An online business degree equips students with problem-solving skills crucial for addressing business challenges. Most programs cover fundamental business courses like management and operations, aiming to provide a robust understanding of business concepts. These principles are instrumental in fostering problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills, essential for achieving career aspirations.
The field offers diverse career paths in areas like marketing, finance, accounting, and HR. Some business administration programs specialize in niche industries such as real estate or sports management. Students have the option to pursue a general business administration degree or focus on specific core areas like marketing. Online business degrees are available across various levels, starting from Associate of Applied Science (AAS) to Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA). For those aiming for a master’s degree, bridge programs that allow simultaneous pursuit of a bachelor’s and MBA are also accessible.
TYPES OF ONLINE BUSINESS DEGREE PROGRAMS
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
This program looks at the basics of running a business. Compared to a BBA, these degrees are math and analytical oriented.
Course Examples:
Finance
Accounting
Intro to Marketing
M.B.A. Masters in Business Administration
Students learn about the modern practice of management. Gain a better knowledge of legal and policy issues, economics, and marketing.
Course Examples:
Economics
Finance Principles
Business Ethics
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
The DBA deepens business knowledge for current professionals. Gain leadership positions via a better understanding how the key parts of a company work and connect.
Course Examples:
Marketing
Innovation Mgmt.
Finance
ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS
At the Bachelor’s level, business programs focus on basic knowledge. You may start with general courses, like math and the principles of economics. Many programs also offer the chance to take a focus. For instance, you could focus on finance, marketing, HR or data analytics.
Most Bachelor’s in business programs fall into one of three categories:
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). This program tends to cover a general overview of business. You’ll study subjects like economics, accounting, and marketing.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA). This program may focus on STEM, alongside business topics. Expect higher level math courses.
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA). This program may include liberal arts courses, along with business courses. For instance, you could study history, english, and marketing.
MASTER’S DEGREES IN BUSINESS & MBAs
Business students tend to choose from two kinds of Masters in Business Programs
Master of Business Administration (MBA). MBA programs tend to take a big picture approach to business. Students take courses in areas like management, organizational behavior, and finance. MBA programs strive to give a broad overview of business leadership. These programs may ask for work experience.
Master of Science in Business (M.S.). M.S. in Business programs usually drill down on one area of expertise. For instance, you could study business analytics or supply chain management in depth. Another key way that they differ is that you may not need as much work experience to pursue an M.S., compared to an MBA.
DOCTORAL BUSINESS PROGRAMS
At this level, students further delve into business theory and practice. Programs feature advanced courses like grad level statistics. Business research may play a big role in earning this type of degree. Often, you must research and write a dissertation to earn a doctorate in business.
If you want to study business at the doctoral level, you’ll likely find two types of program:
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). DBA programs are often aimed at people already in the business world. You’ll study business theory you could apply within a company. If your goal is solving business problems using existing theories, earning a DBA may be ideal.
PhD in Business. PhD programs focus on original research in business. Instead of applying theories, students may create and test new ones. So, a PhD in Business may be ideal for those who want to conduct research or teach.
Business courses at the undergrad and grad level are similar from college to college. Business Admin programs cover a wide breadth of key business concepts. These courses aim to teach you how to manage people and data in many different business settings. You should learn how successful leaders operate, and how to work in a team environment. Decision making and problem solving skills are also a key area explored. Course examples include:
Organizational Behavior: Learn about the different ways people behave in business and how it can affect how a business works.
Marketing: Explore the world of marketing and the 4P's: Product, price, promotion and place. Learn how to develop marketing plans.
Accounting: Understand financial statements and terms. Learn how to prepare reports.
Business Law: Learn how the law applies to businesses. From contracts, to product liability and cyber law.
Leadership: Discover different leadership styles. Learn how to put these styles into practice in day to day decision making.
Ethics: Study moral issues in Business. Topics such as corporate responsibility, morality in advertising and conflicts of interest..
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO EARN AN ONLINE BUSINESS DEGREE?
Earning a Bachelor’s degree in business takes around four years if you are studying full time. Earning an MBA takes about two years. You may be able to find programs that are fast tracked and take only one year. Finally, PhD programs vary in length. A DBA may take between three and five years to earn.
4+1 Programs
If you want to earn both a bachelors and masters, you may want to consider an accelerated program. An accelerated program is sometimes known known as a 4+1 degree. In this program, you may be able to earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a shorter amount of time.
HOW MUCH DOES AN ONLINE BUSINESS DEGREE COST?
In the 2022 school year, business admin majors paid median in state public tuition of $6,890. Median tuition for out of state private colleges was much higher, at $31,235. Of course, most schools fall in the middle. Be sure to check with each school for up to date costs.
