adult studies online

Business (bachelor's degree)

Trevecca’s Bachelor of Science in business degree-completion program is specifically designed for working adults who have previously earned up to 40 college credit hours. This fully online program equips students with a strong foundation in business and prepares them for success in a variety of highly profitable careers.

Upcoming Start Dates:

Online:
Aug. 13, 2024
Feb. 18, 2025
May 20, 2025

Program Benefits

  • Complete your degree fully online in 18 months with all materials delivered to you.
  • Learn from faculty who possess high degrees in their fields, who have relevant and valuable real-world experience, and who make an effort to know you personally.
  • Complete your program with a supportive cohort of students working toward similar goals.
  • Take advantage of flexible, asynchronous classes that fit your busy schedule.

What to Expect

With Trevecca’s Bachelor of Science in business degree-completion program, you’ll be able to complete your bachelor’s degree while gaining a strong foundation in business that prepares you to confidently enter the fast-paced world of business. Coursework covers topics like management, marketing, economics, accounting, statistics and finance. But this degree doesn’t just equip you with knowledge of business principles, it offers the practical experience and skills you’ll need to succeed in a wide range of highly profitable careers.

The B.S. in business is designed specifically for working adults. All courses are delivered asynchronously online, so you have control over your schedule. You’ll take just one six-week class at a time, allowing you to maintain your other important responsibilities, and you can finish in as little as 18 months

Why Choose Trevecca?

Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.

2024 #2 Online College in Tennessee, intelligent.comRecognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.

As a Christian university, our program explores the ways in which faith and business intersect. We view the business industry through a biblical lens as we aim to produce servants who lead with strong ethics, expertise and integrity.

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.

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Financial Aid & Costs

Financial Aid & Costs

Nearly every student at Trevecca receives some form of assistance in paying for college. Learn all about the affordability of a TNU education and options for receiving aid.

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Here’s a look at the approximate tuition rates you could expect for this program at Trevecca, including the cost per credit hour and the total tuition expense for the full degree program. Please note that rates and fees are subject to change.

Here’s a look at the approximate tuition rates you could expect for this program at Trevecca, including the cost per credit hour and the total tuition expense for the full degree program. Please note that rates and fees are subject to change.

Cost/Credit Hour

$419

Hours

36

Tuition Cost*

$15,084

*$150 Student Resource Fee assessed per course. $150 estimated book cost per course.
*A total of 120 credit hours are required to complete this program.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the BS program in Business the student must:

  1. Complete online application.
  2. Complete FAFSA or appropriate reimbursement or payment plan agreements.
  3. Submit official transcripts from previously attended institutions, sent directly from granting institution to TNU.
  4. Have earned a grade point average of 2.0 for all academic work completed.
  5. Have successfully completed a minimum of 40 hours of semester credit from an accredited institution.
  6. All students are expected to have some proficiency with computer technology. Reliable access to technology will be required through the program.
  7. Submit confidential Medical Health History and Immunization Forms to Trevecca's Student Health Clinic prior to registration (see Immunization Information entry at the end of this section). Applies only for students enrolled in face-to-face courses.
  8. Provide photocopy of government-issued identification (e.g., driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport). This requirement ensures that Trevecca complies with the U.S. Department of Education expectations for student verification. (This is only required for students enrolled in an online program.)

For students who have not completed the necessary 40 credit hours, there are still options for starting a degree. The online associate’s degree programs are open to students, regardless of credit hours. View our associate degrees to learn more.

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Trevecca offers optional minors to non-traditional undergraduate students.  Minors provide an excellent path to gain expertise in a focus area while you secure enough credit hours to complete your degree!

  • Minor in Business
  • Minor in Healthcare Administration
  • Minor in Christian Ministry Online
  • Minor in Psychology
  • Minor in Leadership
  • Minor in Criminal Justice
Learn More

To graduate from Trevecca's Bachelor's of Science in business degree-completion program, students will need a minimum of 120 credit hours, satisfying the following requirements:

General Education (30 semester hours)

  • 6 semester hours of communications (of which one course must be in English composition)
  • 3 semester hours of humanities (at least one course must be from the following: literature, philosophy, art or music appreciation, art or music history, fine arts, history)
  • 9 semester hours of social/behavioral science 
  • 6 semester hours of math/natural science
  • 6 additional semester hours in any above general education area

Core Classes (36 semester hours)
General Electives (54 semester hours)
TOTAL: 120 semester hours 

Students also need to maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA to be eligible for graduation. Trevecca accepts transfer credit and prior learning towards the above requirements. To learn how your previous credit or prior learning will apply and see what your personal path to a bachelor's degree will look like, fill out the form and an enrollment counselor will contact you!

