Teddy T. and Cecilia M., NU students, smile in front of a glass window

Bachelor of Arts in Management

computer icon for 4 week courses

4-week Courses

Balance work, life, and school with available four-week courses.

calendar icon for year round enrollment

Year-Round Enrollment

Our admissions team reviews applications year-round.

graduation cap icon for alumni community

230K+ Alumni Worldwide

Become a part of NU’s global alumni community.

Home » Programs » Bachelor of Arts in Management

Take the first step in your National University Journey

Monthly Class Starts

Request Information

Become an Innovative Leader in Your Field

Strategic decisions. Keen insights. Mentoring skills. Managers in today’s business environments need sharply honed knowledge and skills that can position them for career growth and success. For many, the path to a corner office starts with a bachelor’s degree in management.

National University’s (NU’s) Bachelor of Arts in Management can prepare you to pursue a broad range of careers in any industry. Whether you’re focused on respect and recognition or specialization in a particular area of the business world, our BA in Management is designed to help you gain an edge on competition and develop a new level of visionary insight.

Maybe you’re in the early stage of your business career and are looking for a way to advance. Perhaps you have a military background, but want to transition into the civilian workforce. Possibly you’re an aspiring entrepreneur hoping to start your own company. Whatever your motivation, NU’s highly regarded BA in Management program can put you on the right track to a world of possibilities.

WASC logo

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

IACBE logo

Course Details

The following courses are specific degree requirements.

Preparation for the Major

3 courses; 13.5 quarter units

Introduction to statistical modeling and data analysis using R programming to explore data variation, model the data, and evaluate the models. Analysis and evaluation of different types of regression models and error analysis methods.

Forms of data, gap analysis, model building, and interpretation will form the foundation for students to ethically apply data analytics to facilitate modern knowledge discovery techniques.

Application of the data management process for analytics including acquiring and auditing data, assembling data into a modeling sample, performing basic data integrity checks, cleansing data, feature engineering and data visualization.

*May be used to meet General Education requirements

Requirements for the Major

10 courses; 45 quarter units

Performance Management (PM) and Supply Chain Management (SCM) require metrics and indicators to measure value, weaknesses and opportunities through business intelligence. Using data to set objectives and measure the internal and external performances through analytics has been a proven method to business success. Business analytics provide a proactive approach to identify and solve problems before it takes place. Data improvement, data quality assessment, data cleansing and normalization, methods and process improvements will be discussed.

New technologies have opened new arenas in prediction and marketing. Subjects of predictive analytics topics and its role in enterprise marketing will be discussed. The course applies predictive analytic tools to derive the organization’s strategic direction. Market and product analysis will be used to illustrate the development process. Results will be drawn from actual predictive analytics applications and interpreted in the context of business impact.

Financial world faces uncertainty that affects the outcome of sound investments. Leaders are utilizing probabilistic analytic models that alleviate ambiguity on making decision for profitable returns. Theories and practical tools focusing on model building; constructing, processing, and presenting probabilistic information will be discussed. Utilization of analytical software to solve problems on axioms of probability, conditioning and probability trees, random variables and distributions expectation.

Every step of online transactions should be considered with security in mind. Accessing the organizations’ data requires operators to apply the proper security and privacy while the data is stored, transmitted accessed and when it is worked on. Work with confidential data involves strong ethical practices to be aware of security breaches and how to mitigate threats.

PrerequisiteECO 203 and ECO 204

A study of the accelerating internationalization of all business, this course introduces upper-division undergraduate students to all facets of international business within three broad subject areas: (1) the economic framework of international business, (2) the operating frameworks of multinational corporations, and (3) a framework for global strategic management. It uses case studies to illustrate concepts and methods.

Examination of core issues in the practice of leadership. Identification of differing theories and styles of collaborative, integrative organizational leadership and comparison to authoritarian or management by edit within the organizational context.

An introduction to the impact that individuals, groups, and structure have on behavior within organizations for the purpose of applying such knowledge toward improving an organizations effectiveness. The course will focus on work-related behavior with an emphasis on individual and group performance as it relates to organizational productivity and processes. A central theme will be the development of “people” skills to help all employees- staff, front-line supervision, and management- improve their effectiveness.

This course provides an overview of the myriad of human resource management activities performed in the workplace. Topics include human resource planning, job analysis, staffing, recruitment, selection, retention, training and talent development, compensation and benefits, legal aspects, DE&I, discipline, performance management, labor relations, ethics, and health and safety.

Exploration of values and ethics in businesses that operate locally and internationally. Moral philosophies, values, conflict of interests, discrimination, business cultures, and ethical standards are critically presented. Ethical leadership of people, technology and sustainability are used in the development and implementation of ethical business programs.

PrerequisiteComplete all “Preparation for the Major” courses and all other courses listed as “Requirements for the Major.”

Application of strategic management principles to develop, organize, finance, and operate a business enterprise. Integrates and applies knowledge and skills gained in other business and management courses to create a competitive strategy.

BA Management students choose their upper division electives from the concentrations offered for this program. For details and course listings for these concentrations, please visit our catalog.

