Business Administration
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- East Central University’s Stonecipher School of Business is Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
- Two concentrations available: Administration and Healthcare Management
- Pursue leadership and management roles in growing careers.
Program Details
- Next Start Date
- August 18th
- Est. Program Length
- 2-4 years
- Course Length
- 8 weeks
- Cost per Credit
- $321.80*
- Credit Hours
- 120
- Credits Accepted
- 90
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $638.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students, and some students may be required to pay course-related fees.
Request InfoGo Further with an ACBSP-Accredited School of Business
Gain career-ready business foundations in a flexible program that fits into your life. The B.S. in Business Administration from East Central University Online provides a comprehensive business education with a focus on practical applications and industry-relevant skills.
You’ll take online business administration courses available when and where it’s convenient for you, which allows you to maintain your employment and take breaks if needed. When you complete the online business administration degree, you’ll have the tools to move into leadership positions that directly affect your organization’s performance.
Concentrations in the B.S. in Business Administration
In addition to a core of business administration courses focused on industry essentials, you can tailor your business administration degree with one of two concentrations.
Administration Concentration
Complete your business administration bachelor’s degree with your choice of diverse elective courses.
Healthcare Management Concentration
Gain expertise in business administration in healthcare and meet the evolving need for knowledgeable leaders.
Topics of Study
Our bachelor’s in business administration offers a curriculum designed to prepare you for your career. Our focus on transferable, comprehensive skills makes ECU Online an excellent choice for those who want to stay on the leading edge of the business landscape. Just a few potential topics of study include:
- Business Communication and Report Writing
- Business Strategy and Policy
- Computer Business Applications
- Management Information Systems
- Principles of Management
- Principles of Marketing
Learning Outcomes
By the time you graduate, you will be able to:
- Integrate Core Business Principles with Healthcare Practices: Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of foundational business disciplines—including accounting, finance, management and marketing—and how these principles apply to the healthcare sector.
- Develop Specialized Knowledge in Healthcare Systems and Policy: Prepare students to understand and manage the unique regulatory, operational and financial environments of healthcare organizations, with a focus on compliance, reimbursement systems and healthcare policy.
- Enhance Analytical and Technological Proficiency for Healthcare Decision-Making: Cultivate skills in data analysis, information systems and evidence-based decision-making to improve healthcare outcomes and organizational efficiency in various healthcare settings.
- Prepare Students for Leadership and Career Advancement in Healthcare Management: Foster leadership, ethical reasoning and communication skills necessary for graduates to pursue management-level roles in hospitals, clinics, healthcare consulting firms and other healthcare-related organizations.
Courses & Requirements
Our online bachelor’s degree in business administration requires 120 credit hours, including 40 general education credit hours.
The online business administration degree major includes 75 credit hours. Core courses comprise 42 credit hours, and your elective credit hours depend on your choice of concentration.
ECU requires all students to take general education courses.
- ACCT 2103
- ACCT 2203
- BSEC 2603
- BUCOM 3133
- BUS 1113
- BUS 4303
- BUSLW 3213
- ECON 2003
- ECON 2013
- FIN 3113
- MGMT 3013
- MIS 1903
- MIS 3433
- MKTG 3313
Financial Accounting
3 Credits
The study of concepts and procedures for preparation of general-purpose financial statements using generally accepted accounting principles.
Managerial Accounting
3 Credits
Managerial accounting concepts and objectives, planning and control of sales and costs and analysis of costs and profits for management decision making. Required Previous: ACCT 2103 with a grade of C or higher.
Business and Economics Statistics
3 Credits
Summarizing and analyzing data for practical use in solving commonly encountered analytical problems in accounting, business or economics. Computerized solution methods emphasized. Students planning to pursue graduate school are strongly advised to take MATH 1223 in lieu of BSEC 2603. Required Previous: MATH 1513, MATH 1613 or MATH 2613 with a grade of C or higher or departmental approval.
