Graduates of online business programs often become personal financial advisors, management analysts, and logisticians. Some jobs in the field require work experience or an advanced degree.
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Individuals in the business and financial field can pursue careers as accountants, compensation analysts, and financial examiners. These professionals use their business expertise to help clients manage their finances. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for business and financial occupations to increase 5% from 2019-2029.
Salaries for business professionals vary by degree, experience, employer, and geographic location. The median annual pay for these workers ranges from $50,600-$87,850, according to the BLS data. These salaries meet or exceed the average cost of living in most areas in the United States.
Many students pursue online business degrees to access lower tuition rates and flexible scheduling options. Distance learners often work full time or part time while earning their degree. Application requirements vary by school, but most bachelor’s programs require candidates to provide high school transcripts or GED scores. Applicants may also need to interview with an admissions counselor. New online learners typically complete an orientation to get familiar with distance learning best practices.
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL |
2 | University of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA |
3 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD |
4 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL |
5 | Louisiana Tech University | Ruston, LA |
6 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD |
7 | University of Houston | Houston, TX |
8 | Lehigh University | Bethlehem, PA |
9 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ |
10 | The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, TX |
Graduates of online business programs often become personal financial advisors, management analysts, and logisticians. Some jobs in the field require work experience or an advanced degree.
One of the most useful degrees in business, a bachelor’s in business administration qualifies holders for various positions. Students earning this degree often pursue one or more concentrations to prepare for specific careers.
Schools may offer a BA in business, a BS in business, or both. BA programs typically emphasize transferable skills, while BS programs help learners hone technical skills through additional mathematics and science courses.
Starting a business does not require a college degree. However, online business programs allow students to explore the field and determine whether entrepreneurship meets their career aspirations.
See our rankings methodology page.
Tallahassee, FL
$$$$$
Located in Tallahassee, FSU offers an online master of business administration. Students may complete the program part time, with no residency requirements. Most students complete the degree in just seven semesters.
Business core courses include the legal and ethical environment of business, information and technology management, and marketing strategy in the global environment. Students may choose from five specialization tracks to align more closely with career goals, including business analytics, management information systems, marketing, real estate, or risk management and insurance. Students choose electives based on their chosen emphasis.
Admission to the MBA program requires GMAT or GRE scores. Students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 and a 3.2 GPA in FSU upper-division business courses, or more than eight years of management work experience, may apply for a waiver.
FSU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school boasts programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Charlottesville, VA
$$$$$
Based in Charlottesville, UVA offers an online master of science in business analytics. Students learn to use data to build business strategies and inform decision-making.
The 12-month program combines mid-week online classes, self-paced learning, and nine weekend residencies at UVA's Arlington and D.C. campuses. Students take courses arranged in five modules, including enterprise analytics, descriptive analytics, and a corporate analytics capstone. The modules contain a deep-dive course series to provide students with the skills businesses need.
Applicants need at least two years of professional experience and must show strong analytical skills through a combination of cumulative undergraduate GPA and GMAT or GRE scores.
UVA is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school boasts programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
College Park, MD
$$$$$
Located in College Park, UMD offers an online master of business administration. The program prepares students for data-driven leadership positions. Students may choose from five specializations, including accounting, finance, marketing, supply chain management, or information systems and business analytics.
The 54-credit program requires two residencies — one orientation at the beginning of the degree and a capstone experience at the end. Core courses include corporate finance, the global economic environment, and executive powers and negotiation. The final capstone residency includes a business simulation, allowing students to apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills to a business model to demonstrate skills mastery.
The school strongly recommends at least two years of professional work experience before applying to the program. All applicants must take the GMAT or GRE regardless of work experience or cumulative GPA.
UMD is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The school boasts programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Tampa, FL
$$$$$
Located in Tampa, USF offers an online master of business administration. Students choose from four concentrations, including cybersecurity; data analytics; healthcare analytics; and compliance, risk, and anti-money laundering.
The program begins with a two-day on-campus orientation. Students take foundation and core courses such as accounting concepts for managers, organizational behavior and leadership, and data analytics for business. From there, students take electives in their chosen emphasis. Students may choose a thesis option instead of six credits of electives and take either a capstone experience or a comprehensive exam.
Applicants must submit GMAT or GRE scores unless students possess a 3.5 cumulative undergraduate GPA from USF or other approved schools. Students may also waive test scores with professional licensure or at least three years of managerial work experience.
USF is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The school boasts programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Ruston, LA
$$$$$
Located in Ruston, Louisiana Tech offers an online master of business administration. Online students follow the traditional MBA track and cannot pursue the concentration coursework available for on-campus students.
