select opportunities that create business value. |
FIN 320 | Principles of Finance | This course is designed to survey the corporate finance discipline, examine the financial management of corporations and help students develop the skills needed to make decisions about financing, investments and dividends. Students also will be introduced to money, capital markets and institutions. |
OL 215 | Principles of Management | This course is designed to examine the fundamentals and principles of management in order to develop an understanding of management in any formal organization. Special attention is paid to planning and decision-making. International management is also covered. Writing Intensive Course. |
MKT 205 | Applied Marketing Strategies | Students will learn how the marketing mix is used to position a product or service for a specific target market by analyzing pricing, distribution product development, and promotional strategies. By applying marketing and consumer research, students will generate informed recommendations. Students will also examine the impact of communications and distribution channels on marketing efforts. |
Total Credits: 120 |
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
---|---|---|---|
Degree/Certificates | $960 | $320 | $9,600 |
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty) |
$675 | $225 | $6,750 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
Additional Costs
No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best online college for a business degree?
The "best" online college for a business degree depends on what works best for you. That said, here's what makes SNHU stand out from the pack:
- Our online tuition rates are some of the lowest in the nation – and we've kept them that way since 2012
- We offer over 100 associate, bachelor's and master's level business programs online – each uniquely built to fit the busy lives of learners
- From our MBA to bachelor's in business administration and numerous business associate degrees, business is our forte – and has been since we started as a small accounting school back in 1932
- Our business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- We're leaders of online education – and our innovative online programs have been celebrated by U.S. News & World Report, The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) and Fast Company
Matthew Seawright chose Southern New Hampshire University to finish his business degree because he said it offered him the best opportunity to learn the skills he needed to succeed in the modern workplace.
“By going back to school it put me in the know and on a level playing field with my peers,” he said. “It taught more about the business world, especially today’s business world.”
For Jean Besson '14, who earned his BS in Business Administration, finishing a degree gave him the fuel he needed to get his foot in the door.
"My degree from SNHU is a confidence booster. It gives me the right to sit at the table and ask questions," Besson said. "My breakthrough moment was having that degree from SNHU. It allowed me to say, 'OK, I'm qualified.'"
Can you get an online business degree?
If you're looking to earn an online business degree, you've come to the right place.
Not only do we offer the BS in Business Administration with several concentration options, we also offer 200+ online bachelor's, master's and associate degrees across many high-demand fields, including 15+ specialized MBA programs. It's worth noting that graduates of SNHU's online BS in Business Administration will have earned all the foundation classes they need to continue on to our MBA. So if you know you want to earn your master's, or decide down the line to take your education even further, we can help you get there.
Students from all across the globe have chosen to learn online at SNHU – giving them a flexible, affordable alternative to a traditional classroom experience. For some, taking the next step in their career wouldn't be possible without the option to learn online.
That's the case with Marissa Markelon, who's well on her way to completing her BS in Business Administration. A winner of two women's motocross championships, Markelon needed a program she could complete on the road between races.
"It helped me learn how to better utilize time management," Markelon said. "It made me realize I was capable of more than I believed."
How long does it take to get a business degree online?
Typically, a 120-credit bachelor's degree in business takes about 4 years to complete.
But at SNHU, every student journey is different. If you have previous credits you'd like to transfer into your program, for example, we're happy to work with you.
On average, students transferring into our BS in Business Administration program bring in about 40 transfer credits. That said, SNHU accepts up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's, meaning you could have as few as 10 courses – and as few as 5 terms – to get your degree. Plus, with six 8-week terms per year at SNHU, reaching that goal may come sooner than you think.
We try to make online learning as seamless and quick as you want it to be. Because we believe, no matter where you've started, SNHU is where you can finish strong – and save time and tuition along the way.
How much does an online business degree cost?
We believe that cost should never stand in the way of your education. That's why we've frozen online tuition rates every year since 2012. What does that mean, exactly? It's simple – while other schools keep raising the cost of tuition each year, you'll pay the same rates we offered nearly 10 years ago.
Our rate is $320 per credit, and a bachelor's in business requires 120 credits to complete. That said, there are plenty of ways to manage and save – even on these already low rates – such as grants and scholarships, financial aid, transfer credits and more.
Plus, if you're a military service member, or a military spouse, you could be eligible for a number of military benefits – including 30% tuition discounts.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.
Related Articles
References
Sources & Citations (1, 2)
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/home.htm (viewed June 4, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm (viewed June 4, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm (viewed June 4, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm (viewed June 4, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (viewed June 4, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm (viewed June 4, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm (viewed June 4, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm#tab-1 (viewed June 4, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/home.htm (viewed June 4, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm (viewed June 4, 2020)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2 According to a survey responses from over 9,200 SNHU online students conducted in the fall of 2019.