Application deadline
Credits and costs
Nationally Recognized
A Respected Penn State Business Degree — 100% Online
Employers are looking for versatile business professionals to evaluate and respond to their organization's challenges. As a student in the Bachelor of Science in Business program, offered online through Penn State World Campus, you will gain broad exposure to the most important disciplines of business, including accounting, finance, management, and marketing. Then, you will tailor your program by selecting an 18-credit specialized option based on your unique career aspirations and areas of strength.
This online business degree program, offered in partnership with the business schools from 17 of Penn State's campuses, integrates a theory-to-practice approach that strengthens your problem-solving skills while delivering an experience that is contemporary and relevant. You can learn to:
- maximize marketing strategies
- think, speak, and write about organizational issues
- analyze business data to make inferences and solve business problems
- understand capital risk and reward metrics
- use finance and accounting measures to drive business decisions
- execute contract agreements
- prepare your business for the cultural implications of a global marketplace
Customize Your Education for Your Future
Specialize in a particular business discipline with one of these 18-credit options:
Accounting: Gain a deeper understanding of financial and managerial accounting, systems and controls, taxation, and auditing
Entrepreneurship: Explore topics like idea generation, opportunity analysis, new product creation, and business plan development
Financial Services: Build skills highly valued by employers, in wealth management, risk management, estate planning, portfolio analysis, and personal financial and retirement planning
Health Services: Pursue careers in the health services sector with emphasis on the financial and administrative aspects of health care enterprises
Management and Marketing: Develop advanced management and marketing techniques related to sales, global marketing, small business marketing, and more
Individualized: Create a business-focused plan of study drawing upon course work in different disciplines and developed in conjunction with your adviser and approved by the program coordinator
Why a Business Degree from Penn State?
By exposing you to core aspects of business, the B.S. in Business program offers a comprehensive overview of the field that can help you develop a multifaceted skill set and operate more effectively within cross-functional teams. This broad understanding of business, combined with an immersion into the specialization of your choice, can enhance your value to employers and expand your career opportunities.
U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Penn State as one of the nation's top providers of online bachelor's degrees. You can leverage our reputation for excellence and vast alumni network to help open doors for you now and into the future.
Your Online Business Courses
Our courses are taught by Penn State faculty, trained to provide you with an engaging learning experience. Your diploma will look no different from the one earned by students on our physical campus.
Courses
The Bachelor of Science in Business degree requires students to complete a minimum of 120 credits.
This program features a core of prescribed courses, general education requirements, and electives. Students will also select an option that emphasizes one set of skills. Options include accounting, entrepreneurship, financial services, health services, management and marketing, and an individualized option.
The number of credits you will have to take will vary according to the courses you transfer into the business degree program. Once you are admitted into the degree program, an academic adviser will help you with remaining requirements.
Prescribed Courses (41 credits)
Additional Courses (select 15–18 credits)
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or:
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Supporting Courses and Related Areas (0–3 credits)
Select 0–3 credits from 400-level business courses from: ACCTG, BA, ECON, ENTR, FIN, FINSV, HPA, IB, MGMT, MIS, MKTG, RM, or SCM. A letter grade of C or higher is required. You are encouraged to work with your adviser to identify the appropriate supporting courses.
Options (select 18 credits)
Customize your path by choosing 18 required credits from one of the degree options:
Additional Courses for the Accounting Option (6 credits)
Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Accounting Option (select 3 credits)
Select 3 credits from 400-level business courses from: ACCTG, BA, ECON, ENTR, FIN, HPA, IB, MGMT, MIS, MKTG, or SCM (Sem: 7–8)
Additional Courses for the Entrepreneurship Option (select 0–3 credits)
Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Entrepreneurship Option (select 6–9 credits)
Select 6 to 9 credits of 400-level ENTR courses in consultation with your adviser. Some prerequisites may apply.