Business Communication and Report Writing
3 Credits
The essential qualities of business writing, principles of writing effective business letters and reports, the psychology and techniques used in modern business writing, and experience writing various kinds of business letters. Analysis of business problems, methods of data collection, organization of data, analysis and interpretation, questionnaire construction, graphic aids, proposal preparation, actual writing of proposal and formal report. Required Previous: ENG 1113
Foundations of Business
3 Credits
The course combines and links primary fields of business. Study management, marketing, finance, accounting and economics to offer students an integrative perspective of modern business in an environment of diversity and globalization. In addition, the course will explore the various degree and certificate options offered in the Stonecipher School of Business (SSB), as well as career opportunities in business, study and test-taking skills, time management, SSB writing styles and more.
Business Strategy and Policy
3 Credits
An integrated approach to the formulation and implementation of corporate strategy emphasizing knowledge gained in earlier accounting and business administration courses. Course to be taken last semester of senior year. Required Previous: BUCOM 3133 or departmental approval.
The Legal Environment of Business
3 Credits
Introduction to the American legal environment with an overview of the legal system as it affects the individual’s relationship with other individuals, the government and commerce. The course explores basic issues and topics such as the meaning and function of law, torts, contracts, product liability, agency and employment law.
Principles of Macroeconomics
3 Credits
The first part of the course will examine variables such as output, unemployment and inflation, which are important in examining how the economy is doing. Then, the course will examine the business cycle: why the economy might enter a recession and what policy options the government, including the Federal Reserve, has at its disposal to affect the business cycle. After this course, students will be better able to analyze economic discussions and have a better comprehension of economic events.
Principles of Microeconomics
3 Credits
This course is designed to introduce students to basic principles of microeconomics and to develop an understanding of the behavior of individual agents and how their actions may be coordinated in firms and markets. Topics include international trade, supply and demand, consumer behavior, production, market structures, labor market, poverty and taxation. Required Previous: ECON 2003 or departmental approval.
Financial Management
3 Credits
A study of the principles, institutions, instruments and procedures whereby business enterprises obtain and utilize funds to finance operations. The study involves analysis and evaluation of forms of business organizations, financial planning, and internal and external provisions of short-term and long-term financing for promotion, expansion and reorganization. Required Previous: ACCT 2103 with a grade of C or higher or departmental approval.
Principles of Management
3 Credits
A study of the modern organization and the fundamental processes that operate to move the organization and its members toward objective accomplishment. Emphasis is given to the basic administrative aspects, including establishing policy and objectives, communication, leadership, motivation, organizational structure, decision making and control.
Computer Business Applications
3 Credits
Introduction to the microcomputer and the most widely used personal computer applications software. The student will learn essential computer concepts and the rudiments of operating systems, using a LAN network, writing with a word processor, designing and building spreadsheets and effectively using database management systems. The hands-on approach is used extensively throughout the course.
Management Information Systems
3 Credits
This course is designed to help the student attain information system literacy, a basic understanding of the value and use of information systems for business organization operations, management decision making and strategic advantage. The course uses advanced Microsoft Excel to apply miscellaneous. concepts. Required Previous: MIS 1903 taken within the last five (5) years with a grade of C or higher or departmental approval.
Principles of Marketing
3 Credits
A managerial approach to the study of marketing concepts. Emphasis given to planning, pricing, promotion and physical distribution of a product or service.
Administration Concentration (15 credit hours)
- BSEC 3103
- BUS 4103
- BUS 4213
- ENTR 3103
- MGMT 3063
Foundations of Data Analytics
3 Credits
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of data analytics for decision-making in business. Students will explore the capabilities and challenges of data-driven business decision-making. The course will include hands-on work with data and software. Topics covered include data preparation and manipulation, descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics, decisions under uncertainty and decision analytics tools (cluster analysis, classification and linear regression). Required Previous: BSEC 2603 with a grade of C or higher or departmental approval.
Global Business
3 Credits
An understanding of global business, including its importance in today’s world, the evolution of international institutions and the monetary system, the differences and similarities among nations and cultures and the unique characteristics of the business functions in a global setting. Required Previous: ECON 2003 or departmental approval.
