Business has been the most common major in the United States for several years running, even coming in at number one for the year 2019. Online business degrees are also the most common programs offered and pursued by students. Even though computer-related fields have been gaining on it the past few years, business is still an incredibly popular and diverse field rife with opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that Business and Financial Occupations will grow as much as 10% between the years 2016 and 2026; that is faster than the national average for all occupations.
There is a lot of variety when it comes to the degrees in business that are available. Business degrees are offered at all levels, from associates all the way up to doctorates. There are hundreds of concentration areas you can choose from, as well. Some of the most common include business administration, business management, marketing, human resources, and entrepreneurship, among many others. The amount of time it will take you to earn your business degree will vary based on the degree level you pursue, the number of credits required by your program, and the pace at which you choose to study.
Business is a very broad field and a business degree can prepare you for a career in nearly any industry. The classes that you take are going to vary with each program, but some of the core concepts in business you will learn include:
- Accounting and Financial Management
- Business Law
- Business Management
- Human Resource Management
- Professional Communications
As you advance in your studies, you will learn more complex topics that build on the foundation your undergraduate degree in business provides you. Bachelor’s degrees in business will prepare you for a lot of different positions; however, they tend to be broader in their curriculum. Master’s degrees in business can be more tailored to your own goals through picking a specific program, concentration, or set of electives.
Benefits of a Degree in Business
Where do we begin?! A degree in business offers graduates tremendous benefits. To start, the skills you earn in school are always in demand. This means no matter what the economy is doing or what job prospects re like for some people, you will have job stability. This degree also offers a lot of career flexibility. You can take this degree and work in finance, sales, marketing, management, administration and many other fields. And perhaps the best part, you increase your earning potential exponentially by earning your business degree!
Online Business Degrees
Because business is such a desirable field, it’s not hard to find an online business degree program. There are hundreds of colleges and universities across the country that have several types of business degrees, at varying levels, and in different areas of study.
Online business degrees are more flexible, often more affordable, and they make it easier for you to get the right education for the career you want. However, because they are so prevalent, it can be challenging to find the online business school that’s right for you. Below, you’ll find a list of the best schools where you can earn your business degree online. The schools featured offer a wide range of business degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Methodology
We have created a ranking of the Top 15 Best Online Business Degrees to help kickstart your search for the perfect online business school. There are three key things we looked for during the school selection process:
- We made sure the school was based in the United States.
- We made sure the school was properly accredited.
- We made sure the school operated with a not-for-profit model.
Once we gathered a list of all of the schools that met the above criteria that offered at least one online business degree, we scored them in three areas.
- Freshman Retention Rate shows how many students returned after their first year. Weight: 33.3%
- Graduation Rate shows how many students graduated in the allotted time frame for their degree.Weight: 33.3%
- Affordability was calculated based on how much the students pay, on average, after all financial aid.Weight: 33.3%
Each area could be worth a maximum of 100 points and those numbered were added together to get the final score. Schools are presented in ascending order based on the final score they received.* The Freshman Retention Rate and Graduation Rate were collected from the National Center for Education Statistics and the cost information was gathered from Niche.
All other school and program information was collected from the schools’ individual websites.
*If any number of schools were tied based on their score, they were presented in alphabetical order
1
Indiana University Bloomington
Top Pick
Indiana University Bloomington is home to the Kelley School of Business. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it #1 for its online MBA and online graduate programs in business, as well as among the top 20 for its online bachelor’s programs. Most of the business school’s courses are offered in a fully online format; they are only eight weeks in length. Hundreds of courses are available each semester, and programs are very easily customizable with electives. Undergraduate students can create an individualized major as well.
You will have the opportunity to earn your degree asynchronously, so you can work whenever it’s convenient for you. You will also be able to benefit from the international connections the school has, helping you build a diverse and robust network of friends and potential colleagues.
