Accelerated Business Degree 3-year Applied Bachelor of Science in Business Administration New England campus experience
Program Overview Why get an applied bachelor’s degree in business administration on campus?
At SNHU, you can earn your business degree faster — without sacrificing valuable hands-on learning opportunities. Our 3-year Applied Bachelor of Science (BAS) in Business Administration provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to make an impact in a variety of industries. And if you're considering a graduate degree, this accelerated 93-credit program allows you to earn your bachelor's degree and MBA at SNHU in just 4 years when enrolled full time.
Skills you’ll learn:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Accounting basics
- Behavioral dynamics
- Quantitative analysis
- Business ethics
Courses & Curriculum Get on the fast track with on-campus applied business administration courses
The Applied Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration curriculum is designed to give you a well-rounded background in leadership, communication, accounting, behavioral dynamics and quantitative analysis. You’ll complete the business core, choose one of our 10 concentrations, and complete a 3-credit internship to round out your program. With no required free electives, you can focus on general education and business coursework to finish your degree in just 6 semesters when enrolled full time.
Note: This program meets admission requirements for SNHU master’s degrees, but other institutions may have different admission criteria. Students looking to apply to graduate programs are encouraged to verify specific requirements with their intended institutions. As an accelerated program, minors and semester-based student abroad programs are not included within the standard curriculum, but students can still pursue international experiences during summer sessions.
Campus applied business administration major concentrations
Looking to specialize your degree? You'll choose from 10 concentrations for the applied business administration degree.
Accounting is one of the nation's fastest-growing professions. Businesses today recognize employees who have sound financial, accounting and management knowledge, as well as language and computer skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in accounting and auditing is expected to grow 6% through 2033. The BLS also projects business and financial occupations to grow faster than average through 2033.1
Professionals with adequate accounting knowledge may work with middle and upper management and in public accounting, where complex financial transactions are analyzed and reported. The accounting concentration may be ideal if you wish to supplement your business administration major with more specialized accounting skills.
Courses may include:
- Accounting Information Systems
- Intermediate Accounting I
- Intermediate Accounting II
- Financial Statement Analysis/Business Valuation
In the information age, data changes everything. Businesses gain a competitive edge by generating and collecting massive amounts of data on a daily basis - and that amount continues to grow at an exponential rate. The ability to correctly analyze data and apply conclusions to real-world business strategies is a highly sought-after skill.
An Applied Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in business analytics from Southern New Hampshire University will build the skills you need to help organizations grow and compete in a data-driven world. With classes taught by experienced professors who care about the success of their students, this business analytics program could help position you for a successful business career.
Courses may include:
- Business Analytics
- Descriptive Analytics
- Management Science through Spreadsheets
- Predictive Analytics
The Applied Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship allows you to apply principles and knowledge from various functional areas of business, such as accounting, finance, human resources and marketing, within entrepreneurial contexts. You'll gain skills that support creating, planning for and managing small to medium business ventures.
Courses may include:
- Small Business Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Business Plan Preparation
The Applied Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in finance helps you develop the analytical and quantitative skills necessary for corporate and individual financial management. Understanding the nuances of business finance is important for companies across many industries. Graduates from this program may pursue jobs in various financial organizations - including banks and insurance companies - as well as roles in private and public sectors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for financial analysts are projected to grow 9% through 2033.1
Courses may include:
- Money and Banking
- Personal Financial Planning
- Corporate Finance
Rooted in a global perspective, the Applied Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in hospitality business provides a broad foundation in hospitality, sustainability, leadership and operations.
The hospitality world is constantly changing, and this concentration can help prepare you to enter an always-evolving industry. This concentration incorporates knowledge regarding the planet, people, profit, ethics and equity of the hospitality world. You'll learn from experienced faculty who bring with them specialized knowledge across various sectors of the hospitality industry. You'll also have opportunities to expand your network through experiential learning and real-world client engagement.
The curriculum for this program will help you master the technical foundations of the industry while developing essential leadership and management skills.
Courses may include:
- Geography of Global Cultures
- Sustainable Tourism
- Intro to Sustainable Hotel Operations
- Hospitality Revenue Management
- Hospitality Facilities and Operations Management
Most businesses depend on technology, and knowing which systems to invest in and how to use them effectively is key in this fast-paced, competitive landscape. When you pursue an Applied Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in management information systems, you'll learn how to analyze and communicate information system solutions that optimize business operations.
SNHU faculty members, alumni and career development staff can help connect you with experiential learning opportunities that help prepare you to enter the business world. Typically, candidates in this field will need a bachelor's degree and related work experience. Many computer and information systems managers also have a graduate degree.
