Online Business Degrees

An online business administration degree program can open the door to many opportunities. Many college students hold full-time jobs, are raising a family, or are adult learners going back to school for a career change, and the student population has become increasingly diverse over the last few decades.

For non-traditional students, the opportunity to earn online business degrees through top-tier colleges can be the perfect option to fit school into their busy lives.

Do you want to work in a fast-paced corporate setting? Do you have a knack for numbers and enjoy the challenge of leadership? If so, then working towards a Bachelor of Business Administration online can be a great option to build a diverse career out of your innate skill set.

Online Business Administration Degrees

As with most careers, earning a higher-level degree tends to equal more career opportunities and greater salary ranges.

When pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in business administration, you will be able to focus on a concentration specific to your career goals. Additionally, you will gain a more in-depth view of the field of business and have the opportunity to delve deeper into understanding how a successful company is run.

A business administration degree graduate will have the opportunity to apply for various positions within a business, including operations manager, management analyst, administrative supervisor, human resource manager, and more.

As a business administration major, you may be expected to take classes in multiple subjects to give you a solid understanding of the business world, such as:

• Principles of Management
• Economics
• Business Laws
• Business Analytics
• Business Ethics

These courses will set you up with the foundational skills you need to work in business. You may also opt to work for a large corporation, a small business, a hospital administrative office, or a school office, or perhaps you want to start your own business if you have an entrepreneurial drive.

Choosing to work toward a bachelors degree in business administration online gives you an edge in the competitive world of business. Not only will you obtain specialized knowledge, but you will also develop the critical thinking and leadership skills necessary to rise to the top of the corporate world.

Common Online Business Administration Degree Concentrations

There are many subfields within the larger framework of business administration. As you study for your bachelors in business administration online degree, you may spend extra time learning about one particular area.

Common business degree concentrations include:

• Accounting: This concentration will teach you to keep accurate financial records, file reports and prepare taxes, and it would get you one step closer to earning your certified public accountant (CPA) credential.
• Analytics: Since so many organizations rely on data acquisition and analysis these days, you might want to focus your studies on techniques for big data.
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business: If your goal is to join a startup or run a business of your own, then you may appreciate learning how to develop a business plan and set up an online store.
• Financial Planning: As you study the principles of finance, you can learn to help individuals or organizations invest wisely and work toward their financial goals.
• Healthcare: Your school may offer a concentration track in which you’ll study medical terminology, health insurance, and electronic records to prepare for a career in health services administration.
• Human Resources (HR): HR is a key department in a wide variety of organizations, so studying talent acquisition, benefits packages, and conflict resolution could help you launch a successful career.
• Marketing: The goal of marketing is to learn how to connect consumers to the products and services that they want, so you may study advertising, customer behavior, trend analytics, and sales.
• Nonprofit and Public Administration: This concentration will teach you to apply your business skills in alternative settings, such as community organizations, public schools, and government agencies.
• Project Management: You can learn how to oversee each step of a business project, from the brainstorming phase to the final evaluation, and also coordinate the budgets and people involved.
• Supply Chains: For a specialization in supply chain and logistics, you’ll study warehousing, global markets, shipping, and software.

Other possible concentrations might include sports management, sales, global business, information technology and digital management.

Business Administration Careers & Salaries

When it comes to jobs, there are countless career paths you can choose to put your business administration online bachelors degree to work. From owning a small business to accounting or human resource management, there are several ways that you can customize your business administration degree to meet your future goals.

To give you an idea of some of the options open to you, we put together a list of some common business administration careers and salaries according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

From the career and salary information above, you can see that those educated in the field of business administration hold vital roles within the structure of a business, and their pay reflects this.

As you continue your journey into business administration, you may make less or more than the average depending upon your specific career path and skill set. The business world is always changing, and this can be a positive factor for those in business administration. Regardless, the long-term business administration career outlook and salary information appear bright for those entering the business world.

For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the career of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is expected to grow by 9% over the next decade.

Check out our comprehensive list of the top 40 business careers to compare jobs and salaries in this field.

Business Administration Bachelor’s Curriculum & Courses

Online bachelor in business administration programs often features a core set of business classes that students in each concentration must take. They survey the many aspects of business administration and leadership.

• Accounting: During your business program you’re likely to look at the fundamentals of accounting practice and dive into the specifics of management accounting.
• Business in a Global World: For success in today’s business climate, you’ll need to know about cross-cultural relationships, trade agreements and worldwide logistics.
• Business Operations: This course will look at essential components to keeping a business running, such as facilities management and inventory control.
• Human Resources Concepts: In an HR class, you will study hiring, employee training, benefits administration, union negotiations, conflict resolution and staff evaluation.
• Introduction to Finance: You’ll study money matters because financial management is important to an organization’s success, and financial analysis can guide decision-making.
• Law and Ethics for Business: This course will teach you about regulations that govern business practices, and it will prepare you to make ethical decisions too.
• Marketing Principles: You will learn how to conduct market research and use the findings when making decisions about product development, pricing or advertising.
• Professional Practices: You will learn how to conduct yourself in a business environment as you study topics like communication, leadership and decision-making.
• Statistics for Business: The curriculum may include a class that teaches you how to conduct quantitative analysis of business data.
• Workplace Technology: This class will introduce you to computer applications and other types of technology used in today’s business environments.

