Find out more about Aurora University

Advance your career and boost your earning potential when you complete your degree in the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies program at Aurora University. You’ll initiate a major based upon your prior academic history and current interests and career goals. The customizable nature of this degree makes it appropriate for a variety of careers in any number of fields such as business, communications, and the humanities.  

The program is designed for busy working adults, with courses taught by instructors who have real-world experience and can connect what you’re learning to the challenges you’ll face at work. Many of them also use open education resources in place of traditional textbooks for some courses, meaning you save on the cost of learning materials.

You graduate from the program ready to pursue advanced career opportunities with enhanced business acumen and problem-solving skills. Alumni hold management positions in fields such as manufacturing, financial services, health care, and government enterprises.

The flexibility of the online format means you can study in the times and locations best for you. And a generous credit-transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 90 credits, meaning you could graduate sooner to advance your career faster.

The online Bachelor of Business Management degree program from Aurora University delivers the knowledge and skills you need to become an effective and strategic leader in a wide range of organizational contexts. It features a hands-on internship and specialization in human resources to provide practical experience for a successful business career. You can transfer up to 90 credits and finish your program in as little as two years.

Coursework is designed to provide a broad understanding of marketing, operations, and leadership principles. As a student, you will learn to make data-driven decisions that improve business outcomes and learn from a faculty of business experts who bring relevant industry expertise to the online classroom. This program uses open educational resources (OER) instead of textbooks for some courses, providing digital, openly licensed content to students free of charge.

Because the BA in Business Management is delivered in a flexible online format, you can complete your studies from anywhere while working full time. When you graduate, you will be qualified for a wide range of management and leadership careers in business, government, nonprofits, and more. Possible career paths include human resources manager, sales manager, management consultant, nonprofit director, and city manager.

A bachelor's degree in business management with a Human Resource Management specialization from Aurora University will prepare you to serve as a human resource director, manager, specialist, consultant, and more. From online coursework delivered by our program's expert faculty, you'll gain the confidence to apply strategic human resource management skills in a wide range of organizational contexts and industries

In the business management and human resource degree program, you'll take core coursework designed to provide a broad understanding of marketing, operations, and leadership principles. As a student, you will learn to make data-driven human resource decisions that improve business outcomes. In specialized human resource courses, you'll study employee and labor relations, employee training and development, and compensation and benefits management.

Aurora University is committed to accessible education. Our business management program uses open educational resources (OER) instead of textbooks for some courses, providing digital, openly licensed content to you free of charge. With transfer credits, you can complete the human resource management degree in just two years, and advance your career faster. 

A bachelor's degree in business management with a Nonprofit Management specialization from Aurora University will prepare you to lead nonprofit organizations as a director, consultant, manager, grant manager, and more. After graduation, your unique experience can apply to virtually any industry including animal activism, the arts, child and family services, disaster relief, the environment, health care, the military, and social equality. 

You'll take core business management coursework designed to provide a broad understanding of marketing, operations, and leadership principles; Plus, you'll develop specialized skills in nonprofit development, fundraising, philanthropy, and grant writing. A diverse faculty of experts will bring their relevant business and nonprofit expertise to the online classroom.

Because the BA in Business Management is delivered in a flexible online format, you can complete your studies from anywhere while working full time. Aurora University is also committed to accessible education. Our business management program uses open educational resources (OER) instead of textbooks for some courses, providing digital, openly licensed content to you free of charge. With transfer credits, you can complete the degree in just two years, and advance your career faster. 

The online Master of Business Administration program at Aurora University prepares graduates for advanced careers through developing problem-solving and team-building skills. The Aurora University MBA offers a deep understanding of current and enduring business practices and theories through courses in marketing, organizational behavior, leadership, finance, information technology and accounting. The degree can be completed in just one year and has no GMAT requirement for admission.

If you are interested in a degree that offers leadership skills, AU also offers a series of three leadership courses you may take as electives. These courses are designed to strengthen your team building and change management skills while preparing you to become a leader in your field.

