Bachelor of Business Administration

Bachelor of Business Administration

Overview

You’re ready to take the next step in your business career and use it to make a difference. Whether sticking with your current company or organization, or wanting a brand new start, you’ll be prepared to serve your colleagues with integrity and purpose.

Your previously earned college credits have set you up with strong study skills and the momentum to continue investing in your education, yourself, and others. With such a promising foundation, PLNU’s Fermanian School of Business offers a unique Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with flexible study formats to fit your work-life needs.

The Benefits of Earning Your BBA

Learn why the BBA might be the perfect degree for you.

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Bachelor of Business Administration

Two Built-In Concentrations

Built into this specially designed curriculum are two essential concentrations: management and marketing. You’ll learn what it takes to be a decision-maker and team leader, while learning to use the latest marketing trends and technology to inform business strategy, development, and much more.

Convenience to Fit Your Life

Our curriculum is designed with busy, working professionals in mind with two formats of study: Hybrid (including in-person classes two nights a week), or entirely online. Whichever study option you prefer, your coursework is designed to be flexible to your needs, helping you balance your other life commitments. 

Hybrid Format

For those who prefer in-person learning, PLNU is partnered with community colleges across San Diego County, bringing professors directly to a campus near you two nights a week with the rest online. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about enrolling in new classes or adapting to a new schedule each semester. For the BBA, Hybrid Format, only the second 60 semester units of coursework is available through PLNU.

Online Format

If you prefer the flexibility of online learning and the ability to set your own schedule, the online format is for you! Students applying for the online BBA program can start the program with as little as 0 college credits completed. In the online format, PLNU offers all general education, elective, and pre-requisite courses needed for completion of the BBA program (courses are fully online). With entry points every 8 weeks, you can start whenever you're ready! 

 

BBA, Hybrid

BBA, Online

Who is it for?

Those who enjoy in-person learning and cohorts.

Busy working professionals who prefer independence.

Program start

FallSix start dates year-round

Program Structure

Face-to-face two nights a week with online coursework.100% online and asynchronous (fully flexible).

Location(s)

MiraCosta College
Southwestern College
Cuyamaca College
San Diego Mesa College
Online — at your own pace

International Students 
Eligible?

YesNo

Support to Help You Keep Going

Whether in-person or online, you‘ll learn from faculty dedicated entirely to your personal and professional success. In addition, you will be supported by your classmates, our student success counselors, and your dedicated career coach. 

ACBSP logo

Accreditation

The Fermanian School of Business BBA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Visit the ACBSP's website for more information. 

Ready to take the next step?

Start Application

Note: Please select "Adult Degree Completion," and not "Undergraduate," when completing the online application.

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Military Tuition Discount

PLNU offers a flat rate of $250 per unit for all active duty service members who enroll in this program.

Application Information

Hybrid:

  • Fall 2023 Start Date: August 28, 2023

100% Online:

  • Summer 2023 Start Dates: Quad II — July 3, 2023

  • Fall 2023 Start Dates: Quad I — August 28, 2023, Quad II — October 23, 2023

  • Spring 2024 Start Dates: Quad I — January 8, 2024, Quad II — March 11, 2024

Start Application

Note: Please select "Adult Degree Completion" and not "Undergraduate" when completing the online application.

The Selection Process

We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. That’s why we are committed to reviewing it thoroughly and giving it the individual care and attention it deserves. We believe you have more to offer than just a GPA, which is why there is no numeric formula that determines admittance. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you’re unsure of your qualifications.

To be admitted to the first 60 semester units of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a Concentration in Management and Marketing program, the following admission requirements must be met:

  1. For all students with less than 24 semester units of completed college coursework, possess an official high school diploma:
    1. with a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.500.
    2. from an accredited institution that meets approved requirements.
    3. as evidenced by an official transcript sent directly from each institution attended.
  2. Students transferring into the BBA program may have some of their requirements met by classes taken at other institutions. Any previous college coursework transferred into the BBA program must:
    1. have a combined coursework minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.500.
    2. from an accredited institution that meets approved requirements.
    3. as evidenced by an official transcript sent directly from each institution attended. (*)
  3. Submit an application for admission.
  4. Complete an interview with the Associate Dean.

