Business Administration, B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
Governors State University's Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration prepares students to enter the rapidly evolving world of business at both local and global levels. This broad-based program builds the flexibility needed to adapt and thrive across a wide range of career paths, industries, and organizational environments.
Students develop core competencies in data analysis, professional communication, financial planning, business organization, and employee training, giving them a thorough foundation applicable to many roles across leading companies.
A Degree Built for the Modern Business World
Business administrators and managers rely on strong foundational knowledge to lead effectively. GovState's Business Administration program pairs that foundation with dedicated faculty mentorships and specialized coursework, preparing graduates to pursue diverse roles with confidence.
All Business Administration students build skills in accounting, business law, technology, and finance. Students then choose one of seven concentrations to deepen their expertise:
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Human Resource Management
- Management
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
Each concentration includes courses designed to sharpen understanding of that specific area of business, equipping students with both breadth and depth as they enter the workforce.
Career Outcomes
A Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Governors State University prepares graduates for a wide range of professional roles. The versatility of a business degree is one of its greatest strengths. Students enter diverse positions across industries and typically experience significant salary growth from entry- to mid-career.
Demand for business professionals continues to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow 10% in the coming years.
Careers graduates commonly pursue include:
- Accounting Manager
- Contract Administrator
- Human Resources Specialist
- Financial Analyst
- Office Manager or Consultant
- Sales Manager
- Market Research Analyst
Put Your Degree to Work
As an administrator, manager, consultant, or analyst, graduates help position their teams and organizations for long-term success. GovState's Business Administration program combines business knowledge with hands-on experience, preparing students to improve efficiency, strengthen communication, and streamline operations across a variety of professional settings.
The program also supports career advancement. Students who specialize in marketing, human resources, supply chain management, or finance gain the focused expertise needed to lead a team or manage an entire department. Whether the goal is to advance within a current organization or move into a leadership role at a new one, the Business Administration degree provides a strong foundation for growth.
The Entrepreneurship Concentration
For students with an entrepreneurial vision, GovState's Entrepreneurship concentration offers a focused path to launching and leading a business. Students develop the skills, confidence, and practical experience needed to navigate the startup world, whether building an independent venture or joining an early-stage team.
Jobs & Salaries You Can Get With a Business Administration Degree
Flexibility and Earning Potential
A business administration degree from Governors State University offers graduates the flexibility to pursue a wide range of career paths. The program prepares students for roles in administrative services management while also providing the foundation needed to launch a startup, transition into consulting, change industries, or advance into executive leadership.
Salary Expectations
Earning potential varies based on concentration, prior experience, and career goals. The following median annual salaries reflect the range of management roles available to Business Administration graduates:
| Career | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Administrative Services Manager | $96,940 |
| Marketing Manager | $135,900 |
| Information Systems Manager | $146,360 |
| Human Resources Manager | $116,720 |
| Public Relations Manager | $116,180 |
With the right skills, experience, and training, graduates are positioned to meet or exceed these figures as they advance in their careers. Managers across industries are responsible for solving complex problems, motivating teams, and driving organizational success. GovState's Business Administration program, with its seven available concentrations, gives students the focused preparation needed to step confidently into their chosen field.
What You'll Study
GovState's academic catalog includes detailed information about the accounting program, including required courses, credit hours, and degree requirements.
How to Apply
Applying to Governors State University's accounting program requires specific documents and eligibility requirements. Visit the admissions page to review everything needed to get started.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Governors State University (GovState) offers a range of financial aid options to help students make their degree more affordable, including federal, state, institutional, and private funding.
To get started, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using GovState's school code (009145). The FAFSA determines eligibility for grants, loans, work-study programs, and many scholarship opportunities.
Grants and Loans
Grants, including the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), are awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment. Federal Direct Loans provide borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest after graduation.
Scholarships
GovState offers merit-based and institutional scholarships for students at every stage of their academic journey. Incoming students may qualify for highly competitive awards, including the Presidential, Provost, and Dean's Scholarships. Current students can explore additional opportunities through Scholarship Universe and specialized awards such as the Earthrise Scholarship and others administered through the GovState Foundation.
Office of Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid is available year-round to help students navigate applications, review award offers, and plan financial support that aligns with their academic goals.
Get Involved
The College of Business offers academic credit internships approved by the Division Chair and supported by College of Business faculty. Internships provide hands-on, on-the-job learning where students apply field-specific technology skills and professional terminology while adapting to real workplace environments.
Practical experience gained through an internship strengthens a resume and gives students a competitive edge in the job market. For many students, an internship is one of the most effective paths to a full-time position in their chosen career field.
Accreditations
AACSB accreditation is known, worldwide, as the longest-standing, most recognized form of specialized accreditation that an institution and its business programs can earn. Accreditation is a voluntary, nongovernmental process that includes a rigorous external review of a school's mission, faculty qualifications, curricula, and ability to provide the highest-quality programs. AACSB's accreditation processes are ISO 9001:2015 certified.
Highlighted Faculty
Stephen Wagner, PhD.
Division Chair, Division of Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship
Katherine Carl, PhD.
Assistant Professor
Gökçe Sargut, PhD.
Associate Professor
Contact Us
- Karen Williams Blackman
- College of Business
- 1 University Parkway, University Park Ill 60484
- 708.235.7485
- Kwilliams10@govst.edu