Gain the skills you need to succeed in public service or advance your career in nonprofit administration in just one year with the online Master of Public Administration degree from Aurora University. Through a broad-based management curriculum with specialized electives, you’ll build on previous academic and field experience as you learn to apply public administration theories to real-world situations. There is no GRE, master’s thesis or comprehensive final exam required and features no textbook costs, as it uses Open Educational Resources. And because this program was developed in partnership with community leaders and public service professionals, you can be confident you’re getting the right education for your career goals.

Become a leader in your community with Aurora University’s Online graduate public administration degree.

Finish your degree in the online BA in Criminal Justice from Aurora University and advance your career faster. Core coursework includes criminology, report writing, strategic planning, correctional services, and research methods. Then, you can personalize your degree with elective courses in your area of interest.

The program is designed for busy working adults, with courses taught by instructors who have real-world experience and can connect what you’re learning to the challenges you’ll face at work. Many of them also use open education resources in place of traditional textbooks for some courses, meaning you save on the cost of learning materials.

You graduate from the program prepared for positions in law enforcement, corrections, the courts, probation, parole, and private security.

The flexibility of the online format means you can study in the times and locations best for you. And a generous credit-transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 90 credits, meaning you could graduate sooner to advance your career faster.

Take the next step in your education career with Aurora University's online Doctor of Education. The Advanced Standing: Leadership in Educational Administration program strand is designed for administrators who hold an Illinois Superintendent Endorsement and are ready to advance their careers in K–12 school district leadership through continued study. With this advanced standing program, you can complete your degree in as little as two years by transferring in previously earned credits from your Superintendent Endorsement.

As an AU student, you will research areas relevant to your practice as an educator and publish a final dissertation on an approved topic. AU students have a dissertation pass rate of 70–80%, surpassing the national average. The advanced standing strand includes 30 credits of research-related coursework, with students transferring in up to 30 credits to meet the 60-credit program completion requirement. Electives are available for students who transfer in fewer than 30 credits.

This program is delivered in a flexible online format ideal for education professionals balancing work, personal, and academic commitments. Our courses are led by experienced faculty, and the Aurora University School of Education programs are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), so you can be confident you're earning a valuable credential recognized for both rigor and quality.

The online Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership: Coaching and Mentoring from Aurora University will prepare you for a professional future as a leader in education. Designed for working and experienced educators who strive for leadership positions, the fully online doctoral program is the perfect gateway for future thought leaders in the field. In this flexible online program, you will have the freedom to balance your work, life, and academic commitments while you pursue your degree.

As a generalist program, the online EdD in Instructional Leadership: Coaching and Mentoring is structured to help you advance your career. You'll engage and collaborate with other professional educators to build a strong network of peers. Notably, this program is the first Instructional Leadership degree at the doctorate level in Illinois.

In 3-6 years, you will have the opportunity to address pressing issues in the world of education. The curriculum, which is rooted in practice, aims to motivate students to bridge the gaps between educational theory and practice to best serve students and teachers. The curriculum covers traditional coursework, independent research, an internship, a qualifying self-assessment, comprehensive examinations, and a full dissertation. As a result, students will graduate prepared to be leaders in education.

Request more information from Aurora University today and begin your academic journey to the pinnacle of educational leadership.

Have A Greater Impact on Learning — Become a Superintendent

Aurora University's online EdD Leadership in Educational Administration: Superintendent Endorsement program takes you through rigorous, ISBE-approved coursework that prepares you on every level to demonstrate excellence as a school superintendent of K-12 schools. You can complete the program in three years or complete just the endorsement without the EdD credential in two years.

Coursework readies you to advance the learning of all students in K-12 schools, including curriculum development and assessment for all types of students at all levels of education. You're also prepared to support your students, staff, and parents, and to protect your schools, by identifying and solving issues within your district by studying organizational theory, law, HR, and coaching and mentoring.

Coursework in policy and finance at the district level helps you to prepare adequate budgets and set realistic goals. Experienced faculty act as mentors throughout the program and are dedicated to helping you secure your internship. Classes are small, typically between 10 and 12 students, so you'll get the individualized attention you need to succeed throughout the program.

