25 Best Online Business Degree Programs [2024 Guide]

Updated on September 24, 2024
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Explore online business degree programs. Compare schools and see what you could be doing after graduation.

You can give your career a strong start by earning an online business degree. Through online studies, you can learn the skills and information that you’ll need for succeeding in offices and other business settings.

With a degree in hand, you’ll be a good candidate for many business positions.

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Universities Offering Online Business Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer business degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University has been ranked first for innovation by U.S. News and World Report for five years in a row. ASU is considered a public “metropolitan” research university consisting of five campuses spread across Phoenix. The school was founded in 1885. ASU’s more than 50,000 enrolled students can study in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.

Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Committee.

2. Ball State University

Founded in 1918, Ball State University is a public research university located in Muncie, Indiana. It is classified as one of the R2 Doctoral Universities for high research activity. Ball State boasts a total enrollment of 22,513. In addition to nearly 190 undergraduate majors, Ball State students can choose from more than 140 masters and doctoral programs.

BSU is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

3. DePaul University

DePaul University of Chicago, Illinois, is a private Catholic research university founded by the Vincentians in 1898. DePaul has a student enrollment of 22,437. The university notably operates using a quarter system instead of a semester system. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs spanning 10 schools are offered.

DePaul University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

4. Drexel University

Founded in 1891, Drexel University is a private research university based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvanian. Today’s student population at Drexel stands at 24,190.

The school is widely known for its unique cooperative education program that makes paid, real-world experience a part of the educational process. Drexel undergraduate students can choose to pursue more than 70 undergraduate programs. Students seeking master’s and doctoral programs have more than 100 options.

Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

5. East Carolina University

East Carolina University is a public research university in Greenville, North Carolina, dating back to 1907. ECU’s current student population of nearly 30,000 students can pursue degrees through nine undergraduate colleges, a graduate school, and four professional schools. ECU offers 102 bachelor’s programs, 76 master’s programs, and 16 doctoral programs in total.

East Carolina University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

6. Florida International University

Florida International University in University Park, Florida, has grown to become the largest university in the Miami area since being established in 1985. FIU is distinguished among the R1 Doctoral Universities for very high research activity. It is a space-grant university with a student enrollment of 58,787. Students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

7. Franklin University

Franklin University offers a BS in Business Administration that can be earned 100% online. Classes are 6 or 12 weeks long and taught by instructors with real-world business experience. The program offers opportunities to participate in simulation experiences to develop problem-solving skills. To graduate, students must complete a capstone project.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

8. Indiana University East

Located in Richmond, Indiana University East is a regional campus of Indiana University. It was founded in 1971. Current student enrollment at IU East stands at 3,490. IU is divided into seven schools offering more than 60 options for bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

IU East is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

9. Loyola University – New Orleans

Loyola University New Orleans is a private Jesuit university in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a student enrollment topping 3,759. Founded in 1904, Loyola has been named one of the best Southern regional universities offering masters and undergraduate degrees by U.S. News & World Report. Nearly all of the classes offered across Loyola’s five colleges are taught by full-time faculty. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs are offered.

Loyola University New Orleans is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

10. Mercer University

Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a private university with a main campus in Macon, Georgia. U.S. News and World Report have consistently ranked Mercer as one of the best private colleges in Georgia for 25 years. The school has also earned praise from the Carnegie Foundation. Mercer is a member of the Georgia Research Alliance. The university’s more than 8,677 students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Mercer University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

11. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University offers hundreds of options for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across seven colleges for its more than 25,295 enrolled students. OSU’s main campus is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The university is designated as a school with high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation.

Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

12. Oregon State University

Oregon State University is a public research university offering more than 200 options for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is Oregon’s largest university. Founded in 1868, OSU boasts a current enrollment of 31,719. The school’s main campus is in Corvallis, Oregon. Notably, OSU has the distinction of being one of only four schools in the nation categorized as sea-grant, space-grant, and sun-grant institutions.

Oregon State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

13. Pace University

The main campus of Pace University is a staple of New York City’s academic scene. Established in 1906, Pace currently enrolls approximately 13,000 students throughout its bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Pace’s nine schools of study are shared between undergraduate and graduate studies. Pace’s Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts was the filming location for “Inside the Actors Studio” hosted by James Lipton.