Online Business Degrees at Indiana University Bloomington:
Online Master of Business Administration or MBA programs in:
- Business Analytics
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
- Strategic Analysis Accounting Information
- Supply Chain & Operations
Online Master of Science or MS programs in:
- Business Analytics
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Global Supply Chain Management
- Information Technology Management
- Marketing
- Strategic Management
Our Top Pick: Online Master of Business Administration
This program was the first online degree offered by a top-ranking business school, and it is also accredited by AACSB International. Students can work with a career coach to customize their program of study to meet their needs and have immersive academic experiences in different cities around the world. Over half of the 52 required credits come from electives.
To learn more about the online degree programs offered at Indiana University Bloomington click here. You can also visit the school’s homepage for more information.
2
Northeastern University
Northeastern University is home to the D’Amore-McKim School of Business, through which it offers a variety of online business degrees. This school has ranked among the top ten for its undergraduate business programs, international business programs, MBA programs, and undergraduate entrepreneurship programs. The school offers unique opportunities for students to work at leading companies and startups worldwide as they study; students have the option to study abroad, conduct guided research, and more. All of the online business degrees offered at Northeastern are driven by experiential learning without losing their flexibility. Most of the degrees are offered on a part-time basis; all of them will take around two years or less to complete.
Online Business Degrees at Northeastern University:
Online Master of Business Administration or MBA Programs in:
- Finance
- Healthcare Management
- High Technology Management
- Innovation Entrepreneurship
- International Management
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
- Sustainability
Online Master of Science or MS Programs in:
- Business Analytics
- Commerce and Economic Development
- Finance
- Innovation
- Taxation
Our Top Pick: Dual Online Master of Science in Finance/MBA
This is an AACSB-accredited online business program that allows you to earn both a Master of Science in Finance and a Master of Business Administration at the same time. It is a part-time program that takes about two and a half years to complete. You can complete your degree entirely online and won’t even have to visit the campus, and you will also be able to choose a specialization in either Corporate or Investment Finance.
To learn more about the online degree programs offered at Northeastern University click here. You can also visit the school’s homepage for more information.
3
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University offers an extensive range of online business degrees through its Penn State World Campus. All of the business programs are AACSB accredited. All of the online business programs were designed for adult learners, so they are flexible. Almost all of the courses are asynchronous, and they are delivered through the Canvas system. You will still have to adhere to set due dates, and there may be some synchronous components where you will collaborate with your classmates. Depending on your schedule, you may be able to earn as much as 20 credits per year, greatly accelerating your graduation time. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Penn State for its online bachelor’s degrees, online MBA programs, graduate programs, and graduate business programs.
Online Business Degrees at Pennsylvania State University:
Online Bachelor of Arts or BA Programs in:
- Economics
- Labor & Human Resources
- Organizational Leadership
- Strategic Communications
Online Bachelor of Science or BS Programs in:
- Agribusiness Management
- Business
- Economics
- Health Policy & Administration
- Labor & Human Resources
- Marketing
- Organizational Leadership
- Recreation, Park, & Tourism Management
Online Master of Business Administration or MBA Programs in:
- Accounting Foundations
- Advanced Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Business Architecture
- Business Sustainability Strategy
- Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- General Management
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing Analytics
- Negotiation & Influence
- Project Management
- Strategic Leadership
- Supply Chain Management
Online Master of Professional Studies or MPS Programs in:
- Data Analytics ñ Business Analytics
- Enterprise Architecture and Business Transformation
- Human Resources and Employment Relations
- Organization Development and Change
- Strategic Communications
- Supply Chain Management
Other Online Degrees in Business offered:
- Master’s in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Master’s in Marketing Analytics and Insights
- Master of Project Management
- Master’s in Strategic Management and Executive Leadership
Our Top Pick: Bachelor of Science in Business
This is a 120-credit online business bachelor’s degree that will cost you less than $600 per credit. Specializations are offered in Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Financial Services, Health Services, and Management & Marketing. If none of those fit your needs, you can also create an entirely custom specialization track. We’re highlighting this program because it has the flexibility and customizability you’d expect from an online master’s program and it is an incredibly comprehensive program for those who are studying business for the first time.
To learn more about the online degree programs offered at Pennsylvania State University click here. You can also visit the school’s homepage for more information.