Career Opportunities

With a Bachelor of Science in business, you’ll be ready to take the next steps toward a fulfilling future. Employment opportunities in business and financial operations are projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for other industries. In addition, careers in business consistently earn well above the average median income level. With your business degree from Trevecca, you’ll be equipped to continue your education or to excel in roles such as:

  • Manager
  • Marketer
  • Market researcher
  • Small business owner
  • Entrepreneur
  • Accountant
  • Auditor
  • Financial analyst/examiner
  • Personal financial advisor
  • Tax examiner/collector
  • Fundraiser

Our Faculty

  • Portrait for Vincent Wilcox

    Vincent Wilcox

    Assistant Professor, Director of Music Business Program

    Music industry veteran and entertainment attorney, Vince began in the warehouse of Benson Records, rising through the ranks to become vice president of marketing. Using that expertise, he left to write, record and perform more than 500 dates‚ ...

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  • Portrait for James Agee, Ph.D.

    James Agee, Ph.D.

    Professor

    James teaches management and statistics/research in a variety of programs across campus, including the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). He received his Ph.D. from the State University of New York (Albany) in 2000.  Outside of ...

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  • Portrait for Dean Diehl

    Dean Diehl

    Associate Professor

    As a senior executive with Sony Music, Dean brings a unique combination of practical experience, formal education and research into the classroom. Whether teaching undergraduate music business and entrepreneurship students or adults in the MBA ...

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  • Portrait for Charlotte Houke

    Charlotte Houke

    Adjunct Faculty, Business

    After graduating from college, Dr. Charlotte Houke moved with her husband several times in his career. She gained experience in tax, financial accounting, managerial accounting, and corporate training. Her diverse background in both the public ...

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  • Portrait for Dawn Olson

    Dawn Olson

    Associate Professor, Business

    Dawn is originally from Knoxville, Tennessee and teaches undergraduate courses in Trevecca's Skinner School of Business and Technology as well as the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies (SGCS). Dawn is a strategic, organized, and ...

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  • Portrait for Joshua Smith

    Joshua Smith, Ph.D.

    Associate Professor, Business

    Dr. Smith teaches economics in undergraduate and master's courses at TNU and advises undergraduate international business students. He earned his Ph.D. in economics and MBA from MTSU and his undergraduate degree from Trevecca. His research ...

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  • Portrait for Scott Ward

    Scott Ward

    Professor, Finance

    Scott teaches finance and economics. His studies at the University of Rochester (Ph.D. and M.A.), Indiana University (MBA) and the University of Southern California (B.S.) focused on corporate finance and economic policy. This included fiscal ...

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  • Portrait for Vincent Wilcox

    Vincent Wilcox

    Assistant Professor, Director of Music Business Program

    Music industry veteran and entertainment attorney, Vince began in the warehouse of Benson Records, rising through the ranks to become vice president of marketing. Using that expertise, he left to write, record and perform more than 500 dates‚ ...

    Read Full Bio

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.*



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Cohort Schedule

View a sample schedule of the courses you will be taking when you enroll.