Additional Courses for the Financial Services Option (3 credits)
Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Financial Services Option (select 12 credits)
Select 12 credits in 300 or 400-level (with at least 3 credits at the 400-level) from ACCTG, FIN (Sem: 5–8)
Additional Courses for the Health Services Option (select 0–3 credits)
Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Health Services Option (select 9–12 credits)
- 3–9 credits of 300- or 400-level HPA courses (fifth-semester standing or permission of instructor)
- 0–6 credits of ACCTG, BA, ECON, ENTR, FIN, HPA, IB, MGMT, MKTG, MIS, or SCM. Consult with your adviser; prerequisites may apply.
Management and Marketing Option
Note: 3 of the 18 credits in the Management and Marketing Option must be 400-level Management (MGMT) and Marketing (MKTG). Please check with your adviser about their availability.
Additional Courses for the Management and Marketing Option (select 0–6 credits)
Select 0–6 credits from the following: BA 250(3), ENGL 419(3), MKTG 220(3) or one of the following, CAS 252(3), CAS 352(3), CAS 404(3) (Sem: 5–8)
Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Management and Marketing Option (select 12–18 credits)
A minimum of 3 credits of supporting courses must be selected at the 400-level.
- Select 3 credits from 300 or 400-level MGMT courses (Sem: 5–8)
- Select 3 credits from 300 or 400-level MKTG courses (Sem: 5–8)
- Select 6–12 additional credits in 300 or 400-level courses from MGMT or MKTG courses (Sem: 6–8)
Individualized Option
The 18-credit plan must meet the following guidelines:
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Maximum number of 100-level course work to be accepted in the option: None
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Maximum number of 200-level course work to be accepted in the option: 6 credits
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Maximum number of transfer credits accepted into the option: No limit (transfer credit policies apply)
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Maximum course work in disciplines other than the following: ACCTG, FIN, FINSV, ENTR, MGMT, MKTG, SCM, STAT, IB, ECON, HPA: 9 credits
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Maximum number of credits completed more than 5 years before enrollment the program: 6 credits
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Maximum number of independent study/special topics course work: 3 credits, must be at the 400-level
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Minimum number of 400-level credits completed in business courses from the following: ACCTG, ENTR, FIN, FINSV, IB, MGMT, MKTG, SCM, HPA: 3 credits
Electives (select 10 credits)
Among the degree requirements, students should incorporate at least 3 credits in U.S. cultures, 3 credits in international (IL) cultures, and 3 credits in writing-across-the-curriculum courses.
This course list includes only courses offered by World Campus. An official degree audit or the recommended academic plan for this program may include additional course options and detailed requirements. All students are expected to complete at least 36 Penn State credits to earn this degree. Please consult an academic adviser for details.
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): 6 credits
- Humanities (GH): 6 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
A student must receive a grade of C or better in GWS courses. - Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
A student must receive a grade of C or better in GQ courses. - Integrative Studies: 6 credits
This requirement only applies to students starting in summer 2018 or later. Learn more about the Integrative Studies options and consult your academic adviser when choosing courses to fulfill these requirements. Integrative Studies credits may be completed within the thirty Knowledge Domain credits and must be completed with either Inter-domain or Linked courses, not a combination of both.
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 |
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| 11 or fewer | $626 per credit | $671 per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,602 per semester | $8,206 per semester |
Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19.
| 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 | $632 per credit | $678 per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,678 per semester | $8,288 per semester |
Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19.
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
The Bachelor of Science in Business is appropriate for individuals who:
Have completed a minimum of 29.1 college credits with a 2.0 or higher GPA OR have already earned an associate degree OR completed the first two years of a four-year bachelor's degree
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Have satisfied the entrance-to-major (ETM) requirements for admission through any of the following methods:
- completing MATH 022 (College Algebra II and Analytic Geometry) OR a higher-level math course offered by Penn State such as any one of the following:
- MATH 040 (Algebra, Trigonometry, and Analytic Geometry)
- MATH 041 (Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry)
- MATH 110 (Techniques of Calculus I)
- MATH 140 (Calculus with Analytic Geometry I)
- completing a precalculus or higher-level course at another accredited institution with a grade of C or better
- receiving sufficient scores on Advanced Placement calculus exam
Important: Penn State's math placement exam results are NOT sufficient for satisfying the ETM requirement. The requirement must be demonstrated by letter grade or transfer credit. For more information about the ETM requirement for this program, contact an adviser.