4
Villanova University
Villanova University houses the Villanova School of Business, which offers online business degrees at the graduate level. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it second in the country for its online Master of Science in Analytics. It was also ranked among the top 20 for its online MBA program. VSB is an AACSB-accredited business school. The online programs at Villanova can be completed in two years and are offered in a part-time format. Students will have elective options, but they follow a prescribed curriculum through the program. The MBA programs will require some time on campus. Online classes at this university are primarily asynchronous.
Online Business Degrees at Villanova University:
Online Master of Business Administration or MBA Programs in:
- Analytics
- Finance
- International Business
- Marketing
- Strategic Management
Online Master of Science or MS Programs in:
- Analytics
- Church Management
Our Top Pick: Master of Science in Analytics
This is one of the top-ranked programs of its kind nationwide. There are 36 credits required for completion, and you will be able to graduate in just two years. What sets this program apart is that each course was specifically created for this program to ensure that it is aligned with the current trends in the field of business analytics. You will be able to learn in small classes, completing a skills-based curriculum that you can apply in a practical sense right away, and you will partner with an organization to complete an in-depth capstone project. Diverse industry connections, cutting edge software, and a comprehensive curriculum make this program an incredible value.
To learn more about the online degree programs offered at Villanova University click here. You can also visit the school’s homepage for more information.
5
University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers its online programs through the distance learning initiative UMassOnline. All of the degrees offered through UMassOnline are completely equivalent to the one you would be receiving on campus. The degrees are offered entirely online, and every course that you will take is presented in an asynchronous format. UMass prides itself on its flexibility. The online business degrees are provided by the Isenberg School of Management. This school holds the highest AACSB accreditation. It has been recognized by several publications; the MBA program was ranked third in the world and top in the nation by Financial Times. U.S. News & World Report ranked the MBA program as the best in the region for the year 2020. It also placed among the top 20 for part-time MBAs nationwide, online MBAs nationwide, and online MBAs for Veterans.
Online Business Degrees at the University of Massachusetts Amherst:
Online Bachelor of Arts or BA Programs in:
- Arts Management
- Business Studies
Online Bachelor of Science or BS Programs in:
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
Online Master of Business Administration or MBA Programs in:
- Business Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Healthcare Administration
- Marketing
- Sport Management
Online Master of Science or MS Programs in:
- Accounting
- Engineering Management
Other Online Degrees in Business offered:
- Bachelor of Business Administration
Our Top Pick: Master of Business Administration
UMass Amherst offers a range of impressive degree programs, but this online MBA is one of the most highly-ranked in the nation. You can complete the degree 100% online, or you can choose to complete it on a hybrid basis if you live near one of the satellite campuses scattered across the state. There are 37 total credits required to complete the program if you earned your undergraduate degree in a business-related field. Something else that sets this program apart among online MBAs is that if you haven’t had any academic experience in business before, you don’t have to take a long list of prerequisites; instead, you only take two additional credits. You can choose to study on a part-time or full-time basis. Isenberg has a strong partnership program with several other institutions and corporations nationwide, which allows students to reap special benefits both academically and financially.
To learn more about the online degree programs offered at the University of Massachusetts Amherst click here. You can also visit the school’s homepage for more information.
6
University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas is known for offering some of the best business degrees in the state of Texas, as well as one of the best academic values nationwide. The university’s Naveen Jindal School of Management is the largest of its eight schools. This particular school has been recognized by Financial Times, U.S. News & World Report, and more. It has its own Career Management Center that offers students career help, and it offers a range of grants and scholarships. Online education at UTD is exceptionally flexible. Students can begin their program in any semester, choose how many courses to take each semester, and they can even take their courses in whatever order they choose.
