Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Location

Curriculum

120 credit hours

Program Length

as few as 48 months

Accreditation

Regionally Accredited by SACSCOC

Start Your Professional Journey with CIU’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving modern world, leadership and management skills are the backbone of a successful business. That’s why our Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree places these critical abilities front and center. Our program prepares you to tackle the challenges of a 21st-century global marketplace through a collaborative, academically rigorous online curriculum. 

You’ll gain practical knowledge and valuable insights that you can use in any career path you choose, from starting your own business to working for a corporation or nonprofit. Our ethics-based approach means that you’ll be equipped not only with the technical skills needed for success, but also the moral compass necessary to make decisions that align with your values. So whether you're just starting your professional journey or seeking to take your career to the next level, our BS in Business Administration will provide you with the tools to achieve your goals and pursue the opportunities that the future has in store for you. 

Next online class starts May 6, 2024

Why Choose Columbia International University

Columbia International University is a distinctively mission-driven school with a strong set of core values. Our Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced business world. Through a rigorous academic curriculum and innovative online coursework, students will gain a solid foundation in business principles and practical applications. Our Learning Management System is designed to be both robust and user-friendly, ensuring that students have access to the latest tools and technologies to succeed. At CIU, we pride ourselves on our personalized approach to education, with a team of dedicated instructors and staff committed to meeting the unique needs of every learner. Whether you’re starting your college journey or seeking to take your career to the next level, CIU offers the ideal environment to achieve your goals and pursue your dreams.
 

Overall Benefits of the BS in Business Administration

Obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree offers numerous benefits to graduates, including access to a wide range of career opportunities, a broad range of transferable skills, and a solid foundation for pursuing further education. 

One of the main advantages of a BS in Business Administration is that it provides graduates with a broad set of skills and knowledge that are highly valued in the job market. Graduates can find employment in a variety of fields, including finance, marketing, management, accounting, and more. They may also be able to start their own businesses or work for nonprofit organizations, government agencies or international companies. 

Another benefit of a BS in Business Administration is that it equips graduates with a wide range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. These skills can be applied in any field and are highly valued by employers, making graduates well-positioned for success in their chosen career paths. 

A BS in Business Administration provides a solid foundation for pursuing further education, such as an MBA or other advanced degree. Graduates may also choose to pursue specialized certifications or training in specific areas of business, such as finance or accounting. 

Beyond these practical benefits, a BS in Business Administration can also offer graduates personal growth and development, as they learn about the intricacies of the business world and how to navigate it successfully. They may gain a deeper understanding of the role of business in society and develop a sense of purpose and responsibility as they strive to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. 
 

What Will I Study?

  • BIB 1005 Old Testament Survey

    This course provides an overview of the background and content of the Old Testament, with an emphasis on beginning to prepare you to study and interpret the Bible on your own. Students learn about the content, authorship, date of writing, and important background issues for each Old Testament book. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIB 1010 New Testament Survey

    This course provides an overview of the background and content of the New Testament, with an emphasis on beginning to prepare you to study and interpret the Bible on your own. Students learn about the content, authorship, date of writing, and important background issues for each New Testament book. Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ICS 1210 Discovering the Mission of God

    This course is designed to help you develop world-Christian characteristics. You will explore the Christian's heritage in the history of the church and missions, begin to develop a scriptural perspective on the purpose of the gospel in confronting ideologies, religions and spiritual needs of the world, and discuss current strategies for identifying and reaching the lost.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MSD 1110 Encountering Spiritual Formation

    This course is designed to introduce the student to the foundational principles of spiritual formation for effective life, ministry, and vocation. The process of the student's spiritual formation includes their relationship with God, their biblical self-image, their relationship with the Body of Christ, their personal relationships, and their relationship with the world. Students are invited into a multiple-year journey of encountering spiritual formation in community. The goal of this course is to help students build a foundation for continued spiritual formation at and beyond their time at CIU.

