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Associate Degree in Business Administration — 60 credits

In this tough economic climate, you need to set yourself apart from the competition. Penn State’s associate degree program in business administration can provide you with job-ready business skills while adding impressive credentials to your resume and expertise in:

  •  accounting and mathematical skills
  •  marketing
  •  communication

You can start the program by completing the basic and advanced business certificates then proceed through the associate program at your own pace as a full- or part-time student.

You’ll work with highly qualified faculty in business, law, management, marketing, and information systems.You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in an elective business internship as part of your curriculum, providing you with excellent business experience while adding an important résumé element that is highly valued by prospective employers. Our student interns have worked in local corporations and retailers, manufacturing organizations, and nonprofit groups.

As you complete the requirements for your associate degree in business, you will also have the opportunity to earn the basic business certificate with just 18 credits. You can also acquire the advanced business certificate for an additional 15 credits. By adding one or more of these professional certificates to your résumé, you can demonstrate to your present or prospective employer that you are building a solid foundation in basic business knowledge and functions.

Additionally, the credits you earn in the associate degree program can then be applied toward  the online bachelor of science degree program in business (BSB) through Penn State’s World Campus. The program combines core business disciplines — notably management, marketing, finance, and logistics — with applied study in a practical setting. Talk to your adviser about how to apply the 60 credits from your associate degree to the bachelor of science degree program.

Choose from two options in the associate degree program to suit your career needs

General Business Option:
This option can provide you with an introductory foundation to core aspects of the business environment while also preparing you to transfer later into the BSB.

Professional Studies Option:
The Professional Studies Option provides a technically oriented program to help prepare you for direct entry into the workforce. Because some of the course work is not accepted in baccalaureate business programs, you should work closely with your faculty and adviser. If you plan to move into the BSB, you should meet with your adviser regarding entrance requirements.

Program Curriculum

General Business Option, Suggested Academic Plan
Professional Studies Suggested Academic Plan
Curriculum Check Sheet

View the current Schedule of Courses

General Education: 21 credits
(9 credits of these 21 credits are included in the Requirements for the Major)

Requirements for the Major: 48–49 credits
(This includes 3 credits of GQ General Education courses and 6 credits of GWS General Education courses.)

Common Requirements for the Major (both options): 30–31 credits

Prescribed Courses (16 credits)

  • ENGL 015 GWS (3 credits), CAS 100 GWS (3 credits), ACCTG 211 (4 credits), ENGL 202D GWS (3 credits), MIS 204 (3 credits)

Additional Courses (14–15 credits)

  • B A 243 (4 credits); or B A 241 (2 credits) and B A 242 (2 credits), ECON 102 GS (3 credits) or ECON 104 GS (3 credits)
  • MATH 021 GQ (3 credits), MATH 22 GQ (3 credits) or MATH 110 GQ   
  • SCM 200 GQ (4 credits) or STAT 200 GQ (4 credits)

Requirements for the Option: 18 credits

General Business (18–19 credits)
a. Select 3 credits from MGMT 301 (3 credits) or MGMT 301W (3 credits)
b. Select 3 credits from MKTG 301 (3 credits) or MKTG 301W (3 credits)
c. Select 12–13 credits from the following:

  • B A 250 (3 credits)
  • CAS 250 (3 credits) or CAS 252 (3 credits)
  • LER 100 GS (3 credits) or LER 136 US (3 credits)
  • ECON 102 GS (3 credits) or ECON 104 GS (3 credits)
  • MATH 22 GQ (3 credits), MATH 110 GQ (4 credits)
  • MKTG 220 (3 credits)

Professional Studies (18 credits)
a. Select 3 credits from MGMT 100 (3 credits) or MGMT 100W (3 credits) 
b. Select 3 credits from MKTG 221 (3 credits) or MKTG 221W (3 credits) 
c. Select 12-13 credits from the following: 

  • ACCTG 151 (3 credits), ACCTG 152 (3 credits), ACCTG 153 (3 credits), ACCTG 160 (3 credits), ACCTG 186 (3 credits)
  • B A 250 (3 credits)
  • ECON 102 GS (3 credits) or ECON 104 GS (3 credits)
  • FIN 100 (3 credits), FIN 108 (3 credits)
  • H P A 101 (3 credits)
  • IST 110 GS (3 credits), IST 210 (4 credits), IST 220 (3 credits), IST 250 (3 credits)
  • LER 100 GS (3 credits), LER 136 US (3 credits)
  • MIS 103 (3 credits) or IST 210 (3 credits) or IST 220 (3 credits)
  • MKTG 220 (3 credits)

Financing your Education

Exploring alternatives to finance your education can be overwhelming. The Continuing Education staff can help you determine the best option for you based on your particular circumstances from Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to a deferred payment plan or employee reimbursement. Continuing Education also offers scholarship opportunities to adult learners.
Learn more about tuition and fees.

Penn State welcomes students with disabilities to participate in its educational programs. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about physical access, please contact the Office for Disability Services (ODS) or call 814-863-1807 (V/TTY).