Online Business Degrees at the University of Texas at Dallas:
Online Master of Business Administration or MBA Programs in:
- Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Energy Management
- Finance
- Healthcare Leadership and Management
- Information Technology Management
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Internal Audit
- International Management
- Leadership in Organizations
- Marketing
- Real Estate
- Strategic Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Systems Engineering & Management
Online Master of Science or MS Programs in:
- Accounting
- Information Technology and Management
- Management Science
- Marketing
Our Top Pick: Master of Science in Information Technology and Management
We’re highlighting this online business degree for several reasons. Information Technology is becoming more in-demand, and students that can obtain critical I.T. skills and certifications alongside the exemplary business education offered at UT Dallas are going to be prepared for whatever lies ahead of them professionally. Students will take a set of core courses in Information Technology and have the opportunity to choose what business courses they complete. Electives are offered in both fields, or you could choose from one of five concentrations: Business Intelligence and Analytics, Cyber Security Management, Enterprise Systems, Healthcare Systems, or I.T. Consulting and Services Management. You can earn five additional certificates while you complete this degree. There are also internship opportunities.
This is a fully-online program that you can take full-time or part-time. You could graduate in as little as 18 months.
To learn more about the online degree programs offered at the University of Texas at Dallas click here. You can also visit the school’s homepage for more information.
7
Auburn University
Auburn University has a rich history as a school; however, it also offers online opportunities that are innovative and help to make college education more accessible. The online business degrees are provided by the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business. The school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and has been ranked for its online programs by as many as ten publications. Some programs, like the MBA, are lock-step. This means that they must be pursued in a prescribed order and may be less flexible; however, they’re still asynchronous and offer more options to fit into the lifestyle of a working adult.
Online Business Degrees at Auburn University:
Online Bachelor of Science or BS Programs in:
- Business Administration
Online Master of Business Administration or MBA Programs in:
- Finance
- Information Systems
Online Master of Science or MS Programs in:
- Finance
- Information Systems
Other Online Degrees in Business offered:
- Master of Accountancy
- Dual MBA/MS in Information Systems
- Dual MBA/MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Dual MBA/MS in Finance
Our Top Pick: Master of Science in Information Systems
Falling in line with the school’s mission for career-focused and innovative academic opportunities, the Master of Science in Information Systems truly stands out. There are only three required courses in this program, and the rest of the classes you will take can be hand-selected to meet your individual needs. Some of the courses offered in the program include Communicating Quantitative Results in Business, Telecommunications Management, Project Management, Information Technology Auditing, and Business Applications with Open Source Software. Information Systems is a rapidly expanding field, and this degree program provides students with in-depth knowledge along with practical skills in business. This program requires 30 credits or ten courses. You can choose how many classes you take each semester; full-time students can graduate in as little as two years.
To learn more about the online degree programs offered at Auburn University click here. You can also visit the school’s homepage for more information.
8
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama’s online business degrees are offered through the Bama By Distance program along with the AACSB-accredited Culverhouse College of Business. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school’s business programs favorably in several areas, as have other publications over the years. The school offers study abroad opportunities, career services, and a host of other unique resources to both traditional and distance-learning students. Tuition rates are exceptionally competitive, too. The BS in Commerce and Business Administration comes in at just $375 per hour. The master’ s-level programs are only $420 per hour. Applications are accepted all year, and there are multiple start dates depending on the program you choose.
Online Business Degrees at the University of Alabama:
Online Bachelor of Science or BS Programs in:
- Commerce and Business Administration
Online Master of Arts or MA Programs in:
- Management (Global Business Management)
Online Master of Science or MS Programs in:
- Marketing
- Operations Management
Our Top Pick: Master of Arts in Management (Global Business Management)
We’ve selected the Master of Arts in Management (Global Business Management) as one of the best online business degrees because of its affordable tuition, impressive accolades, and the flexible yet comprehensive curriculum. This is a 30-credit program that doesn’t require a thesis. Students will cover topics like managerial economics, leadership and ethics, global marketing management, and more as they complete their required courses. The only drawback is that there is only one elective in the curriculum. However, the classes that you will take will prepare you to take on the global market in business and excel in your career.
This business degree is available entirely online, and the classes are presented asynchronously.
To learn more about the online degree programs offered at the University of Alabama click here. You can also visit the school’s homepage for more information.
