Business and Applied Science, B.A.
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business and Applied Science
Governors State University's Bachelor of Arts in Business and Applied Science is designed for students who hold an associate degree in applied science and are ready to build on their technical background with business expertise. Offered 100% online, with the option to take select courses on campus, this flexible program equips students with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to advance in their current field or launch a business of their own.
A Practical, Applied Approach to Business Education
Unlike a traditional business degree, the Bachelor of Arts in Business and Applied Science emphasizes real-world application alongside theoretical knowledge. Students develop practical competencies in marketing, finance, human resources, and other core business areas, gaining the skills needed to take on broader responsibilities in daily business operations.
This program is a natural next step for applied science degree holders looking to strengthen their position in a current organization, pursue a promotion, or transition into a new industry. Business coursework builds directly on existing technical knowledge, creating a well-rounded skill set that translates across a wide range of professional environments.
Flexibility to Match Career Goals
The program's broad curriculum gives students the freedom to explore different areas of business before committing to a specialization. Students whose interests fall outside traditional tracks in finance, management, or marketing can select electives that guide them toward a concentration better suited to their goals.
For working professionals, the fully online format makes it possible to complete coursework around existing schedules and career commitments, keeping career momentum moving forward without requiring years away from the workforce.
Reach Your Career Goals
A Bachelor of Arts in Business and Applied Science from Governors State University prepares graduates to take on leadership roles across a wide range of industries. By building on existing technical expertise with skills in accounting, business law, human resource management, marketing, and management, students gain access to versatile, in-demand career paths at entry- and mid-level positions in business management, marketing, accounting, and related fields.
Faculty Support and Real-World Experience
GovState prepares students to reach their career goals through dedicated faculty support and a broad range of coursework options. Students work closely with experienced faculty members to explore skill sets, ask questions, and identify opportunities to gain practical experience before graduation.
Internship and mentorship opportunities are built into the program. Internships may include placements with companies in the Chicago area, while mentorships offer personal engagement with faculty in a student's chosen area of expertise.
Flexible Pathways for Every Career Goal
Students who have not yet identified a specialization can follow a general track, building broad business knowledge across multiple areas of the field. This approach prepares graduates to move into management roles in different areas or transition between specializations with confidence as their careers evolve.
An Accredited Program Built on Applied Science
The College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, and its dynamic curriculum across a range of specializations makes the Bachelor of Arts in Business and Applied Science a powerful complement to an applied science associate degree.
Jobs and Salaries You Can Get with a Business and Applied Science Degree
Careers and Earning Potential
A Bachelor of Arts in Business and Applied Science from Governors State University opens doors to a broad range of careers in business and finance. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles across multiple industries and organizational environments.
Careers graduates commonly pursue include:
- Accountant or Auditor
- Sales Representative
- Business Manager
- Financial Examiner
- Loan Officer
- Budget Analyst
- Cost Estimator
Salary Expectations
Median annual wages for business and financial occupations and management positions vary based on role, experience, and industry. The following figures reflect median annual earnings across key career categories:
| Career Category | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|
| Business and Financial Occupations | $80,920 |
| Management Occupations | $122,090 |
Putting the Degree to Work
GovState's coursework and mentorship opportunities prepare graduates to succeed in a competitive business environment, whether analyzing complex financial data, leading a team of business professionals, or representing a company in a client-facing sales role.
For students interested in entrepreneurship, the program includes coursework in business planning, business law, management, and startup development. These courses prepare graduates to bring a business concept to investors, assemble a team, and navigate the early stages of launching a venture.
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
Carlos Ferran, PhD.
Full Professor
Katherine Carl, PhD.
Assistant Professor
Jeffrey Alfano
Senior Lecturer
Contact Us
- Karen Williams Blackman
- College of Business
- 1 University Parkway, University Park Ill 60484
- 708.235.7485
- Kwilliams10@govst.edu