Become the Future of Business

Prepare to Take on Managerial and Leadership Roles

Become the business leader you are meant to be with your Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership degree online from the University of Arizona Global Campus. If your goal is to inspire others to achieve excellence, then this IACBE-accredited online degree program is for you. Lay the foundation for your managerial future and take the reins with your bachelor’s degree in business leadership.

The BA in Business Leadership program emphasizes theory and practice of leadership through a comprehensive curriculum of communications, conflict management, organizational behavior, social responsibility, motivation, and strategic management.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership degree program, you will be able to:

  • Examine the influence of leadership, vision, and strategic planning in a variety of organizations and environments
  • Assess the process of leading others in environments increasingly characterized by change and complexity
  • Apply principles of human behavior and motivation to maximize use of human resources
  • Analyze methods of organizational change and development
  • Assess leadership styles and approaches to develop a personal leadership perspective and practice

Why Choose the University of Arizona Global Campus?

Accelerated 5 week courses
1 course at a time
$0 Application Fee
Accredited by IACBE

Military Students $250.00/credit

Undergraduate Courses $460.00/credit

Technology Fee** $115.00/course

Books and Other Class Materials** $125.00/average per course

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Scholarships

UAGC offers enrolled students access to ScholarshipUniverse, a platform that tailors external scholarship opportunities to your unique situation, making it easier to find and apply for scholarships.

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Partnership Savings

UAGC is proud to provide reduced tuition rates for our academic and corporate partners, helping community college transfer students and corporate employees earn their degrees at a lower cost.

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Course Overview

1

Freshman Year

  • In this foundational course, students explore the principles necessary for achieving personal and career success. GEN 101 serves as a road map, guiding students as they begin their academic journey. Through self-discovery, surveying available resources, connecting with UAGC groups, and engaging with Career Services, students learn the essential skills of planning and goal setting. Students apply their personal strengths, skills, and lifelong learning strategies to develop essential career competencies. By making these meaningful connections students gain a deeper understanding of how their education relates to their desired career path.  Congratulations on embarking on this college journey filled with growth, exploration, and endless possibilities! This course is not available for non-degree seeking students and is not available as an elective.

  • This course offers an overview of digital fluency as it applies to personal, academic, financial, and professional success. Students will analyze the impact of digital technology on personal, social, and diversity issues and will develop digital skills that will assist in achieving academic, personal, and career goals. An overview of digital media is introduced with practical strategies for application in personal and professional life.

  • Learn and use key, practical skills that are applicable at home, at work, and in all UAGC courses! As UAGC students progress in their academic journey, strategies for personal, professional, and academic success continue to develop. This introductory course takes a two-pronged approach to setting students on a path to success. It merges fundamental informational literacy concepts with essential resources and skills that prepare students for college and career. Students learn how to identify, locate, evaluate, apply, and acknowledge information obtained through UAGC Library databases and internet search engines. By applying the research process, students sharpen critical thinking skills and learn to use information ethically. The final project is a practical and relevant opportunity for students to apply their learning in personally, professionally, and academically meaningful ways.

  • ENG 121 is designed to introduce students to the standards of writing in both academic and professional settings. The class will operate by first introducing, and then allowing students to practice, several written communication skills. Throughout, we will work to understand writing as a process, one that is strengthened through critical thinking, deepened by research, and built on a foundation of professional standards. Students will articulate a sense of their own skills and goals, and engage in collaborative conversations with peers and their instructor so as to be able to express their ideas more effectively. During the course, students will use the writing process to scrutinize their own perspectives while challenging them to embrace a wider conversation.

  • This course is designed to expand students’ appreciation of film and knowledge of how films are made. Through analysis of storytelling in a visual medium, students will examine the ways in which movies are shot, develop characters, evoke emotion, depict physical reality, reflect society, and have the power to influence it. Though the focus of the course is film itself, students will gain deeper intercultural fluency while growing their skills in critical thinking, written communication, and visual analysis.

  • This course is a study of correct and incorrect reasoning involved in everyday activities. The fundamentals of language and argument, deductive and inductive reasoning and other aspects of practical reasoning are examined. 

  • This course examines and evaluates theories and arguments concerning ethics and moral reasoning from a philosophical perspective. By engaging with historical and contemporary sources, students will analyze theories about the meaning, nature, and justification of ethical concepts; determine and assess how different forms of moral reasoning apply to contemporary moral issues; become more reflective and informed about their own moral beliefs; and develop their capacity for critical practical reasoning.

