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2023 Best Business Management Degrees Online

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 5/31/2023
2023 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Management Badge

An online bachelor’s in management is designed for students who desire careers in leadership roles. At the bachelor’s level, students receive an overview of management techniques, concepts, strategies, and practices to help them become efficient leaders across different industries. Some potential courses prospective students may come across include Organizational Leadership, Human Resources Management, and Project Management. In addition, students may have the opportunity to pursue concentrations within the programs to gain more experience in a specific industry, such as Global Supply Chain Management. Alternatively, students interested in a particular industry can pursue several online bachelor’s in management degrees, like emergency management and engineering management

View our methodology for more details about our list, or learn about OnlineU. If you are curious to explore more budget-friendly options in this field, check out the most affordable online management degrees

2023 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Management Badge
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Online Management Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In


2023 Best Business Management Degrees Online

RankSchool Salary Score Median Starting Salary
# 1 #1 Golden Gate University 100 100 $67,879
# 2 #2 City University of Seattle 100 $79,719
# 3 #3 Capella University 99 $63,636
# 4 #4 Excelsior University 99 $62,731
# 5 #5 Bellevue University 98 $60,272
# 6 #6 University of Minnesota - Online 98 $59,473
# 7 #7 Colorado State University Global 98 $59,425
# 8 #8 Thomas Edison State University 98 $59,206
# 9 #9 Western Governors University 97 $58,705
# 10 #10 LeTourneau University 97 $58,551

#1 Golden Gate University

  • Salary Score: 100
  • Median Starting Salary: $67,879
  • Locations: San Francisco (CA)
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

Golden Gate University (GGU) is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Management totaling 120 units. The online program offers two emphases: (1) Leadership, Human Skills Development, and Diversity Skills and Knowledge as well as (2) Qualitative and Technical Skills and Knowledge. It can take full-time students four years to complete this program. GGU’s graduation rate is 47%.

GGU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Moodle. The management degree is designed to give students a basic overview of leadership concepts, techniques, and practices. Some examples of the program’s courses include Business Writing, Organizational Leadership, and Corporate Social Responsibility. Graduates may pursue careers like management consultants, human resources directors, and project managers.

#2 City University of Seattle

  • Salary Score: 100
  • Median Starting Salary: $79,719
  • Locations: Seattle (WA)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

City University of Seattle (City U) is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Management requiring 180 credit hours. The program has four specialized study options: (1) Global Supply Chain Management, (2) International Logistics Emphasis, (3) Management, and (4) Project Management. Full-time students generally spend at least four years completing this program. The university accepts all applicants, and City U has a graduation rate of 38%.

At City U, online students complete coursework delivered on Brightspace by D2L. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to become successful managers. Sample courses include International Management, Ethics and Leadership, and Management Strategy. Potential career paths for graduates include team leads, franchise owners, and supervisors.

#3 Capella University

  • Salary Score: 99
  • Median Starting Salary: $63,636
  • Locations: Minneapolis (MN)
  • Accreditation: HLC

At Capella University — a private, for-profit institution — prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Business, which requires 180 credit hours. The program includes two concentration options: (1) Project Management or (2) Management and Leadership. Full-time students usually take at least four years to complete the program. Capella’s acceptance rate is 100%, and it has a 16% graduation rate.

Capella’s online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously through the software Blackboard. A bachelor’s in management helps prepare students to assume managerial roles. Some of the courses include Leadership in Organizations, Integration and Scope Management, and Human Resources and Motivation Management. A capstone course is required for both concentrations. Prospective careers for graduates include administrative officers, construction managers, and nonprofit managers.

#4 Excelsior University

  • Salary Score: 99
  • Median Starting Salary: $62,731
  • Locations: Albany (NY)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

Excelsior University is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management that totals 120 credit hours. The program’s Professional Component requires 45 credit hours. Full-time students typically spend four years completing the program. Excelsior accepts 100% of applicants, with 35% of students graduating.

