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 partner through the application process, getting enrolled, and starting your program
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
The online Pre-Business Administration program is 60 credit hours and can be completed at your own pace and schedule. Our students are provided with the skills to take their careers to the next level or make sure they are better prepared when they begin their professional careers.
Not all courses may be listed, but a preview into the courses throughout the Pre-Business Administration program is provided below. Students will also be required to fill 6 hours of Natural Science courses and 6 hours in Foreign Language, Culture, or Study Abroad.
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT2081 | Financial Accounting This course develops foundational knowledge and skills needed to prepare and analyze basic financial statements. Topics include cash, inventory, fixed assets, current and long-term liabilities and equity. Students will prepare multi-step income statements, classified balance sheets and statements of cash flows. Students will utilize efficiency and effectiveness ratios, as well as vertical and horizontal analysis, to evaluate financial performance. |
3 |
| ECON1001 | Introduction to Microeconomics The course assists students to learn and comprehend (1) economics as a social science that draws conclusions based on hypotheses, theories, and data in order to understand human behavior, (2) basic microeconomics terms and concepts, including scarcity and choice, equilibrium, efficiency and equity, positive and normative economics, comparative advantage, and specialization, (3) the fundamental economic question of allocating scarce resources, (4) opportunity cost and the production possibility frontier, (5) supply and demand, the function of prices in markets, how markets work and sometimes don't work, including market failure and externalities, (6) the effects of government intervention in markets, (7) how consumers make choices, (8) production theory, (9) the costs of production, (10) firm behavior in competitive markets, (11) firm behavior in imperfect markets, (12) elasticity and its application, (13) markets for resources, the determination of wage rates, interest, and rent, (14) the determination of income distribution, including poverty and discrimination, (15) the determinants of international trade flows, (16) to apply economic |
3 |
| MGMT1050 | Introduction to Business FYE course that provides an introduction to the university, opportunity to explore business programs and career opportunities, and overview of business structure and issues. |
3 |
| MGMT1080 | Problem Solving Tools FYE course that provides an introduction to the tools that promote solving problems in both professional and personal life, exploration of business careers and skill sets, university resources, and tools promoting academic and professional success. |
3 |
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT2082 | Managerial Accounting This course develops foundational knowledge and skills needed to apply accounting data in planning and controlling business operations. Topics include costs, cost drivers and allocation, contribution margin and managerial budgeting. |
3 |
| ECON1002 | Introduction to Macroeconomics The course assists students to learn and comprehend (1) economics as a social science that draws conclusions based on hypotheses, theories, and data in order to understand human behavior, (2) basic macroeconomic terminology and concepts, including the distinction between real and nominal magnitudes, (3) the national income accounts, (4) the nature of the business cycle, (5) the determinates of important macroeconomic variables,including the level of income, the level of employment, the unemployment rate, the natural rate of unemployment, the price level, the inflation rate, productivity and the rate of interest, (6) the supply and demand for money, (7)the Federal Reserve System, (8) aggregate demand and aggregate supply, (9) the effects of fiscal and monetary policies, (10) the basics of theories of macroeconomic instability, (11) unemployment and inflation tradeoffs, (12) the effects of the federal government's budget deficit, (13) long run growth and policies to affect growth, (14) comparative advantage, (15) the determinants of foreign trade flows and exchange rates, and their effects on the domestic economy, (16) to apply economic reasoning to better understand and critically evaluate real world circumstances and events. |
3 |
| ENGL1001 | English Composition English Composition 1001 is a writing-centered course that emphasizes the careful reading, analytical thinking, and persuasive strategies inherent in researching and writing within an academic community. Students learn that rhetorical knowledge is the basis of composing while learning to write with purpose, audience, context, and conventions in mind. Students develop rigorous academic research practices: how to locate and evaluate primary and secondary sources relevant to their line of inquiry and position their own ideas in conversation with public writing. Students also engage in regular self-reflection: articulating what they know, what they can do, and how to apply their knowledge and skills in various contexts. |
3 |
| MATH1044 | Applied Calculus I The first part of a two-semester sequence (MATH1044 and 1045) of courses on calculus appropriate for students in business and life sciences. Topics covered include functions, graphs, limits, continuity, properties of exponential and logarithmic functions, differentiation, higher order derivatives, curve sketching, model, solve and interpret solutions of applied optimization problems and marginal analysis. |
