Associate of Science in Business Administration

Associate of Science in Business Administration Overview

Whether you are good with numbers, people, computers, or business concepts in general, a business administration degree can help you get in the door at various businesses and organizations. The most effective first step is to pursue a business degree by enrolling in South University's Associate of Science in Business Administration online program.

Students participating in our online business administration classes have the opportunity to gain a practical working background that is built on a strong foundation of general studies in mathematics, science, language arts, and the social sciences. You will have the opportunity to develop a strong understanding of management concepts that will resonate in the real world and prepare you for a path in management. Students can tailor their program with a specialization in Hospitality Management.

The Associate of Science in Business Administration online program provides an understanding of management concepts as well as the fundamental principles of business including:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Business Communication
• Sales

And if you choose the Hospitality specialization you will also learn the principles of:

• Tourism
• Hospitality

Graduates of this two-year program will be prepared to pursue entry-level positions in the business or hospitality sectors.

Employment Opportunities

"Employment of advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers is expected to increase by 12 percent through 2016-about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job growth will be spurred by intense domestic and global competition in products and services offered to consumers and increasing activity in television, radio, and outdoor advertising. College graduates with related experience, a high level of creativity, and strong communication skills should have the best job opportunities."

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos020.htm.

Academic Requirements

To be admitted to the Associate of Science degree in Business Administration program online at South University, the prospective student must be a high school graduate OR have the equivalent GED (General Education Development certificate).

After meeting this qualification, applicants must:

1. Achieve a satisfactory score on either the SAT I, the ACT, or the CPTs OR
2. Meet the eligibility requirements for a transfer student.

Getting Started

Set a course for your own career growth by enrolling in our Business Administration associate's degree online program. Click here to get started.

Associate of Science in Business Administration - 92 Total Hours

Students pursuing the general study Associate of Science in Business Administration are required to take a total of 23 courses as follows:

• 14 foundation courses - 56 credits
• 7 major courses - 28 credits
• 2 elective courses - 8 credits

All courses are 4 quarter credits in length.

Foundation Curriculum - 56 Credits
Students are required to take 14 foundation courses as follows:

ACC1001 - Accounting I

ACC1001 is the first of a three-course sequence focusing on how stakeholders rely upon accounting information to assist them in their decision making activities. ACC1001 introduces accounting as the "language of business"—the tool used to communicate the effects of an organization's business activities on its income, financial position, and cash flows. The course provides an overview of the financial accounting system, including: the role of accounting in business; the format, content, and use of financial statements; the impact of transactions on the financial statements; the regulatory environment of accounting; and the accounting standard-setting process.

Prerequisite(s): None.

Credits: 4

BIO1020 - Biology I

Principles of Biology I is the first in a two-course sequence in biology. The course introduces biology, scientific methods, biological chemistry, cells, energy for life, basic genetics, and biotechnology. The course also compares human and plant organization and function. The student will also complete writing assignments that will introduce the student to scientific literature.

Prerequisite(s): and ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite MAT0099

Credits: 4

BUS1101 - Introduction to Business

An introduction to business functions and their opportunities. Students will also be given information about resources available to them through a variety of sources, including the university.

Prerequisite(s): None.

Credits: 4

BUS2023 - Business Communications

This course is designed to prepare students to organize and compose effective business correspondence and technical writing. The basic principles of writing and approaches for writing various types of communications are stressed.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

ECO2071 - Principles of Microeconomics

Microeconomics is the study of the internal forces in the marketplace. Students will develop an understanding of the forces that control the economy and the effect of changes in those forces. Specific topics include the free enterprise system, capitalism, wage and price theory, law of supply and demand, and government regulation of business.

Prerequisite(s): None.

Credits: 4

ECO2072 - Principles of Macroeconomics

The study of macroeconomics includes the basic aspects of economic analysis of the business world. Students will develop an understanding of the monetary system, recession, inflation, and the main cycles of business activity.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

ENG1001 - Composition I

Students will be introduced to college-level writing processes, including theme, composition, and research. Emphasis will be placed on refining individual skills, writing styles and voices, and on writing procedures. Selected readings in prose, drama, and poetry supplement the course and provide topics for discussion and writing assignments.

Prerequisite(s): ENG0099 or Exemption

Credits: 4

ENG1002 - Composition II / Literature

This course is designed to introduce the student to fiction, poetry, and drama and, through literary analysis and interpretation, to develop the life skills of critical thinking and written expression.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

ENG2001 - Composition III

The goal of this course is to refine the student's reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. By analyzing ineffective arguments and constructing effective ones, the student will discover how ambiguity, evasiveness, vagueness, and obscurity weaken his or her credibility as a writer.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

ITS1000 - Computer and Internet Literacy

This course is for students to obtain basic knowledge and skills in using computer office production software and Internet features. A broad range of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and database and Internet usage concepts will be covered.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MAT1500 - College Mathematics

College Mathematics covers the fundamentals of several areas of mathematics, including set theory, logic, geometry, graph theory, probability, and statistics.

