Undergraduate

Business: Leadership, Change, and Social Responsibility

Develop a solid foundation in core business principles, emphasizing ethical leadership, organizational change, and social impact.

2026

Degree

Associate of Science

Location

Online

Courses

16*

Credit

60 hrs.*

Full-time

Varies (Transfer up to 44 credits)

Part-time

Varies (Transfer up to 44 credits)

View course catalog

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College of Professional Studies

The University of New Hampshire offers an online Associate of Science in Business with a focus on Leadership, Change, and Social Responsibility. This program provides students with a solid foundation in core business principles, emphasizing ethical leadership, organizational change, and social impact.

It prepares learners to lead effectively in dynamic environments by exploring key theories and practices in leadership and change management, supporting a seamless transition to a bachelor’s degree program in Business Management. Graduates are prepared for careers in human resources, project management, or entrepreneurship.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

College of Professional Studies

What is the Leadership, Change, and Social Responsibility option in Business?

An Associate Degree in Business with an option in Leadership, Change, and Social Responsibility is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in business principles while emphasizing the importance of effective leadership, managing organizational change, and promoting social responsibility within the business context. This degree prepares students for a smooth transition to the B.S. in Business Management or related degree.

Why study the Leadership, Change, and Social Responsibility option in Business at UNH College of Professional Studies?

This option equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various business environments, fostering an understanding of key concepts, practices, and theories related to leadership, change management, and social responsibility. Students gain insights into the role of leadership in driving organizational success, navigating challenges, and inspiring teams to achieve common goals.

Potential Career Areas

Human Resources Analyst
Project Manager
Entrepreneur
Leadership Coach

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

The Associate in Science degree in Business is designed for students interested in gaining a solid foundation in the field of business. The program includes an overview of general management theory and introduces students to the fundamental concepts of economics, marketing, finance, and organizational behavior. Students are able to further customize their degree by choosing from an array of three-course concentrations to gain specialized knowledge. This degree prepares students for a smooth transition to the B.S. in Business Management or related degree.

Degree Plan

This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.

Sample Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
APST 405	Career Development and Planning	2
CMPL 402	Excel	2
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
MGMT 410	Principles of Management	4
	Credits	16
Spring
MGMT 566	Organizational Behavior	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
Select one of the following:		4
MTH 402	Math for Our World
MTH 504	Statistics
MTH 510	Pre-Calculus
General Education Course		4
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
LD 600	Becoming an Effective Leader	4
LD 660	Leadership Theory	4
General Education Course		4
	Credits	16
Spring
Select two of the following:		8
ACCT 532	Financial Accounting
ECO 470	Principles of Economics
HRM 420	Human Resource Management
MGMT 569	Budget Management
MKT 510	Principles of Marketing
General Education Course		4
	Credits	12
	Total Credits	60

Requirements for the Program

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 60 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 16 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: General Education Program

Major, Option, and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

General Education Program Requirements

A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of one course overlap between the Major and General Education areas.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
Select one of the following:		4
MTH 402	Math for Our World
MTH 504	Statistics
MTH 510	Pre-Calculus
Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems		4
Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World		4
Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression		4
Total Credits		32

Major Requirements

A minimum grade of C- is required in all Major and Option coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of one course overlap between the Major/Option and General Education areas.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Major in Business
APST 405	Career Development and Planning	2
CMPL 402	Excel	2
MGMT 410	Principles of Management	4
Select two of the following:		8
Students should not take both ACCT 532 and MGMT 569 as part of their major elective group.
ACCT 532	Financial Accounting
or ECO 470	Principles of Economics
or HRM 420	Human Resource Management
or MGMT 569	Budget Management
or MKT 510	Principles of Marketing
Option in Leadership, Change, and Social Responsibility
LD 600	Becoming an Effective Leader	4
LD 660	Leadership Theory	4
MGMT 566	Organizational Behavior	4
Total Credits		28

Electives

Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, concentration or minor. Students will need 60 credits total to graduate with an associate degree.

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Attain proficiency in the basic concepts, theories, and methods of inquiry in business.
Evaluate ethical principles that guide businesses.
Prepare for seamless transition to the Bachelor of Science in Business Management program.

Course Highlights

Principles of Economics
Principles of Management
Financial Accounting
Principles of Marketing
...and more!

Key Benefits of UNH CPS Online

Advantages

100% online courses – Learn from anywhere with flexible scheduling.
8-week terms – Move toward your goals faster.
Affordable tuition – Among the lowest in New England and nationwide.
Nationally ranked – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Regionally accredited – By the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
Generous transfer credit policy – About 89% of our students transfer in; we specialize in maximizing your previous college coursework and other college-level learning.
Credit for prior learning – Earn credit for relevant work experience, military training, and other learning outside the classroom.
Rolling admissions – Apply anytime and start in the term that works for you.
No GMAT or GRE required – Streamlined admissions process.
Expert faculty – Instructors are subject matter experts who share real-world experience to help you apply what you learn to your career goals.
Career advising for life – Available to all students, alumni, and even prospective students exploring their options.

Admissions Requirements

Completion of our free, online application for admission
High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
- Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC

Opportunity to Earn a Bachelor's

Those wishing to continue their education may apply their 60-credit associate degree toward an 120-credit bachelor’s degree. Ask your advisor for details!

Credit for What you Know

Your Prior Learning Counts

Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.