Students who have not completed the entrance-to-major requirement for the bachelor's in business may qualify for admission to the associate degree in business administration or may begin study in a pre-business status, with the goal of entering the Bachelor of Science in Business degree program after fulfilling the entrance-to-major requirements. Admissions staff will assist students in selecting the most appropriate starting major. World Campus offers online tutoring services in accounting, statistics, and math if you need additional support in these areas.
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
A broad understanding of business combined with an immersion into the specialization of your choice and the support of Penn State career resources can expand your career opportunities.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Business, offered in partnership with the business 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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Dipti Bhatt
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DegreeM.S., Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware
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DegreeGraduate Certificate in Socially Responsible and Sustainable Apparel Business, University of Delaware
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DegreeB.S., Fashion Design, Annamalai University
Dipti Bhatt is a lecturer of business analytics and management. Her teaching and research focus on consumer behavior, management systems, and sustainability. Prior to joining Penn State, she managed research and reporting activities at a nonprofit organization in the U.S., Better Buying Institute, that helps fashion retailers and other CPG companies improve their purchasing practices toward more sustainable supply chain management. She has several years of experience in managing a global supply chain for a textile buying house in India.
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Erin A. Brennan
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DegreeJ.D., Villanova University School of Law
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DegreeB.A., English and French, King's College
Erin A. Brennan is an assistant teaching professor and a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania and New York. She began her teaching career in 2008, while she maintained a full-time legal practice focused on civil litigation in the Federal Courts. She retired from legal practice in 2016 and now teaches courses in business law and sustainability. She devotes substantial effort and research to sustainability efforts and is a founding member of the Penn State Wilkes-Barre Sustainability Council. Her presentations focus on pedagogy, law, and sustainability.
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Kevin Feifer
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DegreeMBA, Misericordia University
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DegreeB.S., Business Management, Penn State
Kevin Feifer teaches marketing and entrepreneurship courses. He is a proud Penn State alumnus with a professional career spanning health care, nonprofit, and small business management. His teaching is focused on engaging students with the community through service-learning experiences to enhance academic content. He has presented at regional and international conferences on the impact of service learning in the classroom.
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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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Kimberley Hemmings-Jarrett
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DegreePh.D., Information Systems
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DegreeB.A., Business Administration
Dr. Kimberley Hemmings-Jarrett's primary research focus and interests include social media, social computing, text mining, predictive analytics, human-centered computing, the digital divide, and digitally marginalized populations. She has publications with IEEE, ACM, and AIS. Dr. Kim is also participating in the development of the new MIS and data analytics major/minor offerings at the Penn State Abington campus.
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Kenneth M. Henrie
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DegreeDBA, Marketing, Argosy University-Twin Cities
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DegreeMBA, New Mexico State University
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DegreeB.B.A., Marketing, New Mexico State University
Dr. Kenneth M. Henrie has developed and taught a wide variety of marketing courses both in the United States and the United Kingdom. His teaching interests focus mostly on sales, consumer behavior, and sports marketing. His research focus includes consumer response to persuasion and innovative uses of technology in pedagogy.
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Joseph S. Honer
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DegreeJ.D., Rutgers University
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DegreeL.L.M., Taxation, Villanova University
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DegreeB.B.A., Accounting and Finance, Loyola University Maryland
Joseph S. Honer's interest is in teaching accounting and finance and trying to relate these lessons to real-world, everyday circumstances. He believes that accounting and finance have tangential relationships to everything a student will do after they graduate and that fundamental financial lessons can greatly improve a student's earning and saving capacity for the rest of their life.
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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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Thomas Kramer
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DegreePh.D., Human Resource Development, The University of Texas at Tyler
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DegreeMBA, Shepherd University
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DegreeB.S., Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Dr. Thomas Kramer, assistant teaching professor of management, focuses his research and scholarly activity on social power and talent development with a particular emphasis on organizational justice. He teaches courses in human resource management, leadership and motivation, and project management.