At Excelsior, online students complete coursework delivered asynchronously and synchronously through the popular platform Canvas. This program covers management-related topics, like accounting and global commerce. Sample courses include Business Leadership, Management Concepts and Applications, and Organizational Behavior. In addition to online classes, students must complete a capstone course in order to graduate. Alumni may pursue careers like office managers, systems administrators, and procurement coordinators.

#5 Bellevue University

  • Salary Score: 98
  • Median Starting Salary: $60,272
  • Locations: Bellevue (NE)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Bellevue University is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Management requiring 127 credit hours. Bellevue also offers online bachelor of management degrees, like Hospitality Management, Project Management, and Sports Management. Prospective students can expect to take four years to complete this full-time program. Bellevue’s acceptance rate is 100%, and it has a graduation rate of 50%.

Bellevue facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through the distance learning software Canvas. An online bachelor’s in management from Bellevue is designed for students who aspire to obtain leadership roles in the industry of their choice. Some of the program’s courses are Fiscal Management, Critical Business Communications, and Ethical Management and Sustainability. Students must also complete a capstone course and a Kirkpatrick Signature Series of courses. Potential careers include business analysts, marketing managers, and general managers.

#6 University of Minnesota - Online

  • Salary Score: 98
  • Median Starting Salary: $59,473
  • Locations: Minneapolis (MN) (and 4 others)
  • Accreditation: HLC

The University of Minnesota Online (UMC) is a public university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Management totaling 120 credit hours. It can take four years to complete this program with a full class schedule. The university accepts 48% of applicants, with 52% of students graduating.

UMC Online facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. The program prepares students to assume managerial roles across various industries. Sample courses include Business Ethics, Organizational Behavior, and Managerial Accounting. Students must complete an internship to graduate. Graduates may pursue careers like purchasing managers, human resources managers, and market research analysts.

#7 Colorado State University Global

  • Salary Score: 98
  • Median Starting Salary: $59,425
  • Locations: Greenwood Village (CO)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) is a public university offering two online bachelor’s in management: a (1) Bachelor of Science in Project Management and a (2) Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Each online degree totals 120 credit hours. Full-time students can complete these programs in around four years. CSU Global’s acceptance rate is 96%, with a 46% graduation rate.

At CSU Global, online students complete courses delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. The first degree program helps students develop project management skills, while the second covers business management fundamentals. Example courses include Project Management Tools, Project Quality Management, and Business Law. Both programs require students to complete a capstone. Potential careers include project managers, business managers, and management analysts.

#8 Thomas Edison State University

  • Salary Score: 98
  • Median Starting Salary: $59,206
  • Locations: Trenton (NJ)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

At Thomas Edison State University (TESU), a public institution, prospective students can pursue two online bachelor’s degrees in management: (1) a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - General Management and (2) a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - General Management. Each of these equals 120 credit hours and typically lasts four years if students maintain a full-time study schedule. The acceptance rate at TESU is 100%, and the graduation rate is 45%.

TESU’s online students complete coursework available asynchronously and synchronously on Moodle. The first program covers management topics, while the second focuses on the operations management niche. The program’s courses include Macroeconomics, Managerial Communications, and International Management. Both degrees also require students to complete a capstone course. Prospective careers include sales managers, operations managers, and financial analysts.

#9 Western Governors University

  • Salary Score: 97
  • Median Starting Salary: $58,705
  • Locations: Salt Lake City (UT)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Business Management that requires 120 credit hours. Full-time students can spend four years completing this program. The university accepts 100% of applicants, with 54% graduating.

WGU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning. This program includes many industry-relevant courses. Some of the program’s courses are Business Management Tasks, Change Management, and Values-Based Leadership. A capstone is required for graduation. Potential careers for graduates include marketing managers, business analysts, and small business owners.