Business Ethics
3 Credits
This course focuses on what constitutes right or wrong behavior in the business world and on how moral and ethical principles are applied by businesspersons to situations that arise in their daily activities in the workplace. Degree credit not allowed in both ACCT 3413 and BUS 4213. Required Previous: BUCOM 3133 or departmental approval.
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
3 Credits
This course provides the student with the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and covers the entrepreneurial process from conception to harvest of the new venture. It concentrates on identifying the attributes of entrepreneurs, the process of searching for opportunities, evaluating the viability of a new venture, financing, starting and operating the new venture.
Production/Operations Management
3 Credits
An introduction to the basic business function of production and operations management. This course includes computer applications in project management, forecasting and resource allocation. The student will study a synthesis of concepts and techniques that relate directly to productive systems and enhance their management. This management activity is aimed at the direct resources required to produce the goods and/or services provided by an organization. Required Previous: MGMT 3013 with a grade of C or higher or departmental approval.
Healthcare Management Concentration (30 credit hours)
- BSEC 3103
- BUS 4213
- HMGMT 3013
- HMGMT 3003
- HMGMT 4003
- HMGMT 4013
- MGMT 3043
- MGMT 3063
- MGMT 3103
- MGMT 3433
Foundations of Business Analytics
3 Credits
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of data analytics for decision-making in business. Students will explore the capabilities and challenges of data-driven business decision-making. The course will include hands-on work with data and software. Topics to be covered include data preparation and manipulation, descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics, decisions under uncertainty, and decision analytics tools (cluster analysis, classification and linear regression). Required Previous: BSEC 2603 with a grade of C or higher or departmental approval.
Business Ethics
3 Credits
This course focuses on what constitutes right or wrong behavior in the business world and on how moral and ethical principles are applied by businesspersons to situations that arise in their daily activities in the workplace. Degree credit not allowed in both ACCT 3413 and BUS 4213. Required Previous: BUCOM 3133 or departmental approval.
Introduction to Healthcare Management
3 Credits
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of healthcare management, including the roles, responsibilities and functions of healthcare managers. Students will learn about healthcare systems, organizational structures and the challenges of managing healthcare facilities. Emphasis is placed on understanding leadership, operations and the regulatory environment in healthcare.
Health Information Systems
3 Credits
This course provides an overview of health information technology and its role in healthcare management. Topics include electronic health records (EHRs), health data analytics and the use of information systems to improve patient outcomes. Students will explore data privacy, security and the impact of technology on healthcare delivery and decision making.
Financial Management in Healthcare
3 Credits
This course introduces the financial principles and practices used in healthcare settings. Topics include budgeting, financial planning, revenue cycle management and cost control. Students will learn how to apply financial analysis to make informed decisions that ensure the financial stability of healthcare organizations, with a focus on understanding reimbursement models, financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
Healthcare Regulatory Environment
3 Credits
This course examines the regulatory framework governing healthcare organizations. Students will explore key federal, state and local regulations, including compliance requirements, accreditation standards and the role of government agencies. Emphasis is placed on understanding how regulations impact healthcare operations, patient care and organizational policy.
Human Resource Management
3 Credits
An introduction to the development, application and evaluation of policies, procedures and programs for an organization’s recruitment, selection, development and utilization of human resources. Required Previous: MGMT 3013 with a grade of C or higher or departmental approval.
Production/Operations Management
3 Credits
An introduction to the basic business function of production and operations management. This course includes computer applications in project management, forecasting and resource allocation. The student will study a synthesis of concepts and techniques that relate directly to productive systems and enhance their management. This management activity is aimed at the direct resources required to produce the goods and/or services provided by an organization. Required Previous: MGMT 3013 with a grade of C or higher or departmental approval.
Organizational Behavior
3 Credits
A study of the human aspects of the organization and its relationship with other organization components. Topics include leadership motivation, job satisfaction, group dynamics and organization climate. This course is typically offered in the fall semester only. Required Previous: MGMT 3013 with a grade of C or higher or departmental approval.
