Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
Where Business Education Meets the Business Capital of the Midwest
There is something uniquely powerful about learning business in the heart of one of the world’s great business cities. At Generations College, you don’t just study business theory — you immerse yourself in the Chicago business ecosystem, build real relationships with faculty and peers, and graduate with both a rigorous education and a network that lasts a lifetime.
Our on-campus BA in Business Administration offers face-to-face instruction, small class sizes, and the energy of Chicago’s Loop neighborhood — just steps from the companies, industries, and opportunities you’re working toward.
At a Glance
Detail | Information |
Degree Awarded | Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration |
Delivery Format | On Campus — In-Person Instruction |
Campus Location | 29 E. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60602 (The Loop) |
Total Credit Hours | 120 credit hours |
Program Structure | 61 Associate’s-Level + 59 Upper-Division Credits |
Estimated Duration | 4 years (full-time) |
2+2 Transfer Pathway | Yes — transfer your associate’s degree and complete upper-division in 2 years |
Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 25:1 |
Career Placement Rate | 95% |
Start Terms | Fall, Spring, and Summer |
Financial Aid Available | Yes — federal, state, and institutional aid |
This program takes you beyond the fundamentals into the strategic, analytical, and leadership skills today’s employers demand. With advanced coursework in AI for business, organizational behavior, supply chain management, operations, and transformational leadership, you’ll graduate ready to think critically, lead confidently, and compete in a data-driven global economy. The curriculum integrates ethical decision-making, global economic strategy, and hands-on experience throughout — preparing you to step into leadership, advance in your field, or open doors to entirely new opportunities.
Why study on campus in Chicago?
Chicago is home to more than 400 Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies, a world-class financial district, a booming tech sector, and one of the most diverse economies in the nation. Studying in the Loop means you’re not just near opportunity — you’re inside it. Our on-campus program gives you the advantage of direct faculty mentorship, collaborative peer relationships, real-time networking events, and hands-on learning experiences tied to the city around you.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR
This program is designed for:
- Traditional and non-traditional students who thrive in face-to-face learning environments with direct instructor interaction
- Transfer students with an associate’s degree who want to complete their bachelor’s on campus in Chicago
- Chicago-area professionals who want to step into the classroom and build their network in the city where they work
- Motivated learners who value the accountability and structure of scheduled, in-person classes
- Students seeking mentorship — our 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio means you’ll have real access to professors, not just TAs
- Career starters who want to leverage the Chicago business community through internships, networking, and campus events
If you want an immersive, community-driven college experience in one of the world’s great cities — this program is for you.
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, graduates will be able to:
- Apply strategic tools and techniques to enhance employability across for-profit and nonprofit organizations, demonstrating readiness for leadership roles in diverse industry sectors.
- Analyze economic trends and their impact on business decision-making in the United States and globally, enabling informed responses to market changes and competitive pressures.
- Explore modern concepts in management, global economics, and organizational leadership, applying contemporary theory to practical business challenges.
- Recognize ethical issues and apply ethical principles in business decision-making, operating with integrity and social responsibility across all professional contexts.
- Leverage AI, digital technology, and data analytics for operational excellence, positioning graduates as competitive, forward-thinking professionals in technology-driven workplaces.
Graduates of the on-campus BA in Business Administration at Generations College are prepared for a wide range of professional roles across Chicago and beyond:
Career | Description |
Business Manager / Director | Lead teams, manage operations, and drive organizational performance in corporate or nonprofit settings |
Marketing Manager | Develop and execute marketing strategies, oversee campaigns, and manage brand positioning |
Human Resources Manager | Recruit, develop, and manage talent; design HR systems and workplace policies |
Financial Analyst / Accounting Manager | Analyze financial data, manage budgets, produce reports, and guide financial strategy |
Project Manager / Management Consultant | Lead cross-functional projects, optimize processes, and provide strategic advisory services |
Entrepreneur / Small Business Owner | Launch and operate your own business with the confidence of a complete business education |
95% of Generations College graduates secure employment in their field within six months of graduation.
THE CHICAGO ADVANTAGE
Studying at Generations College’s campus in the heart of Chicago’s Loop means you have direct access to one of the most powerful business ecosystems in the world:
- Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Chicago include Boeing, United Airlines, Allstate, Archer Daniels Midland, and more
- Chicago’s financial district — home to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Chicago Board Options Exchange, and major banking institutions
- Networking events connecting you to Chicago business leaders, alumni, and industry professionals
- Internship opportunities with companies across every major sector — finance, marketing, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics
- Cultural diversity — Chicago is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the nation, giving you real-world experience working with people from all backgrounds
Your classroom isn’t just at 29 E. Madison. It’s the entire city.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Generations College welcomes applications from motivated, qualified students who are ready to invest in their futures. To apply for the on-campus BA in Business Administration, please prepare the following:
Requirement | Details |
Application | Completed application |
GPA | Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 |
Official Transcripts | From all previously attended high schools, colleges, universities, and institutions |
Personal Statement Essay | Describing your academic goals, professional aspirations, and reasons for choosing Generations College |
Letters of Recommendation | Up to 2 may be requested: 1 professional reference, 1 academic or community reference |
Interview | May be requested by the admissions committee |
Government-Issued ID | Required for identity verification and enrollment |
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged.