#10 LeTourneau University

  • Salary Score: 97
  • Median Starting Salary: $58,551
  • Locations: Longview (TX)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

At LeTourneau University — a private, nonprofit, Christian institution — future students can pursue an online Bachelor of Business Management equaling 120 credit hours. Students can expect to spend four years finishing the program. The university’s acceptance rate is 54%, with 53% graduating.

LeTourneau’s online students complete courses available asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. This online program gives students the business skills to become successful leaders, with courses such as Dynamics of Leadership, Project Management, and Macroeconomics. A Global Management Strategy capstone course is required. Graduates may go on to careers like business managers, project managers, and economists.

#11 Southwestern College - KS

  • Salary Score: 96
  • Median Starting Salary: $57,248
  • Locations: Winfield (KS)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Southwestern College - KS (SC) is a private, nonprofit, Methodist institution that offers three online bachelor’s degrees in management: (1) a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management, (2) a Bachelor of Science in Security Management, and (3) a Bachelor of Science in Business Quality Management. These online degree programs each require 124 credit hours. It can take four years to complete each program. SC accepts 51% of applicants, with 72% graduating.

Blackboard is SC’s online platform for asynchronous and synchronous online learning. These three programs let students explore different management niches. Example courses are Operations Risk Management, Enterprise Security, and Quality Through Effective Teams. All of the management programs listed above require a senior capstone in addition to the required coursework. Future careers may include operations managers, facilities coordinators, and production managers.

#12 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide

  • Salary Score: 95
  • Median Starting Salary: $56,141
  • Locations: Daytona Beach (FL)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide (ERAU) — a private, nonprofit university — prospective students can pursue three online bachelor’s in management: (1) a Bachelor of Science in Project Management, (2) a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management, and (3) a Bachelor of Science in Safety Management. These online degrees range from 120-121 credit hours. Future students can expect to spend four years completing each program. ERAU’s acceptance rate is 70%, with a graduation rate of 35%.

ERAU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online courses on Canvas. The programs’ courses are Business Statistics, Managerial Accounting, and System Safety Management. Students can explore various management options with any of these degrees. Potential careers for graduates include safety managers, technical managers, and project managers.

#13 University of Charleston

  • Salary Score: 95
  • Median Starting Salary: $55,904
  • Locations: Charleston (WV)
  • Accreditation: HLC

The University of Charleston (UCWV) is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Management requiring 120 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend at least four years finishing this program. The acceptance rate is 70%, with a 42% graduation rate.

At UCWV, online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on D2L Brightspace. The online bachelor’s in management degree prepares students to assume managerial roles across industries. Some of the program’s courses include Sales Management, Organizational Behavior, and Managing Individuals and Teams. Students must complete an internship. Graduates may pursue careers like sales managers, operations managers, and entrepreneurs.

#14 University of Massachusetts Global

  • Salary Score: 93
  • Median Starting Salary: $54,565
  • Locations: Multiple Locations
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

The University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Bachelor of Business Administration - Management and Organizational Leadership, totaling 120 credit hours. It can take four years to complete this program. UMass Global accepts 93% of applicants, with 59% graduating.

UMass Global facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. The business administration bachelor's program with an emphasis in management and organizational leadership helps students develop their managerial skills. The program’s courses include Managing Change, Personal Leadership, and Workforce Diversity. Prospective careers for graduates include project managers, quality assurance analysts, and production supervisors.

#15 National University

  • Salary Score: 93
  • Median Starting Salary: $54,361
  • Locations: Multiple Locations
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

National University (NU) is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Management, which requires 180 quarter units. Students can expect to spend approximately four years completing this program. NU’s acceptance rate is 55%, with a 36% graduation rate.

At NU, online students complete courses available asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. The program offers seven specializations, like Business Law, Project Management, and Marketing. Sample courses include Survey of Global Business, Process Improvement Management, and Principles of Management & Organizations. Online students must also complete a capstone. Potential career options include marketing managers, entrepreneurs, and human resource managers.

