Preparing for a Business Administration Bachelor’s Program: Essential Tips for Returning Students
Embarking on a new academic journey can be both exciting and daunting, especially after a significant hiatus from formal education. If you’re planning to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration after several years away from college—particularly with a background in Science Associates—adequate preparation can make a substantial difference in your success. Here, we’ll explore effective strategies and resources to help you prepare for your upcoming program.
Understanding Your Degree Requirements
Before diving into study materials, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the curriculum and prerequisites of your chosen program. Many Business Administration bachelor’s degrees include foundational courses in areas such as:
- Introduction to Business
- Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
- Principles of Management
- Financial Accounting
- Business Law
- Statistics
- Marketing Principles
Identifying which courses you can test out of or waive can help you focus your preparation on areas that require more attention.
Assessing Your Current Knowledge
Since you’re able to test out of some classes, consider reviewing syllabi or exam guides from similar programs to determine gaps in your knowledge. This can help you prioritize your study efforts efficiently.
Recommended Study Resources
While there aren’t many comprehensive prep courses explicitly designed for entering Business Administration programs, the following resources can support your preparation:
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Introductory Textbooks and Course Materials
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Principles of Management by Robbins and Coulter
- Fundamentals of Business by Nickels, McHugh, and McHugh
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Microeconomics and Macroeconomics textbooks
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Online Education Platforms
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Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer courses on foundational business topics, many of which are free or affordable.
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Khan Academy provides tutorials on economics, finance, and statistics.
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Study Guides and Videos
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YouTube channels like Khan Academy, CrashCourse Economics, and Business English Pod offer accessible explanations of key concepts.
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Search for “Business Administration fundamentals” or “Intro to Business” for targeted study videos.
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Practice Tests and Sample Questions
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Some colleges publish placement test questions—reviewing these can give you insight into the types of questions you’ll encounter.
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Online quiz platforms and flashcard apps like Quizlet can help reinforce core concepts.
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Community and Peer Support
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Engage with online forums and study groups