The program requires 30 hours of research coursework, dissertation hours, and a superintendent internship in the Illinois School District to complete the program.

With the online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement Program from Aurora University, you can respond to Illinois' current shortage of school administrators as a qualified professional with a competitive edge. With a long history of preparing principals for leadership positions, AU's program is approved by the Illinois State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (SEPLB) to ensure you graduate fully prepared to overcome the challenges faced by today's administrators.

Strategically designed for current educators seeking leadership and administrative opportunities, this curriculum explores supervision techniques, organizational theory, fiscal management, and school law. All courses are taught by expert administrators who provide personalized attention to every student. Internship opportunities are also available to provide hands-on experience and skills that you can immediately apply in your current role.

The MA in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement program is available at a competitive tuition rate and can be completed online through AU's interactive, virtual classroom. Balance your education with full-time responsibilities and complete your degree at a pace that works for your busy life. Learn more.

Aurora University’s online BS in Healthcare Administration prepares you to lead the systems and services that impact the health and well-being of others. Healthcare administration offers diverse and rewarding careers in a variety of settings, allowing you to combine a business mindset with a passion for helping others. You'll graduate in two to four years with the skills you need to plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services, maintain patient records, understand healthcare laws, and manage teams of healthcare providers.

Our online program features industry-aligned curricula and facilitates real-world experiences to prepare you for leadership roles in healthcare. Faculty focus on the knowledge needed for today’s healthcare landscape in your 120 hours of coursework, which aligns with the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

In the program, you'll gain hands-on experience through an internship. Aurora University's proximity to Chicago and the surrounding suburbs offers you the opportunity to pursue top-tier internships with well-known organizations through the School of Health Science's partnerships.

An undergraduate dual program option is available by pairing the bachelor's degree in healthcare administration with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Prepare for sports, fitness, and health careers with the online MS in Exercise Science degree from Aurora University. Core coursework in exercise physiology, sports nutrition, sports psychology, research methods, and program organization and administration provides a solid foundation of necessary topics to excel in the field.

Then, you’ll focus your course of study on the career you’d like to pursue.

The Clinical Exercise Physiology Specialization will show you how to improve your client’s cardiovascular fitness, manage chronic illnesses, and prepare for certification in this in-demand role. You’ll study how to assess and prescribe exercise, the physiology of clinical exercise and the cardiovascular system, and ECG interpretation, then complete a capstone project or internship to build your experience.

By the end of the program, you’ll be prepared for the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) exam.

You graduate ready to step into positions such as a certified strength and conditioning specialist, clinical lab coordinator, registered clinical exercise physiologist, or a strength and conditioning coach.

The program is designed for busy working adults, with courses taught by instructors who have real-world experience and can connect what you’re learning to the challenges you face working with clients in the real world.

The flexibility of the online format means you can study in the times and locations best for you, so you can continue work without interruption while you learn.

Aurora University's online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program focuses on the scientific study of the mind and human behavior from a lifespan developmental perspective, including topics like abnormal and normal behavior, personality development, motivation, the cultural environment, and interaction with others. This flexible degree allows students to tailor their learning and pursue a double major in studies like criminal justice, sociology, social work, recreation, political science, business, or communication, while still graduating in four years.

Students will also have the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world settings, bringing their academic interests to life. Graduates from the bachelor's in psychology program have a variety of career options available to them, including human services, business management, personnel, counseling, behavioral instruction, or family worker and youth advocate. Aurora University students have worked in local hospitals, social service agencies, group homes, and schools, as well as in various businesses, state institutions, and government offices.

Develop the skills and knowledge needed to begin social work practice with the online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) adult degree completion program from Aurora University. The online BSW program is one of Chicagoland’s first CSWE-accredited online programs and is built on a strong liberal arts base that prepares students for beginning social work practice with communities, groups, families and individuals in a variety of settings with diverse populations and problems. Graduates from our program are eligible to take the examination for the State Social Work license (LSW) and are also prepared to pursue graduate study in social work and can apply for advanced standing in the Aurora University MSW program.