Pace University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

14. Saint Joseph’s University

Saint Joseph’s University is a private Jesuit university based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1851, the school has a current student enrollment of just over 8,000. It is one of 28 members in the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. SJU students can pursue more than 60 undergraduate majors, 53 graduate programs, and multiple options for doctoral pursuits. SJU is comprised of 17 centers and institutes.

Saint Joseph’s University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

15. San Diego State University

San Diego State University is a public research university situated in San Diego, California. SDSU was founded in 1897. According to Forbes, San Diego State University consistently ranks in the top 500 universities in the world. The school’s more than 35,000 enrolled students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

San Diego State is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.

16. Temple University

Temple University is a public research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school was founded in 1884. Temple is among the world’s largest providers of professional education. Its more than 4,600 students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a wide range of majors. Temple’s notable alumni list includes Bob Saget, Kunal Nayyar, Tamron Hall, and Mark Levin.

Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

17. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is a public research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, that was established in 1820. It is the oldest and largest public university in Alabama. Nearly 40,000 students pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at AU. The list of notable AU alumni includes Harper Lee, Joe Namath, and Joe Scarborough.

The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

18. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is a public research university in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Founded in 1871, UArk has a student population of 27,778. Students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across 200 academic programs offered through 10 primary colleges.

The U of A is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

19. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a public research university in Tucson, Arizona, that was founded in 1885. Arizona’s more than 45,918 students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arizona as a high-level research institution. The university has close alliances with NASA and other research institutions.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

20. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university located in Gainesville, Florida. Founded in 1853, UF is considered one of the R1 Doctoral Universities for very high research activity. The school’s more than 56,000 students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees encompassing the arts and sciences.

The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

21. University of Illinois – Chicago

The University of Illinois at Chicago is a public research university located in Chicago, Illinois, with a student enrollment of 33,390. Founded in 1982, UIC offers 86 bachelor’s, 111 master’s, and 66 doctoral programs across 16 colleges. It is considered one of the RI Doctoral Universities due to its very high research activity.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

22. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri is a public research university located in Columbia, Missouri. It is Missouri’s largest university. Enrollment at this flagship institution of the University of Missouri System stands at 30,046. Mizzou was founded in 1839. More than 300 degree programs in 13 academic divisions are available for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

23. University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico is a public research university located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded in 1889, UNM offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs today. It is one of the R1 Doctoral Universities due to its very high research activity. Student enrollment at UNM stands at more than 26,000.

UNM is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

24. University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota is a public research university located in Vermillion, South Dakota. The school was established in 1862. Its current student enrollment stands at nearly 10,000 students. USD’s alumni list consists of 17 Truman Scholars, 12 Rhodes Scholars, and one Nobel Laureate. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

The University of South Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

25. Wilkes University

Wilkes University is a private university in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. More than 5,000 students are enrolled in the school. Undergraduate and graduate studies for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are offered across seven schools. Many programs of study at this respected research institution are offered fully or partially online.

Wilkes University is an accredited member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Online Business Degrees

Click on the business major you’re interested in to jump to that section of the guide:

Each of these degrees can help prepare you for rewarding but different careers in the business world.

Accounting

There’s no doubt about it: Organizations need clear, organized bookkeeping. You can meet that need with a degree in accounting. As an accounting professional, you should be capable of tracking income and spending, maintaining records, handling payroll, and preparing taxes.

Accounting professionals are often employed by organizations. You could be the sole accountant for a small company or one member of an accounting or finance team at a larger corporation. Other accountants work for firms that serve multiple organizations or individuals.

As an accountant, you could also consider self-employment by offering your services to various clients. Finally, you could become a government tax professional or auditor.

To get ready for these careers, you’ll need to take classes on financial, cost, and managerial accounting. There may be courses like Business Math, Information Systems for Accounting Practice, and Local and Federal Taxation. In addition, you may learn about auditing practice. You may have the option to select a degree concentration, such as public accounting or tax accounting.

