Online Administration Degree

Academic title: Administration, B.A.A., B.S.

120 Credits

to Graduate

January 11

Next start date

*Recommended apply date is minimum 6 weeks prior to next start date.  

Personnel administrator meeting with an employee.

Earn your online administration degree

The online administration major is for you if you are looking for a broad foundation in business and organizational leadership while maintaining the flexibility to focus on your professional interests.

Available as a Bachelor of Applied Arts or Bachelor of Science, the program combines coursework in accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, statistics and digital leadership. As you explore your options, it's helpful to know that a Bachelor of Applied Arts (B.A.A.) emphasizes hands-on learning, professional skill development and real-world experience, while a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) places greater focus on scientific, technical and analytical study.

Built for working adults and transfer students, the program is offered fully online and emphasizes practical knowledge that can be applied across a variety of industries and organizational settings. There is also opportunity to earn academic credit for relevant experiences, such as work, training, military service or certifications as a prior learning credit or Certification to Credit option.

You'll develop skills in:

  • Leadership and communication
  • Decision-making and business strategy
  • Process improvement
  • System and people processes

Including a 27-credit core and a 12-credit concentration, you can further customize your degree to your career goals with one of two concentrations - ergonomics administration or personnel administration.

Earn an accelerated master's

For those considering graduate study, the program also offers a pathway to CMU's Master of Science in Administration, with eligible students able to apply credits toward the graduate degree.

Online administration degree overview

Core credits27
Concentration credits12
General education credits81
Total credits to graduate 
120

How much does an online administration degree cost?

The cost shown below is based on the current tuition and fee estimate. Your actual cost of attendance for financial aid purposes may vary based on your assigned tuition rate, the number of credits you're enrolled in and the length of your enrollment period. If you're enrolled in a single module instead of a full semester, your housing and food, transportation and personal expenses will be adjusted based on the number of weeks you're enrolled (for example, 12-week or 8-week modules). If you're enrolled less than half-time, your cost of attendance will not include housing and food, personal expenses or loan fees.

  • Military tuition benefits: Active duty, veterans and military-affiliated students may qualify for reduced tuition, waived fees and need-based awards.
Estimated annual cost $23,730

What can you do with an online administration degree?

An online administration degree helps you build the leadership and business skills needed to move organizations forward. Through a combination of core business coursework and focused concentration studies, you'll learn how to make informed decisions, work effectively with people and navigate complex workplace challenges. Those skills can support career growth across a variety of professional settings while also providing a strong foundation for graduate study.

 Career Projected Salary
  Human Resources Director $140,030
  Global Communications Director $83,480
  Administrative Manager $106,880
  Business Administrator $106,880
  General and Operations Manager $129,330

All data and statistics in this section are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics


Online administration degree concentrations

The online personnel administration concentration helps you develop the skills needed to support and lead today's workforce. Designed with flexibility in mind, the program combines practical coursework with opportunities to apply prior learning and professional experience, making it a strong option if you're looking to complete your degree while preparing for a career centered on people, organizations and workplace success.

As part of the administration major, this concentration blends broad administrative knowledge with focused study in personnel-related topics. Students can tailor their academic experience to their goals and add a minor for additional specialization.

Graduates are prepared for opportunities in human resources, communications, management and can continue their education.

If you're interested in the systems and processes that keep organizations running, the online ergonomics administration concentration offers a practical path forward. The program explores how operations work, where inefficiencies occur and how leaders can improve productivity, safety and overall performance.

You'll gain hands-on knowledge in industrial management while learning process improvement methods such as Lean and Six Sigma that are valued across a range of industries.

Graduates are prepared for opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, supply chain management and operations, and can continue their education.


Admissions requirements

Transfer Admission Requirements 

  • Submit a completed application for admission 
  • Submit the application fee
  • Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities 

Applicants with a cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or higher are eligible for admission following a standard application and background review. Applicants with a GPA below 2.0 may be asked to submit additional materials demonstrating their academic and professional experience, such as a résumé or personal statement.  


Freshman Admission Requirements  

  • Submit a completed application for admission 
  • Submit the application fee 
  • Submit official high school transcripts 

Applicants with a cumulative high school GPA of 2.8 or higher are eligible for automatic admission following a standard application and background review. Applicants with a GPA below 2.8 will be considered for admission and may be asked to submit additional materials demonstrating their academic and professional experience, such as a résumé or personal statement.