Frequently Asked Questions

Winthrop University’s BSBA program is accredited by AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), the premier accrediting body for business school programs worldwide. Winthrop University is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and specialist degrees. AACSB accreditation reflects the program’s commitment to academic excellence, continuous improvement, and real-world relevance. Learn more about Winthrop’s accreditation and rankings.

To be admitted to the online BSBA program, you will need:

• A completed online application
• Official transcripts from each institution you’ve attended
• A GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale from prior institutions (including a 2.0 GPA during your last term of attendance)
• Be at least 23 years old with some college experience and work experience, or be an experienced member of the military

Visit the admissions overview page to learn more about requirements and how to apply.

The online BSBA prepares you for a wide range of business careers across industries. Graduates can pursue roles such as:

• Sales Representative
• Business Analyst
• Administrative Specialist
• Marketing Associate
• Project Coordinator

The BSBA’s blend of analytical, leadership, and problem-solving skills translates across industries including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and technology services.

Competency-based education (CBE) empowers you to take charge of your learning experience. This flexible, cost-effective model lets you progress through your online program at your preferred pace, whether you want to move quickly or take your time. Unlike most academic degrees, CBE programs forego traditional tests and rigid schedules. Instead, you’ll focus on gaining in-demand competencies and credentials to strengthen your job prospects in a format that works well for busy professionals.

The online BSBA uses a competency-based education (CBE) model, meaning you register for one 14-week subscription period at a time and move through coursework and competencies at your own pace. You can study part-time or full-time. At the end of each course, you demonstrate your understanding of the topic through summative assessments. Once you earn the associated competency, you can add it to your professional portfolio. This structure provides maximum flexibility for working adults.

Offering our Bachelor of Professional Studies and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration through a competency-based education model provides many advantages, including:

• The 100% online coursework ties to real-world competencies sought by employers
• Our subscription-based approach allows you to pay as you go and take control of the pace of your program
• By including a summative assessment at the end of each subscription period, you’ll verify your newly gained competencies and build a portfolio to demonstrate them

To learn more about our competency-based B.P.S. program, visit the B.P.S. program overview page.

To learn more about our competency-based B.S. in Business Administration program, visit the B.S.B.A. program overview page.

The structure includes these key features and advantages:

• Course subscription model: Once you have paid a 14-week subscription fee, you can move through coursework and competencies conveniently at your pace. This structure allows the B.P.S. or B.S. in Business Administration program to adapt to your schedule, even if your availability changes
• Simplified cost: The subscription rate is $1,750 per subscription period if you’re studying part-time (access to fewer than 12 credit hours) and $3,500 per subscription period if you’re studying full-time (access to 12 or more credit hours)
• Summative assessments: At the end of each course, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the topic. Once you earn the associated competency, you can add it to your professional portfolio
• Comprehensive portfolio: Our seamless CBE structure makes it easy to compile highlights from your competencies into a portfolio that will demonstrate your skills to potential employers and managers

The competency-based education model is available for the online Bachelor of Professional Studies and the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Learn about the curriculum, career outcomes, concentrations and more on the B.P.S. overview page, or B.S. Business Administration overview page.

Several features distinguish Winthrop’s online BSBA:

• Practical business skill development with hands-on tools — Coursework intentionally integrates professional development and applied business problem-solving, helping you build tangible skills you can use immediately in the workplace.
• Access to professional networking and alumni engagement — Even in a competency-based format, you benefit from opportunities to connect with the campus community, including events such as the annual alumni-student networking gathering.
• Immediate workplace relevance — Coursework explicitly develops higher-order thinking skills valued by employers, not just business content knowledge.
• Award-winning faculty — The program is supported by faculty recognized for excellence in teaching, service, and research at both the university and national levels.

The online BSBA requires 120 total credit hours across approximately 40 courses. The program is a degree completion program, so you can transfer eligible prior credits to reduce the time and cost needed to finish your degree.

The online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) at Winthrop University offers a comprehensive and flexible business education designed to prepare students for a wide range of professional paths. The program blends foundational business knowledge with customizable study options, supporting students in developing strong analytical, leadership, and problem-solving skills that translate across industries. The BSBA features a competency-based education (CBE) structure with asynchronous, 100% online courses delivered in 14-week subscription periods, making it ideal for working adults looking to complete their degree.

Winthrop University participates in NC-SARA (National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements), which allows the university to offer online programs to students in most U.S. states. However, California is a state exception. Prospective students in California should contact a program manager toll-free at 833-257-1704 to confirm eligibility before applying.

The online BSBA program welcomes experienced members of the military as eligible applicants. The program’s competency-based, 100% online format is designed for maximum flexibility, making it well suited for active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses. For more information about military student resources and benefits, visit Winthrop’s military students page or contact a program manager toll-free at 833-257-1704.

The online BSBA is offered 100% online with asynchronous coursework, so you can study on your own schedule without any required campus visits. The program uses a competency-based education (CBE) structure delivered in 14-week subscription periods, allowing you to progress at your own pace while balancing work and personal commitments.

The online BSBA is available in both part-time and full-time formats. Because the program uses a competency-based subscription model with 14-week periods and three terms per year, you can adjust your course load each term to fit your schedule. Whether you’re working full-time or looking to finish your degree as quickly as possible, the program adapts to your needs.

The online BSBA uses a subscription-based tuition model. You pay a flat fee for each 14-week subscription period, with different rates for part-time and full-time enrollment. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. To apply for financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Winthrop University’s FAFSA code is 003456. Visit our tuition and financial aid page for current rates and more information, or contact a program manager toll-free at 833-257-1704.