Online Bachelor of Arts in Management (BA)
Learn how to build a high-performance workforce. This management program at American Public University (APU) helps students prepare for the challenges that will test the next generation of business leaders.
Program Overview
This Bachelor of Arts in Management program examines the leadership practices that build and sustain high-performing teams in today’s business environment. Students become well-versed in the management strategies and theories that shape corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies. Coursework sharpens career-relevant skills, with an emphasis on:
- Project management
- Human resource management
- Data interpretation
- Decision-making
- Communication
- Critical thinking
Learners study how business managers organize, motivate, and lead human capital. Class discussions and written assignments provide further insight into the strategies effective leaders employ to practice ethical decision-making and support business objectives.
Concentration tracks dive deeper into specific fields, such as human resource management and business project management, among others. Students may also explore their unique interests through APU’s extensive offering of elective courses.
This online bachelor's degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and aligns with Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM®)1 standards. In addition, APU’s management department collaborates with an Industry Advisement Council (IAC) of business leaders to develop timely course materials that reflect the latest advancements in the business world.
Management Degree Concentrations
APU’s program invites learners to fully immerse themselves in the study of business management. Degree concentrations explore how decision-makers navigate specific aspects of their roles to lead teams effectively and produce measurable results. Select a concentration to learn more.
About the Concentration
A general concentration allows you to take courses across a number of areas of study within your program based on your own interests.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Practice management skills related to the area of study.
- Apply critical thinking and decision-making skills to the area of study.
- Develop management strategies for an organizational setting in the area of study.
About the Concentration
The concentration in Business Project Management enhances the student’s understanding of how businesses depend on project management to move the organization toward its strategic goals. Through this concentration, the student will be introduced to the theories, concepts, and practices that align with project management.
Students will come to understand how projects begin during the sales cycle and continue to be assessed after the project is delivered. Students will be exposed to skill sets to track and monitor projects, develop a schedule and integrate it with costs and risks, prepare presentations for leadership and stakeholders, and create status reports. Companies depend on project management to stay competitive in developing new offerings, determining the technology needed within the enterprise, updating processes and procedures, and implementing projects for customers.
The concentration is designed for business professionals and military personnel interested in project management within the business environment.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Analyze the fundamentals of project management.
- Demonstrate varying problems from a risk management standpoint.
- Define the role of projects and project management.
- Create a project charter, a scope statement, a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Risk Management Plan, Quality Management Plan, and Stakeholder Management Plan.
- Explain the need for ethical project management.
About the Concentration
The concentration includes the world of digital retailing for retail management professionals. Digital retailing encompasses multiple facets of technology from smart stores with product experts, instant data access, to expanded use of artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, expanded mobile/cashier-less capabilities, consumer protection, and seamless customer experiences with e-commerce, m-commerce, and brick and mortar locations. In addition, students have the opportunity to study digital marketing and cyber security.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Explore the evolution of retail markets from pre-industrial to modern day digital retailing.
- Differentiate the various forms of online and digital retailing.
- Evaluate risks inherent to digital retailing including cybersecurity, fraud, and safety protection.
About the Concentration
Focuses on key concepts and principles of being a successful entrepreneur or small business owner. You will examine leadership practices, feasibility of ideas, funding, and customer service specific to a small business.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Establish entrepreneurial factors affecting product and services in the reverse logistic environment.
- Apply customer service skills to entrepreneurial projects, programs or organizations.
- Analyze entrepreneurial ventures to understand sources of funding and other legal requirements
About the Concentration
Delves into the laws, rules, regulations, policies, trends, and issues affecting both human capital in the workplace and the field of human resource management. Compares compensation packages and incentives used to recruit and retain employees. Includes the selection, training, and development of employees, as well as performance appraisal and reward systems.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Examine various laws, rules, regulations, and policies affecting human capital in today’s workplace.
- Compare and contrast compensation packages and incentives used to recruit and retain employees for various positions in an organization
- Assess leading trends and issues in the field of Human Resource Management
About the Concentration
Provides a foundation in the leadership process and motivation. Examines management techniques in organizational change and transformation, and the processes of conflict resolution. Additional topics include common leadership theories exercised in business, military, and political contexts in public and nonprofit organizations.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Examine measurement tools that will assist one with determining levels of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and personality.
- Demonstrate techniques that will lead others to greater personal self-awareness through general counseling and active listening.
- Develop strategies on creating change in the workplace, including how to build teams and lead staff during critical times.
- Evaluate the principles of leader development in organizations and the tools that allow development and growth to occur (i.e. 360-degree assessments, mentoring).
About the Concentration
Helps to prepare graduates to position themselves for jobs within the sports and events world, and is ideal for the individual focused on mastering the sports world from a business management perspective. It combines the necessary technical components of the sports industry with the foundation skills for orchestrating such events (human capital behavior and motivation, organization resources and development, culture and relationships, sport and law and emerging issues in sports and entertainment).