TRANSFER CREDIT AND THE 2+2 PATHWAY
Already have an associate's degree? You may be closer to your bachelor's than you think.
Generations College offers a seamless 2+2 transfer pathway for students who have already completed associate’s-level coursework at Generations College or another accredited institution. Complete your upper-division studies on our Chicago campus and graduate with a bachelor’s degree in approximately two years.
How the 2+2 Pathway Works:
- Complete your associate’s degree at Generations College or an accredited institution (61 credit hours recognized)
- Transfer into the upper-division BA program at the Chicago campus
- Complete 59 upper-division credit hours over 5 semesters (approximately 2 years full-time)
- Graduate with your Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
Transfer Credit Policy:
- Credits from regionally accredited institutions are reviewed for transfer eligibility
- A minimum grade of “C” or better is generally required for transfer credit acceptance
- Maximum transfer credit limits apply — contact the Registrar for a detailed evaluation
- Our admissions team will work with you to map your prior credits and create a personalized plan
FINANCIAL AID
Investing in your education is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Generations College is committed to making your degree accessible.
Our tuition has not increased in more than 15 years — a commitment that reflects our belief that quality education should remain within reach for every student who earns it.
Financial Aid Options Available:
- Federal Financial Aid — FAFSA-eligible; federal grants, loans, and work-study programs available
- State Grants — Illinois students may qualify for MAP (Monetary Award Program) grants and other state-funded assistance
- Institutional Scholarships — Merit-based and need-based scholarships offered through Generations College
- Employer Tuition Assistance — Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs; Generations College works directly with HR departments to facilitate this
- Veterans Benefits — GI Bill® and other veteran education benefits accepted
- Payment Plans — Flexible semester-based payment plans available
Steps to Access Financial Aid:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — school code available on our financial aid page
- Review your financial aid award letter from Generations College
- Meet with a Financial Aid counselor to explore all available options
- Confirm your enrollment and aid package
CAMPUS LIFE AND STUDENT SUPPORT
CAPPE — Center for Academic, Personal, and Professional Excellence
All campus students have access to CAPPE, Generations College’s signature student support program, which includes:
- Academic Advising — personalized guidance to keep you on track toward graduation
- Tutoring Services — subject-specific tutoring available for all program courses
- Career Services — resume review, interview coaching, job placement assistance, and internship connections
- Personal Wellness Support — counseling resources and wellness programs
- Professional Development — workshops, networking events, and career preparation seminars
- Chicago Business Connections — curated opportunities to engage with Chicago-area employers, alumni, and industry leaders
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Where is Generations College located?
A: Generations College is located at 29 E. Madison Street in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood — the heart of Chicago’s business and financial district. The campus is easily accessible by CTA trains and buses, and is surrounded by the offices, companies, and industries our students aspire to work in.
Q: How long does it take to complete the on-campus BA in Business Administration?
A: The program is 120 credit hours. Full-time students typically complete the program in four years. Students entering through the 2+2 transfer pathway with an associate’s degree can complete the upper-division portion on campus in approximately two years.
Q: Is Generations College regionally accredited?
A: Yes. Generations College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of the six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. HLC accreditation ensures your degree is recognized by employers and graduate programs nationwide.
Q: What is the class size for the on-campus program?
A: Generations College maintains a 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Our classroom environments are intentionally small — designed for meaningful interaction between students and professors, not large lecture halls where you’re just a number.
Q: Can I work while attending the on-campus program?
A: Many of our on-campus students work part-time or even full-time while completing their degrees. Our scheduling is designed with working adults in mind, and our advisors will help you build a course schedule that accommodates your professional commitments. The CAPPE program also provides support for managing the demands of school and work simultaneously.
Q: What career support does Generations College offer campus students?
A: Our CAPPE program includes comprehensive career services: resume building, interview preparation, internship placement, job search coaching, and direct connections to Chicago-area employers. Our 95% career placement rate reflects the effectiveness of this support.
Q: Can I transfer credits from another college or university?
A: Yes. Generations College accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions. Students who have completed an associate’s degree may enter through the 2+2 pathway and complete only the upper-division coursework on campus. Contact admissions for a free transfer credit evaluation.
Q: Is financial aid available for on-campus students?
A: Yes. On-campus students are eligible for federal financial aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study), Illinois state grants (MAP), institutional scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and veterans benefits. Our tuition has not increased in over 15 years, making Generations College one of the most affordable accredited options in Chicago.
Q: Does the BA in Business Administration include AI coursework?
A: Yes. The program includes BAI-1200 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and BAI-2400 AI for Business Administration. These courses ensure all graduates have foundational AI literacy for today’s workplace. Students wanting a deeper specialization in AI may consider the BA in Business Administration with AI Concentration.
Q: What makes Generations College historically significant?
A: Founded in 1904, Generations College is the oldest fully accredited private nonprofit college in Illinois and the third oldest in the nation. In our history, we are now — for the first time — offering bachelor’s degrees. This is a historic milestone for the institution and for the students who will be among the first to earn these degrees.
Experience It for Yourself
The best way to understand what Generations College offers is to come see it. Walk our campus, meet our faculty, explore the neighborhood, and talk to current students about what learning in downtown Chicago is really like.