Business Administration
Get ahead in your business career
Earn the credential you need to go further with the online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration at Illinois College. Designed for those seeking to enter the corporate world or increase their earning potential, the online business administration degree prepares you to succeed in today’s competitive workforce.
A comprehensive liberal arts curriculum coupled with in-depth business training prepares you to lead others with expertise and competence. You’ll learn to think critically, write and speak effectively, work in teams and successfully solve complex problems. Additionally, you’ll study key topics like:
- Accounting
- Business communication
- Economics
- Ethics
- Financial management
- Human resources
- Marketing
- Strategic management
You’ll also take part in a degree capstone course, providing practical training designed to help you become an effective manager and leader.
At IC, you’ll study with faculty members who have years of real-world experience. Experts in their fields, they’ll provide you with the support you need to professionally and personally advance.
After Graduation
Graduates of the online BA in Business Administration work in a range of fields and organizations. IC often places graduates at partner companies, such as:
- Archer Daniels Midland Company
- Caterpillar Inc.
- Dot Foods
- GROWMARK FS Inc.
- John Deere
- Reynolds Consumer Products
The online BA in Business Administration is offered fully online for your convenience either full- or part-time. Classes are asynchronous and can be taken wherever and whenever is right for you, allowing you the flexibility you need as a working adult. Because the degree is accelerated, you’ll be able to graduate in 15 months.
The Online BA in Business Administration is Designed for…
- Working adults who want to earn their education in a convenient format
- Individuals seeking to build their skill set and enter positions of management
- Those who wish to finish their four-year degree
Faculty
Allison Burrus | BA in Business Administration
Education Background
- BS in Accounting and Marketing | Eastern Illinois University
- MBA in Business Process Management | University of Illinois at Springfield
- Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology | University of Missouri-St. Louis
Field Experience
I worked as a staff auditor at BKD and Integra Bank in Evansville, IN for 3 years. I transitioned to an accounting analyst at ADM for 3 years. Then, I worked as the CFO of the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence for 2 years. I then left accounting to pursue my Ph.D. While earning my Ph.D., I worked as a teaching assistant, an adjunct instructor, and interned with Hughes Leadership Advisors.
Teaching Style
My preferred teaching style is one that involves discussions and activities with students. This style applies to my teaching in-person and online. I believe the best way to learn material is to engage with it personally. In addition, based on my personal experience at various employers and the knowledge received in my graduate studies, I believe understanding psychology and applying it to work are vital skills to possess. As a result, I design and teach courses based on principles of psychology and human behavior. I believe this leads to a better understanding of why certain human resources management policies are necessary for the health and success of an organization. By participating in a class that explains the “why,” in addition to the “how,” students are better prepared to make decisions related to human resources when they enter the workforce. I also challenge students to question what they read on the internet to ensure it is scientifically sound information.
Research
I am active in research and my main interests currently relate to time management, self-regulatory processes, and career calling. I would love to have students join me in researching these topics or topics that interest them.
Favorite class to each and why?
My favorite class to teach is organizational behavior. This class incorporates many theories of human motivation that I feel are fun to apply and think about. The concepts are easy to apply to any job or life stage so it is a good class to get students interested by sharing their own experiences.
Courses and Admissions
Learn to Lead
At Illinois College, our online BA in Business Administration equips you with a range of academic and practical skills that place you in the forefront of the industry. The program requires a total of 120 semester hours for a degree: 78 hours in general education courses, 22 hours in business core courses and 24 hours in business administration courses. Alternatively, students can choose to complete a Management major: 78 hours in general education courses, 22 hours in business core courses and 24 hours in management courses.
Courses
Students must take a total of 78 credit hours in a variety of areas. These include courses in writing; world cultures; the arts speech; science; social, spiritual and philosophical issues and more.
