Students that graduate from college with a business degree have the basic knowledge and skills required for working in a variety of business careers. Obtaining an advanced business degree further prepares graduates for the tasks and challenges of starting a business, running an existing business, or in other areas where organizations benefit from the expertise of an employee that has a business degree.
Pursuing an online business degree program provides flexibility in completing required coursework, and the opportunity to complete the degree requirements that are identical to the courses offered in a typical classroom setting.
Top 5 Online Business Degree Programs
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Carolina University | Cullowhee, North Carolina |
| 2 | Georgia Southwestern State University | Americus, Georgia |
| 3 | University of Florida | Gainesville, Florida |
| 4 | California Coast University | Santa Ana, California |
| 5 | University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg, Kentucky |
Benefits of Pursuing an Online Business Degree Program
Please note that all listed programs are for a B.S. online business degree program, unless otherwise stated. Tuition is for the cost of attending each class, and does not pay for required fees, such as books, supplies, or registration fees.
The desire for employers to hire graduates of technology programs seemed to dominate the employment categories for several years. There is a recent shift away from the high demand for graduates of technology programs to graduates of business degree programs. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reveals that students with a business major are at the top of the list for in-demand majors. The results of the NACE Job Outlook 2018 Survey showed an even greater shift away from demand for technology majors. Eight of the top ten baccalaureate-level majors that are in demand by employers were in business categories.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that there is an expected job growth in business that is ‘faster than the average’ for all occupations. The median annual salary for individuals with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a business major is considerably higher than the average median annual wages for all occupations.
Students graduating with an online business degree have identical employment and career opportunities afforded to graduates of traditional on-campus programs. Students also benefit from the same salary expectations when compared to someone that completed a traditional program. Consider pursuing your degree at one of these top online business degree programs.
Best 15 Online Business Degree Programs
Western Carolina University
The B.S.B.A. in Business Administration and Law degree at Western Carolina University provides students with the foundation that helps students understand the relationship between business administration and law, and helps students gain essential knowledge related to legal theory and research, business policy, and strategy through synergistic teaching, research and other skills.
The school also offers a B.S.B.A. in Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship, as well as three online Master’s degrees. In-state students enjoy a lower tuition rate, compared to the undergraduate rate of $189.02 per credit hour for out-of-state distance learning program students. Students also have the opportunity to study abroad.
School Overview
Georgia Southwestern State University
The Georgia Southwestern State College of Business and Computing welcomes students that wish to pursue an online business degree program. The Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA) degree allows students to choose to major in accounting, marketing, management, or human resources.
Learn the comprehensive skills and knowledge required to become a business leader. Gain the skills to think critically and work independently, to interpret and evaluate data, and to participate in strategic planning. Learn how to grow business relationships, maintain a competitive edge over competitors, and the skills needed for training, recruitment, and resource planning, based on your choice of BBA major.
School Overview
University of Florida
The University of Florida features both an online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration or a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. So, what is the difference between the two degrees? The BS in Business Administration focuses solely on business disciplines. Students gain a strong foundation for working in business industries, with courses that range from introductory courses to business law, international business, marketing and more.
The Bachelor of Arts in Business degree focuses on establishing the knowledge necessary to gain a strong foundation in business principles, while also pairing that knowledge with skills from a specialized area of focus. Gain the additional flexibility of tailoring your business education to your individual goals. There are eight specializations, including Business and Economic Geography, Educational Studies, Mass Communication, Anthropology, Sports Management, and three other focus areas.
Students pursuing an online business degree enjoy a lower tuition rate than the on-campus tuition rate.
School Overview
California Coast University
California Coast University allows students to start their business education with either a business-related certificate or associate’s degree in business. Examples include an online undergraduate certificate in the Fundamentals of Finance or the Associate of Science in Business Administration degree. Many students forgo these programs and enroll in one of the several bachelor degrees programs. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, which focuses on essential components of business including business operations, management, and communication. California Coast University also offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing and a B.S. in Management. Some students go on to pursue a graduate degree in business, such as the Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), or the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership.
First responders, active duty service members or veterans of the U.S. Military, or corporate partner employees receive a 10 percent tuition discount.
School Overview
University of the Cumberlands
Earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management at the University of the Cumberlands, or your choice of two other bachelor-level programs. The school also offers three MBA degrees and two doctorate-level degrees in programs.