After getting a bachelor’s degree in accounting, you could consider advancing to a master’s program in accounting. With enough college hours in this discipline, you can become eligible to apply for status as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Business Administration

If you know that a business career is in your future, but you aren’t sure which discipline is best for you, then consider a generalist degree in business administration. Whether you start with an associate’s degree in business administration or aim for an online PhD in Business Administration, there are flexible educational paths to suit your goals.

The courses you take can heighten your understanding of many different aspects of the business world. As a result, you can become a versatile employee.

Your career options after graduation will be varied. You might be able to work as an office administrator, serve on a human resources team, or get involved with an organization’s financial matters. This degree can also prepare you to take on a management role in a retail or office setting.

Business administration is one of the best business degrees due to the broad mix of classes that can contribute to your preparedness for these many different roles. With a business administration major, you can learn about laws and regulations that affect businesses, ethics for professionals, and the economic principles that guide business activity. Also, you can receive introductions to finance, human resources, marketing, leadership, and other essential business disciplines.

During your bachelor’s degree program, you may discover that you have a particular interest in a certain business sphere, such as public relations, marketing, or finance. Consider building on your bachelor’s studies with a master’s in that particular area, or even check out some online DBA programs, including those DBA programs without a dissertation.

Finance

While accounting professionals primarily keep track of transactions that have already occurred, finance professionals use financial data to inform decisions for the future. If you have a head for numbers and data analysis, then finance may be a promising career option for you.

Finance students may have goals in mind, like working for a corporation, becoming a banker, getting a government job, or helping individuals take care of their money. Potential career paths include being a budget analyst, a financial examiner, a stock trader, a personal financial advisor, or a credit analyst.

Students in this field spend a lot of time working with numbers and figures. That means that you’ll probably take classes in statistics and economics. In addition, common course topics include finance law, ethics for working with others’ money, accounting, investing, and corporate finance.

You may also study financial markets and how they are connected across international borders. The classes can help equip you with the financial leadership skills needed for influential roles as a manager or another decision-maker. To continue your studies, you could consider getting a master’s degree in finance. You should also have a good foundation for a degree in accounting or economics.

It may be worth noting that a growing number of universities offer finance degree online programs for students interested in this option.

Human Resources

If your interest in business leans more toward the people side of things that the numbers side, then you might find great success in the world of human resources. HR professionals help businesses prosper by bringing in, training, and retaining top talent.

An undergraduate program can prepare you to take positions as a human resources specialist in a business, a nonprofit, a medical system, or an educational institution. After gaining experience, you may qualify to move into a human resources management position.

You may want to consider a particular aspect of HR, such as being a training and development specialist or working in a company’s compensation and benefits department. In college, you can study how to recruit talented employees for your organization and how to sort through applicants to identify the best ones.

You can also discuss how to train new hires and make sure that all employees are continually improving their skills. Other classes may address offering compensation packages and work environments that motivate good employees to stick around. You may also learn about mediating workplace or labor union disputes.

After graduation, getting a master’s degree in human resources may increase your chances of being promoted to a management position in this field. If you are interested in specializing even further within the profession of human resources, a growing number of universities offer both on-campus and online masters in training and development programs.

Management

Your natural leadership skills can grow and develop during a bachelor’s degree program in management. Through your courses, you can learn essential skills for helping employees, teams, and organizations to be their very best.

Management professionals are needed in all industries. Examples of job titles include purchasing manager, sales manager, and human resources manager. You also could be the manager of a local establishment, like a retail store or a restaurant.

You could even pursue a specialized management degree, like an emergency management degree or a supply chain management degree.

Keep in mind that you may have to start with entry-level positions but can work toward advancement as you gain experience. You’ll need to learn about many aspects of business before graduating with your management degree. These include human resources, statistics, global markets, supply chains, business technology, marketing, budgeting, and analytics.

To help you become a strong leader, you should also explore decision-making, team dynamics, project management, and organizational structure. For grad school, a master’s in management is, of course, a smart path to consider. You could also think about what area of management most interests you and further your education by studying that discipline.

For example, if your goal is to move into a marketing management role, then it would make sense to get your master’s degree in marketing.

Marketing

What does it take to get customers to notice your organization and become loyal to it? You can learn that and more in a marketing program. The field of marketing addresses branding, advertising, promotions, and other public-awareness strategies.