Prerequisite(s): MAT0099

Credits: 4

MKT2010 - Principles of Marketing

This is an introductory course in the primary activities and practices of domestic and global marketing. It provides an overview of the marketing environment, consumer behavior, market segmentation and target marketing, branding, the distribution of goods and services, the pricing system, promotional and communication activities, and new product development.

Prerequisite(s): BUS1101 ECO2071

Credits: 4

UVC1000 - Strategies for Success

Designed to help entering students develop a more effective approach to college success, this course emphasizes positive self-evaluation, goal-setting, and motivation; practical skills of successful students; effective use of the library and the many sources of information available; and the concepts and tools of critical thinking, and their applications.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Social Science Elective - Choose 1 (4 credits):

PSY1001 - General Psychology

The fundamental questions guiding this course are relatively simple. In what ways are we all alike and in what ways are we different? And why? Although these questions may be simple, the answers, as we shall see, are complex, interconnected, and too often invisible to the untrained eye. Different families... different backgrounds...different sexes... different cultures...different ethnic groups...different ways of looking at things...different behaviors...different values—how are we to understand this incredible diversity of human experience so that we can navigate successfully in an increasingly chaotic and shrinking world? The intent of this course is to examine the psychological foundations underlying the identity of the "self," "identity" and "world view" in an effort to understand the differences that exist from culture to culture, from generation to generation, from family to family, from profession to profession, and from individual to individual.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

SOC1001 - Introduction to Sociology

This course, a scientific study of human social activity, will provide the student with a new way of looking at the world. In learning about the sociological perspective, the student will be challenged to see the general in the particular, the strange in the familiar, and the importance of the global perspective.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Major Curriculum - 36 Credits
Students are required to take 9 major courses as follows, including 2 electives. Students should contact their advisor for a complete list of electives available.

ACC1002 - Accounting II

ACC1002 is the second of a three-course sequence focusing on how stakeholders rely upon accounting information to assist them in their decision making activities. ACC1002 continues the study of the financial accounting system, including an in-depth study of the time value of money and the effects of various financing, investing, and operating activities on a firm's earnings, financial position, and cash flows. It also begins the study of managerial accounting systems as an invaluable source of information to support managers' decision-making activities and introduces a host of alternative cost concepts, including the concept of different costs for different purposes. Basic cost-volume-profit analysis is also introduced.

Prerequisite(s): ACC1001 (with grade of ?C? or better).

Credits: 4

ACC1003 - Accounting III

ACC1003 is the third of a three-course sequence focusing on how stakeholders rely upon accounting information to assist them in their decision making activities. ACC1003 continues the study of the managerial accounting system, including a focused study of product costing using both traditional and activity-based approaches, the uses of cost-based information in decision making, the use of budgeting to accomplish organization objectives, traditional and contemporary approaches to performance management for all levels of responsibility centers, and capital budgeting.

Prerequisite(s): ACC1002 with grade of "C" or better.

Credits: 4

BUS1038 - Business Law I

Business Law I is a study of the development of American law and procedure covering information, operation, completion of contracts, and consumer protection. This course also includes a study of the Uniform Commercial Code. Both the text and case study methods are utilized.

Prerequisite(s): None.

Credits: 4

BUS2038 - Business Law II

This course covers the law of basic business associations, including agencies, partnerships, and corporations. This course will include a discussion of franchise and relevant real property concepts, and a study of negotiable instruments using the Uniform Commercial Code.

Prerequisite(s): None.

Credits: 4

FIN2030 - Foundation of Financial Management

This course exposes the student to a wide range of important issues in managerial and personal finance, including such topics as the role of finance in organizations, principles of financial analysis, forecasting and working capital management, and the basics of analysis and evaluation of investments such as stocks, mutual funds, and bonds, with applications for personal investing.

Prerequisite(s): ACC1002 BUS1101

Credits: 4

MGT2037 - Principles of Management

The latest major approaches and techniques of management are studied, including planning, systems management, new organizational concepts, computer influence, controlling, and quantitative measurement.

Prerequisite(s): BUS1101

Credits: 4

MKT2010 - Principles of Marketing

This is an introductory course in the primary activities and practices of domestic and global marketing. It provides an overview of the marketing environment, consumer behavior, market segmentation and target marketing, branding, the distribution of goods and services, the pricing system, promotional and communication activities, and new product development.

Prerequisite(s): BUS1101 ECO2071

Credits: 4

Hospitality Management - 16 Credits
The three course listed below are required for students in the Hospitality Management specialization and replace BUS2038, MKT2010 and one elective noted above:

HSM1100 - Introduction to the Hospitality Industry

This introductory course provides students with an overview of the hospitality industry, which includes various operational segments, career opportunities, historical perspectives on tourism and hospitality, and a comprehensive look at each department within the foodservice and lodging industry.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

HSM1200 - Service Quality Management

This course focuses on service delivery and methods for implementation and improvement within the service delivery process. Special emphasis will be placed on management and supervision techniques in service quality along with steps in critically evaluating and implementing a quality service plan within a hospitality-based establishment.