School Overview
University of Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin offers several online business degree program options through its branch locations. One program is the B.S. Marketing and Business Education offered at the University of Wisconsin –Stout. This program combines marketing and business education in one program that focuses on principles, philosophy, class/lab management, and classroom instruction as they relate to business education and marketing.
The school indicates that 100 percent of its business program graduates either obtain a job or continue their education.
School Overview
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers a variety of online master’s and certificate programs in business, including.
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Master of Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics (MSAEPA)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Certificate in Applied Economics
Certificate in Health Administration
Certificate in Policy Analysis
Certificate in Public Administration
These programs can be completed 100% online and at your own pace. In addition, each of our master’s programs are highly accredited. The MAcc, MBA, and MSAEPA degrees are accredited by AACSB International, which only approximately 5% of worldwide business programs have achieved. The MPA degree is accredited by NASPAA.
Aside from provide engaging and innovative learning environments for students, many of the programs provide North Dakota in-state tuition for online students regardless of residency status. Scholarship opportunities are also available for online students.
Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University – Jonesboro offers an online B.S. in Business Administration. Students in this online program will receive a broad overview of business practices from a quantitative approach. They will explore real-world business topics and develop essential foundational skills in marketing, economics, international business, management, finance, and accounting among other topics. Graduates will be prepared to enter such professional roles as Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, Business Operations Specialist, Insurance Management, Sales Manager, and Human Resources Manager among others.
School Overview
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa invites students that have a bachelor’s degree in business to pursue an online Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree. Complete your MBA in an online format while receiving the same high-quality education and personal attention as traditional students.
Although the school offers the online business degree program in a 100 percent online format, students have the option of engaging in a global experience to fulfill one of their elective requirements.
School Overview
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Education in three concentrations. Choose Business Education – Business Teacher Licensure, the Business Education – Training and Development program, or the Business Education – Corporate Communication degree program.
Consider a career as a public relations manager, a chief communications officer, media relations specialist or a labor relations specialist when you choose the Business Education – Corporate Education program. Some students continue their business education by completing an online master’s degree in business at Fort Hays State University.
School Overview
Southern Utah University
The Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business at Southern Utah University offers two online undergraduate business degree majors. Pursue your B.S. in Accounting degree and learn the skills to work in what the school calls a ‘virtually recession-proof career field.’ Southern Utah University offers a two-semester fast-track path for students pursuing the bachelor’s degree to complete a master’s in accountancy with just an additional 30 credit hours. This allows you to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) within just five years.
The school also offers an online B.S. in Business Management degree. Gain a solid foundation in the principles of statistics, finance, organizational behavior, and leadership. Prepare for a leadership position when you learn additional knowledge and skills, such as technology and supervisory skills. Southern Utah University also offers an online Master’s degree in accounting and in business administration.
The school recently reduced its tuition by 23 percent for undergraduate students.
School Overview
University of Massachusetts – Amherst
The University of Massachusetts – Amherst offers the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in a 100 percent online format. Students learn core business knowledge and skills, along with principles of socially responsible decision-making, perspectives on the global economy, and courses specific to their major.
The school also offers a B.S. degree with a major in Hospitality & Tourism Management, and master’s degrees in business.
School Overview
Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University provides students with the opportunity to continue their education and earn an MBA after completing their choice of four majors when pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) degree. One major, not offered at many schools offering a bachelor-level business program, is the B.S.B.A. in Global Supply Chain Management. Students in this online business degree program study the foundations of logistics and distribution, risk management, financial metrics, and strategies for managerial performance, along with other essential knowledge required for this industry.
The school also offers the B.S.B.A. in Management, B.S.B.A. in Marketing, or the B.S.B.A. in General Business. Click the ‘Business’ tab on the school’s website, and then the major on the left side of the page.
School Overview
Mississippi State University
The online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree at Mississippi State University presents students with the ability to earn their degree in an entirely online format. Students complete program requirements part-time, allowing them to continue working or taking care of other responsibilities. The school indicates that the BBA is the most popular, and the most flexible of all online programs offered at Mississippi State University. Students gain fundamental skills and knowledge required to work in business, along with organization, finance, insurance, and human resources.
The school also offers three master’s degree business programs.
School Overview
Methodology
We ranked each of the schools by assigning a unique score for tuition and program length. Where there was a tie, the school with the lowest tuition received the higher ranking. For even more schools, visit our online MBA program page.
We do our best to be honest, fair and accurate in our representation of each school. We gather information directly from the website of each school, and not from third-party sites.
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