Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s online business and administration program has recently been recognized for its excellence, earning a spot on the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Online Programs rankings. This achievement marks the first time that SIU’s program has been included in the prestigious list, solidifying its position as one of the top online programs in the nation.
Dean of the college, Marc Morris, expressed his pride in the program’s recognition, attributing it to the dedication of faculty, staff, students, and alumni. He emphasized that the ranking is a testament to the program’s commitment to delivering flexibility and excellence to its students, enabling them to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. Morris highlighted that while the achievement is significant, it only scratches the surface of the college’s ongoing commitment to innovation and academic excellence.
SIU’s online business and administration program offers a flexible format that allows students who have completed at least 60 credit hours of college-level coursework to earn their bachelor’s degree entirely online. Established in 2011, the program caters to students who may not be able to complete their degrees on campus due to various life circumstances or work commitments. Students have the option to enroll full-time or part-time, completing their degrees in six semesters over a two-year period.
Unlike traditional on-campus students, the average age of online students in the program falls within the 27-34 age group. While the program welcomes students from across the globe, it focuses its recruitment efforts in states like Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Florida, California, Texas, and Tennessee, particularly in the Nashville area where the alumni base is expanding. Additionally, the program has gained recognition among friends and family of military students in various locations nationwide.
Accredited by AACSB International, SIU’s College of Business and Analytics offers a comprehensive online business and administration program that covers finance, management, marketing, and accounting components. The program boasts experienced faculty members who not only teach but also mentor students throughout their academic journey. Students have access to a range of resources, including Morris Library, the Writing Center, and one-on-one tutoring, ensuring that they receive the support they need to succeed.
In addition to the online business and administration program, SIU also offers an online accounting bachelor’s degree completion program, which was established in 2011. The School of Accountancy at SIU holds full membership in the Federation of Schools of Accountancy and has earned its own AACSB Accounting accreditation, a distinction held by less than 1% of accounting programs nationwide. Many graduates of the program go on to pursue further education in SIU’s online graduate programs, including Master of Business Administration, Master of Accountancy, and Master of Science in Business Analytics degrees.
For individuals interested in learning more about SIU’s online business and administration program or other online offerings, they can visit the program’s website, email cobaonline@siu.edu, or call 618-453-7901. With its commitment to excellence, flexibility, and student success, SIU’s online programs continue to set a high standard for online education in the field of business administration.