  • In this course, students will develop and expand their research and writing skills to communicate ideas in informed, ethical, and persuasive written documents intended for a range of audiences across a range of situations and contexts. Students will receive instruction and practice in synthesis and analysis, bolstering their written communication skills with a thorough understanding of academic research while honing critical thinking skills and effective work habits. Through writing well-structured, logical, and effective academic essays, students will explore tools and develop topics in a way that is meaningful to academic and professional lives. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG 121 or equivalent with a grade of “C-” or better.

  • This course is designed to aid students in understanding the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Verbal and nonverbal communication patterns among people in personal, social, academic, and professional settings will be examined, within and between cultures, including both face-to-face and technologically mediated channels.  The nature of these interactions will be evaluated using contemporary communication theory. The course will enable students to identify their interpersonal communication skills and behaviors and to more critically evaluate their own oral communication and that of others. The primary goals of the course are to improve the quality of students’ communication in their personal and professional relationships, to enhance students’ experience and. confidence with oral communication, and increase awareness of the importance of interpersonal communication that is inclusive and equitable.

  • This course surveys American history from 1877 to the present. Emphasis is placed on the multifaceted experiences within American society; political, economic, intercultural, and social trends; and the impact of the United States in world affairs. Prerequisite: ENG 122 or successful completion of the Written Communication Competency II requirement.

2

Sophomore Year

  • This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of social sciences and some of the disciplines that comprise this field, including anthropology, psychology, economics, sociology, political science, and history. In this course, students will learn important social science concepts and theoretical approaches, along with the research methods that social scientists use to study human behavior. They will also learn how research and findings from the social sciences can be applied broadly throughout society. Throughout the course and through a summative assignment, students will examine how social factors shape social behavior and some of the consequences of current social problems.

  • In this course, learners deepen their understanding of the importance of natural resources to mankind. Students explore physical, biological, and ecological principles, examine how human alterations affect the environment, and reflect on the controversies surrounding various approaches to addressing environmental problems and the steps some communities have taken to address these challenges.

  • In this course, students will explore a wide range of Algebra topics. Topics will include study of linear equations, linear relationships, slope, polynomials, and functions, including graphing relations and solving systems of equations. Emphasis will be placed on developing an awareness of historical and current uses of algebra in real life settings, in various careers, and in solving important societal problems.

  • The capstone serves as an opportunity to reflect upon, integrate, and showcase learning achievement. Through discussions and course-embedded assessments, students will demonstrate a mastery of essential general education competencies as they relate to their personal and professional lives and provide evidence of growth through application of competency related skills to real-world situations. A minimum grade of “C-“ is required to meet course requirements. Prerequisite: 75 completed credits or permission of the student’s college or dean.

  • This course introduces the fundamental principles of leadership, leadership theories, and skill development, beginning with the distinction between management and leadership. Students will learn and apply leadership theories through self-assessment and self-reflection on their own leadership styles while applying them to organizations on a wide range of topics. The importance of  diversity and inclusion, along with factors directly related to ethical leadership will be examined. Cultural dynamics,  organizational politics, and managing change in crisis as part of strategic leadership and high-performing organizations will be explored and evaluated.
     

  • This course explores Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), sustainable practices, and the emerging area of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) in business and society, while emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement, ethical governance, and responsible decision-making. It examines the interconnectedness of sustainable business practices, purpose driven initiatives, and the role of leadership in fostering positive change in today’s world. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how business can effectively integrate CSR and sustainability into their operational strategies, promoting ethical practices and contributing to the global drive for a more sustainable and responsible future.

  • This course is an introduction to financial accounting for non-accounting business majors. Emphasis is on accrual accounting procedures and the development and use of financial statements.

  • This course presents an introduction to management theory and practice, including the inter-relatedness that the planning, organizing, leading, and controlling functions play in the multicultural, technology-driven, and global organizations of the 21st century. The emphasis is on the application of management theory to real-life situations in the workplace. Please note, students who have successfully completed BUS 201 prior to 5/27/2025 will be waived from MGT 330.

  • This course is designed to develop the student’s skills in the understanding of factors that affect how individuals and groups act and interact with one another and with management. It also looks at how organizations manage their internal environment with the aim of improving productivity, efficiency, and communications among members. Prerequisite: BUS 201 or MGT 330.