Courses may include:
- Applied Data Structure and Database
- Information System Requirements and Design
- Business Systems Applications
Marketing is the driving force of business and organizational success. When you pursue an Applied Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing, you'll learn how to implement innovative marketing and business strategies that help grow companies. Earning a marketing-focused business degree can help prepare you for a variety of careers in the dynamic, creative, results-oriented field of marketing. Whether you're looking to work in the world of advertising at a large agency or as a brand manager at a smaller company, a degree in marketing could be just the tool you need to succeed.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment for advertising, promotions and marketing managers is expected to increase by 8% through 2033.1
Courses may include:
- Digital Marketing
- Marketing Research
- Consumer Behavior
If you have a knack for organizational skills and keeping track of important details that help things run more smoothly, an Applied Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in operations and project management could be right for you. This concentration provides a comprehensive overview of business operations, including planning, coordinating use of materials, budgets and timelines. You'll gain exposure to managing day-to-day operations as well as planning and executing a variety of projects in service and manufacturing firms.
Courses may include:
- Supply Chain Management
- Project Management
- Six Sigma Quality Management
SNHU's Applied Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in professional sales has been recognized as a top 100 sales program in the country. Here, you'll have the opportunity to learn from professionals with real-world experience, participate in peer coaching, experience a sales management simulation to make real-world sales team leadership decisions and even participate in local, national or international sales competitions.
Courses may include:
- Professional Selling
- Advanced Professional Selling
- Business Analytics
- Business Systems Applications
With SNHU's Applied Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in sport management, you can take your passion for sports and turn it into an exciting career. The sports industry is a growing one - sports and entertainment occupations are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
Majoring in business administration with a focus on sport management can help set you up for success. By adding a specialized sport management concentration to your business major, you can pursue your passion while giving yourself a competitive edge for entry-level sports jobs upon graduation.
Courses may include:
- Introduction to Sport Management
- Sport Marketing
- Sport, Society and Ethics
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our faculty members bring with them decades of knowledge and experience in business. They look forward to supporting your journey in the classroom and as you work toward a career in business.
Lowell C. Matthews
Position
Professor
Joined SNHU
2012
Education
- PhD in Business Administration from Argosy University
- MBA from Roosevelt University
- BS in Business Administration from University of Delaware
Prior to SNHU, Dr. Lowell C. Matthews served as director of fundraising events for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and as an adjunct professor at Roosevelt University. He serves as the advisor to the men's volleyball club and is a member of the SNHU choir. Matthews also serves in leadership roles for the Endowment for Health, New England Names Project and Granite State Gay Men's Association. He was the 2015 SNHU Excellence in Teaching Award recipient and nominee for 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020.
Leslie Campbell
Position
Associate Professor | Department Chair, Business Administration and Management
Joined SNHU
2017
Education
- DA in Leadership from Franklin Pierce University
- MBA from Rivier University
- BA in Psychology from Assumption University
Dr. Leslie Campbell has a wealth of experience in business and higher education, including nearly 25 years in leadership roles in human resources. Prior to SNHU, she was an associate professor at Colby-Sawyer College and an adjunct faculty member with St. Anselm College, Rivier University and Franklin Pierce University. Campbell is a member of New Hampshire Women in Higher Education Leadership, has presented at the Academy of Management, was published in the Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice and has been nominated for the SNHU Excellence in Teaching Award.
Campus major courses
You’ll take major courses that provide you with a solid foundation in your area of study – in some cases featuring experiential or project-based learning opportunities, labs, simulations and internships. These courses will allow you to learn a wide variety of topics and help prepare you for a role in your desired field.
Courses may include:
Campus general education courses
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
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Career Outlook What can I do with an applied business administration degree?
As an applied business administration major, your program is much more than the classes you take. You'll receive hands-on experience and guidance from seasoned professionals: Our faculty, alumni and career services team can help connect you with opportunities that prepare you to enter the workplace. Earning your bachelor's degree in business can help create demand for your skill set throughout your career. Your required 3-credit internship experience will also provide you with career-relevant experience for your resume.
Career paths include:
- Entrepreneur
- Franchise owner
- Retail manager
- Market research analyst
- Sales manager
Job openings projected each year for business and financial occupations through 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 1
Median annual wage for business and financial occupations as of May 2024, according to the BLS.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Campus Student Experience So, what's it like taking classes on campus?
Even though you're completing your applied business administration program faster, you'll still gain hands-on experience and have the chance to get involved on campus. Whether you're collaborating with students in other disciplines in the classroom or solving complex business problems for local community partners, you'll put business theory into practice every day. You'll also have the opportunity to get involved with organizations like the Accounting Society, American Marketing Association or Professional Sales Association.