#16 Bay Path University

  • Salary Score: 92
  • Median Starting Salary: $54,252
  • Locations: Longmeadow (MA) (and 1 other)
  • Accreditation: NECHE

At Bay Path University, which is a private and nonprofit institution, prospective students can pursue a fully remote Bachelor of Science in Business - Operations Management requiring 120 credit hours. This online program lasts four years with a full class schedule. The university accepts 75% of applicants, with 61% graduating.

Bay Path facilitates synchronous online learning on Canvas. In this virtual program, students gain the necessary skills to become operations managers. The program’s courses are Business in Society, Dynamics of Management, and Quality Management. Students are required to complete an internship. Prospective careers for graduates are operations managers, management consultants, and sales managers.

#17 Oregon Institute of Technology

  • Salary Score: 92
  • Median Starting Salary: $54,257
  • Locations: Klamath Falls (OR)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) is a public institution with two online bachelor’s in management: (1) a Bachelor of Science in Business (180 credit hours) and (2) a Bachelor of Science in Business (182-183 credit hours). Full-time students can finish these programs in approximately four years. OIT’s acceptance rate is 91%, with a graduation rate of 51%.

At OIT, online students complete courses available asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. The bachelor’s in management helps students develop leadership, organizational, and critical thinking skills to become successful leaders. Example courses are Service Management, Business Analytics, and Human Resource Management. The first program requires an internship and a senior project experience. Graduates may pursue careers like business managers, account executives, and marketing research analysts.

#18 American Public University System

  • Salary Score: 92
  • Median Starting Salary: $54,183
  • Locations: Charles Town (WV)
  • Accreditation: HLC

American Public University System (APUS) is a private, for-profit university offering two online bachelor’s degrees in management: (1) a Bachelor of Arts in Management and (2) a Bachelor of Applied Science in Technical Management. With both degrees totaling 120 credit hours, students typically take around four years to complete each program. The university accepts 100% of applicants, with 18% graduating.

APUS’s online students complete courses on D2L Brightspace, which are delivered asynchronously and synchronously. The first program provides an overview of management, while the second one focuses more on technical management. The programs’ courses include Emergency Planning, Leadership & Motivation, and Management Ethics. The first program requires a senior capstone portfolio, and the latter requires a senior seminar. Prospective careers include technical managers, project managers, and business managers.

#19 University of Mary

  • Salary Score: 92
  • Median Starting Salary: $54,166
  • Locations: Bismarck (ND)
  • Accreditation: HLC

At the University of Mary, which is a private, nonprofit university, students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Business Management requiring 124 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to spend at least four years finishing this program. Mary’s acceptance rate is 79%, with a 78% graduation rate.

Mary facilitates online learning on Canvas, and the business management program is specifically designed for working adults and focuses on management principles across various industries. Small Business Management, Leading Organizational Change, and Business Communication are sample courses. Also, students must complete senior competency testing. Potential career options for graduates include project managers, operations managers, and management analysts.

#20 University of Alaska Southeast

  • Salary Score: 92
  • Median Starting Salary: $53,862
  • Locations: Juneau (AK)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) is a public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration - Management equaling 120 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend four years completing this program. The university accepts 56% of applicants, with 38% graduating.

UAS’s online students complete courses on the learning management system Blackboard. The remote business administration program with a management concentration includes business administration core courses and management emphasis area courses. Example courses include Legal Environment of Business, Business Communications, and Financial Management. Students are required to complete a strategic management capstone. Prospective careers include account executives, human resource managers, and program managers.

#21 Utah Valley University

  • Salary Score: 91
  • Median Starting Salary: $53,406
  • Locations: Orem (UT)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

Utah Valley University (UVU) is a public university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Business Management that totals 120 credit hours. It can take four years to complete this program with a full class schedule. UVU’s acceptance rate is 100%, with a 41% graduation rate.

UVU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. This program helps students advance their careers in business management. Sample courses are Principles of Leadership, Inclusive Leadership, and Management Consultants. Career options for graduates include business managers, management consultants, and project managers.