As a marketing student, you may be getting ready for a career as an advertising sales representative, a marketing manager, or a promotions director. It can take time to get a leadership role in these areas, but a bachelor’s degree can be a good first step. Online marketing is a growing field, so you could become a social media director.

You can get set for these careers with courses that cover the different types of communication used by marketers, such as advertisements. In your studies, you can learn to provide messages that help the public connect with your brand and feel good about your products.

Other courses may cover theories of consumer behavior and teach you to gather market research before developing new products or services. You may also spend some time learning about the principles of effective visual design and written communication.

Your bachelor’s degree in marketing can help prepare you for a master’s program in advertising, marketing, social media, digital communication, or public relations.

Organizational Leadership

Getting a degree in organizational leadership can help prepare you to rise to the top of an organization. With this degree, you can become equipped to lead groups through everyday decisions and times of great change.

Organizational leaders often take management positions. You could exercise your leadership skills as a project manager or a production manager. Alternatively, you could head up sales teams or office staff. Especially if you gain some management experience of your own first, you could become a management consultant who helps other organizations improve their leadership structures.

Your degree program is likely to include some psychology courses so that you can become more knowledgeable about how people think and how teams interact with one another. You may also study leadership skills for particular circumstances, such as managing interpersonal conflict, helping organizations go through transitions, and casting a vision for future growth and development.

To ensure that you are leading in the best way possible, you will need to think about legal regulations, ethics, and effective communication. You could consider getting your master’s degree in management or leadership. To put your organizational leadership skills to work in a medical setting, you might pursue a healthcare administration master’s degree.

Courses for an Online Business Administration Degree

The field of business administration encompasses accounting, finance, human resources, management, marketing, and more.

During your studies, you can learn at least a bit about each of these areas. You can also gain foundational skills related to business math, communications, technology, law, ethics, and interpersonal relationships.

Your program may include opportunities to complete internships or other hands-on experiences. These can give you a good introduction to what it is like in the business world and allow you to try out the skills you’ve been working on.

Jobs in Business Administration

Not surprisingly, a degree in business prepares most people to work in the business world. With this degree, you might get a job in an office building, a store, or a financial institution.

All types of organizations, from large corporations to local businesses to nonprofit groups, need the guidance and expertise of trained business professionals. If you want to focus your attention on working for a midsize or large company, your business knowledge may make you a good candidate for a job like an office administrator or administrative services manager.

Working in a specific department, you might be a human resources specialist, an accountant, a social media coordinator, a marketing specialist, or a budget analyst. You could also look for positions in a company’s public relations, logistics, or purchasing department.

You could choose to work in the financial sector as a banker, an analyst, or an insurance underwriter. Your work could determine whether an applicant qualifies for a credit card or receives a loan. Trading stocks and bonds could be another career path that’s in your future.

Some business majors end up pursuing self-employment. You could work as an independent account who serves a variety of clients, a personal financial planner, or a management consultant. Opening a small business in your community is another viable option.

Business Administration Degree Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of business positions is expected to grow over the coming years. For the next ten years, jobs in the business and finance sector are expected to rise by about 5%. Currently, the average annual salary for business and finance professionals is $72,250 per year.

The following table includes additional salary information for specific jobs.

Careers Annual Median Salary
Management Analyst $87,660
Financial Analyst $83,660
Accountant $73,560
Compensation Specialist $67,190
Market Research Analyst $65,810
Loan Officer $63,960
Manufacturing Cost Estimator $63,740
Human Resources Specialist $63,490
Training and Development Specialist $62,700
Fundraiser $59,610

The above salary averages are not a guarantee of future earnings. Wages can vary greatly in different areas of the country, the industry, the type of business degree you earned, education level, and the amount of experience you have will play a large role in how much you will be paid as well.

Professional Organizations for Those with a Degree in Business Administration

You can gain valuable knowledge and sharpen your skills by joining an organization for businesspeople. These groups connect professionals from similar occupations through conferences, publications, online resources, and other valuable tools.

Joining a group can give you access to these benefits and help you network with others in your field.