9
Florida International
Florida International University has one of the broadest selections of online business degrees out of all of the schools featured in this ranking. Online programs at FIU are entirely online, taught by the same faculty as the campus-based programs, and highlight career-focused concepts that will help shape you as a professional. Online undergraduate programs in business cost less than $350 per credit hour, even for out of state students. There are three start dates per year for bachelor’ s-seeking students, and they will never have to attend campus. Graduate students also benefit from affordable tuition rates, flexibility, study abroad opportunities, and more, depending on the business degree they pursue.
Online Business Degrees at Florida International University:
Online Bachelor of Arts or BA Programs in:
- Economics
- International Relations
Online Bachelor of Business Administration or BBA Programs in:
- Finance
- Human Resource Management
- International Business
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Management
- Marketing
Online Bachelor of Science or BS Programs in:
- Hospitality Management
- Public Relations, Advertising, and APplied Communication
- Recreation and Sport Management
Online Master of Arts or MA Programs in:
- Global Affairs: Risk and Corporate Responsibility
Online Master of Business Administration or MBA Programs in:
- Business Data Analytics
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Finance
- Healthcare
- International Business
- Leadership
- Marketing Channel Strategy
- Real Estate
- Strategic Negotiations
Online Master of Science or MS Programs in:
- Construction Management
- Engineering Management
- Health Services Administration
- Hospitality Management
- Human Resource Management
- International Real Estate
- Marketing
Other Online Degrees in Business offered:
- Master of International Business
Our Top Pick: Professional Master of Business Administration
The Master of International Business was a strong contender for this position, but the Professional MBA program has so much to offer, and it was ranked among the top 20 programs of its kind around the world. It is a more expensive program, but it does offer flat rate tuition to all students regardless of residency. This is a fast-paced program that is designed for professionals, but unlike similar programs, this one is offered entirely online. Classes are just eight weeks each, and there are three different pacing tracks for you to choose from depending on how much time you can dedicate to your studies. Start dates are offered in January, March, May, August, and October and those of you with more than four years of professional experience will not be required to take the GMAT or GRE for admission.
Students can receive financial aid and may qualify for a scholarship that will cover more than a third of their tuition costs. You can graduate in as little as 18 months.
To learn more about the online degree programs offered at Florida International University click here. You can also visit the school’s homepage for more information.
10
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers its online business degrees through the College of Business. This college was one of the 17 charter members of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business over a century ago. It is fully accredited in both business and accounting. Its undergraduate programs in business were ranked among the top 50 in America according to U.S. News & World Report. Financial Times has also ranked the school among the top 20 online MBA programs in the world, and #1 best value for an online MBA. The online classes at UNL are delivered asynchronously and are condensed down to a mere eight weeks.
Online Business Degrees at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln:
Online Master of Business Administration or MBA Programs in:
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- International Business
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
Online Master of Science or MS Programs in:
- Business Analytics
- Finance
Our Top Pick: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Everything about the Master of Science in Business Analytics is innovative, which is why it is one of the best online business degrees in the nation. It features a career-centered curriculum that covers topics in accounting, marketing, supply chain management, business analytics, data management, data mining, and more. The electives are diverse and allow you to explore the advanced topics that you want. Students can start the program three times a year and will be required to complete 30 credit hours. Students never have to visit campus and, in fact, the course delivery is mobile optimized so you truly can study anywhere. Tuition is very affordable at just $630 per credit hour. You will also have access to resources like a personal career coach and 24/7 resume review tools, and more.
To learn more about the online degree programs offered at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln click here. You can also visit the school’s homepage for more information.
11
East Carolina University
East Carolina University is one of the pioneering schools when it comes to continually improving online education. Including the online business degrees, there are over 100 different online programs to choose from at E.C. U. The undergraduate programs available are degree completion programs; this means that you must have at least some academic experience, and some programs may require you to have already earned an associates degree. All of the business degrees are offered in an entirely online format, and E.C. U’s College of Business assures that they are indistinguishable from their traditional equivalents.
