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Gain Skills by Earning a Respected Penn State Business Degree — 100% Online
Apply contemporary information technology tools and leverage business software applications.
Compare, contrast, and differentiate the general business environments of your local community and the globalized world economy.
Demonstrate awareness of ethical issues, social responsibilities, and conflict resolution.
Use fundamental business concepts and principles, as well as contemporary business practices, to recognize, analyze, and solve business problems.
Your Online Business Courses and Specializations
Your Online Business Courses and Specializations
As a student in this bachelor’s degree in business program, 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 interests and career aspirations.
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 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.
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.
Entrance-to-Major Requirements
In order to be eligible for entrance to major, students must complete the following courses with a grade of C or higher:
ECON 102
MATH 021 or MATH 022 or MATH 026 or MATH 040 or MATH 041 or MATH 110 or MATH 140
In addition, students also must satisfy the following requirements:
- attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University
- have at least third-semester classification
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.
Prescribed Courses (37 credits)
- 3credits
Technological and interpersonal skills for the contemporary business professional, stressing collaborative learning, electronic inquiry and communications, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
- Prerequisite
ACCTG 211 and ECON 102 or ECON 104 and ENGL 15
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Effectiveness of the business professional in team settings, especially the capacity to execute both technologically and cooperatively through group exercises.
- Prerequisite
ACCTG 211 and ECON 102 or ECON 104 and ENGL 15
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 1credit
This course emphasizes effective career planning by closely examining oneself, the business world, and communication styles and strategies.
- Prerequisite
BA 321 or BA 322
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Introduction to Project Management, covering all phases of a project in proposal development, planning, execution, and closing.
- Prerequisite
BA 321 or BA 322
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Study of strategic planning and implementation in multi-industry, multicultural, and multi-national settings with emphasis on sustaining competitive advantages.
- Prerequisite
BA 321 and BA 322 and BA 421 and FIN 301 and MGMT 301 and MKTG 301 and SCM 301
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Methods of economic analysis and their use; price determination; theory of the firm; distribution.
- GS
This course can be used to satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.
- 3credits
National income measurement; aggregate economic models; money and income; policy problems.
- GS
The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.
- 3credits
Nature of finance function; risk and return concepts; working capital; dividend policies; mergers; security markets; acquisition and management of corporate capital; analysis of operations; forecasting capital requirements; raising capital; and planning profits. Available to baccalaureate students only.
- Prerequisite
(ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and ACCTG 211 and (ECON 102 or ECON 104) and (SCM 200 or STAT 200)
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
A survey of the major aspects of international business environment and operations with an emphasis on the cultural dimension.
- Prerequisite
Fifth-semester standing
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- IL
The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Integrative Studies (IL) requirement.
- 3credits
Examination of fundamental principles and processes applicable to the study of management. Not available to students who have taken BA 304.
- Prerequisite
(ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and (ECON 102 or ECON 104) and (MATH 21 or higher or satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination)
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 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. Not available to students who have taken BA 303.
- Prerequisite
(ENGL 015 or ENGL 030) and (ECON 102 or ECON 104) and (MATH 021 or higher or satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination.)
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
This course investigates use of databases, basic data mining tools, social networking software, and advanced level of spreadsheet management for analysis of large amounts of data.
- 3credits
Supply chain management concepts, principles, and methodologies.
- Prerequisite
ACCTG 211 and ECON 102 and (SCM 200 or STAT 200)
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
Additional Courses (select 15–18 credits)
- 4credits
Introduction to the role of accounting numbers in the process of managing a business and in investor decision-making.
- Prerequisite
MATH 021 or 1.5 units of high school algebra
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
-
or both:
- 3credits
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of financial accounting, including the collection, recording, summarization, and interpretation of accounting data.
- and:3credits
This course emphasizes the use of accounting information for internal purposes (managerial accounting).
- 4credits
Explores the ethical, political, social, legal and regulatory, technological, and demographic diversity environment of business.
- Note
A student may not receive credit toward graduation for both BLAW 243 and BA 243.
- 3 or 6credits
Guided professional practicum in business consisting of 3 or 6 credits of supervised fieldwork in business.
- Prerequisite
BA 321; BA 322; BA 420 and completion of 6 credits at the 300- or 400- level in student's option
- Note
This internship is an opportunity to apply the theories and concepts taught throughout the program. With approval from the academic program coordinator, you can engage in an assignment at your workplace that goes beyond your regular job duties, or you could work on a special initiative with a local organization in your community. Whichever path you choose, this internship is an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world business setting and demonstrate your willingness to go beyond your regular job responsibilities.
- 3credits
An intensive, rhetorically based experience in reading and writing that will prepare you both to understand the communications that surround you and to succeed in your own communication efforts.