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Kevin Mayhew
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DegreeM.S., Information Technology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
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DegreeM.S., Cybersecurity, California University of Pennsylvania
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DegreePMP, Certified Project Manager, Project Management Institute
Kevin Mayhew's research interests involve technology and its use in a wide range of industries. He has owned his own consulting business and worked for major U.S. and international companies in the government, retail, distribution, supply chain, software development, logistics, insurance, financial, and telecommunications sectors. His teaching interests include project management, business analysis, systems analysis, analytics, and software development consulting.
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Shantanu Namjoshi
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DegreeMBA, Finance, Gonzaga University
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DegreeM.S. and Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Tech
Dr. Shantanu Namjoshi worked for the Air Force Research Lab in Dayton, Ohio, before moving to academia. He was the principal investigator on various projects for the DOE and NSF. His teaching interests are in finance.
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Seth Powless
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DegreePh.D., Higher Education, University of Toledo
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DegreeMBA, University of Toledo
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DegreeM.Ed., Education, University of Toledo
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DegreeB.A., Political Science, University of Toledo
Dr. Seth Powless, assistant teaching professor of business, focuses his research and publications on disaster operations and logistics at both the organizational and consumer levels. His research explores the application of the Theory of Constraints to applied problems in sports logistics, retail operations, and supply chain technologies. Dr. Powless is a regularly invited workshop host at DSI and POMS in the areas of project and supply chain management pedagogy. Dr. Powless teaches a wide array of courses in PSCM, human resources, leadership, management, and marketing.
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Ellen M. Raineri
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DegreePh.D., Organization and Management, Capella University
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DegreeMBA, Information Security, Marywood University
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DegreeGraduate Certificate, Information Assurance and Security, Kaplan University
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DegreeB.A., Computer Science, Wilkes University
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DegreeB.A., English and Education, Wilkes University
Dr. Ellen Raineri led corporate initiatives for new technology and cyber security products and services. She has been an author, strategic planner, entrepreneur, and commercial real estate broker. Dr. Raineri's research interests include business ethics, entrepreneurship, and management. Her book, endorsed by Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul series), Ken Blanchard (One Minute Manager), Alan Cohen, and Gerald Jampolsky, prompted interviews on Lifetime TV, radio, newspaper, and online media. Dr. Raineri’ is an Assistant Teaching Professor and Lead Faculty of BA243. She received the Teaching Excellence Award and the Excellence in Business Award.
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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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Lisa Robinson
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DegreeMBA, Alvernia University
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DegreeB.S., Business Administration, Alvernia University
Lisa Robinson is a business lecturer in the business administration program. Lisa works closely with the local community on her research projects, including breaking down the barriers to communication. She is also working on a faculty database to showcase other faculties' research for the community. Lisa is an adviser to the local Phi Beta Lambda chapter.
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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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Sabrin Stewart
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DegreeM.S., Accounting, City University of New York, Lehman College
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DegreeBachelor of Business Administration, Ain Shams University
Sabrin Stewart, an assistant professor of accounting, is working on her doctorate at Jacksonville University, majoring in accounting and finance. Sabrin has taught accounting at Ashland University, Eastern Gateway Community College, and Washtenaw Community College. She started her career as an experienced tax accountant with one of the “Big Four” companies: PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where she gained tremendous experience in corporate taxes.
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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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Gina C. Whalen
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DegreeD.Ed., Adult Education, Penn State
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DegreeM.S., Organizational Management, Misericordia University
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DegreeB.S., Business Logistics, Penn State
Dr. Gina C. Whalen teaches courses in management and leadership. Prior to joining Penn State as a faculty member and program director for the World Campus business program, she held educational leadership roles in the training and development field. Her passion for the success of adult learners led to an appointment on Penn State’s Commission for Adult Learners. She also serves at the national level as vice president of Alpha Sigma Lambda, the national honor society for adult students. Her research interests include transformative learning, autoethnography, and adult learners in higher education.
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