TOP ONLINE BUSINESS SCHOOLS
In 2022 there were 343,412 business admin degree programs awarded. Generally speaking, more people earn Bachelor’s degrees than any other level. The top 10 business schools below are by number of degrees awarded.
School
2022 Total Degrees Awarded
Grad Rate
U of Phoenix
10,187
3.22%
U of Maryland Global Campus
3,345
1.03%
SNHU (Southern New Hampshire)
7,344
1.88%
Liberty U
3,375
0.95%
Western Governors U
5,217
1.7%
Colorado Technical U
4,233
1.11%
American Public U
2,714
0.78%
California State U Fullerton
2,358
0.28%
Broward College
2,548
0.72%
Grand Canyon
3,482
0.94%
Top 25 Schools with an Online Business Degree
There are many business schools. They aim to teach students how to manage a business in many areas. This often includes a focus. Some may include marketing, accounting, finance, and operations. Business management focuses may also be common. The goal is to teach students practical skills in the world of business. Today, many students may pursue degree programs to help prepare them for global business management. They may also seek out programs where innovation and leadership skills are present. This business school list offers insight into some of the business management options. These programs are far reaching. Many schools may also offer more than one track of study, too. we have ranked our top 25 schools based on the number of graduates from the program in 2022. Our process looks at 2024 data from the NCES. And, it may help you narrow your search down.
This online business degree program from WGU requires 120 credit hours to earn. Students may learn numerous skills in managing from this accredited program.
Courses Include:
Basics for Success in Business
Finance Skills for Managers
Business Environment Applications
Key Skills:
Concepts of marketing
Managing global businesses
Emotional and cultural intelligence
More BSBA & MBA Programs:
Health care Management
Human Resource Management
Marketing
Accounting
IT Management
MBA
MBA Info Tech Management
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
38% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $4,359
44% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,445
This four year program requires 120 credit hours. Students may focus their education through numerous courses. This includes operations management, general management, and business fundamentals.
Courses Include:
Business Communications
Ethical And Legal Topics In Business
Principles Of Accounting I
Key Skills:
Effective communication
Workplace diversity
Workplace change
More BS & MBA Programs:
Accounting
Business Analytics
HR
Marketing
Project Management
MBA
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
52% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $4,134
79% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $9,616
Students need to complete 120 credit hours in this course. They may focus their education in many areas including marketing, customer relationships, and servant leadership. Students often take four years to complete this course.
Courses Include:
Intro to Marketing
Global Business
Project Management
Key Skills:
Developing soft skills
Communication and leadership
Oral and written business communications
More BS & MBA Programs:
Accounting
Applied Entrepreneurship
Applied Marketing
Marketing and Advertising
Business Management
MBA
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
98% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $9,662
58% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,275
Students need to complete 120 total credit hours. Many of these courses are in areas of business finance. Managing financial aspects of business models is a part of this.
Courses Include:
Corporate Finance
Financial Markets
Wealth Management
Key Skills:
Developing financial plans
Analyzing financial statements
Creating sound financial decisions
More BS & MBA Programs:
Accounting
Finance
International Business
MBA with Business Analytics focus
MBA with Finance focus
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
64% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $4,434
67% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,119
In this program, students may focus their courses in key areas of importance to them. A total of 120 credit hours are needed. Many courses focus on business management and economics.
Courses Include:
Economics of Global Business
Economics of Innovation
Psychology and Economics
Key Skills:
Core business skills
Communications and leadership skills
Marketing concepts
More BS & MBA Programs:
Accounting
Business and Political Economy
Economics
MBA
EMBA
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
45% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $47,096
25% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,057
This is a 120 credit hour course. Students may gain skills and knowledge in economics. This includes other areas of business management and admin. Students may customize their educational plan.
Courses Include:
Money and Banking
Game Theory and Economics
Industrial Organization
Key Skills:
Economic principles
Making business decisions
Statistics skills
More BS & MBA Programs:
Accounting (BSBA)
Business Economics (BSBA)
Integrated Business (BSBA)
MBA
Executive MBA
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
93% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $9,986
20% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,351
This program may focus on business management with a global focus. Students may need to complete 120 credits or more. They may focus their education in many areas of business. This includes management, finance, and accounting.
Courses Include:
Accounting
Business Finance
Operations Management
Key Skills:
Global business management
Global social impact
Marketing fundamentals
More BS & MBA Programs:
Accounting
Business Administration
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
71% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $45,262
30% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,960
This program may focus on leadership roles in a business setting. Students may focus. They may also work in an internship to gain hands on skills. There are 120 credit hours required for this program.