    3.00 credit hours
  • THE 2010 Survey of Bible Doctrine

    This course provides you with a survey of the foundational ideas and teachings of Christian thought and doctrine. You will explore the biblical teachings which form Christian doctrine. You also will consider how to move from theory to practice and from ideas to behavior as you learn about practicing a Christian life and worldview. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • THE 3010 Biblical Theology of Leadership

    This course provides you with a biblical, Christ-centered perspective of leadership. You will study historical trends and examples in the development of leadership thinking-both from a secular and Christian perspective-and evaluate them in light of Scripture. You will be challenged to apply this truth to your own life and to your understanding of organizational behavior. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • COM 1010 Communication for Leaders

    This course provides you a general overview of basic communication skills and strategies that typically accompany proven leaders. Topics covered include listening, evaluating an audience, speaking in public settings, facilitating small work groups, and business writing. The course is a blend of theory and practice. You will have the opportunity to engage and practice leadership communication techniques firsthand. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • CPT 1010 Technology for College

    This course provides foundational knowledge so you can use technology as an effective communication tool for researching and for presenting information. You will gain experience with key technology tools, with a view toward learning how to create documents and presentations, as well as use them to communicate appropriately to academic and professional audiences. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ENG 1010 College Writing and Research 1

    This course overviews the tasks and skills involved in writing formal essays. You will increase your writing proficiency step-by-step, accomplishing smaller goals that lead to the achievement of larger goals. You will thoroughly cover the mechanics of good English grammar with the goal of identifying your strengths and weaknesses. As a summative exercise, you will examine biblical examples of various types of writing. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ENG 1020 College Writing and Research 2

    This course builds upon the knowledge of writing and writing research skills you covered in ENG 1010 - College Writing and Research 1. The course stresses intellectual and analytical reasoning and their contribution to good research and writing practices. Students continue to drill the mechanics of grammar and provide input for other student writers. As a summative exercise, students will examine examples of research and reasoning as they relate to and help us understand the biblical text. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • HIS 2010 World Civilizations

    This course surveys world history from the beginning of civilization to AD 1700. You will study the origins and achievements of the major civilizations of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. You will also be exposed to Christian, Islamic, and Byzantine cultures. Upon completion of the course, you will have gained a foundational understanding of ancient history-historical, cultural, and geographical factors-and grasp its relationship to the biblical record. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MAT 2010 Personal Financial Management

    This course will provide you a practical introduction to personal finance management. It highlights strategies for managing personal assets and also explores topics such as the development of personal financial goals, planning and budgeting; avoiding fraud and swindles; buying, insuring, and financing major assets; consumer credit; banking services; investments; insurance; retirement and estate planning; and income tax. You will also learn to understand biblical principles of stewardship that impact financial management. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • PHI 1010 Philosophy and Worldview

    This course acquaints you with key philosophies and worldviews today that come from various sources and that impact people's understanding of reality and of the world. You will come to understand, recognize, and evaluate these various belief systems within the context of biblical Christianity. Such topics as the nature of God, the meaning of life, the nature of humanity, and morality will be covered. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • PHI 3010 Personal and Social Ethics

    In this course, you will study the history of ethics, ethical decision-making, personal character development, and build a framework of Christian personal and social ethics. You will learn to apply a biblical ethic to a range of contemporary issues. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • PSY 2010 Organizational and Industrial Psychology

    In this course, you will study and apply the science and theory behind how people predict and manage human behavior within an organization. Students will cover theories of motivation, cognitive psychology, leadership theories, ethics, performance management, team management, and organizational development. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • RES 3010 Research and Concept Development Skills

    In this course, you will develop skills and strategies necessary to success as an adult learner. Focus is on the concepts of adult learning, effective team work, and discovering your personal calling. Related topics include team dynamics, the American Psychological Association (APA) formatting guidelines for academic writing, understanding personal learning styles and personality types, and personal goal setting. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • SCI 2010 Earth Science

    This course is designed to provide you a general overview of environmental science, with an emphasis on sound science, stewardship, and sustainability. Students study basic concepts of environmental science, relationships between living and nonliving things, human impact upon the environment, and proper care of earth's resources. Critical thinking skills will be utilized throughout this course, with a view toward helping you carefully consider scientific concepts and their effects upon human interactions. The study of environmental science is approached from the perspective that human beings are tasked with practicing appropriate stewardship of God's creation. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • SOC 1010 Succeeding at CIU

