Best Online Business Management Degrees
A bachelor’s degree in business management gives you the problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in managerial business roles.
These programs examine topics like business ethics and law, accounting, economics, marketing, and leadership. You gain technical business skills while learning to think critically about complex business issues. You also gain leadership, communication, and strategic problem-solving skills.
With a business management degree, you can pursue a career as an entrepreneur, project manager, sales representative, and marketing specialist. Keep reading to discover the best online schools for business management degree programs and the career paths you can pursue with one.
10 Best Schools for Online Business Management Degree Programs
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $330
Out-of-State | $330
Credits to Graduate: 120
SNHU's online BS in business administration features 14 concentration options, including entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, and public administration. You can work through the ACBSP-accredited program with full-time or part-time studies and graduate in as few as five semesters with transfer credits.Â
Your online classes run asynchronously through eight-week terms, and you can start during any of the six annual start dates. SNHU does not require campus visits, and the school charges the same tuition rate no matter where you live. Â
- In-State$15,000
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-State$18,900
- Out-of-state$18,900
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled145,533
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses
- Fort Wayne, IN
- 4 year
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $299
Out-of-State | $299
Credits to Graduate: 120
Trine's online BS in business administration with a major in management emphasizes leadership and core business competencies. Credits earned in this ACBSP-accredited program can count toward a master's in business or an MBA. You can also pursue certificates in project management and digital advertising during your studies.Â
Trine's online classes run asynchronously in eight-week sessions and feature no campus requirements. The school also offers free textbooks in over 200 classes. Â
- In-State$9,576
- Out-of-state$9,576
- In-State$10,350
- Out-of-state$10,350
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled1,367
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
- Portales, NM
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $2,097
Out-of-State | $3,087
Credits to Graduate: 120
ENMU's online BBA in management prepares you to pursue organizational leadership careers through courses in training and development, organizational change, and management and society. You also complete a diversity or global course requirement to expand your perspective.Â
The online ACBSP-accredited program combines asynchronous and synchronous delivery modes. As a full-time student, you can pay a flat-rate tuition for 12-18 credits.Â
- In-State$4,194
- Out-of-state$6,174
- In-State$5,454
- Out-of-state$7,227
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate28%
- Students Enrolled5,085
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
University of Kentucky
- Lexington, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $611
Out-of-State | $611
Credits to Graduate: 60 (120 total)
As a student of UK's online BA and BS in general business, you can complete your bachelor's degree entirely online and with a flexible study schedule. While the AACSB-accredited program takes a broad approach to the core business disciplines, it also focuses on small business employment.
At UK, you enjoy zero campus requirements and primarily asynchronous courses. You also pay the same tuition rate as all online students, regardless of where you live. You need 60 undergraduate credits and a minimum 2.8 GPA for admission into this program.Â
- In-State$11,496
- Out-of-state$30,913
- In-State$12,583
- Out-of-state$32,896
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled31,549
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Oklahoma State University
- Stillwater, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $432
Out-of-State | $950
Credits to Graduate: 120
OSU's online BS in business administration with a major in management features courses in strategic management, human resources management, and managing behaviors and organizations. The AACSB-accredited program also includes career planning and professional development requirements.Â
Your online courses at OSU run asynchronously in a 16-week format, with no residency or in-person requirements. The university offers block tuition when you take between 12-18 credits per semester, allowing you to save money if you take on a heavier course load. Â
- In-State$5,417
- Out-of-state$20,937
- In-State$4,208
- Out-of-state$15,836
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled25,390
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Kennesaw State University
- Kennesaw, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $185
Out-of-State | $185
Credits to Graduate: 120
As one of over 15 online bachelor's degrees available, KSU's online BBA in management features three specializations: human resource management, venture management, and operations and supply chain management.Â
Your online program at KSU runs asynchronously, features three start dates, and allows you to choose your pace of enrollment. You also get hands-on and interactive opportunities. KSU offers the same tuition rate to all online learners regardless of where they live and study.Â
- In-State$4,450
- Out-of-state$15,704
- In-State$5,238
- Out-of-state$19,188
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled42,899
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Indian River State College
- Fort Pierce, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $117
Out-of-State | $400
Credits to Graduate: 120
IRSC's online BS in business administration is one of 20 bachelor's programs offered by the school and one of the few available online. The 120-credit program can be completed entirely from a distance, with courses in strategic planning and strategies and technology for entrepreneurship.Â
As an online student, you enjoy flexible and interactive online classes. You also have access to the IRSC libraries and free online tutoring. Note that IRSC charges an additional technology fee for online students.Â
- In-State$2,496
- Out-of-state$9,360
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention RateNot provided
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled14,461
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Columbia International University
- Columbia, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $600
Out-of-State | $600
Credits to Graduate: 120
CIU's online BS in business administration can prepare you to pursue leadership positions in many types of organizations and industries. Along with courses in business ethics and global issues in management, you'll complete a biblical studies core, business case study, and a business portfolio.Â
Your online classes start three times each year and run asynchronously to provide more scheduling flexibility. You can study part time or full time and complete your entire program online in less than four years.Â
- In-State$24,490
- Out-of-state$24,490
- In-State$10,710
- Out-of-state$10,710
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled2,478
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arkansas
- Fayetteville, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $256
Out-of-State | $890
Credits to Graduate: 120
U of A's online BS in business administration in general management covers the core disciplines, including marketing, finance, and business information systems. Along with general management studies, you can pursue a foreign language concentration or a double major if you complete 138 credits.Â
In the AACSB-accredited program, your online classes run in flexible 15-week sessions. In the summer, you take classes in two five-week sessions. You also enjoy access to in-state tuition rates no matter where you live.Â
- In-State$7,666
- Out-of-state$25,420
- In-State$7,875
- Out-of-state$21,420
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled30,966
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $325
Out-of-State | $325
Credits to Graduate: 120
As one of over 150 online programs, LSU's online BS in business administration covers topics in multinational management, business policy, and money and banking. The ACBSP-accredited program also includes cost and tax accounting requirements.Â
At LSU Online, your courses run asynchronously with no campus requirements, and you can choose from six annual start dates. Even if you don't live in Louisiana, you pay no out-of-state fees with LSU Online.