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate technical and managing skills to develop an event in the sport and entertainment industry.
- Integrate coursework and networking opportunities to help create a pathway into the sports and entertainment business world.
- Apply concepts and theory to the sport and entertainment world by developing an ePortfolio to showcase skills acquired in the program.
About the Concentration
Given the current economy, many business leaders believe that their #1 priority is to hire and retain specific talent for their organizations. Companies are seeking opportunities to attract passive candidates, but the market is competitive. This concentration seeks to assist students with developing strategies that entice potential candidates to work in various fields.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Develop strategies for hiring employees that will embrace the organization’s culture.
- Create onboarding strategies that promote higher productivity.
- Analyze techniques that encourage recruiters to think like marketers.
- Implement an employer brand to attract potential candidates.
- Outline a development plan to further an employee’s career.
ACBSP® is a registered trademark of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
APU's Online Bachelor of Arts Program Provides a Career-Relevant Education in Business Management
Through courses that examine the management principles that underlie profitable organizations, APU’s online program prepares students to solve real-world problems that arise in today’s business settings. Management majors develop important soft skills as they learn how to communicate effectively and motivate employees to work toward a common goal.
Students will also:
- Evaluate the organizational design of a company to ensure its systems, processes, and staffing meet its present and future needs to be competitive
- Develop strategies to address talent acquisition and retention
- Analyze the impact of international, legal, political, and economic forces on individual development, team building, and organizational and departmental performance
- Examine strategies for ethical conduct, corporate and social responsibility, and communication in the global business environment
- Demonstrate the critical-thinking, analytical, and decision-making skills needed to effectively manage human capital and achieve organizational results
APU’s curriculum emphasizes career-readiness and helps students develop skills applicable to a wide range of management occupations. Class discussions and assignments engage learners in critical-thinking exercises as they contemplate the challenges of ethical decision-making in the modern business environment.
Graduates may pursue potential career opportunities as:
- General managers/operations managers, who oversee resource allocation, strategic planning, and day-to-day operations
- Human resources generalists, who help manage employee relations and benefits while also supporting other HR functions, such as talent acquisition and performance management
- Administrative services managers, who oversee organizational operations and support services
- Project managers/project coordinators, who plan, execute, and oversee organizational projects
- Management analysts/management consultants, who advise organizations on strategies to improve efficiency
APU’s business programs teach students critical skills to help prepare them to navigate real-world scenarios that arise in professional settings. Through thought-provoking class discussions and written exercises, management majors deepen their understanding of modern leadership practices. Students in this online program also consider how decision-makers apply their knowledge of organizational behavior to engage and motivate employees.
In addition, learners will prepare to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of management theories
- Apply principles of strategic and operational planning to specific business challenges
- Communicate effectively in professional business and management contexts
- Analyze ethical, cultural, and global issues affecting organizations
- Apply human resource management practices to improve workforce effectiveness
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving in managerial decision-making
- Use project management tools and techniques to lead initiatives
- Apply conflict resolution and negotiation strategies in organizational settings Leverage technology to support decision-making
Leadership development is an intentionality that we built into the management degree program. We teach students the foundation of ethics as well as the theoretical foundations of how to lead. Through classroom exercises, students put these theories into practice. In addition, they learn about neuroscience and how people process information and emotions, which can help enhance their emotional intelligence and leadership skills.
.jpg)
Browse Required Courses for Management Majors
This undergraduate degree program combines general education and major-required courses with a generous selection of electives, allowing learners to explore their various interests. Students also select concentration areas to gain further insight into the business management principles covered throughout the curriculum.
Courses examine the practices that define resourceful leaders, and students learn how to make informed decisions to solve complex business problems. Assignments integrate advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) tools, to provide learners with a solid foundation of real-world skills.
All Course Requirements for Online Bachelor of Arts in Management (BA)
Grow Your Network While You Pursue Your BA in Management Online at APU
The University’s honor societies and preprofessional organizations connect students with faculty members, alumni, and industry leaders to enrich the online learning experience. Students may explore more than 100 online communities, including APU’s:
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) student chapter
- Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society
- Delta Mu Delta Honor Society
Social, cultural, and faith-based organizations also provide opportunities to build lasting connections. Learn more about student life and discover how you can expand your network at American Public University.
Signature Skills: A Learning Revolution
Integrated into our student curriculum, these signature skills teach you how to move through the world with confidence. The road to success is paved with signature skills learned at APUS.
-
Encouraging students to use current technologies, critically evaluate emerging tools, and responsibly engage with digital and AI systems.
-
Strengthening the ability in all students to analyze information objectively, question assumptions, explore alternatives, and develop skills essential for navigating continual change.
-
Helping students thrive in dynamic workplaces by reinforcing adaptability, resilience, innovation, and self-awareness.
Welcome to a learning revolution.
APUS signature skills.
Digital literacy, critical thinking, a growth mindset entwine themselves around the student journey.
They’re in everything we do!
[Signature Skills homepage is shown]
Meant to inform our approach to you, and your ability to thrive beyond the classroom,
these signature skills teach you how to move through the world with confidence.
The road to success is paved with signature skills learned at APUS.
[APUS logo appears]
APU is here to support your student journey
We know your well-being is vital to your success. That's why we offer a range of supportive resources to help you throughout your academic journey.
- Career Coaching
- 24/7 Mental Health Support
- Admissions & Advising Support
- Student Life
Career Coaching
Get individualized guidance to help you explore career options, strengthen professional skills, and prepare for the next step in your journey. Whether you’re just entering the workforce, changing fields, or advancing your professional knowledge, our career services team is here to help you translate your goals into action.
Learn More24/7 Mental Health Support
Your well-being is essential to your success. That’s why APU offers access to confidential, flexible, and around-the-clock mental health support. Through our partnerships with telehealth apps, you can connect with peers and professionals anytime you need to manage stress, maintain balance, or find motivation.
Learn MoreAdmissions & Advising Support
From your first course to the day you graduate, our admissions and advising teams are here to guide you every step of the way. You’ll receive personalized assistance with enrollment, program selection, and degree planning from professionals who understand the needs of adult learners.
Learn MoreStudent Life
At APU, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Enrich your college experience and expand your network by getting involved in any of our student organizations. From cultural and social organizations to program-specific honor societies, you’ll find a group to help you thrive during and after your studies.
Learn MoreAPU’s Bachelor of Arts in Management Program Provides an Affordable Education Online
- $0 Application Fee
- $0 Textbooks & Ebooks
- $0 Transfer Credit Evaluation
Earning a degree is a valuable investment, but it needs to fit into your budget. Our tuition estimator can help you estimate your tuition and fees, so you can plan a manageable path to your educational goals. For full details, please refer to the financial aid cost of attendance (COA). This estimate does not include course materials, supplies, equipment, software and other expenses such as lab fees. You may be eligible for partnership grants through your employer. Speak with your admissions representative for more details.
APU Removes Barriers
Quality Education Shouldn’t Break the Bank
We offer special rates and grants for eligible students and limit fees to help keep the cost of higher education within reach. Find out how you can save on tuition expenses with our:
- Transfer Credits
- Financial Aid
- Private Loans & Scholarships
- Military & Veteran Benefits
Transfer Credits
APU makes it easy to earn credit for the work you’ve already done. We accept transfer credits from prior college coursework, professional training, exams, and certifications. We’ll evaluate your transcripts at no cost and help you maximize eligible credits so you can save time, reduce costs, and stay focused on reaching your education goals sooner.
Learn MoreFinancial Aid
We’re committed to making quality education accessible and affordable. APU participates in federal financial aid programs, including grants and loans for those who qualify. Our Financial Aid Office can provide personalized guidance to help you understand your options, complete required forms, and make an informed decision about paying for your education.
Learn MorePrivate Loans & Scholarships
In addition to federal financial aid, some APU students choose to explore private education loans or external scholarships to help fund their studies. We encourage all students to first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal student aid before considering private options. Be sure to research lenders carefully, compare terms, and understand your rights and responsibilities as a borrower.
Learn MoreMilitary & Veterans Benefits
Learn More
Apply to APU’s BA in Management Program Online Today
Learners may attend APU from anywhere with internet access. The University’s Bachelor of Arts in Management program consists of online courses with monthly start dates and no set login times. Students will sharpen their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills as they participate in weekly class discussions and complete weekly written assignments.
Ready to get started? Review our admission requirements and submit your application today.
- No Entrance Exams No SAT® or ACT® required for undergraduate programs8
- No Application Fee For undergraduate courses
- Courses Start Monthly Enroll now, start next month
- All APU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED). Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
- There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.
Learn More About Pursuing a Bachelor’s in Management
Yes. While a bachelor’s degree is typically required to apply to an MBA program, most graduate schools do not limit admissions to specific undergraduate majors. Usually, your baccalaureate degree must simply be from an accredited institution.
Still, studying business management as an undergraduate could be a practical choice if you are considering advancing to an MBA program. Master’s-level coursework often expands on the business and leadership concepts covered throughout undergraduate management courses.
With more than 200 career-relevant degrees and certificates, APU makes online education accessible and affordable.
Request More Information
Interested in a specific program or wondering about the application process? Fill out the quick form below, and we’ll follow up with details tailored to your goals. Click here if you are a current student and need assistance.
Consumer Information
Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.
The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.
The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
See all military student benefits.