Courses Include:
Business Ethics
Organizational Behavior
Human Resources Management
Key Skills:
Managing people and business objectives
Marketing skills
Startup venture skills
More BS & MBA Programs:
Supervision and Management
Supply Chain Management
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
83% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $6,647
1% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $6,647
This degree is 121 credits. Students may focus on areas outside of accounting, too. This program may provide a chance to study abroad as well as internships for some students.
Courses Include:
Business Law
Finance
Management Sciences
Key Skills:
Taxes and tax planning skills
Internal control of financial activities
Economic activity oversight
More BS & MBA Programs:
Accounting
Applied Entrepreneurship
Applied Marketing
Marketing and Advertising
Business Management
MBA
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
74% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $10,993
35% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,250
This course is 120 credit hours of study. It is a course that aims to provide students with skills in areas such as finance, marketing, and operations. Students may choose an area to focus their elective classes on.
Courses Include:
The Legal Environment of Business
Business Finance
Principles of Management
Key Skills:
Leadership skills
Business communication skills
Critical thinking skills
More BS & MBA Programs:
Accounting
Finance
BSBA in Business
BABA in Business
MBA
MS in Business Administration
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
92% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $10,555
9% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $$5,035
Students must earn a total of 120 credit hours in this course. They may focus in many business development courses after that point. This includes areas of career management and communications in business.
Courses Include:
Legal Environment of Business
Applied Business Statistics
Introduction to Marketing
Key Skills:
Business communication methods
Fundamental skills in business law
Business leadership skills
More BS & MBA Programs:
Accounting
BBA in Business Analytics
BBA in Finance
MBA
EMBA
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
89% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $11,087
86% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,498
This program is one of many areas of focus for business management skills. Students may complete at least 120 credit hours. They may be able to work as a consultant or business delivery specialists later.
Courses Include:
Healthcare System Management
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Managing Employee Risks and Benefits
Key Skills:
Project management efficiency
Problem-solving
Streamlining business processes
More BS Programs:
Accounting
Finance
International Business
Marketing
Business Management
Supply Chain Management
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
86% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $8,321
28% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,052
This course is 180 credit hours. That includes 72 business credits with at least 53 of them in upper division courses. Students may gain insight into all areas of business admin and management.
Courses Include:
Intro to Information Systems
Managerial Economics
Business Finance
Key Skills:
Business communications
Decision making
Global business management
More BBA & MBA Programs:
Accounting
Entrepreneurship
Finance
HR Management
Information Systems
Marketing
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
44% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $14,731
22% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,587
This degree program looks at business management and finance aspects of orgs. Focus options are numerous. Students may earn a total of 120 credit hours. This program aims to focus on start ups and global business as well.
Courses Include:
Business Forum
Methods in Business
Business Law I
Key Skills:
Cash management skills
Economics management skills
Sales and operations management
More BS & MBA Programs:
Accounting
Business Analytics and Information Technology
Finance
MBA
MS in Financial Accounting
MS in Digital Marketing
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
57% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $12,785
42% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,142
This degree is 120 credits. Students may focus just on economics. They may also focus on other areas of business management. This program aims to focus on logic and economic relations in business.
Courses Include:
Intro to Investments
Data Science for Economists
Economics in Practice
Key Skills:
Business administration skills
Understanding and applying economics
Business management and leadership skills
More BS & MBA Programs:
Business Economics
MBA
EMBA
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
46% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $21,766
21% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,791
This degree program is 120 credits. Many of them are in the area of economics. Students may also learn management skills. They may focus on domestic and global business skill development. Economics is just one part of this program. Other business management focuses may be available.
Courses Include:
Money and Banking
International Trade
Games and Decision Making
Key Skills:
Financial strategy development
Costs and benefits oversight
Informed decision making
More BS & MBA Programs:
Accounting
Economics
Finance and Real Estate
Management
Marketing
MBA
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
90% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $11,370
29% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,833
Students must earn a total of 181 credits. There may be a strong focus on business innovation in this field. Students may obtain skills and be able to work in all types of orgs.
Courses Include:
Financial Management
Marketing
Fundamentals of Accounting
Key Skills:
Collaboration skills
International applications of business practice skills
Communication skills
More BS & MBA Programs:
Accounting
BSBA
Communications
MBA
MS in Leadership
MS in Management
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
N/A of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average
N/A of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount
The core of this business degree is accounting. It also incorporates management skills within it. Students may learn accounting methods. They may also learn skills in areas of operations, sales, and taxes. It is a total of 120 credits.
Courses Include:
Intermediate Accounting I
Fundamentals of Federal Income Tax
Internal Auditing
Key Skills:
Accounting methods practical skills
Financial decision making
Global and domestic economic factor assessment
More BS & MBA Programs:
Business and Marketing
Business Administration (MBA)
MS in Business Analytics
MS in Business Research
MBT in Business Taxation
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
63% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $11,388
39% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,323
This is a 120 credit hour degree program. Students attend the Haas School of Business. They may focus their degree in many areas like management. Students may complete a liberal arts curriculum.