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Biblical Perspectives and the Christian Life
BML 3150
In this course, students will explore and articulate the foundational themes of the Bible. The course is designed to foster a Christian worldview from a Wesleyan perspective. The course encourages the integration of faith, learning, and living.
Principles of Management and Leadership
BML 4330
This course covers a broad perspective on management theories and their application in business. The four functions of management will serve as a foundation for students to develop an understanding of the contemporary management of organizations. In addition, this course provides a catalyst to explore issues expanded on in other courses offered within the program.
Marketing for Managers
BML 4400
This course presents general marketing principles and develops a manager’s insight into how an organization makes marketing mix decisions based on their understanding of consumer behavior.
Business Software Applications
BSN 2000
Designed to review the basics and give the student an in-depth understanding with hands-on experience using Microsoft Office with special emphasis on Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Principles of Macroeconomics
ECN 2000
An introduction to the study of macroeconomics with an emphasis on the issues of inflation, unemployment and growth.
Principles of Microeconomics
ECN 2010
An introduction to the study of microeconomics with an emphasis on the individual actors, consumers, households, firms and resource owners.
Principles of Accounting I
ACN 2100
Provides students with a basic understanding of the role of accounting information in business. Focuses on business operating processes throughout the management planning, performing and evaluating cycles. Intended to open the door on understanding the world of business, provide insights on how businesses operate, and enable students to become familiar with the conventions used by businesses to report to those who need to know more about the business.
Principles of Accounting II
ACN 2200
Provides students with a basic understanding of the role of accounting information in business. Focuses on business financing and investing events throughout the management planning, performing, and evaluating cycles. Intended to open the door on understanding the world of business and provide insights on how businesses invest and finance those investments.
Legal Environment of Business
BSN 4100
This course provides an overview of the law and the legal system and how these relate to the business environment. Topics covered include the history and structure of our legal system; organization of the courts; business organizations, governance and management; and an overview of the principles of criminal law, tort law, contract law, administrative law and international law. Emphasis is given to the inter-working of law and ethics in business decision making.
Statistics for Business and Economics
BSN 3000
An introduction to statistical tools in the context of managerial and economic decision making. Topics include classification and tabulation of data, tables and charts, descriptive summary measure, and frequency distributions. Correlation, linear regression, and process control charts are introduced.
Business Finance
BSN 4000
An introduction to the principles of financial management including the time value of money, risk and return, capital budgeting, sources and costs of capital, financial instruments, and financial statement analysis.
Business Policies
BSN 4200
A systematic approach to company-wide problems; the structure of deciding integrated policies and the administrative processes that are necessary to carry out policies.

*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m already busy managing a full-time job and other commitments. How will I find time to complete coursework and study?
Our team of professors and mentors designed the pace of this degree with you in mind. The program is structured for you to take classes at a manageable pace, either one night a week on campus or entirely online. Study when it’s convenient for you—an hour in the morning over coffee, during your lunch break or after your kids’ bedtime. Classes are asynchronous, meaning there is no specific time you must be online. For more than 30 years, the flexibility and manageable workload of this program have made it a tremendous success for hundreds of working adults.
Will I receive the same experience online as those who attend class in person?

Trevecca's cohort model is one of the reasons the school has become the fastest growing university in Middle Tennessee. It’s a highly successful online experience that allows students from various backgrounds and locations to succeed. You begin and complete your degree alongside a group of other online classmates working toward similar goals. Your peers provide the support needed so you can get the most out of your studies. Even while taking online classes, you stay very engaged with your cohort classmates. Email exchanges and online discussion posts happen weekly. Many faculty even provide Zoom sessions and weekly videos to deepen engagement with online students.

I haven’t been a student in years—what if I fall behind or struggle to keep up with classes?

At Trevecca, we don’t emphasize academics in a vacuum. We’re committed to holistic education, encouraging students to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. We’re here to offer you the tools needed to succeed. You’ll be surrounded by a group of classmates, directors and professors who genuinely care and want to make this the most successful academic journey you could ever encounter.

I don’t currently have the required minimum of 40 transferable credit hours—what are my options?

We offer an associate program that will help you earn your general education credits as well as some introductory courses in a specific discipline. If you already have some credits (but fewer than 40), our enrollment counselors can help with determining which classes you need, both in general education or elective classes. All these courses can be completed online. Connect with an enrollment counselor to get started. You can use the inquiry form on this page.

Can I really graduate with my bachelor’s degree in 18 months?

Yes! Our core programs are approximately 18 months long. To graduate, you’ll need to meet all graduation requirements for a bachelor’s degree, including minimum general education requirements and elective requirements. An enrollment counselor can help you determine exactly what you need to graduate and the available options to complete all your requirements.

Do you use textbooks or e-books?

We use primarily physical textbooks for our courses, though some classes do use e-books.

What are the technology requirements for the online program?

In today’s world, capable managers and leaders are more resourceful and resilient than their peers. In several of Trevecca’s programs, we want to build students’ ability to be resourceful and resilient in addressing their technology needs. Read our full list of technology requirements →

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