100% Online
Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.
Credits and costs
Enhance Your Penn State Degree
Add a minor to get even more value out of your education.
Gain Specialized Business Knowledge
Gain Specialized Business Knowledge
Adding a Minor in Business to your undergraduate degree is an effective way to expand your skill set while complementing your main course of study. No matter which degree you are pursuing, this minor will help you develop a broad range of useful skills that can be applied in most business settings. Having a Penn State business minor also earmarks your résumé for potential recruiters, signifying that you possess valuable business acumen from a highly respected program.
The 19-credit business minor can provide you with a critical foundation of knowledge about core business disciplines, including:
- accounting
- management
- marketing
- macroeconomics or microeconomics
Looking beyond the core curriculum, you can further expand your business knowledge by incorporating two additional 400-level courses in such areas as economics, business law, business administration, entrepreneurship, risk management, supply chain management, corporate communication, criminal justice, psychology, hospitality management, kinesiology, information sciences and technology, and more.
This minor is open to all interested undergraduate World Campus students who meet the prerequisites. Due to its wide applications, the business minor is expected to be in demand across many majors.
Online Business Courses
Online Business Courses
As a student in this 19-credit minor, you will first study the fundamentals of business, including accounting, marketing, management, and economics. Penn State World Campus then allows you to customize your minor by incorporating higher-level course work most appropriate to your career aspirations.
A grade of C or better is required in all courses that you take to fulfill requirements for the minor.
Prescribed Courses (10 credits)
- 4credits
Introduction to the role of accounting numbers in the process of managing a business and in investor decision-making.
- Prerequisite
MATH 21 or 1.5 units of high school algebra
- 3credits
Study of fundamental principles and processes available to the understanding of management.
- Prerequisite
(ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and (ECON 102 or ECON 104) and (MATH 021 or higher or satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination)
- 3credits
Covers terminology and important concepts related to marketing in the business environment. Domestic and international environments that impact marketing are included, with particular emphasis on the marketing environment, segmentation, positioning, and targeting.
- Prerequisite
ENGL 015 or ENGL 030; ECON 102 or ECON 104; MATH 021 or higher or satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination.
Additional Courses and Related Areas (3 credits)
- 3credits
Methods of economic analysis and their use; price determination; theory of the firm; distribution.
- or:3credits
National income measurement; aggregate economic models; money and income; policy problems.
Supporting Courses (select 6 credits)
To earn the minor, you must take 6 credits of 400-level Supporting Courses.
- You must take at least 3 credits from the following list of courses:
ACCTG, BA, EBF, ECON, ENTR, FIN, HPA, IB, LHR, MIS, MGMT, MKTG, SCM, or STAT - For the remaining 3 credits, you may choose 3 credits from the original list of courses, or select 3 credits from the following list of courses:
- 3credits
Theories and strategies important for conceptualizing, developing, and managing conflict negotiation, mediation, and third-party intervention.
- 3credits
Principles of administration as they relate to a police organization and policy development.
- 3credits
Preparing and editing reports and presentations common to business, industry, and government.
- Prerequisite
ENGL 202A, ENGL 202B, ENGL 202C, ENGL 202D
- 3credits
Fundamentals of program development and administration of human service programs in community settings; emphasis given to program content, strategies, and the overall planning process.
- Prerequisite
HDFS 311
- 3credits
Introduction to emerging issues, technology forecasting and analysis; overview of emerging issues and leading technologies in IST and how they impact information systems, users, the IT labor force and society.
- 3credits
Introductory course on integration of information technology into different venues, including the planning, development, and implementation of the integration.
- 3credits
Legal environment of information technology, constitutional/political issues, intellectual property, management, e-commerce, privacy, access, computer contracting, cyberspace regulation.
- Prerequisite
IST 301 or SRA 231
- 3credits
Survey of theory and research with respect to attitudes, morale, and motivation of employees and management.
- Prerequisite
PSYCH 100; PSYCH 200 or STAT 200
- 3credits
Review of research and application of behavior principles in the areas of management and supervision.