#22 University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Salary Score: 89
  • Median Starting Salary: $52,455
  • Locations: Adelphi (MD)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

The University of Massachusetts Global (UMGC) is a public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Management Studies requiring 120 credit hours. Full-time students can spend four years completing this program online. UMGC accepts 100% of applicants, with 30% graduating.

At UMGC, remote students complete courses, which are available in asynchronous formats, on D2L Brightspace. This program focuses on decision-making, problem-solving, and management skills. Some courses are Knowledge Management, Business Ethics, and Applied Management. Graduates may pursue careers like account executives, financial analysts, and sales managers.

#23 Southern New Hampshire University Online

  • Salary Score: 88
  • Median Starting Salary: $52,197
  • Locations: Manchester (NH)
  • Accreditation: NECHE

Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU Online) is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Operations Management. Equaling 120 credit hours, students generally take four years to finish this program. This program offers two concentrations: (1) Logistics & Transportation and (2) Project Management. The acceptance rate at SNHU Online is 92%, and it has a 36% graduation rate.

SNHU Online facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on D2L Brightspace. Sample courses are Sustainable Operations, Supply Chain Management, and Environmental Issues. A capstone course is required to graduate. Graduates may pursue careers like production planners, purchasing managers, and supply chain planners.

#24 Trident University International

  • Salary Score: 87
  • Median Starting Salary: $51,749
  • Locations: Cypress (CA)
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

At Trident at AIU, a private and for-profit university, prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Leadership - Management requiring 120 credit hours. Prospective students may spend four years completing this management degree online. Trident’s acceptance rate is 100%, with a 19% graduation rate.

At Trident, online students complete courses available in asynchronous formats. The management concentration helps students develop leadership skills. Some of the program’s courses include International Business, Strategic Management, and Decision Making for Leaders. Potential career options for graduates include human resources managers, operations managers, and program managers.

#25 Arizona State University

  • Salary Score: 87
  • Median Starting Salary: $51,542
  • Locations: Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Arizona State University (ASU Online) is a public institution that offers four online bachelor’s in management, like (1) a Bachelor of Science in Management and (2) a Bachelor of Applied Science in Operations Management. All bachelor's programs at ASU ONline require 120 credit hours. It can take four years to complete these programs. The university accepts 70% of applicants, with 47% graduating.

ASU Online facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. The first program provides a broad management overview, while the other three are niche-specific. Sample courses are Organizational Ethics, Project Cost Management, and Leading Organizations. Graduates may pursue careers like sales managers, chief executive officers, and social services directors.

#26 Washington State University

  • Salary Score: 87
  • Median Starting Salary: $51,507
  • Locations: Pullman (WA)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

At Washington State University (WSU), a public university, future students can pursue an online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration - Management: Innovation and Change totaling 120 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend four years finishing this program. WSU’s acceptance rate is 86%, with a 64% graduation rate.

At WSU, distance learners complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. The online bachelor’s in management prepares students to assume managerial roles. Some of the program’s courses include Managerial Accounting, Managing Information Technology, and Negotiation Skills. Students are required to complete a capstone. Prospective careers for graduate students include financial analysts, project managers, and management consultants.

#27 Temple University

  • Salary Score: 85
  • Median Starting Salary: $50,782
  • Locations: Philadelphia (PA)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

Temple University is a public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management that requires 120 credit hours. Future students can expect to spend four years completing this program. The university’s acceptance rate is 72%, with a graduation rate of 73%.

Temple's online students complete courses available in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. The degree program helps students develop conflict management, communication, leadership, and negotiation skills. Sample courses include Communicating in Organizations, Critical Skills for Effective Managers, and Intrapreneurship in the 21st Century. Potential career options for graduates include general managers, account managers, and business managers.

#28 Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration

  • Salary Score: 85
  • Median Starting Salary: $50,770
  • Locations: Troy (MI)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration is a private, nonprofit university, where students can pursue an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management requiring 120 credit hours. It can take four years to finish this program. Walsh College’s graduation rate is 64%.

