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Bachelor of Arts in Business Management

From human resources, to operations, to supply chains, and in organizations large and small, the world needs leaders who are equipped to manage with integrity. Integrate your faith and worldview to tackle difficult business issues you face every day. Whitworth's business management program offers the perfect blend of theory and practice, taught by instructors who have years of professional experience.

Snapshot
Course Format Online; weekly synchronous class meetings in the evening
Average Completion Time 2-2.5 years with A.A. or applied associate degree (A.A.S. or other)
4-5 years with no transfer credits 
Cost Per Credit $565* per credit (financial aid & scholarships available)
Application Deadline Four weeks prior to start date 
Cohort Model
Yes

*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.

"I loved how my cohort classes offered real, practical education that could be applied in the workplace immediately. I often implemented things I was learning within days and enjoyed seeing the results of those efforts as they benefited the organization."

Sabrina Sawyer '21

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.

COM 351 Group Dynamics 3 credits
BU 352 Human Behavior In Organizations 3 credits
BU 354 Management of Human Resources 3 credits
BU 457 Employment Laws and Regulations 3 credits
BU 356 Managerial Marketing 3 credits
EC 356 Applied Economic Principles 3 credits
BU 355 Managerial Accounting & Finance 3 credits
CS 459 Managing Technology 3 credits
COM 461 Applied Cross-Cultural Communication 3 credits
BU 461 Ethics in Management 3 credits
BU 458 Strategic Management 3 credits
BU 353W Organizational Development and Change 3 credits

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.

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)

Dates Course Course Title (Credits)
Aug. 19-Sept. 27 COM 351 Group Dynamics (3)
Sept. 30-Nov. 8 BU 352 Human Behavior in Organizations (3)
Nov. 11-Dec.20 BU 354 Management of Human Resources (3)

Spring 2025 (Jan. 6-May 9)

Jan. 6-Feb. 14 BU 457 Employment Laws and Regulations (3)
Feb. 17-March 28 BU 356 Managerial Marketing (3)
March 31-May 9 EC 356 Applied Economic Principles (3)

Summer 2025 (May 19-Aug. 8)

May 19-June 27 BU 355 Managerial Accounting and Finance (3)
June 30-Aug. 8 CS 459 Managing Technology (3)

Fall 2025 (Aug. 18-Dec. 19)

Aug. 18-Sept. 26 COM 461 Applied Cross-Cultural Communication (3)
Sept. 29-Nov. 7 BU 461 Ethics in Management (3)
Nov. 10-Dec. 19 BU 458 Strategic Management (3)

Spring 2026 (Jan. 5-May 8)

Jan. 5-Feb. 13 BU 353W Organizational Development & Change (3)

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.

  • Operations director
  • Claims adjuster
  • Site supervisor
  • Marketing director
  • Credit underwriting specialist
  • Technical support lead
  • Business manager
  • Healthcare manager
  • Quality analyst
  • Human resource manager
  • Veterans program administrator
  • Risk management

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:

  • Amazon
  • Avista
  • Premera Blue Cross
  • Guardian Life Insurance
  • Providence Healthcare
  • Safeway, Inc.
  • Empire Airlines, Inc.
  • K&N Electric
  • Spokane Teachers Credit Union (STCU)
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Jubilant Hollister-Stier Laboratories
  • Umpqua Bank
  • Garco Construction
  • Northwest Farm Credit Services
  • Pitney Bowes, Inc.