Aurora University's Bachelor of Social Work in Addictions will prepare you with the skills and knowledge you need to effect a positive change in your community. In this program, you will complete coursework that leads you to explore topics in social welfare and social justice while practicing strategies for working with diverse populations. Taught by expert, student-centered faculty, this renowned BSW program will help you launch a fulfilling and successful career in social work.

At AU, you'll gain real-world experience through in-person field work that offers you the opportunity to apply lessons from your courses to authentic scenarios. You will graduate equipped with skills in the evaluation and treatment of addictions as well as knowledge of the latest best practices in addictions counseling. Upon completion of your BSW in Addictions, you will be qualified to sit for the Illinois Alcohol and other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) exam for certification to counsel individuals with addictions in the state of Illinois.

AU's social work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and regionally recognized for producing highly effective graduates. Financial aid is available, and transfer credits are accepted.

Graduate from an accredited program with a track record for helping students achieve lasting success. Enrollment for the BSW in Addictions program is now open for fall 2022.

Discover an academic pathway to the social work career you want with the online Bachelor of Social Work – Child Welfare program from Aurora University. Designed with your career success in mind, this program will prepare you for the Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL). It grants Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) certification and will prepare you for Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP) upon graduation. When you graduate, you'll be prepared for success as a social worker or pursue a Master of Social Work degree.

Courses for the online BSW – Child Welfare program are taught by industry-experienced faculty dedicated to helping each student succeed academically and professionally. With their guidance, you'll build foundational skills to support individuals and groups and examine human behavior in social environments. Additionally, you'll also explore the effects of trauma on children, techniques for supporting the vulnerable, and child welfare services as you prepare to make a difference in the lives of others through your social work career.

All of Aurora University's online programs are taught in an interactive, virtual classroom. As an online student, you'll receive the flexibility you need to maintain your personal and professional commitments while completing your education. Access course materials, discuss your ideas with classmates, and conference with faculty members from a time and place that's convenient for your schedule.

Develop a foundation in generalist clinical social work and specialized study with the online Master of Social Work (MSW) from Aurora University. Through 1,050 hours of field instruction, you’ll have the opportunity to apply theories to real-world situations. Customize your learning experience with a specialization in Addictions, Child Welfare, Forensics, Gerontology, Health Care, Leadership Administration, Military and Veteran, or School Social Work. You may also pursue an MSW/MBA or MSW/MPA dual degree option. Each class is taught by faculty members who have real-world experience and instructors in MSW program use open educational resources in place of traditional textbooks for some courses, reducing the cost of required textbooks. Graduates from the MSW program work as clinical social workers, health care social workers, marriage and family therapists, social service administrators, forensic social work practitioners, community Leaders, and in nonprofit leadership roles. Begin your journey today with one of Chicagoland’s first CSWE-accredited online programs.

Aurora University's Master of Social Work in Addictions will prepare you with the skills and knowledge you need to advance social change and build solutions to problems in your community. In this program, you will complete coursework that leads you to explore substance abuse disorders and strategies for counseling addictions. Taught by expert, student-centered faculty, this renowned MSW program will help you better serve individuals, families, and communities.

At AU, you'll gain real-world experience through internships that offer you the opportunity to apply lessons from your courses to authentic scenarios. You will graduate equipped with skills in the evaluation and treatment of addictions as well as knowledge of the latest best practices in addictions counseling. Upon completion of your MSW in Addictions, you will be qualified to sit for the Illinois Alcohol and other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) exam for certification to counsel individuals with addictions in the state of Illinois.

AU's social work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and regionally recognized for producing highly effective graduates. Financial aid is available, and transfer credits may apply.

Graduate from an accredited program with a track record for helping students achieve lasting success. Enrollment for the MSW in Addictions program is now open for fall 2022.

Take the next step in your social work career and gain the expertise to improve the lives of children and their families with the online Master of Social Work - Child Welfare program from Aurora University. As Chicagoland’s first CSWE-accredited online graduate degree, this program opens the door to professional advancement opportunities within the field through a curriculum that delivers specialized skills. When you graduate, you'll be fully prepared to take the Illinois Child Welfare Licensing Exam and advance into the social work career you want.