Introduction to Leadership
3 Credits
This course will introduce students to various leadership principles and encourage them to develop self-awareness of their leadership potential and the skills necessary to become an effective leader. Topics include leadership styles, developing and communicating a vision, managing conflict, embracing diversity and inclusion and establishing a constructive climate with an emphasis on developing the unique strengths of self and others. Required Previous: MGMT 3013 with a minimum grade of C or departmental approval.
Students will take upper-level courses in accounting, business administration or information technology management.
Admission Requirements
To be accepted into ECU Online’s B.S. in Business Administration online program, you must meet the following criteria:
- 2.0 GPA or higher. ACT/SAT scores may be recommended for applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement.
- If you are a transfer student, you must have completed 24 college credit hours with a retention GPA of 2.0 or higher. Transfer students with fewer credits must submit their high school transcript and ACT/SAT scores for consideration.
How to Apply
To apply, you must submit the following materials:
- Free online application
- Official high school transcript or college transcript from an accredited institution
- ACT/SAT scores, if applicable
Have a question about this program or the admission process? Get connected to one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 120 credit hours | $321.80* | $38,616.00 |
| Total with transfer credits (up to 90)** | $9,654.00 | ||
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $638.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees.
**Note: Transfer students must have completed at least 24 credit hours.
Fees and tuition subject to change.
Financial Aid
At ECU Online, we strive to ensure your education is as affordable as possible. Learn more about your options for financing your education by visiting our Financial Aid page.
View Financial AidMilitary Benefits
East Central University is a proud military-friendly school. Discover how your status as a U.S. military veteran or active-duty service member can help you earn your degree by visiting our Military & Veterans page.
View Military BenefitsNative American Students
Eligible Native American students can find financial aid programs, heritage scholarships, grants, and academic support services to help ensure their success at ECU.
View our Native American Students pageAre You the First in Your Family to Go to College?
At ECU, we recognize that “going first” can be difficult. We provide the extra financial support, scholarships, resources, services, and skills you need to succeed.
View our First-Generation College Students pageTransfer Students
If you’ve taken college-level courses elsewhere, you could save time and money earning your degree by transferring credits to ECU and may qualify for scholarships.
View our Transfer Students pageCareer Outlook
Business Administration Jobs
Your online business administration degree opens the door to leadership and management roles in growing careers. Management occupations in the U.S. are projected to have over a million roles annually from 2023 to 2033, and most require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree.1 Your bachelor’s degree is one of the best ways to build skills and credentials for these in-demand roles.
Financial Managers
These managers oversee employees who work with their organization’s finances, including budgeting, expenses, investments, payroll and reporting. Financial managers can be found in several specialties, such as acquisitions, cash flow, compliance, credit, forecasting, insurance and more.2
Average annual salary: $156,100
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
Public relations managers ensure that their organization is represented accurately and positively in advertising and media. Fundraising managers coordinate campaigns that bring money to their organization, ultimately helping fund public relations efforts and other expenses. 3
Average annual salary: $130,480
Training and Development Managers
These managers coordinate hiring, training, educational programming and employee development. They frequently collaborate with other managers to ensure that an organization’s training and development programs align with their mission.4
Average annual salary: $125,040
Medical and Health Services Managers
These managers work across diverse healthcare settings to ensure services are delivered efficiently and effectively. They may also be called healthcare administrators or executives.
Average annual salary: $110,680
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Management Occupations.” Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Financial Managers.” Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Public Relations and Fundraising Managers.” Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/public-relations-managers.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Training and Development Managers.” Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/training-and-development-managers.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Medical and Health Services Managers.” Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideal for working students, ECU Online’s interactive learning environment offers the flexibility you need to balance your education with your personal and professional schedule. As an online student, you’ll receive ample opportunities to virtually discuss course materials with your educators and classmates, plus the freedom to access courses on your time and complete your degree at your own pace.