Many of these courses will focus on the fundamentals of a particular aspect of business. In your concentration classes, you’ll probably go more in-depth.

How to Know if an Online Business Degree is Right for Me

If you’re wondering if an online degree program is right for me?  It may be a good idea to consider the benefits of an online bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Some of the top reasons students choose to pursue an online degree include:

• Ability to log in anytime and anywhere
• Technologically enhanced courses
• Option to move at a faster pace
• Career Advancement
• Ability to continue working full-time

In addition, sometimes an online degree can also cost less as you eliminate the need for travel, food, and board expenses. If you are looking to continue your education but flexibility is important, this may be a good choice for you.

How to Choose a Bachelors Degree in Business Online Program

Once you have determined that the field of business administration is something you want to pursue, it is then time to pick a college that can best suit your needs.

• Accreditation: An accredited university is one that has voluntarily gone through the process of having its academic quality and financial resources formally reviewed. When you enroll at an accredited university, you have a much higher chance of knowing that you are working towards a degree that will have a positive reputation once you get into the workforce.
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Having an appropriate student-to-faculty ratio becomes even more essential in online degree programs to stay on track with your studies. When college professors are responsible for large class sizes, it is much more difficult for them to give you the individualized support you need in order to succeed.
• Academic Advising and Student Services: Take time to look at the advising and student services they offer to online students. These student services set the top colleges apart from the crowd and may include internship opportunities, one-on-one mentoring programs, and more.
• Cost: The cost of each program is also an important factor. Compare various programs to see which one fits your budget.
• Previous Experience and Coursework: Be sure to check with each school you are considering to ensure they accept previous experience or your current portfolio with your application. Also, compare the various programs’ coursework to ensure the coursework fits with your desired career goals.

When it comes to accredited universities offering online degree programs, there are many options. However, by looking at the following factors closely, you can ensure you will be getting the best education possible.

Admissions Requirements

As you browse for business administration bachelor degree online programs, pay attention to the admissions requirements. That could help you figure out which programs might be right for you.

Business administration colleges might ask for:

• ACT or SAT scores (if required)
• Example of your writing abilities, such as an essay
• Recommendations from teachers or work supervisors
• Transcripts from high school

At some colleges, you may also be asked to sit for an interview with a member of the admissions team.

Ongoing Education

A college education takes time, and online degrees are no different. Earning an online associate’s degree in business administration can be a great option to get your feet wet in the world of business.

There are many career paths that can be enhanced with knowledge of business administration, including working in accounts receivable, real estate, and insurance. When working towards your online master’s degree in business administration (MBA), you will find that your online degree program focuses on the management and leadership skills needed to succeed in business.

If you envision yourself at the top of a Fortune 500 company or teaching business courses at a reputable university, then taking your education to the next level and earning an online doctorate degree in business administration could be a valid strategic move.

Accreditation

Accreditation is an essential aspect of a reputable degree program. By going through the accreditation process, universities, and colleges are ensuring that their students are receiving a quality education that will benefit them throughout their future careers.

Additionally, if you plan on furthering your business administration education with a graduate-level biology degree, many schools will only accept credits completed from accredited colleges. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes several accrediting agencies, and it is useful to have a general understanding of which agencies are recognized for your region and degree program.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

You may qualify for government assistance to help you pay for an online Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Loans are one common form of student aid. The federal government issues student loans and states often provide them as well. Grants are another type of assistance, but the income requirements are usually stricter.

Many colleges extend scholarships to promising students. That’s called institutional aid. There are other scholarship programs too. You might be able to secure funds from national organizations or groups in your community. Tuition assistance is sometimes a workplace benefit. Your employer might chip in a few hundred dollars or pay for the bulk of your schooling.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will help you get started with securing college funds.

Is Business Administration a Good Major?

Yes, business administration is a good major for many undergraduate students. Business skills are beneficial in many different industries, so this degree program could help you break into the field of your choice.

Many business professionals work full-time hours on a regular schedule. Indoor office jobs are common. For those who want predictability in their work lives, a business career could offer it. There’s room for professional growth.

Management positions are essential, so dedicated employees often climb the corporate ladder toward greater responsibility and higher pay. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that many managers earn six-figure salaries.

What Can You Do With a Business Administration Degree?

Business administration students often work in large corporations, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and even government agencies. They may have skills that are suitable for a variety of departments.

Examples include being a human resources specialist, a marketing associate, an accountant, a buyer, or a budget analyst. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, entry-level wages for HR specialists are around $37,680 per year.

When paired with experience, a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for many management roles. There could be positions available for financial, sales, HR, marketing, advertising, and information technology managers, among others.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Bachelors in Business Administration Degree?

Enroll in a college with 16-week semesters, the traditional approach to higher education, and you should finish your bachelor’s degree in about four years. That’s if you’re a full-time student, of course.

Go to school online, though, and you may be able to finish more quickly. Online colleges often hold classes year-round so that you can keep taking one course after another. Also, the classes are usually offered at an accelerated pace so that each one takes only about eight weeks to finish.

What’s the Difference Between an Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration vs. Business Management?

If you want to launch a business career, you could get your degree in administration or management. While they sound similar, each discipline has a different focus.

Both degrees will require core business classes.

What’s the Difference Between a BA vs. BS in Business Administration?

For your bachelors degree in business administration online, you could go for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS).

Overall, the two programs are usually pretty similar, and either one would serve as solid workforce preparation.

Is a Degree in Business Administration Worth It?

Yes, a degree in business administration is worth it for many students. When you study business, you’ll gain a set of skills that will be useful in many different workplaces. Your business degree may open a variety of doors for you.

Business skills are in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 7% growth rate for business and financial jobs over the next 10 years. Getting a bachelor’s degree in business might prepare you to become a leader in your workplace. Management positions are expected to grow by 8% over the next decade.

Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Business Administration Degree Programs

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

Arizona State University offers a BA in Business with a concentration in Business Administration. The program is entirely online. The program consists of 41 courses for a total of 120 credit hours. Each class is 7.5 weeks long, and there are six start dates offered each year. A capstone project must be completed as well.

ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Ball State University as having one of the best online programs for a bachelor’s degree in business. Ball State offers a BS in Business Administration that can be earned fully online. Courses follow a regular semester schedule and are offered in the fall, spring, and summer. The program requires the completion of 75 credits in the major.

Ball State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

California State University—East Bay offers a BS in Business Administration that can be earned fully online. This is a degree completion program, so applicants need some general education credits before starting. Courses follow a regular semester schedule and are offered in the fall, spring, and summer. They are conducted in an asynchronous format.

Cal State East Bay is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

DeVry University offers a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. The program is available 100% online or in a hybrid format. It offers several specializations, including Hospitality Management and Accounting, and can potentially be completed in 32 months when attended year-round with full-time enrollment. There are start dates every eight weeks, and classes are 8 weeks long.

DeVry University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Drexel University offers a BS in Business Administration. The program can be completed entirely online, but some classes may be taken on campus. Courses are offered four times per year, and each session is 10 weeks long. The program requires the completion of 120 credits, and up to 80 qualifying credits may be transferred in.

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

Florida Atlantic offers a fully online program for a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. The program offers several concentrations, including Business Economics and Accounting. Courses are conducted in an asynchronous format. They follow a semester schedule and are offered in the fall, spring, and summer.

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

U.S. News & World Report ranked Indiana University as having one of the best online programs for a bachelor’s degree in business. The school offers a BS in Business Administration that can be completed fully online. The program requires the completion of at least 120 credits. Most courses are conducted in an asynchronous format.

Indiana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Liberty University offers a BS in Business Administration that can be completed 100% online. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours, and it accepts up to 75% of the credits to be transferred in. The program can potentially be completed in 3.5 years. Courses are 8 weeks long, and there are multiple start dates offered each year.

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

Louisiana State University offers a BS in Business Administration that can be completed entirely online. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours. Students may be able to earn credits for prior learning. Most courses are conducted in an asynchronous format. Courses follow a regular semester schedule and start in the fall, spring, and summer.

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

Maryville University offers a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. All coursework is online. Those with qualifying transfer credits can potentially complete the program in just 2 years. Courses start in the fall, spring, and summer. The program offers a variety of emphasis areas, including financial services and marketing.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Old Dominion University offers a program for a BS in Business Administration. This program can be taken for degree completion or for the full degree. It is conducted fully online with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours. Concentrations offered include Real Estate, Business Analytics, and Finance. Courses follow a regular semester schedule.

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

U.S. News & World Report ranked Oregon State University the fifth-best school in the country for an online degree in business administration. The program is available fully online and requires the completion of 180 quarter credits. There are four start dates per year, and each course is 11 weeks long. The program offers several specialization options, including Family Business and Marketing.

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

Purdue University offers a BS in Business Administration through its Global learning program. The program is fully online and requires the completion of 180 credit hours. Courses are 10 weeks long. The program can potentially be completed in 4 years. Students in the program may also be able to begin earning credits toward a master’s degree.

Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

San Diego State University’s Global Campus offers a BS in Business Administration. The program is fully online, and all courses are conducted in an asynchronous format. The program is a degree completion program, so applicants need some qualifying transfer credits. Courses are offered in two blocks per semester.

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

Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor’s in Business Administration that can be completed fully online. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours, and up to 90 qualifying credits may be transferred in from outside institutions. Courses are 8 weeks long, and there are six start dates offered each year. The program offers several concentrations, including Organizational Leadership and Sport Management.

SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.

Strayer University offers a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. The program is fully online, with virtual meetings once per week. Courses are 11 weeks long and are offered in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. The program requires the completion of 180 credit hours. It offers several concentrations, including Entrepreneurship and Project Management.

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

U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Alaska—Fairbanks among the best schools in the country for online bachelor’s degree programs. UAF offers a Bachelor’s in Business Administration that can be completed fully online or in a hybrid format. All students pay in-state tuition, regardless of residency. Courses follow a regular semester schedule.

UAF is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

U.S. News & World Report named the University of Arizona the eighth-best school in the nation for online bachelor’s degree programs in business. The school offers a BS in Business Administration that can be earned fully online. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours. Courses are 7.5 weeks long, and there are six start dates offered each year.

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

The University of Arkansas offers a BS in Business Administration. The program is available entirely online. Students must complete 120 credit hours to graduate and may be able to transfer credits in from outside institutions. Courses in the fall and spring are 15 weeks long, and summer courses are 5 weeks long. There are four start dates offered throughout the year.

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

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Connected Campus offers a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. The program requires 124 credit hours for completion. Students may be able to earn credit for life and work experience. Courses are either 8 weeks long or follow a semester schedule. Most courses are conducted in an asynchronous format.

The University of Central Oklahoma is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Colorado offers an online program for a BS in Business Administration through its Denver campus.

The program is fully online, and most courses are asynchronous. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours, and up to 90 qualifying credits may be transferred in from outside institutions. Students in the program may specialize in Accounting, Management, Marketing, or Risk Management and Insurance.

The University of Colorado – Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

U.S. News & World Report named the University of Florida as one of the best schools in the country for online bachelor’s degree programs in business. UF offers a BA and a BS in Business Administration that can be earned fully online. Most courses are conducted in an asynchronous format, and they follow a semester schedule. The program offers several optional specializations, including Event Management and Mass Communication.

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

The University of Louisville offers a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. The program can be completed without any campus visits. Courses follow a regular semester schedule, are offered in the fall, spring, and summer, and are completed asynchronously. The program can typically be completed in 4 years.

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

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a BS in Business Administration. The program requires the completion of 120 credits, and all courses may be completed online. Courses are offered in 4 week sessions with eight start dates per year and conducted in an asynchronous format.

UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Massachusetts—Lowell as one of the best schools in the country for an online bachelor’s degree program in business. UMass Lowell offers a BS in Business Administration that can be completed fully online or in a hybrid format. Courses are 8 weeks long.

The University of Massachusetts – Lowell is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

The University of South Carolina offers a BS in Business Administration. The program is available fully online. This is a degree completion program, so applicants need at least 45 credit hours in general education courses. The program can potentially be completed in 2.5 years. Courses are conducted in a regular semester format.

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

The University of Texas—El Paso offers a Bachelor’s in Business Administration online through its Extended University. The program can be completed fully online. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours. Courses follow a regular semester schedule and are offered in the fall, spring, and summer.

The University of Texas at El Paso is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of West Alabama offers a Bachelor’s in Business Administration that can be earned entirely online. The program offers emphases in International Business, Non-Profit Administration, and Entrepreneurship. The program requires the completion of 123 credit hours, which can potentially be finished in 3 years. Classes are 8 weeks long and offer several start dates each year.

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

Walden University offers a BS in Business Administration that can be earned fully online. The program can be completed through asynchronous courses with due dates or through self-paced work. It can typically be finished in 4 years. Courses are conducted in an accelerated format with several start dates offered each year. The program requires the completion of a capstone project to graduate.

Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Western Governors University offers a BS in Business Administration. The program offers several concentrations, including IT Management, Marketing, and Accounting. The programs are fully online and competency based. They can potentially be completed in 42 months. To graduate, 40 classes must be completed for a total of 120 credit hours.

Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Getting Your Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Online

Earning your online business administration degree is an exciting opportunity to jump headfirst into the fast-paced world of business.

Whether you dream of supporting your family with a small business, or you have a passion for the corporate world, there are countless options available to customize a career path to your future goals.

With a strong career outlook and the flexibility of online degree programs, there is no better time than now to take the first step toward your business administration degree by researching accredited colleges and online programs.