Business management – Stark State + Franklin University

Earn the most affordable bachelor’s degree in business administration in the area. Start at Stark State College. Finish at Franklin University. 100% online. Save more than you ever thought possible.  

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Program at a glance

DEGREE TYPE

Associate of Applied Business
Bachelor of Science

PROGRAM FORMAT

Online, In person

LENGTH (FULL TIME)

4-semester associate degree

8-semester bachelor’s degree

CAREER COMMUNITY

Business and accounting

*Many Stark State classes have online and in-person options. 

Home / Academics / Business and accounting / Business management – Stark State + Franklin University

Program overview

Stark State College logo
Franklin University logo

Get your bachelor’s degree for thousands less – and start your career with no debt – through a partnership between Stark State and Franklin University.

  • Complete your first three years, and most of your credits, at Stark State’s low tuition rate.
  • Earn your associate degree in business management while working toward your bachelor’s degree in business administration and save 47% less than a public four-year and 80% than a private four-year.
  • Finish your final year and earn your bachelor’s degree in business administration completely online through Franklin University.

It’s a flexible format designed to fit work, family and life.  

See how we compare to a traditional four-year university program: 

Traditional university

  • Higher student debt
  • Higher housing costs
  • Same bachelor’s degree

 

Stark State + Franklin program

  • Three years at Stark State + one year at Franklin
  • Significantly less debt
  • Stay local if desired
  • Same bachelor’s degree, plus an associate degree

Getting started is easy

  1. Apply to Stark State.
  2. Meet with an enrollment representative.
  3. Map your bachelor’s path.
Learn more: SSC + Franklin pathways

Program details

Year 1–3: Stark State 

You complete the associate of applied business in business management at Stark State, along with additional coursework that maximizes transferability.  

Stark State and Franklin have mapped courses so that most credits apply directly toward the bachelor’s degree. The pathway allows transfer of up to 94 credit hours into the Franklin Bachelor’s of Science in business administration (BSBA) program.  

Year 4: Franklin University 

You complete the remaining upper-level BSBA course requirements online through Franklin. Courses in the final year include areas such as:

  • Business ethics for leaders
  • Methods for decision-making
  • Business administration capstone
  • Business and AI
  • Additional business electives and upper-level coursework
Course options

Careers and outcomes

Upon earning the BSBA, you are prepared for a wide range of business careers, including roles in operations, management, human resources, sales, marketing, business development, administration, and entrepreneurship. You will also have a strong foundation for future advancement into management and executive leadership roles.  

The degree develops skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, financial literacy and strategic decision-making, making you a competitive candidate for positions such as:

  • Operations coordinator
  • HR generalist
  • Account manager
  • Marketing coordinator
  • Business analyst
  • Project coordinator
  • Assistant manager

FAQs

Visit our Stark State/Franklin University 3+1 university transfer page, which goes in greater depth about what it looks like to be in the Franklin Pathway Portal.

All courses are available online, and many are offered in person-either once or twice per week – or through live virtual lectures. Classes are available at both our main campus and Akron location.

Yes. Online and hybrid options support flexible scheduling.

Absolutely.

You have access to free tutoring both in-person and online. Full-time faculty maintain ten office hours a week, including dedicated tutoring time. Our career services team also assists with resume preparation and helps you post your credentials on Handshake to connect with potential employers.

Some courses have prerequisites. Advising is recommended for course planning.

Looking for more career options? Check out these other programs.

Lowest tuition around

Put your money toward your goals – not debt.

Stark State’s tuition costs up to 83% less than other area colleges and universities. Along with financial aid and scholarship opportunities, you gain the most value for your education without sacrificing quality.

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Stark State contact

Dan Fuline Jr., Ph.D.
Department Chair, Management and Marketing

phone

330-494-6170 ext. 4016

mail

dfuline@starkstate.edu

Franklin University contact

Vince Lombardi
Community College Regional Representative

phone

614-947-6218

mail

transferinfo@franklin.edu

Take the next step

Whether you’re just starting out, making your college comeback or looking for a change, you belong at Stark State.

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