  • An introduction to the field of human resource management. Topics to be discussed include 
    communication, motivation, and management of personnel. The course will include a review of current standards and practices as well as the legal environment as it pertains to the human resource field.

  • This course examines the evolution of the marketing philosophy. Subject matter expands on the steps marketers take to understand the customers, determine their needs and wants, and develop a marketing plan. In addition, an examination of external and internal environments impacting marketing decisions, the elements of a marketing program, and issues in ethics and social responsibility are discussed. (Equivalent to MGT 350).

3

Junior Year

  • In today's business world, effective communication hinges on the proficient use of technology. This course equips students with the skills to compose, format, and manage various forms of business communication, including letters, memos, reports, emails, and resumes. Students will learn to utilize software tools to access and assess information quality, ensuring that the information they share is accurate and effective. Additionally, the course covers the creation of electronic presentations to enhance information delivery and engagement. Through practical exercises and real-world applications, students will become adept at navigating the technological landscape of contemporary business communications.

  • In this course, students explore the central role of communication in conflict and conflict resolution. Students will analyze the many constructive and destructive dimensions of conflict, apply communication concepts to conflict scenarios, explore the ethical dimensions of conflict, evaluate conflict resolution techniques for their effectiveness, and examine the role of culture in conflict, at the interpersonal, small group, and organizational levels. Prerequisites: ENG 121 and ENG 122 or equivalents.

     

  • Several leadership styles are examined in this course. Emphasis is placed on developing effective leadership in organizations and personal enterprises, and on developing ethical leadership perspectives in personal and professional decision-making. Prerequisite: BUS 119 for the BA Business Leadership and BA Organizational Management programs.

  • Leadership plays a crucial role in motivating employees to perform at their best and achieve their goals. Effective leaders understand the needs, desires, and strengths of their employees and create a work environment that fosters and sustains motivation for the purposes of increased engagement and productivity. This course examines how leaders can motivate employees in various ways while creating a positive work culture. The concepts of creating a compelling vision, demonstrating passion, and leading by example are explored through motivational contexts and processes. Prerequisite: BUS 119 for the BA Business Leadership Program.

  • This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to assess their personal leadership approach(es) using various leadership assessments and develop their personal leadership journal based on the traits, skills, behaviors, and theories discovered. The course includes foundational leadership perspectives and their evolution in the practice of leadership with a focus on what it means to be a good leader in diverse communities and environments. Students will gain an understanding of their leadership performance and their strengths and opportunities in order to develop a personal vision of the leader they are and want to be. Prerequisite: BUS 119.

  • The course overviews how, why, and when to integrate the behavioral sciences with human resource management principles to increase individual and organizational effectiveness. Students will also be introduced to many types of interpersonal, intra-group, inter-group, and organizational interventions that are used to effect comprehensive and lasting changes. Prerequisite: BUS 201,MGT 330 or HCA 459.

  • The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth examination of light (ethical) and dark (unethical) leadership paradigms. Students will compare and contrast light and dark leadership styles while examining the effectiveness of each. Topics to be explored include dark leadership, general ethical principles, normative leadership theories, as well as, examining the challenges of ethical leadership in a global society. Prerequisite: BUS 119 for the BA Business Leadership Program.

  • Leadership Priorities and Practice is a capstone course that requires students to reflect on and synthesize the major insights gained in their study of business leadership. A substantive paper is developed to illustrate how these insights can be applied effectively in the students’ work environment. Students will demonstrate their knowledge integrating insights from each academic area in their synthesis and application of leadership principles and practices. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the General Education Capstone course. MGT 460 is the capstone course for the BA in Business Leadership program and must be taken last in the sequence. This course is not available for non-degree seeking students.

4

Senior Year

Program Requirements
Credit Breakdowns
General Education
43*
Credits
Major Credit Requirements
45*
Credits
Electives
38
Credits
Total Credits
120
Credits

To earn your Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership, you must complete 120 credits. You will need to complete 30 upper-division credits, of which 18 credits must be from the major program. A total of 30 credits must be completed at the University of Arizona Global Campus to meet the residency requirement. You may be able to transfer approved credits from community colleges, other previous college coursework, or other life experiences such as military service or job training toward your degree.

In this program, 6 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.

