Top Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs of 2024

Earning a business administration degree online can help you qualify for a variety of business careers. For example, graduates can pursue jobs in the business and finance sector, which is on the rise.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects overall employment in business and finance to grow faster than all occupations from 2022-2032. The median annual wage for the sector was $76,850 in May 2022, much higher than the median annual wage for all occupations, $46,310. Financial analysts, personal finance advisors, and management analysts earned over $90,000.

Most business and finance roles require at least a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s in business administration degree can be a flexible and effective way to gain vital business skills and credentials.

You can qualify for entry-level roles and study areas that interest you. Many online business administration degree programs offer different concentrations such as business, human resources (HR), sports, and healthcare management.

The following schools are among the nation’s best online business administration degree programs.

There are several factors to consider when choosing an online business administration degree. First, make sure the program comes from an accredited institution.

Institutional accreditation verifies that a school meets standards of academic excellence. Next, check that the program offers concentrations or coursework that match your career goals.

Also, make sure the learning format — synchronous or asynchronous — works for your schedule. Schools typically offer a variety of concentrations and enrollment options for online business administration degrees. You can learn more about common considerations for distance learners at the links below.

Students who earn online bachelor of business administration (BBA) degrees can find jobs in fields like marketing, accounting, and finance. Bachelor-level business administration degrees qualify graduates for entry-level jobs. Graduates interested in executive positions may need MBAs.

Online business degrees help students build business knowledge and skills. According to a 2020 Business Insider report, employers rank marketing, sales, and business analytics among the most desirable job skills. Business administration program enrollees develop expertise in these areas.

Each school’s curriculum varies. Many business administration degrees include core coursework in accounting, marketing, and communication. Some programs offer concentrations in subfields like entrepreneurship, HR management, and international business.

The following lists explore common courses and specializations for students earning a business degree online.

Entrepreneurship concentrations emphasize small business leadership, HR management, and financial accounting. They prepare students to build their own enterprises. Programs also explore creativity and innovation, venture capital, multicultural markets, and product planning. Many entrepreneurship concentrations require a practicum, which typically includes writing a business plan.

Information systems concentrations help students develop strong business and IT management skills. Courses often cover application development, software quality, database systems, technological collaboration, and electronic commerce. Students also build soft skills like teamwork, interpersonal relations, and project management.

This concentration prepares students for accounting jobs. Courses explore advanced statistics, micro- and macroeconomics, and calculus. Learners study taxation, auditing, and cost management. Advanced roles in this field, including certified public accountant jobs, may require licensure.

HR management concentrations usually begin with core coursework in business communications, managerial accounting, and contemporary management practices. Advanced coursework covers employment relations; social, regulatory, and ethical issues in business; negotiation and conflict management; and leadership and organizational behavior.

This concentration is ideal for students interested in financial management or investment analysis. Many programs have prerequisites in financial management. Coursework typically covers corporate finance, investment analysis, tax and regulatory environments, collection and disbursement, and fundraising. Graduates can pursue certified financial planner credentials.

Concentrations in supply chain management are popular because of the globalization of business markets and practices. These programs focus on project management, supply chain analytics, and logistics management. Classes emphasize global sourcing and innovation, international aviation, and managerial economics.

A marketing concentration can lead to positions in advertising, public relations, sales, or social media. Marketing bachelor’s programs develop basic business skills in economics, statistics, and communications. They also explore modern consumer behaviors, brand management, market research, and advertising strategies.

International business concentrations are more common with the rise of a global, internet-driven economy. Specializations in this field build on core business concepts in leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork through a global framework. Classes explore international business finance, global ethical leadership, international trade and policy, and international supply chain management.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition and fees for an online bachelor’s degree in business is $10,475. But costs can vary.

Factors like school prestige, public or private institution status, and student state residency can impact cost per credit. Some distance education programs charge lower tuition for online programs, which can make earning a business degree more affordable.

While on-campus enrollees must budget for expenses like relocation and commuting, online students can usually avoid these costs. However, distance learners should account for the price of internet access as well as required hardware and software.

You can pursue multiple financial aid options to finance a degree, including grants, scholarships, fellowships, and loans. We explore these terms below.

Online business degrees are versatile, preparing graduates for careers in fields like finance, accounting, sales, and analytics. These jobs are available across industries, including real estate, insurance, and public relations.

Below, we highlight some of the most popular careers for business graduates.