Course Description Credits EC 105 This course is a one-term combination of both micro- and macro-economics. In this course, students are introduced to analysis of supply and demand, national income theory, the banking system, monetary policy and the corresponding usage for economic stabilization, theory of the consumer, theory of the firm and other selected microeconomic topics.4 AC 231 Fundamental financial and managerial accounting concepts used in decision making. Emphasis is on operating, investing, and financing activities and planning, controlling and evaluating performance.4 MG 491 This is a course in managerial leadership which builds upon leadership coverage in an introductory organizational behavior course. This course will increase the scope and depth of students’ knowledge of formal academic theories of leadership that identify important traits and behaviors used by effective leaders and managers. In addition, managers and leaders need to be aware of their own preferences and tendencies, so this course helps students become aware of their preferred behaviors, attitudes, and styles. Finally, this course gives students practice analyzing situations to identify effective leader and managerial behaviors. Prerequisite: Business Administration major and senior standing, or consent of instructor.4 CO 210 This course is designed to enhance one’s understanding of the skills, principles and contexts of communication in business and organizational settings. Oral presentations and written assignments are utilized to evaluate competencies in verbal and nonverbal communication efforts. A framework of strategic communication is introduced for the planning and implementation of various interpersonal and presentational principles and skills along with an examination of important theories of organizational communication. This course exposes students to compelling communication-related issues in contemporary business and professional settings.4 PH 315 Consideration of the problem of determining the rules which should govern the relationship between industry and government, a company and its customers and management and employees.4 IC 421 Students will learn how to transition from the college campus to a workplace environment through this interactive course. Within a supportive learning community, students will develop strategies from executing a successful job search to beginning their entry-level job or graduate program. Course topics in preparing for the role as new young professional include determining personal strengths through self-reflection and assessment, locating and applying for available positions, successfully interviewing and identifying workplace “rules of the game.”2 Course Description Credits MG 354 Emphasizes the concepts of planning, organizing, controlling, and decision making as they are applied to management of the marketing function. Attention is given to the marketing environment, consumer behavior, marketing research, product management, distribution, promotion and pricing policies. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. (BLUEprint: Global Awareness, Information Literacy)4 MG 364 The study of the managerial process in an organizational setting with emphasis on decision-making, planning, organizing, and controlling; including discussion of motivation, leadership, communication, and group dynamics in an organizational context. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.4 FI 352 Study financial management of a typical corporation. Topics include stock valuation, risk analysis, capital structure, dividend policy, and capital budgeting. Current developments such as mergers and acquisitions, new securities, and small business finance are also studied. Prerequisites: AC 231 and EC 1054 And an additional 12 semester hours from 300- or 400-level courses in AC, AG, EC, FI, or MG (except AC 321 and MG 355)
Course Description Credits MG 120 An introduction to application software used in problem solving including advanced features of spreadsheets, introduction to databases and project management tools. Includes in-class laboratory work.4 MG 237 This course focuses on the examination of research and theory as it relates to the organization and the organizational environment as a social system. Within this context, the course explores factors that influence the way members of an organization behave. Topics include individual and cultural differences, perceptions, attitudes, emotions, motivation, learning and reinforcement, managing diversity, decision-making, relationship management, performance, group/team relationships, leadership, conflict and negotiations, strategy, and organizational change management.4 MG 357 This course is designed to provide students with a general overview and introduction to the American legal system, both procedural and substantive, with an emphasis on civil law as it relates to business owners and operators. Topics include: the courts, civil procedure, torts, personal property, real property, insurance, contracts, and contemporary issues.4 MG 359 Study of concepts and methods used by the HRM unit in building and maintaining an effective workforce in profit and nonprofit organizations. Topics include recruitment, selection, training, wage and salary administration, job design, and EEOC. Offered spring semesters.4 MG 364 The study of the managerial process in an organizational setting with emphasis on decision-making, planning, organizing, and controlling; including discussion of motivation, leadership, communication, and group dynamics in an organizational context. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.4 MG 485 Senior course designed to integrate the separate functional activities into the effective operation of an ongoing organization with emphasis on strategy formulation and implementation. The case method is used. Prerequisite: senior majors.4
Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission to the online B.A. in Business Administration, applicants must:
- Be a high school graduate (or equivalent)
- Have a 2.5 GPA
How to Apply
Candidates must submit:
- An online application
Apply for free at admission.ic.edu/apply - Official transcripts of all high school and/or college work completed
Tuition
At Illinois College, we feature a high-quality education at a price you can afford. See how your past academic credentials can help you make the most of your college education.
| Curriculum Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (32 credit hours) | $375 per credit hour | $12,000 |
| Fees (4 terms) | $25 per term | $100 |
| Total with Transfer Credits | $12,100 | |
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Career Outcomes
When you earn your BA in Business Administration online, you’ll Graduate READY to begin an exciting new chapter in your career. The degree can prepare you for a number of jobs, such as the ones listed here.
All employment information from Payscale.
Why Illinois College?
-
Take the fast track.
You can earn an online BA in Business Administration in 15 months.
-
Career readiness.
Prepare for real-world success through a comprehensive curriculum filled with case studies, industry examples and more.
-
A comprehensive curriculum.
The online BA in Business Administration is rooted in a broad course of study, increasing your marketability in the workforce.
Benefits of
Learning Online
Whether it’s increasing your paycheck or advancing your career, an online degree can help you go further.
View BenefitsFrequently Asked Questions
Students who excel in online programs have similar traits and habits that contribute to their success. They possess self-motivation and self-discipline and are willing to commit time and effort to their studies. Additionally, they choose to meet deadlines, follow through on assignments and communicate regularly with their academic support network.
Online degrees provide flexibility to earn a degree at your own pace. Completion times will vary depending on previous college credit and how much time per week you are able to dedicate to academics. Average completion time for our online degrees is 18 months.
We’re glad you’re ready to take the next step in your career! Our application is free and offered fully online for your convenience. In addition to submitting your completed application form, you will need to request and supply your official transcripts from all previously attended institutions and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. If you are applying for the RN to BSN program, you will need to supply a valid RN license.
For specific admissions requirements, visit your program page of interest.