Licensure and Certification Terms and Conditions

Certification and Licensure Terms and Conditions

This program is not designed to meet the state educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification in any state. Students seeking licensure or certification in a particular profession shall carefully research the requirements prior to enrollment and regularly review the requirements as they are subject to change. Requirements vary by state. The University of Arizona Global Campus does not guarantee that any professional organization will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any exam for the purpose of professional certification. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in their field of study.

Quality Matters Certification

The Online Teaching Support Certification recognizes programs that require all online faculty to undergo training in best practices for online course delivery, provide faculty with ongoing pedagogical support, encourage faculty professional development to increase their knowledge and skill in online teaching, emphasize instructor availability and feedback to learners, and collect and use feedback from learners to improve online teaching. Learn More

The Online Learner Support Certification recognizes programs that provide all the critical student and academic services needed for learner success and use learner feedback to continuously improve those services.

Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC)

The Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) is a partnership between the University of Arizona Global Campus and the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). The BA in Business Leadership is part of this agreement. The agreement allows students who have earned an Associate in Applied Science degree from CCAF to transfer their credits toward this degree at UAGC, significantly reducing the time required to complete their degree. Eligible students will need no more than 60 additional credits to finish their BA in Business Leadership. An example of how credits may transfer under this agreement can be found here.

What Can I Do with a Degree in Business Leadership?

Career Paths

As an undergraduate business leadership major, just a few of the many professional career paths you may choose to pursue include:

  • Business Analyst
  • Management Analyst
  • Administrative Analyst
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Financial Institutions
  • Retail Stores
  • Restaurants
  • Hotels
  • Service Providers
  • Health Care Organizations
  • Manufacturers
  • Technology Companies
  • Educational Institutions
  • Local, State, and Federal Government
  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • Project Management Specialist
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Training and Development Specialist
  • Community Services Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • Industrial Production Manager
  • Medical and Health Services Manager
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Career Fields

A Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership is a versatile degree that can lead to a variety of careers. Graduates can pursue roles in management, finance, marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, or government. The specific career path depends on individual interests and skills, but the degree provides a strong foundation for success in many fields.

Connect With Career Services
Job Market Outlook

Gain insights into the business leadership job market by reviewing the Bureau of Labor Statistics market outlook report.

View Full Market Outlook

I decided to go back to school to further my education. I chose UAGC because of the Forbes School of Business, and it was the right fit for me.

Ben B.
uagc graduate ben burns
Class of 2023

BA in Business Leadership FAQs

  • A Business Leadership degree can lead to a wide range of careers in management, entrepreneurship, and more. Graduates often pursue roles in industries like finance, healthcare, technology, and non-profit organizations.

  • Your courses in this business leadership degree program include studies in psychology, communication, conflict management, and motivation.

  • The Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership program at UAGC is designed to be a four-year program. This timeframe is based on the successful passing of each course as scheduled without taking breaks, and calculated without any transfer credits applied. However, with approved transfer credits and credit for work and life experience, you could finish your degree faster.

  • Business leaders need strong communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Additionally, some highly valued leadership qualities are motivation, empathy, and the ability to inspire others.

  • While the value of a degree depends on your circumstances and career goals, a bachelor's in business leadership degree can offer significant benefits, including enhanced career prospects, a solid foundation in business fundamentals, development of critical leadership skills, and valuable networking opportunities.

*

To access this rate using the Liberty Grant, only eligible undergraduate active duty service members, members of the National Guard, Reservists, spouses of active duty, members of the National Guard and Reservists, Department of Defense employees using Tuition Assistance (TA), and civilian employees of the United States Coast Guard (only if utilizing Military Tuition Assistance) will qualify.

**

The Technology Fee covers access to University systems such as the online classroom, the Student Portal, and other academic resources. The Technology Fee and the Course Digital Materials (CDM) Fee are fully refundable if a student does not attend beyond Day 3 of a course (Week 3 if covered under the University of Arizona Global Campus Promise Refund Schedule). After this time, the fee becomes non-refundable. Students are charged the Technology Fee for repeated coursework. Students are not charged the CDM fee for repeated coursework if previously charged.

The transferability of credits is subject to the University of Arizona Global Campus transfer credit policies and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated by the Registrar’s Office to determine the credits that will officially apply toward a UAGC degree program. Credits must be earned at the same degree level in order to be applied. Additional restrictions may apply. See the UAGC Academic Catalog for full undergraduate and graduate transfer policies.

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