3 |
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BANA2081 | Business Analytics I This course develops fundamental knowledge and skills for applying statistics to business decision making. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability distributions, sampling, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing and the use of computer software for statistical applications. |
3 |
| MATH1045 | Applied Calculus II The second part of a two-semester sequence (MATH1044 and 1045) on calculus appropriate for students in business and life sciences. Topics covered include antidifferentiation, the fundamental theorem of calculus, numeric and technology-based estimation of definite integrals, computation of area under a curve and between two curves, model, solve and interpret solutions of consumer/producer surplus as well as present/future value problems, elasticity, improper integrals, applications to probability, functions of two variables, partial derivatives, maxima and minima of two variable functions. |
3 |
| MKTG2080 | Introduction to Marketing Marketing activities, analysis, strategies, and decision making in the context of other business functions. Topics include: integration of product, price, promotion, and distribution activities; research and analysis of markets, environments, competition, and customers; market segmentation and selection of target markets; and emphasis on behavior and perspectives of consumers and organizational customers. Planning and decision making for products and services in profit and nonprofit, domestic and global settings. |
3 |
| BoK: NS | Natural Sciences Elective Choose one. |
3 |
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BANA2082 | Business Analytics II This course is a continuation of BANA 2081. It further develops fundamental knowledge and skills for applying statistical and management science models to business decision making. Topics include simple and multiple linear regression, contingency tables, chi-square tests, ANOVA, decision analysis, simulation and risk models and optimization models, including the use of software for business applications. |
3 |
| BLAW2080 | Legal Environment of Business This course examines the legal environment in which business operates, and develops an understanding of the legal consequences attached to business decision making. Topics include the study of torts, contracts, property, ethics and the legal system of the United States. |
3 |
Foreign Language, Study Abroad, or Culture course Please see an Academic Advisor for assistance. |
3 | |
| BoK: NS | Natural Sciences Elective Choose One. |
3 |
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| IS2080C | Digital Technologies for Business Information Systems (IS)-and the enabling digital technologies-constitute integral and critical resources for all aspects of a business, from operational efficiency and managerial decision making, to the implementation of transformative business strategies. Businesses spend over $1 trillion annually on technology and related information systems. This course is designed to help students develop a working knowledge of digital technologies, to understand business opportunities created by digital technologies, and to gain awareness of how organizations leverage digital technologies to improve organizational processes and enhance related business strategies.The course also has a hands-on component-students will develop specific competencies in using spreadsheet, database, and web development tools to make informed business and financial decisions. |
3 |
| COMM2081 | Business Communication This course introduces foundational business communication principles and practices. Students will learn to analyze different communication situations; to plan and design oral and written communications; to communicate effectively using appropriate formats, styles, and technologies; and to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to achieve desired communication objectives. |
3 |
| ENGL2089 | Intermediate Composition Intermediate Composition is a writing-centered course that builds on what students learn in first-year composition and focuses students’ attention on theoretical underpinning of how meaning is made, understood, and communicated within and across various discourse communities and genres. The course emphasizes critical reading and writing, advanced research and analysis skills, and rhetorical sensitivity to differences in academic, professional, and public composing. This course challenges students to engage in substantive projects drawing on primary research and source analysis methods and asks students to document, communicate, and reflect on their research. |
3 |
Foreign Language, Study Abroad, or Culture course Please see an Academic Advisor for assistance. |
3 |
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 the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $50.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $100.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Summer 2026 for all applicants
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who:
- are currently serving in the US armed forces
- are veterans of the US armed forces
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 Spring 2027 |
March 15, 2026 July 15, 2026 November 15, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 January 11, 2027 |
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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