    Through this course, you will be introduced to communication, self-motivation, and critical thinking skills necessary for academic success at CIU. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • SOC 2010 Cultural Diversity

    This course is an exploration of cultural diversity and multiculturalism within the framework of a biblical worldview. This course provides you with a process to understand and relate to people of various cultures. It also provides ongoing preparation for effective interaction with all kinds of people in our culturally diverse world. Growth in these skills will equip you with what you need to build trust across cultural differences. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • LDR 3010 Organizational Leadership

    This course will provide you an understanding of organizational leadership-both theoretical and practical-from a biblical perspective. You will discuss the topic of leadership in contexts that include interpersonal relationships, organizational structure and processes, and organizational culture. The biblical concept of covenant will be used as a model for identifying and implementing best leadership practices within each of these contexts. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BUS 1010 Fundamentals of Business

    This course provides you a foundational understanding of the basic practices and issues necessary to managing and operating a business. Topics include various management theories, economic concepts, management and organization, human resources, sales and marketing, and operations, along with consideration of the challenges, ethics, and strategies necessary to conduct business in both domestic and global markets. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BUS 1020 Introduction to Finance

    This course will equip you with knowledge of basic finance principles to help you link financial markets, institutions, and investors. You will study the corporate perspective on the flow of capital, including related topics such as interest rates, stocks, bonds, risk and return, the time value of money, and the cost of capital. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BUS 2020 Principles of Accounting

    This course will provide you foundational knowledge of basic managerial accounting processes. Topics covered include product and service costing, profit planning, capital investment analysis, flexible budgeting, and financial statement analysis. You will also become more proficient in your use of various computer applications to analyze data and to inform your financial decisions. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BUS 2030 Global Issues in Business

    This course will introduce you to foundational concepts for conducting business in an increasingly global economy. You will investigate key cultural, ethical, political, and economic issues that impact the world of global business, with a view toward making you more informed and effective business people as you relate to the larger world of business. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BUS 2040 Business Case Study

    This course builds upon material you have learned in earlier courses with the goal of applying your knowledge to solve true-to-life business issues. You have the flexibility to focus on an organization of your choice as you approach your case studies. A written case study is completed as a summative exercise in which you identify problems, explore the relevant literature, and propose recommendations for improvement. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BUS 3010 Working with Teams

    This course studies the importance of teamwork in organizational or professional settings. You will study the components of effective teams, discuss common dysfunctions of teams, examine accountability within teams, and how to instill team values. The goal is to help you grow both as a team member and as a team leader. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BUS 3020 Finance and Budgeting for Managers

    This course will build upon your prior coursework in basic finance concepts involving financial markets. You will complete a thorough review of financial statements and learn their function and use in capital markets. Topics explored include managerial planning and decision making roles in areas such as capital budgeting, capital structure, leverage, and cash flow analysis. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BUS 3030 Personnel Development

    This course will prepare you with the understanding and skills you need as a leader to hire and grow a solid team. You will learn various theories of learning, leadership, and motivation, and from that learning develop a practical application of methodologies such as needs assessment, development, and execution. The course also covers job design, coaching, mentoring, and performance management techniques that facilitate a good corporate culture. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BUS 3040 Management of InformationSystems

    This course will introduce you to the design and use of management information systems. You will study the components and technologies that information systems typically employ, their impact on business processes, and the contribution they make to helping businesses achieve a competitive advantage. Special attention is given to the role of information systems in global and multinational business contexts, along with how organizational members can collaborate using technology to enhance their outcomes. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BUS 3050 Management of Marketing

    In this course, you will examine the discipline of marketing as it relates to today's world, both domestic and global. You will analyze multiple marketing strategies and explore consumer behavior in various target markets. Related topics include how to make strategic marketing decisions related to product and service offerings, including distribution, promotion, and pricing. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BUS 3060 Business Ethics

