Online Associate of Arts in Pre-Business Administration
Developing a foundation is critical to success in business. A business’ ability to thrive is based on every person having the understanding to perform their tasks efficiently. By receiving a degree in business administration, you can begin to take ownership of your professional career and help your future organization achieve its goals.
What is a Business Administration degree?
Business Administration (Pre) is an online associate degree program that focuses on the basic curriculum needed for the first two years of a bachelor’s degree in business. The program is transfer-oriented and is ideal for the student who is considering a bachelor’s degree, but who wishes to pursue the first two years in an online environment. This program is designed so students can earn their Associate of the Arts degree and transition seamlessly into the Carl H. Lindner College of Business (LCoB) at the University of Cincinnati or transfer to another Bachelor of Business Administration program.
AAB Business Administration (Pre) Program Overview
If you decide to get a degree in business administration, you will be gaining a baseline understanding of the important skills that are essential to success in a professional setting. These skills will be able to transfer and elevate you when entering into your Bachelor’s level program. You will have a strong foundation that will help you pick up on more complex concepts as you advance through your academic career.
Watch the video and hear from Deidra, an online associate in business administration student, as she talks about the more-affordable path to achieving a bachelor’s degree in business administration by starting with the online associate degree.
Business Administration (Pre) Program Highlights
High Quality Education
- Foundational business curriculum grounded in real-world practice, introducing students to core concepts in accounting, economics, management, and marketing to prepare them for upper-division coursework.
- Academically rigorous, transfer-ready education, delivered by UC faculty and supported by online learning resources that ensure a seamless transition into bachelor’s-level business programs.
Flexibility
- 100% online - no campus visits required
- Option to transfer credits
- Multiple program start dates per year
Support from Application to Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
Prerequisites
Admission into the University of Cincinnati’s online Pre-Business Administration Associate degree program is open to all students with a high school diploma or GED and the desire to succeed in college. Although admission is open, students accepted into the program must meet the academic standards of the program to advance to upper levels of study.
First-Year:
- You are currently a high school senior or have a high school diploma, GED, or home-school equivalent.
- As a first-year student, you will need to take an English and mathematics placement test if you have not obtained the minimum ACT/SAT score required for exemption. These tests do not affect your admission; however, the results are essential for your proper placement in classes. You must complete placement tests before you register for English or mathematics courses. All placement tests are given free of charge.
Transfer:
- Transferability is based on school accreditation, course/content comparability (including evaluation of practical assignments), year taken, and final grade.
- Submit all official transcripts for every school attended. Learn more about requesting your transcripts.
- If you have earned fewer than 30 semester or 45 quarter college credits, you must submit high school transcripts as part of your transfer application.
Complete the online application and submit a $50 application fee.
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Our staff will review your application based on the following:
After submitting your application form, all applicants are required to have official transcripts sent directly to University of Cincinnati in order to be eligible for admissions review.
- First-Year and Transfer Applicants with Fewer Than 24 Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from your high school and all prior colleges (if applicable) for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- Transfer Applicants with 24+ Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from all prior colleges for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- You are exempt from the High School transcript requirement, this item will be removed from your application checklist once your college documents are received.
Please review the section below for guidance on how to submit your transcripts.
Online transcript request systems are the preferred method to deliver official transcripts electronically. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly to determine their ordering process.
If a physical copy must be sent, DO NOT request it be delivered to you. It must be sent directly from your prior school to the following address:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 |
March 15, 2026 July 15, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
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