Prerequisite(s): HSM1100

Credits: 4

HSM1500 - Purchasing and Cost Control

This course is designed to introduce you to the principles of effective product identification and the cost controls necessary to support a hospitality operation, namely within the foodservice segment. Topics include the process of procurement of goods, understanding various forms of product distribution, product identification, costing procedures, inventory management, value analysis, and proper record keeping.

Prerequisite(s): HSM1100

Credits: 4

Students choose one of the following:

HSM2100 - Foodservice Operations Management

This course focuses on the management of a variety of foodservice concepts, which include the understanding and management of foodservice segments based on the level of service, menu, theme, and price. Topics include how to manage each type of operating segment and how to maximize profitability based on specific management techniques within each foodservice segment.

Prerequisite(s): HSM1100

Credits: 4

HSM2200 - Lodging Operations Management

This course focuses on the management of a variety of foodservice concepts. These concepts include the understanding and management of foodservice segments, based on level of service, menu, theme, and price points. Topics may include how to manage each type of operating segment and how to maximize profitability based on specific management techniques within each foodservice segment.

Prerequisite(s): HSM1100 Introduction to Hospitality Industry

Credits: 4

Software Requirements:

• Adobe Acrobat Professional
• Microsoft Office Professional
• Norton Antivirus

Minimum Technology Requirements:

• PC: As a general guideline, students should not have computer specifications less than a Pentium III CPU, Windows XP with Service Pack 2, and 512 MB of RAM.
• Mac: As a general guideline, students should not have computer specifications less than a G3, G4, or G5 processor, MAC OS, and 512 MB of RAM.

Internet Requirements:

56K or faster Internet connection is required for online courses, however broadband is strongly encouraged.

Web Browser Requirements:

PC: At least one of the following browsers with Java enabled:

• Internet Explorer 6.0 (supported)
• Internet Explorer 7.0 (recommended)
• Internet Explorer 5.5 (supported)
• Firefox 1.x (supported)
• Firefox 2.0 (recommended)
• Firefox 3.0 (supported)

Mac: At least one of the following browsers with Java enabled:

• Safari 3.0 (supported for OS X)
• Safari 2.0 (recommended for OS X)
• Safari 1.2 (supported for OS X)
• Firefox 1.x (supported)
• Firefox 2.0 (supported)
• Firefox 3.0 (supported)

Software may be purchased through JourneyEd.

Dr. Kip Pirkle

Dr. Pirkle earned his Ph.D. in Management from Clemson University and his Accounting and MBA degrees from the University of Georgia. After graduating from the University of Georgia, he worked as a staff accountant for a CPA firm and then purchased his own accounting practice. He has been the managing partner in two real estate partnerships. While at Clemson, he was a consultant with the Small Business Development Center, assisting entrepreneurs with business plans and day-to-day operations. He has done extensive consulting in golf-related businesses, as well as with a number of other entrepreneurial ventures, primarily in strategic planning, financial forecasting, and valuation. His passion for teaching is in strategic management, with a focus on international business. He has conducted business seminars in Eastern Europe and Russia, and has spent significant time studying and visiting Europe, China, and Japan.

Dr. Craig Knight

Dr. Knight received a Ph.D. in Management from the University of Georgia and an MBA and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama. Prior to his experience in Education, he worked for several years in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, obtaining a diverse perspective on the management of organizations.

Dr. Knight has spent the last ten years working in public higher education, holding a variety of positions at the University of Georgia, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, the University of South Florida - Polytechnic, and Georgia Southwestern State University. Dr. Knight is excited about continuing his education by interacting with students through the technology-facilitated media used by South University's online programs, recognizing that even those with terminal degrees are still learners.

Dr. Donna Nalley

Dr. Nalley earned her Ph.D. in American Literature from The University of South Carolina and both her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in English from The University of North Carolina – Charlotte. Her doctoral dissertation focused on “The Garden of Ruin in the American Novel,” and she has published and presented in the areas of writing, literature, and education.

Dr. Nalley has been teaching English and communications at the college level since 1983, and she has worked in writing centers and advised writing groups. From 1997-2005, Dr. Nalley was Director of Publications for The SERVE Center at UNCG, an education research organization. During her tenure at SERVE, Dr. Nalley managed a unit of writers, editors, and graphic designers that published books, magazines, newsletters, websites, and conference materials.

Dr. Nalley loves teaching English and finds the online classroom to be a warm, inviting place where stimulating conversations can take place – a 21st-century coffee shop for the busy working parent who wants to return to school and longs to participate in meaningful conversation with other thoughtful adults on his or her own time.