- c or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better
- 3credits
Provides an overview of the role of information systems in business process design; the current technologies used for obtaining, storing, securing, and communicating information in support of operations and decision-making within a business organization; as well as the concepts and principles for developing and using popular spreadsheet and database tools.
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- or:3credits
This course explores the application of spreadsheet engineering concepts and principles of data management, business modeling, and reporting to business problems.
- 3credits
Descriptive Statistics, frequency distributions, probability and normal distributions, statistical inference, linear regression, and correlation.
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
Select 3-4 credits of the following:
- 3credits
Quadratic equations; equation in quadratic form; word problems; graphing; algebraic fractions; negative and rational exponents; radicals.
- Prerequisite
MATH 4 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination.
- C or better
Students need to earn at least a C grade in each course taken to be eligible for the certificate.
- 3credits
Relations, functions, graphs; polynomial, rational functions, graphs; word problems; nonlinear inequalities; inverse functions; exponential, logarithmic functions; conic sections; simultaneous equations.
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Trigonometric functions; solutions of triangles; trigonometric equations; identities.
- Prerequisite
MATH 021 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination.
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 4credits
Introduces and develops the mathematical skills required for analyzing change, and the underlying mathematical behaviors that model real-life economics and financial applications. Develops student knowledge of calculus techniques, and how to use a calculus framework to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Prerequisite
MATH 022 or MATH 40 or MATH 41 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 4credits
Introduces and develops the mathematical skills required for analyzing change and creating mathematical models that replicate real-life phenomena. Develops student knowledge of calculus techniques and how to use the calculus environment to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Prerequisite
MATH 22 and MATH 26 or MATH 26 and satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination or MATH 40 or MATH 41 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination.
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
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:
- 3credits
Accounting techniques as planning, control, and motivating devices in business and other organizations; accounting data for decision-making and performance evaluation.
- Prerequisite
ACCTG 211, STAT 200 or ECON 102
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Theory and practice issues in income concepts and value measurement; GAAP; revenues, costs, assets, liabilities, and equities.
- Prerequisite
ACCTG 211 or ACCTG 311
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Off-balance sheet financing; special issues in cost capitalization, liabilities, and equities; matching; funds flow statements; statement analysis; inflation accounting.
- Prerequisite
ACCTG 371 or ACCTG 471
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
Additional Courses for the Accounting Option (6 credits)
- 3credits
Financial compliance, internal, and operational audits; standards and procedures; sampling; EDP auditing; professional issues; application of concepts through written responses.
- Prerequisite
ACCTG 371 or ACCTG 471
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Elements of tax policy and tax-planning concepts for personal and business decision-making; with emphasis on taxation of individuals.
- Prerequisite
ACCTG 211; BA 301 or FIN 301
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
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)
- 3credits
Overview of the fundamental principles and processes of entrepreneurship, including idea generation and opportunity analysis.
- Prerequisite
ACCTG 211, ECON 102
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Explores the process for starting and growing a new venture, including the development of a business plan.
- Prerequisite
ENTR 300
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Overview of alternative forms of financing, including seed capital, valuing a company, going public, partnerships, and acquisitions.
- Prerequisite
BA 243 or BLAW 243; ENTR 320, FIN 301
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
Additional Courses for the Entrepreneurship Option (select 0–3 credits)
- 3credits
Examines the function and structure of communication in both formal and informal situations.
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Preparing and editing reports and presentations common to business, industry, and government.
- Prerequisite
ENGL 015 or ENGL 030
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
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.
- 3credits
Investment and risk, types of security investments, sources of investment information, the broker, the stock market, portfolio management.
- Prerequisite
FIN 301
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
Additional Courses for the Financial Services Option (3 credits)
- 3credits
Elements of tax policy and tax-planning concepts for personal and business decision-making; with emphasis on taxation of individuals.
- Prerequisite
ACCTG 211; BA 301 or FIN 301
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
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)
- 3credits
Examination of the social, political, historic, and scientific factors in the development and organization of health services.
- Prerequisite
fifth-semester standing or permission of instructor
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
This course provides you with an overview of how health care institutions are organized and governed, the role of the management staff, and the management systems designed for their efficient and effective operation.
- Prerequisite
HPA 101, HPA 211
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
Additional Courses for the Health Services Option (select 0–3 credits)
- 3credits
Examines the function and structure of communication in both formal and informal situations.
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Theories and strategies important for conceptualizing, developing, and managing conflict negotiation, mediation, and third-party intervention.
- Prerequisite
CAS 100
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Preparing and editing reports and presentations common to business, industry, and government.
- Prerequisite
ENGL 015 or ENGL 030
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Development and management of employee compensation systems.
- Prerequisite
LHR 201 and sixth-semester standing
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Explore the causes and consequences of conflicts between work, family, and other life commitments, and how these may be resolved.
