Online Business Development Degree
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Business Development
From large multinational firms to small local shops, growth is one of the most common measures of a business’s success. Tap into the theories, research and methods behind growing a business with CTU’s Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a Business Development concentration. Students will have the opportunity to delve into psychological theories, data, and research, and examine the personalities, behaviors, motivations, and success factors of individuals who excel at creating and maintaining businesses. Prospective students can also learn how to apply psychological research to consumer behavior, innovation, leadership, and personality in the dynamics of entrepreneurship.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Development (BSBA-BD) is a 180-credit hour program that is offered online. It consists of 66 general education credits, 86 credit hours devoted to the business administration core, and 28 credit hours in the business development concentration.
This degree program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing entrepreneurship opportunities and looking to enhance their skills to develop various business ventures. The concentration focuses on the holistic approach to business development, using psychological research and theory to determine what makes an entrepreneur successful. The core focus is on foundational business skills, functional areas of business development, as well as competencies and professional leadership skills utilized in diverse industries.
This program does not lead to additional licensure or certification. As such, CTU has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.
The mission of the College of Business and Management is to offer professional market-driven business degrees that build business competencies transferrable to all industries. The College of Business and Management accomplishes this mission by offering curriculum that aligns to industry standards, remains relevant, and builds practical skills applicable to the competitive global business environment.
For the 9th consecutive year, CTU's Online Bachelor's degree programs are ranked among the Best Online by U.S. News & World Report.*
* CTU programs are ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Online Programs.
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Estimate your costs, potential savings and graduation date
Courses
| Courses: General Education | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| COMS105 | Interpersonal Communications | 4.5 |
| ECON210 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 4.5 |
| ECON212 | Principles of Microeconomics | 4.5 |
| ENGL104 | Introductory Written Communication | 4.5 |
| ENGL105 | Professional Written Communications | 4.5 |
| GOVT201 | American Government and Public Affairs | 4.5 |
| or | ||
| HIST120 | Intro to American History: 1950 to the Present | 4.5 |
| MATH102 | Introduction to College Math | 4.5 |
| MATH106 | Algebra for Business | 4.5 |
| MATH301 | Data Driven Statistics | 4.5 |
| MATH452 | Mathematical Modeling for Business | 4.5 |
| PHIL101 | Introduction to Ethics | 4.5 |
| or | ||
| HUMN250 | World Values and Cultures | 4.5 |
| SCI101 | Introduction to the Sciences | 4.5 |
| SCI103 | Science and Technology- Laboratory Course | 1.5 |
| SCI201 | Environmental Science and Sustainability | 4.5 |
| SCI203 | Environmental Science and Sustainability - Laboratory Course | 1.5 |
| UNIV104 | Academic and Career Success | 4.5 |
| or | ||
| HUMNELE | Humanities Elective | 4.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 66 | |
| Courses: Core | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT201 | Accounting I | 4 |
| ACCT202 | Accounting II | 4 |
| BADM440 | Research Design Methods and Applications | 4 |
| BUS115 | Introduction to Business | 4 |
| BUS270 | Business Ethics and Leadership | 4 |
| BUS330 | Introduction to Business Analytics | 4 |
| FINC226 | Introduction to Personal and Corporate Finance | 4 |
| HRMT215 | Management of Human Resources | 4 |
| HRMT440 | Managing Organizational Change | 4 |
| IT254 | Spreadsheet Applications | 4 |
| MGM335 | Organizational Behavior Principles | 4 |
| MGM357 | International Business Practices | 4 |
| MGMT345 | Operations Management | 4 |
| MGMT256 | Management Fundamentals | 4 |
| MGMT237 | Introduction to Business Law | 4 |
| MGMT457 | Business Policies and Strategies | 4 |
| MGMT498 | Capstone: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | 4 |
| MKTG225 | Introduction to Marketing | 4 |
| PJM200 | Fundamentals of Project Management | 6 |
| SCM215 | Concepts in Logistics/Supply Chain Management | 4 |
| UNIV201 | Career Planning and Management | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 86 | |
| Courses: Business Development Concentration | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| BADM475 | Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship | 4 |
| BHVS316 | Psychology and Mass Media | 4 |
| CB460 | Sales and Advertising | 4 |
| CB475 | Consumer Behavior: Groups and Society | 4 |
| PSYC305 | Psychology of Entrepreneurship/Intrapreneurship | 4 |
| PSYC325 | Psychology and Social Media | 4 |
| PSYC410 | Psychology of Leadership | 4.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 28 | |
Total Credit Hours: 180
Learning Outcomes
BSBA Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the application of fundamental business principles in diverse business situations.