    In this course, students will study ethical theories with a view toward relating and applying them to contemporary issues in business. Special attention is given to the application of a Judeo-Christian ethical paradigm to identify basic beliefs, establish good values, and make ethical decisions. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BUS 4010 Operations Management

    This course will provide you with an understanding of the foundations of the operations function from both manufacturing and services perspectives. You will analyze operations from both the strategic and operational perspectives, with a view toward understanding the competitive advantages that the operations side of a business can provide for the organization. Topics include process analysis, materials management, production scheduling, quality improvement, and product design. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BUS 4020 International Issues in Business

    This course will provide you with a framework for understanding the global business context that is now reality for many businesses. You will explore the ethical and cultural differences among various countries and the dynamics they create in international business, alongside strategies to help your business enter the global market and compete effectively. You also will be encouraged to develop a biblical paradigm for your approach to international business. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BUS 4030 Strategic Management

    This course explores the world of strategic management and will help you discover its guiding principles. Topics covered include helping an organization accomplish its objectives through formulating, implementing, and evaluating effective cross-functional decisions. Students will review the many pieces necessary to strategic management, including integrating management, marketing, finance/accounting, production/operations, research and development, and information systems. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BUS 4040 Business Portfolio

    This course is designed to provide a capstone experience for your previous business courses. It covers the processes of internal and external business analysis, followed by how business people develop growth strategies for both diversification and globalization. Finally, you will receive biblical guidelines and coaching to help you implement these strategies into all aspects of your business. (3) Limited to online program students.

    3.00 credit hours
For a comprehensive list of courses related to this program visit the Academic Catalog.

Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • Official high school transcript or successful completion of General Education Development (GED) Testing Program
  • Applicants who have attempted 12 or more college credits post-high school must provide official college transcripts of all work completed or in progress. Recommended college grade point average (GPA) is 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (those with a GPA under 2.0 may be admitted on a provisional basis)

Accreditation and Accolades

SACSCOC (The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

Career Path Opportunities

  • Marketing Coordinator 
  • Sales Representative 
  • Financial Analyst 
  • Human Resources Specialist 
  • Management Trainee 
  • Operations Manager 
  • Project Manager 
  • Business Analyst 
  • Entrepreneur 
  • Account Manager 
  • Banker 
  • Nonprofit Manager 
  • Supply Chain Manager 
  • Government Administrator 
  • Insurance Underwriter 
  • Risk Manager 

Top FAQs

What is a BS in Business Administration?

A BS in Business Administration is a four-year undergraduate degree that covers fundamental business topics such as accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing and business ethics. An MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is a graduate degree that focuses on advanced business skills and management, and usually takes one to two years to complete. A DBA, or Doctor of Business Administration, is the highest level of education in the field of business administration.

What will I study?

Students in CIU’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program will receive a comprehensive education in business principles and practices. Coursework covers a wide range of topics, including accounting, finance, management, marketing, economics and business ethics.

When can I start?

The starting date for the BS in Business Administration program at CIU is flexible, with students able to begin in the fall, spring, or summer semester.

How long does it take?

The BS in Business Administration is a four-year program that requires the completion of approximately 120 credit hours of coursework.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the BS in Business Administration program at CIU may vary, and students are encouraged to speak with a financial aid advisor to discuss tuition and other fees.

Admissions Requirements?

Admissions requirements for the BS in Business Administration program at CIU include a high school diploma or equivalent, and meeting the minimum GPA and standardized test score requirements set by the institution.

Career Opportunities?

Graduates of the BS in Business Administration program at CIU can pursue a variety of entry-level positions in industries such as finance, marketing, human resources, and management.

How will the degree benefit my career?

The BS in Business Administration degree from CIU provides students with a strong foundation in business principles and practices, which can prepare them for a variety of entry-level positions in the field of business. Additionally, it can also serve as a stepping stone for students who wish to pursue further education in business, such as an MBA or a DBA.

What are other degree options?

Other degree options in the field of business include Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Management, as well as graduate degrees such as an MBA or a DBA.

 

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