Walsh College’s online students complete coursework delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Moodle. The program covers topics like human resource management, market analysis, and project management. Some of the program’s courses include Financial Markets, Behavioral Management, and Organizational Leadership. Students must take a Business Strategy and Policy capstone course. Prospective careers for graduates include account executives, program managers, and office managers.

#29 Great Basin College

  • Salary Score: 85
  • Median Starting Salary: $50,695
  • Locations: Elko (NV)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

Great Basin College (GBC) is a public institution offering an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Management and Supervision. Totaling 120 credit hours, the degree can take online students around four years to complete with a full class schedule. The college accepts 100% of applicants due to its open admission policy, and it has a 31% graduation rate.

GBC facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning. The Management and Supervision emphasis helps students become effective leaders. Sample courses are Human Resource Management, Labor Economics, and International Management. A Leadership Progression in Thought capstone is also required. Graduates may go on to careers like human resources managers, sales managers, and program managers.

#30 Columbia Southern University

  • Salary Score: 84
  • Median Starting Salary: $50,330
  • Locations: Orange Beach (AL)
  • Accreditation: DEAC

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is a private, for-profit institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Management, which requires 120 credit hours. Full-time students can spend four years completing this program. The acceptance rate at CSU is 100%, with a graduation rate of 46%.

At CSU, online students complete coursework delivered on Blackboard. The program provides students with foundational knowledge in business. The program’s courses include Business Law, Information Systems Management, and Financial Management. Potential career options include business managers, marketing managers, and management analysts.

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Overview of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management

Online business management degrees are designed to help students qualify for many types of business and managerial occupations. Courses cover the financial, operational, and staffing concerns found in all sizes and types of business organizations. Some schools, including those with online programs, offer Bachelor of Arts programs, which provide a broad educational foundation, while others offer Bachelor of Science programs that typically focus on industry-specific skills. Additionally, some schools feature a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in management.

Based on our analysis of 174 colleges offering online bachelor's degrees in management, the median annual tuition rate is $14,555. Online programs can be cheaper because they sometimes charge the in-state rate to non-residents, and distance learning eliminates on-campus costs, such as transportation and housing.

Are you unsure about pursuing a business management degree? Consider exploring degrees in leadership, finance, and communications.

Common Courses

Business management programs provide a basic understanding of managerial operations, including financial planning, organizing, and controlling, as well as related fields, such as finance and accounting. Students learn to work individually or in groups, which allows them to enhance their collaboration, leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. Some schools require online business management students to gain practical experience by completing capstone projects or internships. The following are some of the courses commonly found in a business management program.

Principles of Management

Often one of the early classes in an online business management program, this course gives students a broad overview of management functions. Course materials cover the business environment, corporate culture, organizational structure, and strategy. Students also start to see the manager's role in business operations and the need for specific skills, such as decision making, goal setting, and ethical leadership.

Business Statistics

Statistical data plays an important role in managerial decision making and performance measurement, so this course teaches students how to collect, analyze, and apply this information in a business environment. A math-heavy course, business statistics explores both descriptive and inferential statistics. Other possible topics include market research, quality control, and forecasting.

Corporate Finance

This course explains how business organizations manage money to maximize value for the shareholders or owners. Students learn about the role of cash in day-to-day operations, as well as long-term concerns such as funding sources, investments, the allocation of financial resources, and taxes. Coursework covers how to understand and interpret financial documents.

Economics

Sometimes split across two terms, a course in economics explores the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, including the exchange of wealth. Macroeconomics looks at the larger global economic system as well as smaller national and regional economies. Microeconomics, by contrast, looks at the actions of individuals and firms to see how they impact the economy.

Financial and Managerial Accounting

Another subject sometimes divided into two terms, an accounting course helps students understand an organization's financial records. The section on financial accounting covers basic accounting methods and bookkeeping, explaining such concepts as debits and credits. Managerial accounting then enables students to interpret and make decisions based on these financial records. Coursework may require students to apply their understanding of finances to managerial functions, such as planning and budgeting.