- Prerequisite
3 credits of LHR
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Personnel selection, training, accident prevention, morale, and organizational behavior.
- Prerequisite
PSYCH 100
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 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
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 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
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
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:
Maximum number of 100-level course work to be accepted in the option: None
Maximum number of 200-level course work to be accepted in the option: 6 credits
Maximum number of transfer credits accepted into the option: No limit (transfer credit policies apply)
Maximum course work in disciplines other than the following: ACCTG, FIN, FINSV, ENTR, MGMT, MKTG, SCM, STAT, IB, ECON, HPA: 9 credits
Maximum number of credits completed more than 5 years before enrollment the program: 6 credits
Maximum number of independent study/special topics course work: 3 credits, must be at the 400-level
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 (5–8 credits)
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.
- Foundations: 15 credits
All courses require a grade of C or better. Inter-Domain courses may not be used for foundations requirements.- Writing/Speaking: 9 credits
- Quantification: 6 credits
3-6 credits are selected from mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics; 3 credits may be selected from computer science or symbolic logic.
- Knowledge Domains: 15 credits
Inter-Domain courses may not be used for knowledge domain requirements.- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Integrative Studies: 6 credits
- Inter-Domain course work: 6 credits
- Exploration: 9 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN) (may be Inter-Domain): 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, and Inter-Domain courses: 6 credits
May include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the requirements of the student’s degree program or at the 12th credit level, whichever is higher.
These General Education Requirements are for students who started in summer 2023 or later. Students who started earlier can review the prior version of the general education requirements.
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.
Start or Advance Your Business Career
Start or Advance Your Business Career
Employers are looking for versatile business professionals to evaluate and respond to their organizations' challenges. A broad understanding of business, immersion into a specialization, and the support of Penn State career resources can help you achieve your career goals or start your own business.
Job Titles Related to This Degree
The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:
- Administrative Director
- Business Manager
- General Manager (GM)
- Operations Director
- Operations Manager
Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree
Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.
General and Operations Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Career Services to Set You Up for Success
From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.
- Opportunities to connect with employers
- Career counselor/coach support
- Occupation and salary information
- Internships
- Graduate school resources
Upcoming Events
Ready to Learn More?
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.
Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State bachelor's degree?
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
Learn to Solve Real Business Problems
Learn to Solve Real Business Problems
Our online business degree program integrates a theory-to-practice approach that strengthens your problem-solving skills and general business strategies.
You can learn to:
- maximize marketing strategies
- master time management tactics
- use quantitative analysis to evaluate findings
- 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
Set Your Own Pace
Set Your Own Pace
Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.
Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser.
To Finish Your Degree in Two to Three Years
- Take 6 courses each semester
To Finish Your Degree in Three to Four Years
- Take 4–5 courses each semester
To Finish Your Degree in Five or More Years
- Take 2–3 courses each semester
Timelines may vary for students transferring credits from another school or based on course availability.
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.
Information for Military and Veterans
Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.
How to Apply to Penn State
How to Apply to Penn State
Apply by March 15 to start May 19
Application Instructions
Deadlines and Important Dates
Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.
Summer Deadline
Apply by March 15 to start May 19Fall Deadline
Apply by June 30 to start August 25Spring Deadline
Apply by October 31, 2025, to start January 12, 2026
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.
Steps to Apply
To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate, or have completed your GED.
This degree program includes Entrance-to-Major requirements (ETMs). After you are admitted to Penn State, you’ll complete them during your first few semesters to officially become a Bachelor of Science in Business major. If you satisfy these requirements with transfer credits, you’ll be admitted directly into the major.
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) when applying. Official high school transcripts for first-year applicants will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.
Transfer international students will need to submit their high school transcript before their application can be reviewed.
Official college or university transcripts 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.
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.
To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.
Create a New Penn State Account
If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
Accessing MyPennState
The MyPennState Portal provides access to our online admissions services. Before accessing MyPennState, you must have a Penn State account that will be used to access all Penn State systems. After creating an account, you will receive a unique Penn State User ID. You will need to enter your User ID followed by @psu.edu when signing in to MyPennState and other Penn State sites. For example, you should be entering something like '[email protected]' in the Sign In field.
The application consists of six sections:
- Application Setup
- Program of Study
- Citizenship and Residency
- Academics and Experience
- Miscellaneous
- Review and Submit
Application Setup
Be sure to select "Online" for the "How would you like to complete your degree" question if you plan to attend Penn State World Campus.
The rest of this section will ask some basic questions about your education experience and military affiliation.
Program of Study
You will choose the degree type and then the starting semester.
Your starting campus will be selected as Penn State World Campus by default as long as you picked "Online" in your Application Setup. Click Continue.
On the Choose a Program page, select your intended major from the list.