The program is taught by industry experts who base each lesson on real-world social work experience. With their support and personalized instruction, you'll compound your professional knowledge with advanced skills for social work practice. Examine theories of human behavior and development, the effects of childhood trauma, social and child welfare policies, and more. Additionally, you'll also have the opportunity to gain hands-on practice through an internship opportunity.

All of Aurora University's online programs are taught in an interactive, virtual classroom. As an online student, you'll receive the flexibility you need to maintain your personal and professional commitments while completing your education. Access course materials, discuss your ideas with classmates, and conference with faculty members from a time and place that's convenient for your schedule.

The online Master of Social Work - Forensic Social Work program from Aurora University is designed to help you make a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable children and families. Combining mediation concepts with advanced social work expertise, this program will prepare you for a variety of professional advancement opportunities that will allow you to stand up for others and make a difference within the legal system. When you graduate, you'll be fully equipped with the skills to succeed as a forensic social work practitioner.

Aurora University's MSW degree is Chicagoland’s first CSWE-accredited online graduate program and is taught by seasoned experts with diverse, real-world field experience. As a student, you'll receive personalized attention and academic support from faculty members as you build a strong understanding of forensic social work practice and theory. You'll explore mediation essentials and learn to challenge existing biases while gaining specific clinical skills to help various subpopulations in your career.

The online MSW program is delivered in an interactive, virtual classroom that provides convenient schedule options. You'll receive the flexibility you need to maintain your personal and professional commitments while completing your education. Access course materials, discuss your ideas with classmates and faculty members from a time and place that's convenient for your schedule.

Take the next step in your social work career and make an impact in the ever-changing medical field with the online Master of Social Work – Healthcare program from Aurora University. Designed to help you prepare for professional advancement opportunities, this program provides the skills you need to assist underserved and vulnerable individuals in diverse medical settings. When you complete your degree, you’ll graduate fully qualified for roles including healthcare social worker, community leader, social service administrator, clinical social worker, and more.

The online Healthcare concentration is part of Aurora University’s MSW degree, Chicagoland’s first CSWE-accredited online graduate program. The program’s courses are taught by expert educators with diverse experience in social work who are committed to helping you succeed as a student and as a professional after graduation. Educators develop lessons and lectures based on their real-world experience to ensure you develop career-ready skills to apply in the workplace immediately. With their guidance and support, you’ll explore community social service and human behavior through the lens of medical social work.

With AU, you can complete your MSW online in an interactive, virtual classroom. Flexible course options allow you to balance education with your schedule and access course materials from the time and place of your choice. Get started today.

The online Master of Social Work - Leadership Administration program from Aurora University is designed for the next generation of social work leaders. This MSW concentration is part of Chicagoland’s first CSWE-accredited online graduate program and is offered in partnership with AU's Dunham School of Business and Public Policy. When you complete your degree, you'll graduate with the management and leadership expertise required for diverse professional advancement opportunities within the field. Find success in roles such as community leader, nonprofit manager, clinical social worker, and more.

As a student of the online MSW - Leadership Administration program, you'll learn from a faculty of educators with years of real-world experience in the field of social work. Dedicated to your success as a student and a professional, your educators will provide you with the academic support and personalized attention you need to achieve your goals and advance your expertise. Choose from MBA-level electives in management and leadership to align your studies with your specific career goals.

This program can be completed entirely online in Aurora University's interactive, virtual classroom. Choose from flexible schedule options that allow you to balance your education with your personal schedule as you access course materials and discuss your ideas with classmates and faculty at the time and place of your choice.

With the Post-MSW Professional Educator’s License program, social workers will become accredited to work in school settings in the state of Illinois. Out-of-state students should note that field experiences must be completed in Illinois, and the Professional Educator’s License is only valid for Illinois.

Participants in this online social work degree program will study policy, exceptional children, and field instruction. Students will learn how to improve children’s academic functioning, maximize family well-being, and improve children’s lives both socially and psychologically. Graduates will be prepared to take on roles as public or private school social workers in Illinois.