You may be able to join a few different groups at a student rate. Trying out membership while you’re in school can give you a better idea of which groups you want to pay full-price for after graduation.

Certification and Licensure Following a Business Degree

To increase your competitive edge when looking for business jobs, you may want to look into industry certification. Pursuing extra credentials shows that you’re a committed learner who strives to better yourself and invest in your career.

The certification program you choose to pursue will depend on your area of specialty. For example, human resources professionals may want to consider one of the programs from HR Certification Institute (HRCI). If you’re in marketing, look into certification from the American Marketing Association.

Six Sigma is a program that can benefit business professionals from many disciplines. Through online and in-person classes, you can learn to improve your business through careful data analysis. Over time, you can progress through multiple levels of this certification program.

Ensuring You Get an Accredited Online Business Degree

It’s important to get your business degree from an accredited school. The U.S. has six organizations that can grant regional accreditation to colleges.

Accreditation indicates that schools behave in responsible ways and educate their students well. If you don’t choose a regionally accredited school, you can’t count on getting a good education. Fortunately, both traditional and online business schools can receive regional accreditation.

Business colleges are also eligible to apply for programmatic accreditation from industry organizations.

You may want to look for a school with this type of approval, so you’ll know that you’re gaining the skills that employers currently need.

Financial Aid for Online Business Degrees

Getting a college education is a valuable endeavor, but it comes at a price. You may need financial aid to help you afford the tuition.

Applying for federal assistance is usually the first step that students should take. To get started, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may qualify for grants or loans. Work-study may be another option.

In addition to applying with the federal government, you should see what’s available from your state. Although government funding is useful, it’s not always enough to make ends meet. You may need to turn to private sources for additional help.

You could borrow money through private loans; just keep in mind that the interest rate will probably be higher than with a government loan. Scholarships are another important source of funding. You could look into national scholarship programs or explore your local area for community groups that help with tuition.

As a business student, it’s smart to look into scholarship programs that are geared toward this field.

Many scholarship programs award funds to the students they feel are the most qualified. Some use financial need to determine who receives their awards.

FAQs

Here are our answers to a few more questions you might have.

Can You Earn a Business Degree Online?

Yes, you can earn a business degree online. Many universities offer business degrees through online courses. You can get a general business administration bachelor’s degree or pursue a specialty like finance, global business, project management, healthcare administration, entrepreneurship, or organizational leadership.

When looking for online business degree programs, be sure to select a school that holds regional accreditation.

Can You Get a Business Degree Online Fast?

Yes, you can get a business degree online fast. A traditional bachelor’s degree takes about four years to earn, but you can speed up the process by enrolling in a school with an accelerated schedule.

Through fast-track classes, you may be able to cut a year or more off of your studies. Transferring in college credits can further shorten the program length.

What Is the Best Online College for a Business Degree?

There are many good colleges that offer online degrees in business. Choosing the best one for you requires considering what specialty you want to study and then researching which schools offer that program.

Regional accreditation is a must, and you may also want to look for programmatic accreditation from AACSB or ACBSP.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Business Degree Online?

According to U.S. News, students pursuing online bachelor’s degrees spend, on average, anywhere from $38,496 to $60,593 on tuition. There may be technology fees and other additional costs as well.

Keep in mind that, compared to an on-campus degree, you may spend less since you won’t need to pay room and board fees.

What Is the Cheapest Online Business Degree?

Finding the college program that makes the smallest dent in your wallet can take some research. For some students, the best tuition rates will be found at in-state schools.

Other students may do better by getting a hefty scholarship for a particular institution. A college that lets you transfer in many previously earned credits can save you a good deal of money as well.

Is an Online Business Degree Worth It?

Yes, an online business degree is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in business and financial occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include fundraiser, training and development specialist, loan officer, accountant, and management analyst.

Getting a college degree takes time and effort, but it’s a smart way to start your business career off on the right foot. Many employers will regard your bachelor’s degree in business as a sign that you’re well-prepared to work for them. With your business education, you can be ready to hold positions of responsibility in offices, stores, banks, and many other establishments.

Jobs in business are expected to increase in number over the next several years, so now is the time to apply to online bachelor’s programs in business administration.

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