Review your selection on the summary screen and click Continue to move on to the Citizenship and Residency section.
Citizenship and Residency
Complete the series of questions about your citizenship status, demographic information, Pennsylvania residency status, and family history.
Academics and Experience
You will need to enter academic experience information about your high school and any attempted courses at a college or university after high school.
The Education Gap Statement offers a place to explain any time that has elapsed between your high school graduation and your anticipated enrollment at Penn State. Please provide a summary of why that gap occurred. Some examples that would explain a gap in your education include work, family, attending another college or university, etc.
Miscellaneous
In the Miscellaneous section, you will provide any program-specific requirements (e.g., a personal statement), information about activities, and financial aid information.
Review and Submit
Review your information, digitally sign your application, and provide payment for the application fee ($65 domestic or $75 international).
High School Transcripts and Academic Record
After your application is completed, you will also need to self-report your high school course work before the application deadline. You will be directed to fill out the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). It is helpful to have a high school transcript available when completing this section. In the third section, you'll select your program of study and campus.
Official high school transcripts or GED transcript, along with records from high school, are required, regardless of the length of time that has passed.
Include any college/university transcripts (required), military transcripts, and Proof of English Language proficiency (if applicable). SAT/ACT scores are not required if you are identified as an adult learner or transfer student.
All official documents should be sent to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802You can also have your transcripts sent electronically through Parchment, eScript-Safe, or the National Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where course work was attempted.
Acceptance
After receiving your application, application fee, and all required materials, your application will be evaluated for admission. You can check your application status online. This will provide the most up‐to‐date information about the status of your application and is updated once daily, before 8:00 a.m. (ET). Once a decision has been made regarding your application, it will be available to you through the MyPennState portal.
For information on when you can expect an admissions decision, visit the Dates and Deadlines page of the Undergraduate Admissions website. Make sure you click the "+" sign to see these dates for World Campus Applicants (First-Year and Transfer).
5. Complete the application.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Contact Us
Contact Us
Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.
To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Business, please contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]
Learn from the Best
Learn from the Best
This online business degree program is offered in partnership with the business schools from 17 of Penn State's campuses and integrates a theory-to-practice approach that strengthens your problem-solving skills while delivering an experience that is contemporary and relevant.
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.
Dipti Bhatt
- DegreeM.S., Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware
- DegreeGraduate Certificate in Socially Responsible and Sustainable Apparel Business, University of Delaware
- 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.
Erin A. Brennan
- DegreeJ.D., Villanova University School of Law
- 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.
Kevin Feifer
- DegreeMBA, Misericordia University
- 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.
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.
Stephanie Gresh
- DegreePh.D., Organizational Leadership, Eastern University
- DegreeMBA, Rider University
- 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.
Kimberley Hemmings-Jarrett
- DegreePh.D., Information Systems
- 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.
Kenneth M. Henrie
- DegreeDBA, Marketing, Argosy University-Twin Cities
- DegreeMBA, New Mexico State University
- 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.
Joseph S. Honer
- DegreeJ.D., Rutgers University
- DegreeL.L.M., Taxation, Villanova University
- 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.
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.
Thomas Kramer
- DegreePh.D., Human Resource Development, The University of Texas at Tyler
- DegreeMBA, Shepherd University
- 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.
Kevin Mayhew
- DegreeM.S., Information Technology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- DegreeM.S., Cybersecurity, California University of Pennsylvania
- 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.
Shantanu Namjoshi
- DegreeMBA, Finance, Gonzaga University
- 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.
Soomin Park
DegreePh.D., Operations and Supply Chain Management, SUNY BuffaloDr. Soomin Park, an assistant teaching professor, teaches Intro to Statistics for Business, Operations Planning and Control, and Purchasing and Materials Management at the undergraduate level. He is also an Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)–recognized instructor for CPIM and a certified SAP applications associate.
Seth Powless
- DegreePh.D., Higher Education, University of Toledo
- DegreeMBA, University of Toledo
- DegreeM.Ed., Education, University of Toledo
- 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.
Ellen M. Raineri
- DegreePh.D., Organization and Management, Capella University
- DegreeMBA, Information Security, Marywood University
- DegreeGraduate Certificate, Information Assurance and Security, Kaplan University
- DegreeB.A., Computer Science, Wilkes University
- 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.
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.
Lisa Robinson
- DegreeMBA, Alvernia University
- 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.
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.
Sabrin Stewart
- DegreeM.S., Accounting, City University of New York, Lehman College
- 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.
John Paul Weber
- DegreePh.D., Organization and Management, Capella University
- DegreeMBA, Finance, LaSalle University
- 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.
Gina C. Whalen
- DegreeD.Ed., Adult Education, Penn State
- DegreeM.S., Organizational Management, Misericordia University
- 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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