Bachelor of Arts in Business Management

Innovation drives the future of business, and the best leaders don’t just adapt – they create, innovate and lead through uncertainty. Our program empowers you to think boldly, lead with purpose and turn challenges into opportunities while serving your community. With concentrations in AI literacy, digital marketing, human resources, operations and business analytics, you’ll gain the skills to shape industries, inspire teams and make a lasting impact.

Choose your path in:

• AI Literacy
• Business Analytics
• Digital Marketing
• Human Resource Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Six Sigma

*Tuition rate for the 2024-25 academic year

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What will I study?

Business management majors will learn:

• How to lead and manage teams
• Problem-solving and decision making in the business context
• How to identify economic and financial conditions of organizations
• Personal and professional ethics

Why does AACSB accreditation matter? 

The Whitworth University School of Business is an accredited member of AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB accreditation is considered a benchmark of quality for business education and represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. Click here to find out more. 

"Less than 5 percent of all schools offering degree programs in business at the bachelor level or higher worldwide hold AACSB accreditation."

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Cohort Model

You'll take the courses in the major in sequence, one course at a time, with a group of approximately 15 other students so that you can complete the major together. Because your group will stay together throughout the program, you'll have the opportunity to develop a strong sense of community and participate in collaborative learning, while instructors build upon a knowledge base that increases with each successive course.

Transfer Information

Already have an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Applied Associate Degree (A.A.S. or other)?

With an A.A. or applied associate degree from a community college, you may transfer to Whitworth's business management program as a junior, receiving 60-64 semester credits toward your bachelor's degree. You can complete your degree in as little as two to three years. Check out our generous transfer policy here.

Credit for Prior Learning

If you've obtained knowledge through experience outside of the traditional classroom, you may earn up to 32 semester credits of electives through subject tests, certifications, licenses, self-directed study, work-related trainings and more. For more details about credit for prior learning, click here.

Degree Requirements

The business management curriculum prepares you to be an effective leader in any organization. Throughout the program, you'll gain competitive skills, qualifications and professional experience that can enhance your employability.

Business Management Program Admission Requirements

In addition to being admitted to the School of Continuing Studies, students must do the following prior to starting the business management major:

• Complete a minimum of 60 semester credits, either by transfer or at Whitworth, with a grade-point average of 2.0 or above
• Provide a current résumé
• Complete an interview with the director of the business management program

Business Management Major - 36 credits

Courses for the major may be completed in just 18 months. Time to degree completion varies, depending on courseload and transfer credits.

For course descriptions and learning outcomes of this major, please view the course catalog.

Graduation Requirements & Electives

All adult education programs from Whitworth must include shared curriculum and elective coursework to complete degree requirements. Some of the requirements may be met by courses offered in the major. Check with an advisor for details.

Minimum Credits Needed to Graduate - 126

Total credits needed at Whitworth will vary depending on credits transferred from other institutions and/or earned via credits for prior learning.

Add a Concentration

Students may pursue one of the concentrations below by completing the business management degree requirements listed above in addition to the requirements listed below for the concentration.

• AI Literacy (via Rize)
• Business Analytics (via Rize)
• Digital Marketing (via Rize)
• Human Resource Management (via Rize)
• Supply Chain Management (via Rize)
• Six Sigma

The following concentration courses are offered via Rize Education to provide cutting-edge curriculum, greater scheduling flexibility and nationwide industry experts to every student. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy

Business Analytics

Digital Marketing

Human Resource Management

Supply Chain Management

Six Sigma

Courses for the Six Sigma concentration are offered via Whitworth and can be completed on their own as a certificate or as a concentration in the business management major. 

Course Sequence (Fall 2024: Cohort 56)

All cohort courses take place online; evening classes are from 6-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Fall 2024 (Aug. 19-Dec. 20)

Spring 2025 (Jan. 6-May 9)

Summer 2025 (May 19-Aug. 8)

Fall 2025 (Aug. 18-Dec. 19)

Spring 2026 (Jan. 5-May 8)

What type of job can I get?

Strong management skills are necessary in all work environments. Whether you're pursuing your bachelor's degree in order to advance your career or to finish what you started long ago – or if you're ready for a career change, earning your degree from Whitworth can move you forward.

Many graduates from our business management program are promoted due to their pursuit and completion of their bachelor's degree; others obtain high-level positions in new organizations upon graduation from our program.

Our grads get great jobs.

Whitworth's business management program is highly regarded throughout the Northwest for preparing individuals with professional, real-world experience. Our graduates work in a variety of industries and for highly respected companies, including: