Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Ashland University

Program Overview

Ashland University's Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration provides a broad understanding of how organizations operate, combining finance, marketing, management, information technology, and economics to develop versatile business skills. Designed for students who enjoy problem-solving, working with people, and exploring different career paths, the program offers a flexible business foundation that can lead to opportunities across industries, from established corporations to growing businesses.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their business foundation through management, marketing, information technology, and economics. Courses such as MGT 240: Introduction to Management, MKT 233: Principles of Marketing, and ECON 233: Macroeconomics introduce organizational decision-making, customer needs, and the wider economic environment.

Year 2: Students develop financial and quantitative skills while learning how businesses manage resources and evaluate performance. ACCT 201: Financial Accounting, ACCT 202: Managerial Accounting, and FIN 228: Financial Management build an understanding of financial reporting, internal business decisions, and financial planning.

Year 3: Students strengthen their professional communication and understanding of the legal environment of business while completing institutional requirements, electives, and their minor or second major. MGT 223: Business Communication and BLAW 401: Business Law support effective workplace communication and an understanding of business regulations.

Year 4: Students bring their learning together through advanced business study and assessment. MGT 489: Senior Seminar – Business Capstone and MGT 499: Senior Assessment help students integrate business concepts, reflect on their learning, and demonstrate their readiness for professional opportunities.

Focus Areas

Business management, marketing, finance, accounting, information technology, economics, business communication, organizational operations, business strategy, entrepreneurship.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop skills in business decision-making, financial understanding, management, marketing, communication, problem-solving, organizational coordination, and applying business concepts across different industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Dauch College of Business and Economics offers business education supported by faculty expertise and applied professional learning. The university's program page does not identify a separate program-specific accreditation for the BA in Business Administration.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Ashland's College of Business and Economics requires BSBA students to complete an internship or work experience, providing an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a professional setting. The BA Business Administration program also highlights internships as a way to gain practical experience valued by employers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Ashland connects business education with professional experience through internships, work experience, faculty interaction, and opportunities to explore business careers. Students can apply their knowledge in workplace settings while developing communication, time management, leadership, and problem-solving skills. The College of Business and Economics also provides support to help students identify experiences that align with their academic and career goals.

Students can develop practical experience through:

Internship or work experience: The College of Business and Economics requires BSBA students to complete an internship or work experience, with support from the college in finding suitable opportunities.
Internship course: BUS 339 provides an academic pathway for approved internships and cooperative education.
Professional portfolio: Students completing the BSBA internship or work-experience requirement prepare a professional portfolio documenting their learning and accomplishments.
Internship employers: The college identifies organizations such as The J.M. Smucker Co., Fastenal, Rea Business Advisors, Northwestern Mutual, Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Lippert Enterprises among its internship employers.
Faculty interaction: Small classes provide opportunities for individual attention and interaction with faculty.
Business student organizations: Students can participate in organizations to expand business knowledge, build professional connections, and develop leadership skills.
Credit for prior learning: Eligible students may receive up to 32 credits toward an undergraduate business degree for previously earned industry-recognized credentials.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Business Administration can pursue roles in management, marketing, finance, operations, sales, and business development, depending on their interests and experience. The program's broad business foundation supports career flexibility across different industries and provides preparation for students interested in eventually managing teams, coordinating business activities, or pursuing further study.

Potential career paths include:

Business Development Associate
Management Trainee
Marketing Coordinator
Operations Coordinator

Students can strengthen their career preparation through the following opportunities:

Internship and Experiential Learning Coordinator: The College of Business and Economics provides support to help students identify internship and work-experience opportunities related to their academic and professional goals.
Employer connections: Internship opportunities include organizations such as The J.M. Smucker Co., Fastenal, Rea Business Advisors, Northwestern Mutual, and Lippert Enterprises.
Professional experience: The BSBA internship or work-experience requirement gives students an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a workplace setting.
Professional portfolio: Students document their experience and accomplishments, helping them demonstrate their capabilities to prospective employers.
Career flexibility: The broad curriculum supports opportunities in management, finance, marketing, employee relations, business operations, and related fields.
Further business education: The university identifies its MBA as a potential next step for graduates of College of Business and Economics majors.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the bachelor's degree, students may pursue an MBA or postgraduate studies in business administration, management, marketing, finance, human resource management, or related business fields, subject to admission requirements.