The 100% online UW-Parkside Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, offered through UW Flexible Option, is taught by expert University of Wisconsin faculty. Students not only have the flexibility to learn at their own pace, but also from industry and academic leaders with expertise in foundational business disciplines, such as human resources, communication, sales and marketing and management. This way, program graduates gain the essential business skills that will help them excel in a variety of roles.
UW Flexible Option connected with the following faculty members to learn more about the importance of each of their disciplines and highlights of the online UW-Parkside Business Administration (BSBA) program.
Sheronda Glass, MBA, Ph.d.: Assistant Vice Chancellor of Human Resources and Lecturer in the UW-Parkside College of Business. Sheronda teaches the Human Resource Management course.
Jill Halverson, MBA, CMA: Associate Professor at UW-Oshkosh-Fox Cities campus. Jill teaches the Managerial Accounting, Financial Accounting, and Business Communication courses.
Peter Knight, MBA, Ph.d.: Retired Professor of Business in the UW-Parkside College of Business and leads the UW-Parkside Sales Team. Peter teaches Marketing and Sales courses.
Terry McGovern, DM, DBA: Assistant Professor in the UW-Parkside College of Business. Terry teaches the Organizational Behavior & Leadership, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Project Management, Strategic Management, Integrative Capstone courses.
How is your discipline important for a well-rounded business professional?
Sheronda Glass (human resources): A company’s success requires skillful human resources management. Well-rounded business professionals with HR expertise and knowledge are better able to successfully participate in organizational decision-making that affects the company’s bottom line. Moreover, students who are knowledgeable and adept in human resources practices learn the link between management and the employee workforce and are better able to manage teams to achieve organizational success.
Jill Halverson (accounting and business communication): As “the language of business,” all business students and professionals need to have a fundamental understanding of both financial and managerial accounting. Reading and understanding financial statements and understanding basic costing methods are important for employees in various business careers. Business communication is also vitally important in any career. This includes delivery technique in formal and informal presentations, as well as appropriate writing mechanics in written communication.
RELATED: What Can You Do with a Business Administration Degree?
Peter Knight (marketing and sales): Marketing and sales generate the revenue that sustains any organization. The marketing learning modules in my courses take students well beyond preconceptions about what marketers do, and utilize real-life, hands-on projects and assignments. The sales learning modules help students develop important skills in two-way communication, such as asking good questions and practicing active listening, which is essential in selling not only products, but also better positioning yourself and ideas.
Terry McGovern (leadership and project management): Self-awareness of one’s own abilities is crucial to any business professional. Serving in a management position can become overwhelming if one does not know best practices and proven approaches to effectively and efficiently manage resources. Understanding strategy is essential for anyone working in the profit or non-profit sectors, where success rarely happens by accident. Finally, organizational behavior, such as attracting and retaining employees, is at the heart of courses centered on leadership, teamwork, communications, diversity, and other workplace interactions.
What advice do you have for students returning to school through an online program like UW-Parkside Business Administration?
Sheronda Glass: The best advice I have for students who register for online programs is to treat an online course like a “traditional” course. Students should set a schedule, practice time management, and hold themselves accountable.
Jill Halverson: Although the saying goes, “not to sweat the small stuff,” be sure to pay attention to the details. Don’t assume that you know everything already. While you may have some background in a given area, there is always more to learn. And, don’t be afraid to reach out to your instructor with questions. We are here to help and would rather hear from you sooner than later.
Peter Knight: Goal setting, planning, and self discipline are important in all online learning. Usually students adapt pretty well, but maintaining a schedule and blocking off the same amount of time you might devote to a face-to-face class is essential, although your driving time is zero! If your instructor offers opportunities for interaction with them, take advantage of it.
RELATED: 5 Reasons Why Business Administration is a Highly Sought-After Degree
Terry McGovern: Perhaps the best advice I can give is to manage expectations. Let family and friends know your educational goals prior to starting the online program and how it will impact your social life—as you will need time on the weekends and before/after work to complete coursework.
Why should prospective students consider the UW-Parkside Business Administration (BSBA) program?
Sheronda Glass: UW-Parkside BSBA is a great option for students who are looking for degree completion, or who want to further their education to meet their career goals. The UW Flexible Option format is an excellent way to help balance personal, professional, and educational responsibilities.
RELATED: UW Flexible Option Graduate Says Business Administration Degree Launched Her “Redemption Career”
Jill Halverson: While the program is flexible in terms of where and when you complete your work, it is not flexible in terms of rigor. I say that not to scare anyone away but to demonstrate that students get a quality education that is Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited. Completing this degree is likely to open up new doors for graduates!
Peter Knight: UW-Parkside BSBA is great for students with variable, conflicting, and/or uncertain schedules that might make it difficult to complete coursework toward a degree within a traditional semester. The program also offers great value for students who may have a lot of time to devote to a degree and want to fast track completion economically, particularly if they have work experience they can draw upon.
Terry McGovern: The program’s competency-based education is ideal for adult learners who have professional experiences they can apply to coursework and assignments. As the world’s only AACSB-accredited competency-based program, UW-Parkside BSBA has a gold standard seal for being in the top 5 percent of business schools in the world.
Looking for more reasons why earning a business administration degree is the right choice for your future? Check out the AACSB accredited UW-Parkside Bachelor of Business Administration curriculum or contact a helpful enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.