Foundational courses include accounting analysis for decision-making, financial management, managerial economics, and global perspective in management, as well as one elective course per quarter. A strategic management capstone experience gives students the chance to apply critical thinking skills and problem-solving in practice.
Applicants must submit a GMAT score from the last five years to qualify for admission. The school allows students to transfer up to 12 credits toward their degree.
Louisiana Tech is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school boasts programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Baltimore, MD
$$$$$
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins offers an online master of business administration. Students choose from seven concentrations: entrepreneurship, financial business, healthcare management, interdisciplinary business, leading organizations, marketing, and real estate and infrastructure.
Students take the majority of courses online, with three residencies required throughout the program. Business core coursework includes accounting and financial reporting, business leadership and human values, and economics for decision-making. From there, students in the general track take a variety of electives, while those in specializations focus on concentration-specific elective tracks.
Students must possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited university with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. The school also requires GMAT or GRE scores. Students with 10 years of progressive managerial experience, or an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and five years of work experience, may apply for a waiver.
Johns Hopkins is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The school boasts programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Houston, TX
$$$$$
Based in Houston, Texas, UH offers an online master of science in management and leadership. The program caters to non-business undergraduate degree holders wanting a bridge degree into the business world.
The 30-credit program includes business core coursework such as fundamentals of business, organizational behavior and management, and ethical leadership and critical reasoning. Elective courses cover several business disciplines, including global leadership, people analytics, and cultural issues in global management. Courses happen solely online with no residency requirements.
Applicants must submit GMAT or GRE scores, but the school offers waivers for recent UH graduates (within three years). Students do not need an undergraduate business degree or work experience to apply for the program.
UH is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school boasts programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Bethlehem, PA
$$$$$
Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lehigh offers an online master of business administration. Students participate in synchronous online classes and can also opt into on-campus courses whenever they choose. Guiding program principles include structured and unstructured decision-making, leadership, ethical and social responsibility, inclusive thinking and communication, and developing a comprehensive understanding of domestic and global business.
The 36-credit program includes business core coursework such as managing financial and physical resources, basic statistics for business and industry, and managing products and services. An integrative experience offers students the chance to demonstrate mastery through a business simulation, case presentations, and a project.
Although not required, applicants may submit GMAT or GRE scores to bolster an admission packet. Lehigh is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The school boasts programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Hoboken, NJ
$$$$$
Located in Hoboken, New Jersey, Stevens offers an online master of business administration. The program offers synchronous online courses, as well as other online events, such as networking meetings, career development services, virtual training, and bootcamps. Students can complete the program in as few as 18 months.
The 39-credit program includes business core coursework such as marketing management, managerial judgment and decision-making, and supply chain analytics. Students can choose from six degree specialties, including finance, business intelligence and analytics, or project management. A capstone project gives students the chance to consult with a business and provide feedback and solutions to a challenge.
Applicants must provide GMAT or GRE scores to qualify for admission. Stevens is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The school boasts programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Richardson, TX
$$$$$
Located in Richardson, UT Dallas offers a professional master of business administration. The coursework happens 100% online, with no residency requirements. Students can choose from 15 concentrations, including accounting, business analytics, international management, and supply chain management.
The 53-credit course schedule includes managing IT in the analytics age, international business management, and international strategic management. Students must complete two prerequisites before beginning the core courses, including quantitative foundation of business and communications for business. MBA students may also earn a dual MS/MBA, including degree options in energy management, marketing, and business analytics.
Applicants must submit a GMAT or GRE score. Students can apply for a waiver if they possess either an undergraduate degree from UT Dallas with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or a business degree from another school with a minimum GPA of 3.6. Students with a master's may also apply for a waiver regardless of focus.
UT Dallas is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school boasts programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Milledgeville, GA
$$$$$
Located in Milledgeville, Georgia College offers an online master of business administration. The 30-credit program occurs 100% online, with no residency requirements.
Students begin with prerequisite foundation courses, including principles of accounting, business finance, and college-level statistics. From there, students take business core courses such as managerial decision analysis, management information systems, and operations and supply chain management.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Students must also submit a GMAT or GRE score — unless they possess an undergraduate business degree with a minimum 3.5 GPA from an accredited program. Additionally, students must have two years of previous work experience in a related field.
Georgia College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school boasts programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Los Angeles, CA
$$$$$
Based in Los Angeles, USC offers an online master of business administration. Students can choose from two start dates per year and can learn through both asynchronous and synchronous online courses. Key concepts covered in the program include analytics-driven decision-making, efficient communication, and effective virtual and remote collaboration.