- In-State$8,047
- Out-of-state$24,731
- In-State$9,132
- Out-of-state$9,132
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled37,314
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
What to Know About Online Business Management Degree Programs
Many entry-level positions in business require at least a bachelor’s degree in business or a closely related field. Online business management degree programs typically require around 120 credits and take four years of full-time study. However, some schools offer accelerated business degrees that allow you to graduate in less time.
The flexibility of an online business management degree allows you to balance your studies with personal and professional obligations. Additionally, many online programs offer the same tuition rates regardless of where you live, which expands access to business schools that may have previously felt out of reach.
Some online business management programs offer concentrations that allow you to tailor the degree to your interests and career goals. Common concentrations include finance, marketing, accounting, supply chain and logistics management, human resource management, and hospitality management.
Should You Get a Management, Administration, or General Business Degree?
Many schools offer degree programs in business administration, business management, and general business. While these programs tend to cover similar topics, they differ in their academic focus. The table below summarizes some of the key similarities and differences of each program type:
| Key Factor | Bachelor’s in Business Management | Bachelor’s in Business Administration | Bachelor’s in Business (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Requirements | About 120 | About 120 | About 120 |
| Time Required | Four years | Four years | Four years |
| Academic Focus | Trains you in organizational leadership and big-picture elements that influence business success | Equips you with skills for managing the finer points of internal operations in areas like human resources, supply chain management, financing, and marketing | Takes a broad, survey-style approach to business studies Incorporates elements of both business management and business administration |
| Degree Designation |
|
|
|
Degrees in general business, business management, and business administration share many similarities. Each program explores business strategy, organizational decision-making, and operational management. Courses cover subjects like accounting, economics, finance, and marketing.
The differences are subtle but important, as each business degree provides targeted training for different career paths. Business management maintains a stronger leadership focus, concentrating more on principles of organizational success.
Meanwhile, business administration degrees take a detail-oriented approach, teaching best practices for optimizing internal operations and available resources. General business programs build a versatile foundation that translates well to future degree upgrades and on-the-job training. If you are unsure of which specialization to study, a general degree may suit you best.
What Jobs Can I Get With a Business Management Degree?
With a business management bachelor’s degree, you can find diverse roles in marketing, advertising, finance, and sales. The following list outlines several common business careers and their potential salaries.
| Career | 2024 Median Salary | Projected Growth Rate 2023-33 |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Services Managers | $106,880 | 6% |
| Marketing Managers | $161,030 | 8% |
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | $126,960 | -3% |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $140,360 | 2% |
| Financial Managers | $161,700 | 17% |
| Human Resources Managers | $140,030 | 6% |
| Human Resources Specialists | $72,910 | 8% |
| Management Analysts | $101,190 | 11% |
| Public Relations Managers | $132,870 | 7% |
| Sales Managers | $138,060 | 6% |
Is Business Management a Good Major?
If you’re thinking about a career in business, majoring in business management can be a smart move. Most jobs in the field require at least a bachelor’s degree, and there’s strong demand for business professionals. The BLS projects 963,500 annual job openings in business occupations from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Starting salaries are encouraging too. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), business majors from the class of 2023 earned an average salary of $63,500 right out of school, which is just shy of the 2024 national average wage for all occupations ($67,920). Additionally, nearly 90% of graduates reported positive career outcomes, which helps demonstrate just how strong the job market is for business management degrees.
As you gain experience, your earning potential typically increases. With some experience under your belt, you can work your way up to roles that pay closer to the average annual wage for all business occupations, around $93,000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Business Management Degree Programs
Business management degrees have several variations, including bachelor of science in business management (BSBM) and bachelor of business administration (BBA). Some programs confer bachelor of science in business administration (BSBA) degrees, while others offer BA or BS degrees in general business.
Usually, BS programs focus more heavily on math and science concepts, while BA degrees include a broader curriculum and develop soft skills like communication and leadership.
A bachelor’s degree in business management examines foundational business topics like financial management, economics, and marketing. The degree trains you to use critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills to make strategic business decisions.
Most online business management degree programs take four years of full-time study to complete. If you have transfer credits from another accredited institution, you can shorten the degree timeline considerably. If you enroll on a part-time basis, you can expect spend another year or two in addition to the initial four years.