- Prerequisite
PSYCH 100; PSYCH 281 or 3 credits MGMT; fifth-semester standing or permission of instructor
- 3credits
Work and occupational life in modern society; work in the past, present, and future.
- 3credits
The role of gender in shaping contemporary North American patterns of employment, occupational roles, and statuses.
- 3credits
Law and Society studies the social origins of law and legal systems, occupational careers, and decision-making of legal officials.
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
Costs and Financial Aid
Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.
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.
2024–25 Academic Year Rates
| 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 |
2025–26 Academic Year Rates
| 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 | $638 per credit | $685 per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,755 per semester | $8,371 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. Federal financial aid may only be used to pay for credits used to satisfy program requirements.
Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
Additional Cost of Attendance Details
To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:
- visit the Tuition Information site
- click the plus sign to expand the table
- select a semester from the World Campus row
Upcoming Events
Convenient Online Format
This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.
A Trusted Leader in Online Education
Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.
How to Add a Minor to Your Degree
How to Add a Minor to Your Degree
You must be a current student and meet specific requirements to apply for a minor.
Application Instructions
Steps to Apply
To be eligible for admittance into this minor, you must:
- be a current Penn State undergraduate student in your fifth semester and be in a bachelor's degree major
- maintain a grade of C or better in all courses for the minor
- confirm that the minor code and major code do not match
Talk with your academic adviser about incorporating the minor into your major and to develop a semester-by-semester plan for meeting requirements. You should add the minor as early as possible, but you can apply up to the late drop deadline of your graduating semester.
You will receive a confirmation email once you declare the minor in LionPATH.
Admissions Help
Please work with your adviser if you have questions about adding a minor. You can find your adviser's contact information in your student portal or by calling advising at 814-863-3283.
Contact Us
Contact Us
Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.
To learn more about the Minor in Business, please contact:
World Campus Advisers
Phone: 800-252-3592 (toll free)
[email protected]
Learn from the Best
Learn from the Best
The Minor in Business is offered in partnership with Penn State Abington.
Faculty
Lisa Bertin
- DegreeExecutive MBA, Kent State University
- DegreeB.S., Business Administration, Information Systems Track, Youngstown State University
- 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.
Veronica M. Godshalk
- DegreePh.D., Business Administration, Drexel University
- 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.
Ali Kara
- DegreePh.D., Marketing, Florida International University
- DegreeM.S., Management, Cukurova University
- DegreeMBA, Marketing, University of Bridgeport
- 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.
Michael Krajsa
- DegreeMaster of Regional Planning, Penn State Harrisburg
- DegreeB.S., Biology, Catholic University
Michael Krajsa, assistant teaching professor of business at Penn State Lehigh Valley and Penn State World Campus, has a diverse background in management, marketing, business strategy, nonprofit development, entrepreneurship, global NGOs, publishing, public affairs, and government. His background provides a rich foundation and network for him to serve as the founding faculty liaison of Lehigh Valley LaunchBox, an off-campus, community-facing business accelerator that funded 43 portfolio companies in two years.
Michael Ridenour
- DegreeM.S., Accounting, Saint Vincent College
- 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.
Frank M. Sorokach
- DegreeMBA, Wilkes University
- DegreeB.S., Business, Misericordia University
- 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.
Yang Xu
- DegreePh.D., Business, Virginia Tech
- DegreeMBA, China Europe International Business School
- DegreeB.S., Shanghai Jio Tong University
Dr. Yang Xu has taught a variety of business administration courses and was involved in the development of two online courses for Penn State World Campus. She is the recipient of the 2009 Campus Award for Excellence in Teaching. Dr. Xu has published articles in various academic journals and presented refereed papers at large international conferences. In addition to her 21 research papers that have been published or accepted in academic journals and conference proceedings, Dr. Xu has reviewed more than 60 manuscripts for prestigious academic conferences and top-tier or reputable scholarly journals.