Courses Include:
Intro to Finance
Marketing
Leading People
Key Skills:
Business communication skills
Leadership development
Business management best practices
More BS & MBA Programs:
Business Administration
Master of Financial Engineering
MBA
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
52% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $21,669
21% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,566
This program is 120 credit hours. Students may learn foundational skills in business management. This includes areas of operational knowledge. It may include work place management skills.
Courses Include:
Business Law I
Business Ethics
Strategic Management
Key Skills:
Managing people
Promoting ethical practices
Employee development skills
More BS & MBA Programs:
BSBA
MBA
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
51% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $4,213
32% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $6,102
This is a 120 credit hour degree program. It looks at leadership development. Students may learn real world skills. They may also focus their education in many areas.
Courses Include:
Economics
Building Healthy Business
Accounting Principles
Key Skills:
Understanding of global business management
Best practices in management
Global society
More MS & MBA Programs:
MBA
Accounting (MS)
Management (MS)
Supply Chain Management (MS)
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
67% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $15,121
24% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,288
This program is 120 credits. Students may focus in many areas including inventory, demand and communications.
Courses Include:
Fundamentals of Finance
Business Writing
Business Statistics
Key Skills:
Improved communication skills
Conducting skillful negotiations
Managing people
More BA & MBA Programs:
Communications (BA)
Financial Planning (BA)
Food Industry Management (BA)
Global Politics (BA)
Business Analytics (MS)
MBA
2022/ 23 Undergrad Financial Aid:
89% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $12,381
29% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,192
WHY CHOOSE AN ACCREDITED ONLINE BUSINESS DEGREE?
Accreditation can ensure your business program upholds the standards that matter to you. Accrediting agencies check programs for things like teaching quality and student outcomes.
Maintaining accreditation evolves over time. So, and up to date accreditation could be a sign that your program keeps up with the business field’s changing needs. Two such agencies for business programs are:
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP): ACBSP accredits business programs at all levels. They use seven standards determine quality. Leadership, strategic planning, student focus, student outcomes, faculty focus, course work and business unit performance.
International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE): IACBE accredits business programs at all levels. Their approach involves measuring program outcomes.
Both ACBSP and IACBE are both recognized by CHEA, so both are good accrediting agencies for an online business administration degree.
Why Earn Your Business Degree Online?
Scheduling Flexibility: In self paced formats, students log into a web based course management system when they have time. Watch pre recorded lectures.
Made for Working Professionals: Online programs often offer such features as credit for live experience. They may also waive SAT, GRE and other standard tests.
Learning and Studying: While each school may use different tech, some of the options could include digital libraries, video conferencing, online student discussion boards and academic help.
Business Careers
As of 2022, there were 11.9 million business grads in the work force. Work for business degree holders is growing. Between 2023 and 2033, this group saw job growth of 2.36%. These included Accountants & Auditors, the role with the largest share of business grads.
What do business grads look like? For starters, a few more males (50.5%) earned business degrees than females. The average age of an worker with a business degree was 43.9 years old.
WHAT KIND OF JOBS CAN YOU GET WITH A BUSINESS DEGREE?
According to the BLS, Business and financial careers will grow 7% from 2023 to 2033. That’s faster than average for all jobs, and equals about 591,800 new jobs! Here are a few paths with 2023 salary info to look at if you plan to earn an online business admin degree.
Marketing Managers
Marketing Managers create interest for products or services. They do this by planning promotional campaigns and running ads on different kinds of media like TV and websites.
Avg Salary: $156,580 per year Job growth to 2033: 8% (Faster than average) Entry Level Degree: Bachelor
Management Analyst
Management Analysts often work to improve how companies run. They do this by finding problems that need solving. Then, propose solutions and ensure they are implemented.
Avg Salary: $99,410 per year Job growth to 2033: 11% (Much faster than average) Entry Level Degree: Bachelor
Financial Managers
Financial managers deal with for the financial health of a company. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop plans for the long term financial goals of their company.
Avg Salary: $156,100 per year Job growth to 2033: 17% (Much faster than average) Entry Level Degree: Bachelor
Marketing Research Analyst
Marketing research analysts help companies figure out what kinds of products and services people want. They may also provide insight about pricing and where the products should be sold.
Avg Salary: $74,680 per year Job growth to 2033: 13% (Much faster than average) Entry Level Degree: Bachelor
HR Managers
HR managers coordinate a companies work force. This may include the hiring process as well as handling benefits. They work with others in the company to ensure top talent is hired and that all employees are working efficiently.