Student support
At SNHU, you don’t have to do this college thing alone. You’ll have help from your advisor, access to tutoring and office hours, career coaching, and mental health services so you can do your best and feel your best.
Additionally, our Office of Diversity and Campus Accessibility Center make campus a safe place for everyone. Visit our Student Services page to learn more about our support offerings.
Small class sizes
With an average class size of 15-25 (depending on your major) you’ll learn in an environment where professors with real world experience know you by name.
Here, you’re not getting lost in giant lecture halls, but instead, actively participating in thoughtful dialogue where you’re always encouraged to collaborate with your peers and ask questions when they arise.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our 300-acre campus has everything you need. From technology-advanced classroom settings to your dorms complete with fitness centers and hangout spots, our goal is to give you the best college experience possible.
Whether you’re learning in a classroom, in a lab, on the field, or in your field, you’ll have what you need to be successful from the moment you wake up to the moment you close your textbooks.
School of Business Learn about the School of Business
In the School of Business, you’ll tackle real-world business challenges with the help of your experienced professors. From interning with local sports teams to learning the ins and outs of starting your own business, you can hone your skills through peer collaboration, case studies and participating in business competitions. Whether you’re focusing on an organization’s finances, marketing, technology or leadership, you’ll get firsthand experience from day one.
Business simulations
Sales immersion lab
Pitch competitions
How SNHU makes college affordable
At Southern New Hampshire University, we're on a mission to make high-quality education more accessible with more affordable tuition. With 70+ career-focused majors, state-of-the-art facilities, D2 sports and over 70 student clubs and organizations, you can get the campus experience you've always dreamed of at a more affordable price.
Note: The cost per credit of this program is the same as SNHU's 4-year, 120-credit BS in Business Administration program and has the same financial aid eligibility — meaning you'll save money on tuition costs. Students who complete this degree and later return to SNHU or transfer to another institution to pursue additional undergraduate credits may have limited eligibility for federal financial aid.
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Transfer up to 63 credits toward your applied bachelor’s degree program at SNHU.
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Our collaborative partnerships with high schools enhance academic opportunities and college accessibility for some high school students.
Hear from us
Dr. Leslie Campbell, Faculty Chair
Frequently Asked Questions
This program streamlines the traditional bachelor's degree by reducing the total credit requirement from 120 to 93. There are no required free electives, allowing students to focus on general education and degree-specific coursework. An experiential learning focus integrates hands-on projects in courses and includes a required internship.
SNHU continually adapts to student needs, providing accessible, affordable education. This accelerated program offers a structured pathway for students to complete their degree in 3 years (6 semesters) instead of 4 years (8 semesters) — reducing the overall cost.
Applying is simple: In the Common Application or the SNHU application, select “Applied Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Three-Year Option)” as your intended major. There are no additional admission requirements, and you can change your preference at any point in the application process.
No. The cost per credit remains the same as the 4-year bachelor's program. However, because the 3-year program requires only 93 credits instead of 120, the total cost of the program is lower.
Yes, this program is eligible for Title IV federal financial aid, including federal grants, loans and work-study opportunities — just like a traditional 4-year program. However, students who complete this degree and later pursue additional undergraduate credits (whether for a postbaccalaureate certificate or a second bachelor's degree) may have limited eligibility for federal financial aid. Review the guidelines for Federal Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans and Federal Pell Grants for more information.
Because this program is designed to accelerate graduation, minors and semester-based study abroad programs are not included in the standard curriculum. However, you can still pursue international experiences during summer sessions or extend your studies to incorporate additional coursework.
Not at all! Students in the 3-year program have full access to SNHU’s extracurricular options, including athletics, clubs, organizations and campus events. Upon graduation, you’ll also have access to the university’s career network and professional development resources.
Yes. This program meets the admission requirements for SNHU master’s programs. Because graduate program requirements vary by institution, students planning to apply elsewhere should check the respective institution’s specific admission criteria.
Yes. SNHU will continue to offer its 4-year, 120-credit bachelor’s degree for students who prefer a more traditional academic path. The accelerated 3-year program provides a faster route to graduation while still allowing for continued education — including the ability to complete both your bachelor’s and MBA in just 4 years.
No. Currently, the Applied Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is approved and accredited for in-person study at SNHU’s main campus only.
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (viewed June 2, 2025)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm (viewed June 2, 2025)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm (viewed June 2, 2025)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm (viewed June 2, 2025)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/home.htm (viewed June 2, 2025)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/home.htm (viewed June 2, 2025)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
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