How Birminghamians are completing their degrees through Auburn’s BSBA Online program

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Auburn Harbert College of Business / BSBA / Auburn
(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Although the typical college experience is not for everyone, having a college degree is becoming more crucial for job prospects every day. Luckily, the Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BSBA) Online Program at Auburn University can help students complete their business degree online on their own schedule.

To learn more, we spoke with two recent graduates of the BSBA Online program—Casey McDonald and Cody Marcum.

About Auburn University’s BSBA program

Offered by Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business, the online Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BSBA) program is designed as a convenient way for students to finish their business degree in two years. As a degree completer program, the BSBA Online program is geared towards students who have already earned credits, but require the ease and flexibility of distance learning to finish their degree. Plus, classes are completed in just 7.5 weeks—rather than in a full semester—a format that works well for distance learning.

Through the BSBA curriculum, students learn to solve complex business problems leveraging what they learn in:

  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Management
  • Business Analytics
  • Supply Chain Management

Casey McDonald

Auburn Harbert College of Business / BSBA / Auburn
(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Originally from Lineville—a small town south of Birmingham—Casey McDonald is a 2020 graduate of Auburn’s BSBA Online program. After graduating high school, Casey began his college career at Auburn University—but a series of life challenges forced him to drop out before he could finish.

Despite those challenges, Casey yearned to get back to school and finish his degree.

“I was dead set on finishing my education, and one day I was online and I saw the BSBA Online page. I applied to the program, and I’ll never forget how I felt when I saw that I had been accepted into the program. I wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything.”

Casey McDonald

Over the next two years, Casey diligently took his classes while living in Anniston and working full-time in Birmingham—a four-hour roundtrip each day.

“By the time I got home each day, it was already 7 o’clock. The BSBA Online program definitely kept me busy with classes and assignments, but the teachers were fantastic, understanding and always willing to help. My instructors were always positive and made sure I had the tools and time I needed to complete the assignments.”

Casey McDonald
Auburn Harbert College of Business / BSBA / Auburn
(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

After two years of study, Casey McDonald officially graduated in 2020. Since then, the BSBA Online degree has opened many doors for him.

“Before graduating, it seemed like every job that was worthwhile always required a degree. I always felt like not having a degree kept me from these good-paying jobs. Once I graduated, I began interviewing for new positions and saw that hiring managers were impressed that I finished my degree while working full-time. It’s definitely a conversation-starter!”

Casey McDonald

After graduation, Casey landed a job with Regions Bank as a Quality Analyst, reviewing work to make sure everything is following procedure.

“If I could only say one thing, it’s that the BSBA Online program was a blessing and a ticket to a better life that I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Cody Marcum

Harbert College of Business / Auburn University
(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Raised in Tuscaloosa, Cody found success through the BSBA Online Program after struggling with in-person learning experiences.

“Before I got into Auburn’s BSBA Online Program, my education was pretty minimal. I was in the military at the time, and I tried a couple different community colleges but I couldn’t seem to sit still in a desk. My GPA was terrible. I couldn’t find a way to make the traditional college experience work for me.”

Cody Marcum

For Cody, the flexibility of the BSBA Online Program allowed him to better comprehend the coursework.

“With in-person classes it was always hard for me to take notes, especially with teachers that spoke quickly. With the pre-recorded lectures from the BSBA Online Program, I was able to go back and rewatch sections I didn’t fully understand the first time.

Cody Marcum

Through the BSBA Online Program, Cody was able to complete his degree while working full-time as a firefighter and being there to support his pregnant wife.

“I was in a position where I was regularly missing holidays and birthdays due to my job, and getting frustrated by missing out on better job opportunities because I lacked a degree. Thanks to my degree from the BSBA Online Program, I now have a job where I’m home every night and can make it to those important life events. This program is life-changing, so I would encourage anyone to give it a shot. Don’t give up—no matter what.”

Cody Marcum

Learn more about the BSBA degree

Auburn Harbert College of Business / BSBA / Auburn
(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

If you’ve always wanted to finish your college degree without taking a break from your career and personal life, Auburn University’s Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BSBA) Online Program could help. Learn more about the program and determine your eligibility here.

Did you finish your degree through the BSBA Online Program? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!

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Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson

Senior Content Producer + Photographer

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