Online Business Degrees at East Carolina University:
Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration or BSBA Programs in:
- General Business
- Management
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
You can also pursue the Online Master of Business Administration or MBA Program with an optional Graduate Certificate in:
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- Health Care Management
- Hospitality Management
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Security Studies
- Supply Chain Management
Our Top Pick: Master of Business Administration
The thing that sets the Online MBA apart at East Carolina University is that it is very straightforward, and it is self-contained. You do not have to have any academic background in business in order to enroll in this degree. It consists of 54 semester hours or a maximum of 18 courses for those with no business experience. If you do have an undergraduate degree in business or a related field, you may be able to waive some (or all) of the seven foundation courses that introduce students to the broad concepts in business. On top of the foundation courses, you will build on those skills and explore essential topics in business further with eight common body of knowledge courses. Finally, you can choose three electives or one of 13 graduate certificates to complete your required credits.
All of the core courses of the program are offered every semester, and there are no cohorts and no set pace. You can earn this degree in as little as four semesters if you require all of the classes.
To learn more about the online degree programs offered at East Carolina University click here. You can also visit the school’s homepage for more information.
12
Oklahoma State University
The distance learning initiative at Oklahoma State University is known as OSU Online. Special tuition rates are offered for out-of-state graduate students online. A variety of degrees are offered entirely online, including online business degrees through the Spears School of Business. This school is among the top 5% in the world when it comes to business education; it has been featured in countless publications and holds the coveted high accreditation offered by the AACSB. The business school assures that all of the things you’ll need to do to earn your business degree, regardless of which one you choose, can be completed at a distance. You will experience the same program, courses, faculty, and student resources as campus-based students.
Online Business Degrees at Oklahoma State University:
Online Bachelor of Science or BS Programs in:
- Business Administration (General Business)
- Business Administration (Management)
- Business Administration (Marketing)
Online Master of Business Administration or MBA Programs in:
- Business Sustainability
- Data Science
- Energy Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Global Marketing
- Human Resource Management
- Information Assurance
- Marketing Analytics
- Nonprofit Management
Online Master of Science or MS Programs in:
- Business Analytics
- Design, Housing and Merchandising (Retail Merchandising Leadership)
- Industrial Engineering and Management
- Management Information Systems
Our Top Pick: Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship
The Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University used to offer a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship but have recently shifted to an MBA in Entrepreneurship. Online MBAs at OSU can only be taken on a part-time basis. This is a self-paced program that is comprised of 33 credits; so, you will be able to take your classes at your own pace, but you will be limited to a certain number of courses per semester. Even still, you could graduate in just twelve months! If you want to start your own business, grow a business, or become a leader in business innovation, this is an excellent choice of program. The core classes you’ll take are Ideation, Creativity, & Innovation; Venture Capital and; Launching a Business: The First 100 Days. You will also have a nice selection of electives. The program of this curriculum is designed in a way that will help you to integrate all of your business knowledge and use it to propel yourself forward, wherever that may be.
To learn more about the online degree programs offered at Oklahoma State University click here. You can also visit the school’s homepage for more information.
13
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University is often ranked for its highly flexible and affordable online programs. The price is close to unbeatable. For instance, online undergraduate students pay as little as $189.02 per credit. Students are also eligible for financial aid and scholarships. WCU offers an interesting selection of online business degrees. The College of Business allows students to earn flexible, affordable, and career-relevant education all online. Depending on the program you select, you may also be able to take part in co-ops, community service, internships, or international study opportunities. Students that are pursuing an online bachelor’s in business at WCU can graduate in as little as eight semesters thanks to the accelerated options. All students have the opportunity to pick a pace that works for them and study at any time of day or night with asynchronous classes.