- Investigate the cultural differences that exist within the global workplace.
- Compose organizational business decisions through data analytical problem solving.
- Determine ethical principles used in business decision-making.
- Interpret the impact of organizational change from a business perspective.
- Utilize business operations to leverage opportunities and create new markets for entrepreneurs using relationship development, social media, and mass media.
Faculty
Catherine McBride, DBA
Executive Program DirectorDr. Catherine McBride has been at CTU since January 2021, serving as an Executive Program Director for the College of Business and Management. Catherine has been in higher education for 22 years, with 18 years of online education experience across a variety of institutions in varying capacities but always serving non-traditional learners.
Dr. David Gliddon
Executive Program DirectorDr. Gliddon is an Executive Program Director in the College of Business and Management. In previous roles at CTU, he was a Program Chair and Lead Faculty. He has taught over 20 courses in the undergraduate, MBA, and doctoral programs. He has provided service to the university on a number of committees and special projects.
For more faculty profiles please visit our Leadership and Faculty page.
For more information visit the College of Business and Management.
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FAQs
CTU's online BSBA in Business Development is an undergraduate degree program designed to help students build foundational business knowledge and career-relevant skills in areas such as entrepreneurship, consumer behavior, innovation, leadership, and business growth. Students explore psychological theories, data, and research related to personality, motivation, and success factors involved in creating and maintaining businesses. This gives the program a more distinct focus within the broader business administration field.
This online bachelor's degree in business administration is designed for busy adults who want to expand their business knowledge while maintaining their professional and personal commitments. That includes career changers, aspiring entrepreneurs, current business professionals looking to formalize their skills, and military-affiliated students (including active-duty, Reserve, National Guard members, as well as eligible spouses) who can benefit from CTU's reduced military tuition rates. The fully online format offers multiple start dates throughout the year and is transfer-friendly, allowing students to apply up to 75% of eligible credits* from prior college coursework to their program.
* Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
The online bachelor's in business administration requires 180 total program credits, combining a broad business core with concentration-specific coursework focused on business development. It is offered entirely online through CTU's online campus, with no on-campus requirements. Students can access coursework through CTU's Virtual Classroom and the CTU Mobile app, enabling them to study anytime, anywhere.
The business development concentration explores the knowledge areas most relevant to building and growing businesses. Students study entrepreneurship, consumer behavior, innovation, leadership, and business strategy, as well as psychological theories related to personality, motivation, and the factors that drive business success. This combination of business and behavioral knowledge is designed to help students prepare to think strategically about business growth opportunities and organizational performance.
CTU offers 5-week sessions and multiple start options throughout the year, allowing students to make steady progress without a traditional semester schedule. All coursework is delivered through CTU's Virtual Classroom and accessible on the CTU Mobile app, providing the flexibility to study when and where it works best for the individual student.
The BSBA in Business Development is designed to help students build career-focused knowledge without sacrificing flexibility. Courses are structured in 5-week sessions, and the online format (utilizing tools such as the Virtual Classroom and CTU Mobile app) lets students fit coursework around work and family commitments. Transfer credit options and multiple start dates add further flexibility for students managing busy schedules.