Bachelor of Arts Management Course Requirements

NU’s Bachelor of Arts in Management provides students a business-related degree with an emphasis on managing organizations and personnel in a diverse global setting. Our curriculum is comprised of 180 quarter units, 45 of which must be completed in residence at National University, 76.5 of which must be completed at the upper-division level, and a minimum 69 units of the University General Education requirements.

To achieve maximum flexibility, the major in management program minimizes prerequisites, enabling students to take the required courses in any sequence. Students are also offered several areas of concentration.

Specializations

The Business Law specialization is designed for those interested in pursuing a career in law, business, or government. In addition to foundational studies in marketing, operations, finance, and management, the specialization coursework provides you with an understanding of international law, negotiations, public contracting, and the complex legal issues that exist in today’s business environment.

Learn More

Project Management is one of the most in-demand skills within modern businesses and organizations. This bachelor specialization provides you with the fundamental knowledge to manage project budgets, teams, and timelines; improve productivity, profitability, and quality of work; and mitigate project risks. Whether you’re looking for an immediate job or want to continue your studies to get a professional certification in Project Management or an MBA, these capabilities should give you a competitive advantage toward advancing your career.

Learn More

The Economics specialization is designed for those who want to progress beyond microeconomics and macroeconomics to examine how individuals, businesses and governments make decisions in allocating their resources. The coursework teaches quantitative analysis, economic fundamentals, and monetary principles that can prepare you for success in graduate business studies, law school, professional training, and employment opportunities in government, the private sector, and international organizations.

Learn More

The Marketing specialization explores the concepts and techniques of marketing, sales, and advertising; and how to apply these principles to promotional strategy, decision-making, and analysis. The coursework provides you with the fundamentals for a range of opportunities in the business and marketing fields, including marketing management, marketing research, market analysis, product/brand manager, retailing, sales promotion, and international marketing.

Learn More

The Human Resource (HR) Management specialization provides you with the knowledge and skills to effectively support employees and improve the overall performance of an organization while promoting its culture, values, and strategies. As a professional in the fast-growing field of HR, you’ll help select and guide job candidates, facilitate training, determine salaries and protocols, and enable employees and organizations to reach their goals and objectives.

Learn More

The Entrepreneurship specialization is designed for those seeking practical knowledge in starting, operating, and managing a small and growing business. It provides you with specialized knowledge in entrepreneurship, e-business operations, small business management, and family business. Coursework explores venture capital acquisition, risk management, new business registration, security, bankruptcy, estate planning, philanthropy, and family business issues.

Learn More

Students who enroll in NU’s Bachelor of Arts in Management learn from an extraordinary faculty comprised of knowledgeable business professionals currently employed at major successful corporations. Their valuable first-person perspectives will provide you with a real-world understanding beyond what you’d absorb from textbooks alone.

You’ll be introduced to a wide breadth of industry-current topics and build real-world knowledge that can be applied to companies and organizations in any industry. NU’s BA Management offers career-focused concentrations in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Business Law, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and Project Management. For details and course listings for these concentrations, please visit our catalog.

NU also limits the number of required prerequisite courses so that you can focus on a broad range of electives with topics that are relevant and meaningful to your career. You’ll also have an extraordinary amount of flexibility in how and when you study and complete assignments. Plus, our 4-week class format is designed to accommodate your current schedule and responsibilities.

Management professionals with industry-current knowledge and skills are in demand and can pursue a broad range of career opportunities across the diverse business world. Successful organizations can thrive when they employ professionals qualified to manage people, physical assets, financial assets and every other facet of the business.

According to Emsi labor market analytics and economic data1, banks and financial services, big tech and e-commerce, retailers, health insurance providers, and consulting companies are among the top employers of workers with a BA in Management. Emsi also confirms some of the top job titles to pursue for professionals who have earned this degree include:

  • Project managers
  • Financial analysts
  • Program managers
  • Operations managers
  • General managers
  • HR generalists and managers
  • Retail/Store managers

In today’s active employment market, there are a variety of management careers with high paying salaries. For example, a graduate with a BA in Management might target a position and salary like:

  • Services and Facilities Manager– $98,8902
  • Marketing Manager – $141,4902
  • Financial Manager – $134,1802
  • Human Resources Manager– $121,2202

1Source: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: April 6, 2022. DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.

2Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm

Different career tracks require different knowledge and skill sets, therefore, NU offers a broad range of industry-relevant concentrations for our BA Management degree. You can choose to concentrate your studies in:

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution – ADR professionals are in demand in the business community. In this concentration, you can develop the necessary skills to become an effective negotiator, mediator, and facilitator and learn how to promote peace and understanding between diverse cultures.
  • Business Law – If you are interested in a career in law, business, or government, with an understanding of the complex legal issues that exist in today’s business environment, this concentration can provide you with an understanding of international law, current legal issues, public contracting, and much more.
  • Economics – This concentration is designed for students interested in learning how a society makes economic decisions in allocating its scarce resources. You can also learn how individuals, businesses, and the government work together toward achieving the goals of a society.
  • Entrepreneurship – If you’re seeking to gain practical knowledge in starting, managing, or running a business, this concentration is designed to prepare you with an understanding of various aspects of small business, and family business including venture capital, risk management, registration of new businesses, security issues, bankruptcy, estate planning, and philanthropy.
  • Human Resource Management – This concentration provides education, knowledge, and skills that apply to every level of an organization. Our curriculum provides excellent preparation for students attracted to a career in the increasingly important field of HR management.
  • Marketing – In today’s marketplace, there’s a wide range of opportunities in marketing, including marketing management, marketing research, purchasing manager/buyer, market analysis, product/branch manager, retail, sales promotion, and international marketing. This concentration is designed to teach you how to make decisions and manage a broad range of marketing activities.
  • Project Management – Project Management is a career path emphasized and recognized as integral to the success of an organization. NU’s concentration is designed to prepare you to pursue job opportunities that increase your potential for future earnings.

For details and course listings for these concentrations, please visit our catalog.

National University offers a variety of course modalities, including online, onsite, and hybrid courses. Please note that the modality of any course may vary from the scheduling of any program-specific courses on a month-to month basis.

  • On-site courses include on ground in-person course instruction, which could be either on campus or at another learning site at a specific time, place, and location. On-site courses may have course information, work or other education related items delivered through online environments and/or tools.
  • Online courses include instruction that is fully virtual and online, comprised of regular and substantive interaction between students and their instructors in either an asynchronous or synchronous format. Asynchronous online classrooms provide instruction, lessons and/or coursework via an online learning management system that allows students to view instructional materials each week at times of their choice. Synchronous classes require students to log in, engage and attend at specific times and dates, leveraging web and videoconferencing technologies to provide instruction, lessons and/or coursework in real time.
  • Hybrid courses include both onsite and online instruction. Hybrid courses can have multiple deliveries of course instruction/materials and will have on ground requirements at specific locations and times. The online learning management system is often used to present or supplement course lessons, work, information and assessments.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of National University’s Bachelor of Arts in Management program, you will have developed the following skills:

  • Describe the basic functions of management and their practical implications on the operations of the organization
  • Analyze and evaluate management, leadership, and motivation theories
  • Identify organizational behavior, communications, change theories and their practical implications
  • Explain the effect of international business environmental factors (legal, economic, and cultural) in the context of global business
  • Explain the principles and theories of ethical decision-making and their practical implications in the everyday conduct of business

Hear From Our Faculty

Admissions

Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.

To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.

Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.

Man in a button-down shirt smiles at a young boy in glasses who also wears a backpack
4 WEEK COURSES
Our course structure is built to make earning your degree accessible and achievable, one month at a time, so you can start sooner and finish faster.

Why Choose National University

  • Four-Week Courses
  • 190+ Degree Programs
  • Online or On-Site
  • Year Round Enrollment
  • Military Friendly

We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 230,000 alumni worldwide.

Headshot of Samantha Valenzuela, NU alumni

“The BA in Management program offers advanced curriculum taught by dedicated educators, which has prepared me to excel in today’s complex business world.”

-Samantha Valenzuela, Class of 2022

A mother sits on a couch with a laptop and smiles at her toddler-aged son, who is looking forward.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
We know your life may not happen on a 9-5 schedule, so we offer courses online or on-site at locations across California.

BA Management Program FAQs

Yes. Continuing your education into our Master of Business Administration program empowers you to build on the foundations of the BA program and focus more on a specific area of interest.

At NU, BA Management degree students have the option to take three higher-level electives that count towards the MBA degree. Once students take these courses, they are counted towards their bachelor’s degree. However, if a student chooses to go on to the MBA, they will have three of their courses already completed. Since the MBA can be completed in less than a year, students who capitalize on the higher-level electives can finish their MBA in as few as nine months.

It’s like getting double credit. You can take your electives in the BA in Management program and then transition them to the MBA. That’s a major time accelerator and time-saver!

Generally speaking, a bachelor of arts degree (BA) will have a heavier emphasis on the arts, humanities, and social sciences, and a greater focus will be placed on building skills in critical thinking and communication. A bachelor of science degree is more likely to include coursework in science, math, and technology and emphasize proficiency in logic, reasoning, and qualitative skills. Choosing between a BA or BS degree is largely a matter of personal choice and the type of career you’re likely to pursue.

Many successful business leaders begin their professional journey after completing their Bachelor of Arts in Management degree. NU’s program offers an excellent pathway for working professionals to advance into leadership opportunities within their respective careers. It’s designed to give you a competitive edge over fellow job seekers when pursuing a broad range of management roles.

white scholarship oppotunities icon

The Key Grant Scholarship

Do you qualify for a needs-based scholarship? Learn more about the NU Key Grant Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities to unlock the door to your dreams!

Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

*Positions may require additional experience, training and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Depending on where you reside, many positions may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met. We encourage you to also review program specific requirements. Any data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee that completion of any degree program will achieve the underlying occupation or commensurate salary.