Online Business Degrees at Western Carolina University:
Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration or BSBA Programs in:
- Business Administration and Law
- Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Online Master of Science or MS Programs in:
- Human Resources
- Sport Management
Other Online Degrees in Business offered:
- Master of Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship
- Master of Project Management
Our Top Pick: Master of Project Management
The Master of Project Management at WCU was the first project management degree program to be accredited by the Project Management Institute. The classes you take in this program will provide you with the necessary contact hours for your PMI Credentialing Exam. Some other things that are great about this particular business master’s degree are that it is not industry-specific, and every single member of the faculty holds a doctorate in their respective fields. There are 36 semester hours required to graduate and students complete that by taking six courses in total. These courses are Fundamentals of Project Management, Project Selection and Initiation, Project Planning, Project Plan and Implementation, Project Execution and Closeout, and Advanced Project Management Practices. It will take you two years to earn this degree.
To learn more about the online degree programs offered at Western Carolina University click here. You can also visit the school’s homepage for more information.
14
Ball State University
Ball State University offers online classes in a variety of delivery methods in order to make sure that all students can have their needs met when pursuing a business degree online. There are bachelor’s and master’s programs in several different areas. Even though this university offers a smaller selection, it has been recognized for its online programs for almost a decade running by U.S. News & World Report. You will be taught by the same faculty as traditional students, pay competitively low tuition rates, and more. Ball State is very generous when it comes to accepting transfer credits as well. The Miller College of Business is AACSB accredited and prides itself on delivering relevant and practical academic instruction.
Online Business Degrees at Ball State University:
Online Bachelor of Arts or BA Programs in:
- Business Administration
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Online Bachelor of Science or BS Programs in:
- Business Administration
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Online Master of Arts or MA Programs in:
- Business Education
Online Master of Business Administration or MBA Programs in:
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Health Economics, Policy, and Administration
- General MBA
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Sales Management
Our Top Pick: Master of Business Administration
The Master of Business Administration at Ball State University is currently ranked 13th in the nation and has come in among the top 20 consistently over the past several years according to U.S. News & World Report. You can take a general track or choose from one of five specializations. You have a lot of options when it comes to this MBA, which is what distinguishes it from many other programs. You can choose from three start dates, full-time or part-time schedules, and you can take it entirely online or in a blended format if that’s something that appeals to you. If you’ve already earned your undergraduate degree in business, you will need to complete between 30 and 33 credits to graduate; those who don’t have the same education in business may need as many as 51 credits to graduate. All of the classes you’ll need are delivered asynchronously. You could also opt to complete one of three graduate certificates as you earn your MBA and those are a Certificate in Business Essentials for Professional, a Certificate in Health Economics, Policy, and Administrations, or a Certificate in Professional Sales Management.
To learn more about the online degree programs offered at Ball State University click here. You can also visit the school’s homepage for more information.
15
Lewis University
Lewis University offers a selection of degree programs at the bachelor’s and master’s level in an entirely online delivery format. Regardless of what online business degree you choose from Lewis, you will be able to take your classes completely asynchronously. The majority of classes don’t require any visits to campus, but some programs may require you to be present for placement testing or proctored exams. The Lewis University College of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. In addition, programs in specific areas are approved by the National Security Agency, the United States Department of Homeland Security, and the Project Management Institute. Undergraduate programs are all accelerated.
Online Business Degrees at Lewis University:
Online Bachelor of Science or BS Programs in:
- Business Administration
- Information Security Management
- Information Technology Management
Online Master of Business Administration or MBA Programs in:
- Accountancy
- Finance
- Healthcare Informatics
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resources Management
- Information Security
- Information Technology Management
- International Business
- Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Operations Management
- Project Management
Online Master of Science or MS Programs in:
- Business Analytics
Our Top Pick: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Lewis University’s online Master of Science in Business Analytics came out ahead of the pack because it is one of the most affordable degrees of its kind in the region. Also, all of the classes are kept small so that you can benefit from interaction with a close-knit group while still breezing through the accelerated eight-week courses. There are concentrations offered in Marketing Analytics, Healthcare Analytics, and Operations Analytics. You can also work with an advisor to customize your set of electives to match your career goals. Students in this program will get hands-on experience with the top programs and tools in the industry like SPSS, Weka, MySql, and many more.
To learn more about the online degree programs offered at Lewis University click here. You can also visit the school’s homepage for more information.
What Can You Do With a Business Degree?
Business degrees are widely popular because the field is vast and, what’s more, is that the skills you gain when studying business can be applied across all industries. A business degree will make you more desirable to almost any employer. There are few limits to what you can do with a business degree, but there are some positions that may be better suited to what you studied (or plan to study).
As an example, accounting degrees are a type of business degree. You can earn a Master of Science in Accounting, a Master of Accountancy, or a Master of Business Administration in Accounting. Any of these degree programs are going to have a very mathematical and analytical curriculum that will prepare you to manage business accounts.
More general degree programs such as a Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, or a Master of Science in Business Management are going to give you a more broad base of knowledge. You will learn about accounting, finance, organizational leadership, business ethics, and more general topics related to the field. This type of degree would prepare you for many different leadership or functional roles in business. If there is a specific area you’re interested in (such as marketing), you can tailor your degree with electives to prepare you for a managerial role in marketing.
What is Business Management?
Business management is one small part of the field of business as a whole, but it is one that is very important. Business management degree programs will prepare you to oversee different activities within a company and manage them effectively for the business to be successful. A degree in business management could prepare you for roles as an account executive, office manager, business analyst, or something else.
Business management careers require you to have at least a bachelor’s degree, but, in recent years, the field has become more competitive. Higher education will set you apart because it will not only show your dedication, but it will also leave no doubt about your level of expertise in the area. Business management is a great choice of major for anyone who is capable of thinking critically and analyzing information to create effective solutions. Some things you may do in your day-to-day if you have a business management job include reviewing contract agreements, overseeing business operations, training new employees, managing client relationships, and making sure that the team of people working under you are motivated and performing to the best of their ability.
Is Business Administration a Good Major?
Business administration has been a solid choice of major for decades. As the field was still growing, it was one of the only ways to ensure that you were qualified for a career in business. Even now that the field has grown and been shaped by technological innovation, business administration is still a good choice for a major.
One thing that makes this such a great choice is how broad the curriculum is, especially at the bachelor’s level. If you want a strong educational background in business, a broad-based business administration program is the perfect way to hit the ground running and get yourself familiar with all of the key concepts in the field. If you’re already immersed in your career, this type of degree could help you climb the corporate ladder more quickly too.
The classes you take as part of a business administration program will expose you to all areas of the business field. At the undergraduate level, this can be beneficial for those of you who haven’t decided exactly which direction you want to take. At the master’s level, the Master of Business Administration degree remains one of the most popular, versatile, and professionally applicable degrees one can have.
Is a Business Degree Worth It?
You may feel like the prevalence of business degrees or the rising cost of higher education in America reduces the value of a business degree, but that isn’t so true. Business degrees have always been prevalent, but that is because there are widely applicable. On top of that, the economy, technology, and consumers are constantly evolving and changing. Earning a business degree, especially now, will prepare you to take on a variety of roles in business to meet the needs of this fluid field.
Some of the more specialized business degrees, like that of a Management Information Systems degree or a Cyber Security Management degree, are among the highest-paying degree programs. Online business degrees are convenient, flexible, and affordable and they can provide you with the education you need to step up into management roles in industries such as information assurance, MIS, computer science, homeland security, and more. Business degrees are worth it, and likely always will be, because all industries are full of hundreds of businesses that need effective, capable, and educated leaders.
More general business degrees are still good to have. However, in order to get the most out of your business degree, you should choose a specialized program in the field that allows you to pursue a career that is both lucrative and personally fulfilling.
What Are Some of the Highest Paying Business Degrees?
A college education is an investment, and could be one of the most important investments that you will ever make. Of course, it is never too late to start something new or change careers; however, your business degree could shape your career trajectory for the rest of your life. Aiming for one of the business degrees typically associated with higher paying occupations can help you maximize your return on investment.
There are some very high-level careers in business, and there are several contributing factors that will determine your salary but, with that said, here is a rundown of the business degrees and the associated highest paying median average salaries according to the BLS.
- Entrepreneurship: $158,560
- E-Commerce: $127,870
- Marketing: $112,800
- Finance: $99,330
- Human Resource Management: $96,130
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