Applying to CTU's online business development degree program starts by submitting an application through Colorado Technical University's admissions process. CTU offers multiple start dates throughout the year, so prospective students are not required to wait for a traditional fall or spring intake. To begin, visit CTU's admissions page or reach out to an admissions advisor directly. They can explain the requirements, transfer credit evaluation process, and next steps for enrollment
To apply to the BSBA in Business Development, applicants must meet CTU's general undergraduate admissions requirements, which include a high school diploma or equivalent. There is no application fee, so prospective students can start the process without any upfront financial commitment. CTU admissions advisors are available to help guide students through each step. For full requirements, visit the CTU admissions page.
CTU offers multiple start dates throughout the year, so students can begin when it suits their schedules rather than waiting for a traditional semester. The program is designed to be completed in approximately 48 months, though actual timelines vary based on course load, prior learning, and any eligible transfer credits* applied. Use the Tuition & Graduation Calculator for a personalized estimate based on your situation.
* Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Eligible students may transfer-in up to 75% of the required program credits*, which can significantly reduce both your time to completion and total tuition cost. This includes credits from previous college coursework or qualifying military training. For details on transfer policies, visit the Transfer Students page or CTU's Business & Management programs page.
* Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Tuition at CTU is charged per credit hour for the BSBA degree in Business Development. The actual cost will depend on how many credits are completed at CTU after the assessment of any eligible transfer credits are applied.* Course materials are included in the cost of tuition for CTU's Virtual Campus, so there are no separate textbook costs to budget for. Use the Tuition & Graduation Calculator for a personalized estimate.
* Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
CTU participates in federal financial aid programs, meaning eligible students can apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Institutional scholarships and need-based grants are also available to qualifying students.* For a full overview of financing options, visit the CTU financial aid page.
* University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University's catalog and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
There are several ways to help reduce the out-of-pocket cost of your degree program. Transferring eligible credits* can reduce the number of credits you need to complete at CTU. Military-affiliated students may qualify for Reduced Military Tuition Rates. Eligible students whose employers are CTU corporate alliance members may also apply for the Corporate Alliances Grant. Additional Grants & Scholarships* are available for qualifying students. At CTU, course materials are included in tuition, so there are no additional textbook costs.
* Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
** University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University's catalog and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. CTU's business degree programs (including this BSBA) are also accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), a specialized accreditor that evaluates the quality of business education.
Graduates of this program may be prepared to pursue roles across a range of business and growth-oriented fields. Potential career paths may include:
- Management Analysts - Professionals in this field examine organizational processes and recommend improvements to efficiency, performance, and cost control. A management degree can help students build knowledge in business operations and organizational analysis that may align with this pathway.
- Sales Managers - These professionals direct sales teams, set goals, and coordinate the delivery of products or services to customers. A management degree can help students develop skills in team leadership, performance analysis, and strategic planning.
* CTU cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. The list of potential career paths related to this program is based on a subset from the Bureau of Labor Statistics CIP to SOC Crosswalk. Some career paths listed above may require further education or job experience.
While a general BSBA covers broad management and business principles, the BSBA with a concentration in Business Development focuses specifically on business growth, entrepreneurship, consumer behavior, and the psychological drivers behind business success. This makes it a more targeted credential for students who want to apply behavioral and strategic thinking to business creation and development, skills that a general business degree typically doesn't cover in depth.
What Students Are Saying About Their CTU Experience
CTU’s curriculum emphasizes analyzing situations from multiple perspectives and applying strategic solutions, which will help me navigate real-world challenges effectively.
Tarsha M. 2025 Graduate, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
[CTU] made the balance between work, home life, and school very easy to manage.
Zachary J. 2025 Graduate, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
I have gained a broader perspective and learned invaluable lessons from my instructors and peers in my courses at CTU. I am genuinely grateful for this experience.
Chiquita S. 2025 Graduate, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration