Application deadline
Credits and costs
Online Associate in Science in Business Administration
To be successful in today's increasingly complex business world, you need to have a broad understanding of how your business works. An Associate in Science in Business Administration degree can teach you the fundamentals in accounting, management, marketing, information systems, and economics that will make you a more effective business professional. This type of degree can be an important first step in developing the critical thinking, communication, and other essential business skills that companies value.
Why an Associate in Business Administration at Penn State?
In addition to understanding these important business fundamentals, you need a degree that will be well-recognized by your peers and respected by your employer. Because of Penn State's 100 years of experience in distance education and reputation as a leader in online education, no one will question the quality of your degree.
With an Associate in Science in Business Administration degree from Penn State World Campus, you can gain skills to help move your career ahead in any industry. As a student in this online degree program, you can learn how to:
- execute effective communications strategies
- use the latest technical business tools to perform your job duties effectively
- analyze and react to the economic issues facing companies today
- collect and analyze business data to make inferences and solve business problems
Build on Your Success
While Penn State's Associate in Science in Business Administration is an excellent stand-alone credential, it can be used as a stepping-stone into a bachelor's degree such as the Bachelor of Science in Business, also offered online through Penn State World Campus. With help from an academic adviser, you can often apply the 60 credits you earned toward an associate degree toward the bachelor of science degree in business, allowing you to further your education and increase your marketability to your current and future employers.
Who Should Apply?
Penn State’s Associate in Science in Business Administration has been designed for entry-level business professionals, people who are looking for a career change, or those who have been working in the field but need a respected degree to take the next step in their career.
Courses
The objective of the associate degree in business administration is to provide people interested in management with enhanced communications and mathematical skills, socially relevant course work, and a choice of advanced courses in specific business specialties to develop well-rounded and application-oriented graduates.
For those wishing to continue their studies, the credits earned toward an associate degree may often be applied toward the requirements of a bachelor's degree at Penn State or other institutions.
Prescribed Courses (13 credits)
Additional Courses (23–24 credits)
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Supporting Courses and Related Areas (select 12–13 credits)
For the supporting courses and related areas requirement students can select 12–13 credits from the course ranges and specific courses listed in this section.
- ACCTG 300 to 399
- ECON 100 to 399
- ENTR 100 to 399
- FIN 100 to 399
- HPA 100 to 399
- LHR 100 to 399
- MGMT 100 to 399
- MKTG 100 to 399
- MIS 100 to 399
- RM 100 to 399
- SCM 200 to 399
General Education Requirements
Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 3 credits
- Quantification (GQ): 3 credits
- Any General Education course, including Integrative Studies (Inter-domain or Linked courses): 3 credits
- United States Cultures (US), or International Cultures (IL) or combined designation (US; IL): 3 credits
May be satisfied by designated courses that also meet other degree or General Education requirements. - Writing Across the Curriculum (W, M, X, Y): 3 credits
May be satisfied by designated courses that also meet other degree or General Education requirements.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Costs and Financial Aid
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $620 per credit | $664 per credit |
| 12 or more | $7,527 per semester | $8,125 per semester |
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.
New students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 1. Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about applying for financial aid and recommended deadlines.
Admissions Help
Thank you for your interest in applying to this program. Contact an admissions counselor to discuss your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.
Admission Requirements
To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate or have completed your GED.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need the following items to complete your application:
High school transcripts or GED transcript. First-year applicants are required to submit Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR). Official high school transcripts will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.
Official college or university transcripts, if you attended another institution, and/or official military transcripts (if applicable). All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended. Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information, see the Transfer Students page.
Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Please send your transcripts by mail or electronically through Parchment, eScrip-Safe, or the National Student Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where course work was attempted.
Submit official documents by mail to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park PA 16802
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on the Undergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
Start Your Application
Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
If this is your first time applying to Penn State, you'll need to complete the following steps:
- Review the application instructions before beginning.
- Complete the online application and submit all official documents.
- Pay the application fee.
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form and choosing "MyPennState — Check Application Status." Your decision letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailed four to six weeks after receipt of all application materials. An admissions counselor will contact you if additional information is required.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this degree program.
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
The Associate in Science in Business Administration program can give you a foundation of business concepts and best practices relevant to any industry. You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Associate in Science in Business Administration, offered in partnership with schools from 17 of Penn State's campuses, please contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]
Faculty
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Lisa Bertin
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DegreeExecutive MBA, Kent State University
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DegreeB.S., Business Administration, Information Systems Track, Youngstown State University
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DegreeA.S., Computer Science, Brunswick Junior College
Lisa Bertin began teaching both business and IT–related courses at Penn State Shenango in 2001. Professionally, her business experience includes serving as an office controller and account manager. She has received several teaching awards during her time at the University, including the 2015 George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching. Her research interests include online learning and management information systems. She currently serves on the board of directors for Mercer Area Library, Athena PowerLink, and Lawrence Mercer Athena International.
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Veronica M. Godshalk
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DegreePh.D., Business Administration, Drexel University
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DegreeM.S., Organizational Dynamics, University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Veronica (M. Godshalk is a professor of management and associate chief academic officer at Penn State Great Valley. She teaches courses in management, leadership, and strategy. She is the recipient of several teaching awards, including the Teaching and Learning with Technology Fellowship. Dr. Godshalk has published many books and articles; her research interests include career management and mentoring, as well as pedagogy. She recently published a fifth edition of Career Management for Life. Dr. Godshalk worked in the computer industry in sales prior to entering academia.
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Stephanie Gresh
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DegreePh.D., Organizational Leadership, Eastern University
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DegreeMBA, Rider University
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DegreeBSBA, Marketing, Rider University
As an educator, Dr. Stephanie Gresh seeks to construct an interactive learning environment in the classroom, as she finds that the best learning occurs through interactive discussion and personal reflection. Her research defines a dynamical system as a set of patterns that interact and continually adapt over time, which she has defined as Dynamic Resolve©. She is an active researcher with the International Leadership Association and serves as a co-editor for the journal Industrial and Commercial Training; a special-issue publication was published last year on followership.
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Ali Kara
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DegreePh.D., Marketing, Florida International University
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DegreeM.S., Management, Cukurova University
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DegreeMBA, Marketing, University of Bridgeport
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DegreeB.A., Business, Cukurova University
Dr. Ali Kara is a professor of marketing and the discipline coordinator of the Business and Economics Division of University College. He has published in such academic journals as Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Advertising, International Journal of Research in Marketing, European Journal of Operations Research, and Omega. Dr. Kara teaches a variety of marketing courses. His research focuses on statistical modeling, model comparisons, and identifying segments using data.
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Michael Ridenour
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DegreeM.S., Accounting, Saint Vincent College
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DegreeB.A., Accounting, Washington and Jefferson College
Michael Ridenour teaches a number of accounting courses ranging from financial accounting to taxation. He has worked for the Internal Revenue Service and several certified public accountant firms. He also owns and operates a tax service business.
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Frank M. Sorokach
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DegreeMBA, Wilkes University
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DegreeB.S., Business, Misericordia University
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DegreeA.S., Education, Luzerne County Community College
Frank M. Sorokach teaches economics, project management, business strategy, risk management, and marketing courses. He is the lead instructor and course designer for MIS 204 at Penn State World Campus. He has more than 20 years of applied management and business ownership experience in varied disciplines and has taught for more than 15 years. His research interests include process management, technology integration, risk, and business disruption. He focuses on the application of new concepts, systems, and technologies to improve business, specifically in the integration of technology and management theory.
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John Paul Weber
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DegreePh.D., Organization and Management, Capella University
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DegreeMBA, Finance, LaSalle University
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DegreeB.A., Communications, Temple University
Dr. John Paul Weber is an associate teaching professor who teaches various business-related courses for both Penn State Berks and Penn State World Campus. Dr. Weber maintains a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Broker of Record real estate license. His research interests include real estate, higher education course delivery methods, and the employer/employee relationship.
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