School Details
Central to Aurora’s mission is encouraging students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. Established in 1893, Aurora University offers four locations in Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as online. The four-year, private, nonprofit university offers a wide variety of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and endorsements.
With an online degree program, Aurora University students can take advantage of the ability to study in a flexible and convenient learning environment, while still receiving the personal attention and support expected of a small college. AU Online utilizes open educational resources to reduce textbook costs for distance students. Faculty are practitioners in their fields who are focused on helping working professionals reach their goals. Students can choose from a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.
Every degree program at Aurora University incorporates the core values of:
- Integrity
- Citizenship
- Continuous Learning
- Excellence
Accreditation & Licensing
Aurora University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Earn your four-year degree and open doors to new career paths with an online BA in General Studies from Aurora University. This program offers flexibility with transfer credits and course electives so you can complete your degree as efficiently as possible and get started on your own path. This BA program utilizes open education resources (OER), saving you money with course textbooks that are available free of charge. The curriculum, taught by experienced faculty, was created for working adults and offers the flexibility to learn around your schedule and obligations. Core courses highlighted in this program include academic writing and global justice.
Business
Aurora University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration to the working adult student. This program is designed to help students expand skills and knowledge to earn better salaries and professional opportunities. Studies will cover topics including but not limited to:
- Marketing
- Economics
- Business Communication
Expand effective skills in problem-solving, research, leadership, and other qualities highly valued in today’s marketplace. Graduates with this degree may find pursuable pathways in finance, health care, government, and more. Earn an online business administration degree and take a leg up on the competition with Aurora University online.
The Bachelor of Arts in Business Management teaches you leadership skills and concepts applicable to a wide range of industries and settings. This online program from Aurora University provides a strong foundation in human resources, marketing, operations, and more.
Students in this online Business Management degree program learn how to make data-driven decisions to improve business performance. Courses explore topics in professional communication, collaboration, entrepreneurship, operations management, and financial management. An internship experience allows for hands-on application of skills and techniques learned in class.
Specializations are available in three management areas:
- Human resource
- Nonprofit
- Manufacturing
A bachelor’s degree in business management with a Human Resource Management specialization from Aurora University Online 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 Online 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 Online 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 Online 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 Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree from Aurora University is built for individuals seeking career-ready skills that can be immediately applied in diverse professional settings. The program explores foundational communication concepts through a technical lens and delivers the skills it takes to compete professionally in today’s marketing and business industries.
Known for providing outstanding personalized attention to students on campus and online, Aurora’s faculty members bring years of real-world experience to the online BA in Communication program. Through a curriculum centered on business innovation, students receive the exceptional academic guidance necessary to build advanced communication skills for progressive professional opportunities, plus the expertise to succeed in roles that involve digital content creation, multimedia storytelling, persuasion techniques, and more. The online BA in Communication program also offers internship opportunities that provide hands-on experience and prepare students for the careers they want.
The BA in Communication program is delivered completely online through Aurora’s virtual learning platform. With unlimited online access to coursework, students can balance their education with their personal commitments and complete the degree at a pace that fits their full-time professional schedules.
Take an important step in boosting your earnings, job security, and career opportunities by earning a Master of Business Administration online from Aurora University. This versatile degree prepares you for any number of high-level positions in business.
Coursework in this online Business Administration degree program emphasizes important topics in organizational behavior and leadership. Students also gain competencies in marketing, finance, and accounting. Graduates will have the problem-solving and team-building skills employers seek.
A series of elective leadership courses allow you to gain specialized management skills. Students completing these courses earn digital badges able to be displayed on their resume, LinkedIn profile, and more to highlight their leadership knowledge.
Graduates will be qualified to pursue roles such as:
- Advertising executive
- Brand specialist
- Consultant
- Entrepreneur
- Marketing analyst
- Sales manager
Become a Master of Public Administration with an online degree from Aurora University distance learning. This program is designed with input from community leaders and public service professionals. Studies will cover topics such as:
- Nonprofit management
- Community relations
- Budgeting
Electives are customizable to reach leadership goals through a series of leadership courses and digital credential options. Graduates with this advanced degree may expand professional opportunity into executive directing, grant writing, budget analysis, and more. Enter the public administration sphere with an advanced online degree at Aurora University.
Earn a Master of Science degree in Digital Marketing and Design through Aurora University online. This program is designed for the working professional to be flexible and accessible. Studies include but are not limited to:
- Marketing Decisions
- Media Strategy
- Campaign Planning
Coursework opportunities include internships, portfolio projects, and experience directly applicable to the workplace. Graduates with this online degree may find pursuable or expandable pathways in management, design, technology, and user experience. Enter the world of graphic design combined with digital strategy through Aurora University online.
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
You can fit a degree into your busy life with the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Aurora University. The online criminal justice degree prepares you for work in such sectors as:
- Courts
- Parole
- Probation
- Private security
Through the online criminal justice bachelor’s degree program, you access your learning materials through free, openly licensed digital content. That means zero expenses for textbooks. Students personalize their curriculum through choices of electives.
Education
Take the next step in your education career with an online Doctor of Education. The Advanced Standing Leadership in Educational Administration program pathway is designed for administrators who hold an Illinois Superintendent Endorsement. Participants can complete their degree in as little as two years by transferring in previously earned credits from their Superintendent Endorsement.
The program involves researching areas relevant to your career and publishing a final dissertation. Courses are led by experienced faculty and taught in a flexible online format, ideal for professionals balancing work, personal, and academic commitments.
Research-related classes cover topics such as:
- Educational research designs
- Quantitative research
- Qualitative research
With an online Doctor of Education degree, you can take the next step in your professional career in education. Instructional Leadership track in Coaching and Mentoring focuses on topics in teacher development, instructional practices, data analysis for school improvement, and program evaluation. The curriculum is designed to benefit teachers, principals, and curriculum instructors who want to become directors and teacher educators.
Courses are led by experienced faculty and taught in a flexible online format, ideal for professionals balancing work, personal, and academic commitments. Students will complete an internship at their current place of employment and orally defend and publish a final dissertation.
The curriculum covers topics related to:
- Curriculum and assessment for regular education and special populations
- Instructional coaching and adult learning
- Equity, diversity, and justice in education
- Effective principles of mentoring and professional conversations
Advance your career in education with an online Doctor of Education degree. The Leadership in Educational Administration pathway with Superintendent Endorsement prepares educational leaders to take on superintendent and other leadership roles. Coursework is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education for Superintendent Endorsement in the state.
The program covers topics in curriculum and assessment at all levels of education. Participants will also study relevant laws, the roles of research and data analysis, and more. Courses are led by experienced faculty and taught in a flexible online format, ideal for professionals balancing work, personal, and academic commitments.
Classes offer training in areas such as:
- Organizational theory and change management
- Curriculum and assessment for regular education and special populations
- Advanced school law and human resources
- Advanced school district finance
- Advanced operations and system management
Become a qualified and competent school administrator with the online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement Program. This online master’s in education administration is designed specifically to help current educators prepare for administrative and leadership roles.
Participants will explore organizational theory, supervision strategies, school law, and fiscal management. Courses are led by experienced faculty and taught in a flexible online format, ideal for professionals balancing work, personal, and academic commitments. Students have the opportunity to complete internship experiences at their current workplace to gain hands-on experience and skills.
Aurora University Online’s Special Education Endorsement (LBS 1) graduate program prepares you to work effectively with students with varying disabilities. In the program, you will complete a comprehensive curriculum, learn to evaluate current research, and conduct research in the classroom. You’ll work with classmates and faculty to gain diverse experience that you can apply to real-world situations in your school district immediately.
Students complete assignments, projects, and key assessments that use varied modalities and focus on research and application within the field. Research-based key assessments are required for each course to fulfill licensure requirements. The program is ISBE approved and aligned with Illinois Professional Teaching Standards, as well as the Council for Exceptional Children Professional Teaching Standards, Illinois SEL Standards, Illinois Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards, and INTASC Standards.
Our students work as special education teachers, behavioral specialists, home-bound teachers, hospital and treatment center teachers, special education advocates, and more. No internship is required. Graduate as soon as six months, ready to make a difference in your school and community.
Healthcare
Learn how to lead vital healthcare organizations with a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration. This field allows you to combine business acumen with a passion for helping others.
Students will learn how to plan, coordinate, and manage medical services. Coursework additionally covers topics involving patient records and healthcare laws. Real-world experiences augment online learning to prepare students for the unique challenges of the healthcare industry.
This healthcare administration degree online features topics such as:
- Healthcare systems and informatics
- Healthcare ethics
- Principles of marketing
- Economics for public policy
- Medical terminology
The online Master of Science in Exercise Science prepares you for a career in health and fitness. Upon completion of coursework and a capstone or internship experience, graduates will be eligible to sit for the Clinical Exercise Physiologist exam from the American College of Sports Medicine.
The curriculum focuses on exercise physiology, sports psychology, program administration, and sports nutrition. The program can be completed in just one to two years online. An optional specialization is available in Clinical Exercise Physiology.
Psychology & Human Services
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.
Applicants wanting to develop skills and knowledge to begin social work practice may consider this online bachelor’s in Social Work from Aurora University. Students will learn how to work with communities, groups, families, and individuals in an array of settings, as well as with various populations and issues.
Graduates of the online BSW can take the Illinois State Social Work licensing test after two years of work experience. Those completing the program can also apply for advanced standing in Aurora University’s MSW program.
The program material covers issues including:
- Social work with groups
- Human behavior from infancy to adult
- Social work with communities and organizations
- Individuals and families
- Social work research
Aurora University Online’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.
AUO’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 at a time and place that’s convenient for your schedule.
The online MSW/MBA dual degree from Aurora University prepares you for careers that necessitate a combination of skills in social work and business management. The Master of Social Work curriculum serves as the foundation for this program, providing generalist social work skills while you also gain leadership abilities in both nonprofit and private settings.
Students in this online Business Administration degree program gain a deeper understanding of how social service and business practices connect. Studies include social welfare policy and institutions, ethics and decision making, strategic management, and much more. Courses are taught by faculty with extensive real-world experience.
Graduates will be well suited for roles including:
- Clinical social worker
- Nonprofit leader
- Behavioral health director
- Community leaders
- Social service director
- Corporate social responsibility manager
Students of the online MSW degree through Aurora University apply academic theories to real-world situations through extensive field instruction. The general online Social Work degree helps students develop a broad foundation in topics including social welfare policy, theories of human development, research methods, and social work practice for individuals, families, and groups.
Applicants can choose from the general Social Work program or one of five optional tracks: Faith-Based Social Work, Forensics, Health Care, Leadership Administration, or School Social Work.
Advanced coursework includes:
- Perspectives on psychopathology
- Clinical theory and methods
- Clinical knowledge and application
- Social policy
Aurora University Online’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 AUO, 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.
AUO’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.
Students of the online MSW degree through Aurora University apply academic theories to real-world situations through extensive field instruction. The general online Social Work degree helps students develop a broad foundation in topics including social welfare policy, theories of human development, research methods, and social work practice for individuals, families, and groups.
Applicants can choose from the general Social Work program or one of five optional tracks: Faith-Based Social Work, Forensics, Health Care, Leadership Administration, or School Social Work.
Advanced coursework includes:
- Perspectives on psychopathology
- Clinical theory and methods
- Clinical knowledge and application
- Social policy
Aurora University’s online MSW track focusing on Forensic Social Work teaches students to apply the principles of Social Work in legal fields. Students will learn about forensic social work practice and theory, challenging existing biases, and clinical skills specific to certain groups. Coursework for this online master’s in social work track covers topics involving mediation and working with vulnerable populations.
Students can also expect core classes in:
- Social welfare policy and institutions
- Theories of human development
- Working with individuals, families, and groups
- Research methods
Students of the online MSW degree through Aurora University apply academic theories to real-world situations through extensive field instruction. The general online Social Work degree helps students develop a broad foundation in topics including social welfare policy, theories of human development, research methods, and social work practice for individuals, families, and groups.
Applicants can choose from the general Social Work program or one of five optional tracks: Faith-Based Social Work, Forensics, Health Care, Leadership Administration, or School Social Work.
Advanced coursework includes:
- Perspectives on psychopathology
- Clinical theory and methods
- Clinical knowledge and application
- Social policy
Learn to help and advocate for clients in medical settings such as hospitals and nursing homes with the Health Care specialty of the online master’s in Social Work from Aurora University. Program participants will learn to work with doctors, nurses, and administrative staff to make sure their clients receive needed care and services.
Students of the online MSW will gain real-world experience through 1,050 hours of required internships.
Classes include topics such as:
- Clinical theory and methods
- Community practice
- Social policy
- Welfare policy and institutions
The Leadership Administration specialty track of the online MSW is designed to prepare students to lead teams in fields such as nonprofits and public health, among others. This track is offered in conjunction with Aurora University’s Dunham School of Business and Public Policy.
Students can choose from MBA-level electives in management and leadership to coordinate with their specific career objectives. Specialty topics include leadership and organizational behavior, and nonprofit management and leadership.
Core classes cover ideas such as:
- Theories of human development
- Social welfare policy and institutions
- Group work
- Community practice
Take on a Master of Social Work and Master of Public Administration dual degree program with Aurora University online. This program prepares students for those careers set at the intersections of social work. Studies include but are not limited to:
- Social Work Practices
- Human Development
- Organizational Behavior
Expert faculty bring real-world experience to the virtual classroom, where opportunities from field instruction to work electives are offered. Armed with this online dual degree graduates may find pursuable pathways such as community leadership, city management, clinical social work, and more. Expand knowledge in two fields to make a difference in today’s challenging marketplace with Aurora University online.
Aurora University’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) program includes a track designed for students with a BSW who are interested in working as social workers serving active-duty military members and veterans. The program is delivered in a flexible format and can be completed in three years. The online MSW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), so students receive an education recognized for academic quality and industry standards.
The military track includes nine credits of focused coursework that, when combined with the core MSW curriculum, will prepare you for a successful career. Topics include military culture, customs, and traditions, as well as clinical social work practice with military and veteran populations. Each eight-week course is taught by faculty members who have real-world experience and are dedicated to student success. Students also complete 450 hours of the 600-hour field placement requirement working with military and veteran populations in a social service or medical setting.
Graduates of the MSW program who complete the military track have the knowledge and specialized skills required to pursue employment as licensed social workers in contexts like Veterans Affairs, personnel or case management, counseling, and more.
Students of the online MSW degree through Aurora University apply academic theories to real-world situations through extensive field instruction. The general online Social Work degree helps students develop a broad foundation in topics including social welfare policy, theories of human development, research methods, and social work practice for individuals, families, and groups.
Applicants can choose from the general Social Work program or one of five optional tracks: Faith-Based Social Work, Forensics, Health Care, Leadership Administration, or School Social Work.
Advanced coursework includes:
- Perspectives on psychopathology
- Clinical theory and methods
- Clinical knowledge and application
- Social policy
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.