For those students only completing their second 60 semester units with the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)** with a Concentration in Management and Marketing program at PLNU, the following admission requirements must be met:

  1. Complete an Associates degree in Business Administration containing 60 units of business core and general education or equivalent coursework that meets approved requirements (first 60 semester units):
    1. with a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.500.
    2. from an accredited institution that meets approved requirements.
    3. as evidenced by an official transcript sent directly from each institution attended. (*)
  2. Submit an application for admission.
  3. Complete an interview with the Associate Dean.

*Only courses from a regionally accredited institution will be considered for transfer.

**A total of 21 units of the required first 60 semester units may be completed after admittance to the second 60 semester units of the BBA. 

NOTE: All students are expected to have some proficiency with computer technology (email, Internet, spreadsheets, and word processing) and own their own personal notebook computer for the duration of their enrollment in the program.

If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement as stated above, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy. 

Application Checklist

NOTE: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

  1. Submit online application for admission.
    • Please select "Adult Degree Completion" and not "Undergraduate" when completing the online application.
  2. Submit official transcripts from each institution attended.

    Official transcripts must be sent to:
    Point Loma Nazarene University
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    3900 Lomaland Dr.
    San Diego, CA 92106

    Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
    gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
  3. Complete an admissions interview with Associate Dean.

Start Application

NOTE: All students are expected to have some proficiency with computer technology (email, Internet, word processing, etc.).

*Prospective students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement can be considered for admission under exception. Contact your enrollment counselor for details.

Career Opportunities

If you're thinking about going back to school to complete your degree, PLNU’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is an incredible program to consider as it will prepare you for careers in business, management, government, and the nonprofit sector, as well as graduate-level study in fields related to business.

Possible Careers For Those With a Bachelor of Business Administration:

  • Operations Manager
  • Sales and Account Manager
  • Merchandising Manager
  • Marketing Manager
  • Management Analyst
  • Corporate Planner
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Small Business Operations
  • Advertising
  • Digital and Social Media
  • Brand Management

What Can I Do With a Bachelor Of Business Administration? 

Gaining a bachelor's degree in business administration opens you up to a large field of prospective jobs that are rewarding and engaging. 

The following careers are some of the most popular jobs for those with a BBA: 


Management Analysts
2020 Median annual salary $87,660
Management analysts’ main responsibilities are to find new ways to improve an organization’s efficiency and then recommend and present them to upper management. Management analysts also work to organize information on issues organizations may face in order to help solve or work against said issues. They are often assigned to analyze financial data, including revenue, expenditure, and employment reports. 

What it takes to be a management analyst:

  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Time-management skills

Marketing Managers
2020 Median annual salary $142,170
Marketing managers create programs to facilitate interest in products or services. They work with art directors, advertising sales agents, and financial staff members to promote growth within their company. Marketing managers estimate and analyze the demand for products and services offered by an organization and its competitors. Additionally, they highlight and utilize markets that show promise for the organization’s products.

What it takes to be a marketing manager:

  • Writing and communication skills
  • Creativity
  • Negotiation skills
  • Budgeting skills
  • Attention to detail 
  • Adaptability under pressure

General and Operations Managers
2020 Median annual salary $123,880
General and operations managers are responsible for managing activities that are part of the production of services in wide-ranging fields from social media to election campaigns. Operations managers' responsibilities include human resource management, asset management, and cost management. Their indirect responsibilities can include interacting with the managers in other functional areas within the organization whose roles have an impact on operations.

What it takes to be a general and operations manager:

  • Strategic planning skills
  • Financial planning skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Communication skills
  • Innovative thinking

Using Your Business Administration Degree: 

Earning your Bachelor of Business Administration degree from PLNU’s Fermanian School of Business is a way to spruce up your resume, gain hands-on business management experience, and form business connections that will aid you not only professionally, but also personally. 

Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and answers to any questions you may have.

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Financial Aid and Student Support

We take seriously the role of providing you with financial, academic, and career support so you have the tools you need to be successful at PLNU and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Financial Aid and Student Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is required to be admitted into this program?