After an initial one-week residency requirement at the beginning of the program, students then complete a 15-week fundamentals of business course. Other business core coursework includes opportunity recognition and implementation, managing inside the firm, and business environment and leadership.
Applicants must possess a minimum of two years of work experience and supply GMAT or GRE scores to apply. USC is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission. The school boasts programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Coral Gables, FL
$$$$$
Based in Coral Gables, Florida, UM's UOnline offers a master of business administration. Students can choose from three degree customizations, including corporate finance, accounting, and financial decision-making. Career outcomes include chief executive officer, sales director, senior financial analyst, and entrepreneur.
The 42-credit curriculum includes core courses such as foundations of marketing management, management information systems, and essentials of economic theory. Students must then take 5-9 additional credits in their chosen specialization. Students can complete the program in about 24-28 months.
Applicants may waive the school's GMAT requirement under certain work experience circumstances. The school does not require any previous work history to apply.
UM is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school boasts programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Worcester, MA
$$$$$
Based in Worcester, Massachusetts, WPI offers an online master of business administration. The program helps professionals working in science, technology, engineering, and math fields advance their careers. The program admits students into the program one time per year during the fall semester.
Business core courses include accounting and finance fundamentals, strategy in technology-based organizations, and designing operations for competitive advantage. Students must also take two electives from a revolving lineup and participate in a capstone project designed to demonstrate mastery and provide critical-thinking opportunities.
Applicants must possess at least two years of graduate professional work experience to qualify for admission. Students holding a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 may qualify for a standardized test waiver. WPI is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The school boasts programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Las Cruces, NM
$$$$$
Located in Las Cruces, NMSU offers a bachelor of business administration in general business. The program offers a broad selection of course options aimed at students interested in starting a small business or entering a family business. Students can complete the program in about 4-6 years.
The 120-credit program starts with a general education core, including English, oral communication, math, laboratory sciences, and arts. Students then advance to business topics, including information systems, enterprise resource planning, business information systems, and financial analysis and markets.
Applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores to qualify for admission. NMSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The school boasts programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Whether they confer a BA or a BS, online business degrees help students develop and hone problem-solving, analytical, and ethical skills. Learners gain expertise in the global economy and markets. Core courses typically cover business law, entrepreneurship, and international business.
Prospective students with an undecided career path can explore business programs that offer numerous specializations. Specializations typically require upper-division coursework in a niche area of business. Common specialization options include digital marketing, retail management, and supply chain and logistics management. Academic and career counselors help degree-seekers select a specialization that fits their interests and goals.
Earning a degree in business can lead to many personal and professional benefits. Students who excel academically during their online business program may experience the following outcomes.
Applicants to online business programs must typically provide high school transcripts or GED scores. Most bachelor’s programs require an application fee, and some programs only accept applications from learners who hold an associate degree or transfer credit. Many schools require new degree-seekers to complete an online orientation before registering for courses.
Students remain in good academic standing by meeting or exceeding their institution’s minimum GPA requirement. The top online business programs typically require a capstone course, during which seniors apply business knowledge and skills to complete an extended project. Capstone projects usually involve conducting original research and writing an essay.
What is Accreditation and Why Does it Matter?
Students earning an online business degree can explore career options by joining professional organizations. These organizations often provide professional opportunities, continuing education courses, mentorship programs, and industry publications. Student members may receive discounted membership rates and opportunities to network with degree-seekers throughout the United States.
Students pursuing a strongusiness degree often need assistance paying for tuition, fees, and expenses such as textstrongooks and technology. Learners can apply for scholarships like those strongelow to minimize destrongt and secure their financial future. Students should research each scholarship’s application deadline and eligistrongility requirements strongefore applying.
Who Can Apply: High school upperclassmen and undergraduate students can apply for these competitive scholarships. Applicants must sustrongmit a 500- to 1,000-word essay detailing their life and career goals. Scholarship recipients cannot reapply for multiple years of funding.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: The Institute of Management Accountants awards the scholarship to undergraduate and graduate students who plan to take the CMA exam strongefore graduation. Candidates must ostrongtain a nomination from a professor. Scholarship winners also receive a CMA exam fee waiver, exam-preparation materials, and three years of memstrongership with the institute.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: The Project Management Institute offers more than 40 academic scholarships to students preparing for careers in project management. Application materials include official transcripts, an essay, a resume, and two recommendation letters. Applicants sustrongmit these materials electronically.
Amount: $1,000-$7,500
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