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
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 studiesIncorporates elements of both business management and business administration |
| Degree Designation |
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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.