To be admitted to the first 60 semester units of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a Concentration in Management and Marketing program, the following admission requirements must be met:

  1. For all students with less than 24 semester units of completed college coursework, possess an official high school diploma:
    1. with a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.500.
    2. from an accredited institution that meets approved requirements.
    3. as evidenced by an official transcript sent directly from each institution attended.
  2. Students transferring into the BBA program may have some of their requirements met by classes taken at other institutions. Any previous college coursework transferred into the BBA program must:
    1. have a combined coursework minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.500.
    2. from an accredited institution that meets approved requirements.
    3. as evidenced by an official transcript sent directly from each institution attended. (*)
  3. Submit an application for admission.
  4. Complete an interview with the Associate Dean.

For those students only completing their second 60 semester units with the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)** with a Concentration in Management and Marketing program at PLNU, the following admission requirements must be met:

  1. Complete an Associates degree in Business Administration containing 60 units of business core and general education or equivalent coursework that meets approved requirements (first 60 semester units):
    1. with a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.500.
    2. from an accredited institution that meets approved requirements.
    3. as evidenced by an official transcript sent directly from each institution attended. (*)
  2. Submit an application for admission.
  3. Complete an interview with the Associate Dean.

*Only courses from a regionally accredited institution will be considered for transfer.

**A total of 21 units of the required first 60 semester units may be completed after admittance to the second 60 semester units of the BBA. 

NOTE: All students are expected to have some proficiency with computer technology (email, Internet, spreadsheets, and word processing) and own their own personal notebook computer for the duration of their enrollment in the program.

If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement as stated above, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy. 

Can I work while completing the program?

Yes! This program is designed with busy working adults in mind.

What scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to me?

You'll have the option to apply for a number of scholarships through PLNU's Student Financial Services. This program qualifies for state and federal financial aid options. Contact your enrollment counselor for more information.

Do you accept transfer credits into your program?

Yes! Contact your enrollment counselor for details. 

How long do I have to complete the program?

For the BBA, Hybrid Format, the completion time is two years.

For the BBA, Online Format, the expected completion time will vary depending on how many units you enter the program with and how many classes you choose to take at a time

How many days a week do classes meet?

The hybrid BBA program consists of face-to-face classes two nights a week, with additional coursework to complete online.

The online BBA program does not have synchronous classes, meaning there will not be a time where you are required to be online, except for math courses, which are taught through Zoom one evening per week. 

How large will the classes be?

Class sizes are estimated to be 20 to 30 people.

How many units will I take per semester?

For the BBA, Hybrid Format, you'll take 10 units per semester of the second 60 semester unit courses.

For the BBA, Online Format, you can take as little as one class at a time. You'll work with your student success counselor to put together the right plan for you.

Are international students eligible to apply?

Unfortunately, international students are not eligible to apply for our online programs. You are only eligible if you reside in one of our authorized states. Visit our disclosures page to learn more.

If you are a military spouse or serving overseas, contact military services.

How is the BBA different from a traditional undergraduate program?

This program is designed for students who have already completed some four-year or community college coursework and are looking to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree. The program provides greater flexibility and affordability than most traditional undergraduate programs while maintaining high academic quality by integrating flexible coursework that allows students to advance in their careers while balancing their work and family life.

What types of benefits or aid do you have for military members?

  • PLNU offers a tuition discount flat rate of $250 per unit for all active duty service members who enroll in one of the following PLNU Adult Undergraduate Degree Programs: Bachelor of Business Administration, Organizational Leadership B.A, Child Development B.A., RN to BSN, Criminal Justice B.A., Computer Information Technology B.A., Strategic Communications B.A., Integrated Studies with an Emphasis in Education B.A.
  • PLNU accepts VA educational benefits, including the Post 9/11 GI Bill®.
  • PLNU also participates as a Yellow Ribbon School, which means in most cases you can pursue a private education without having to pay out-of-pocket, not even for fees or books.
  • Because you are a person who has provided military service to our country, we will also waive your application fee.

PLNU is a Christian university, but I am not a Christian. Would I feel out of place in this program?

We welcome and encourage people of all backgrounds as students in our programs. Issues that relate to faith may be discussed in some classes, and engaging in discussion with individuals with alternative points of view will be encouraged as learning opportunities. Students will work within a learning community that is supportive academically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Bachelor of Business Administration program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Department Faculty

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