Fundamentals of Marketing

Most marketing courses begin by introducing the "four Ps" of marketing — product, price, promotion, and place (or distribution). Students discover the purpose of marketing and how efforts are made to build brand awareness and attract an organization's target audience. Students also learn how marketing is closely intertwined with many other business functions, such as accounting, production, and shipping.

Information Systems Management

For future managers, a course in information systems management goes beyond the fundamentals of information networks, databases, software, and business communications. Students understand how managers use these systems as tools for making better decisions, solving problems, working more efficiently, and gaining advantages over competitors.

Careers for Management Graduates

Acquiring a management degree can be the first step on a wide range of potential career paths across many different industries. According to Burning Glass Technologies, 62,204 business management positions became available from August 2020-2021. Of these, 43.7% required less than two years of work experience and another 42.3% required only three to five years of experience. Additionally, only 1.8% of these required an advanced degree. Overall, management may be a promising field for college graduates, who may be interested in pursuing one of the following potential occupations.

General managers and operations managers are found at all levels of an organization and in many types of businesses and industries. Whether they oversee one department or location or many, they are typically responsible for leading, planning, organizing, staffing, and controlling their part of the organization. The highest-paying positions are found in banking, scientific research, and computer manufacturing. The median annual salary is $103,650.

Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents are responsible for ensuring that an organization's employees have the raw materials, products, machinery, and services needed to perform their job duties. According to the BLS, the number of openings for purchasing agents and managers is expected to decline through 2030 due to increasing automation. The median annual salary for buyers and purchasing agents is $66,690 and for purchasing managers is $125,940. The job outlook is declining by 4%.

With several years of experience, some business managers may decide to become management analysts. These professionals are typically self-employed as independent consultants who help business organizations become more efficient and profitable. The BLS projects that demand for management analysts will increase over the next decade, resulting in 99,400 new openings each year. The median annual salary is $87,660 and the job outlook is 14%.

Highly experienced business managers may rise to the level of chief executive officer. A CEO is responsible for overseeing an entire business organization by crafting strategic plans, setting policies, and hiring other top executives that allow the organization to maximize value and meet goals. The median annual salary is $189,950 and the job outlook is declining by 6%.

Explore our career finder tool to see where popular programs, including business, can lead you on your career path.

Applying to an Online Business Management Program

In general, prospective students must submit an application form and possibly a corresponding fee when applying to an online program. They may also be asked to submit some of the following documentation along with their application:

  • Official high school transcripts (or college transcripts (if some coursework has been completed) with a minimum GPA ranging from 2.5-3.0
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Letter(s) of recommendation from teachers, supervisors, or other mentors
  • An essay or personal statement
  • A resume showing extracurricular activities and jobs, especially those demonstrating leadership abilities and community service

The Importance of Accreditation

Prospective management students should select a school that has been accredited. Enrollment in an accredited program may be required to transfer credits between schools or enroll in a graduate program, and it is a requirement to be eligible for federal financial aid. Accreditation means that a school has met rigorous standards of excellence according to an independent agency sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education. Business students may also want to verify that their chosen online program has received additional program-level accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

For more tips about online college, including scholarship information and advice from experts, visit our resource hub. You'll find our mental health guide for online students, information about financial aid, and more.


Frequently Asked Questions About Online Business Management Degrees

How Long Does It Take To Get a Business Management Degree Online?

Most business management bachelor's degrees require the completion of 120-126 credit hours. Students enrolled full time generally complete this program in four years, but part-time students may require additional semesters to finish the program. If you have previous college or applicable work experience, you may be able to satisfy some of your degree requirements and graduate sooner.

What Certification Will I Need?

Although management professionals are not generally required to be certified, project management or Six Sigma certification can be an advantage in some industries. Project Management Professional certification, which focuses on mastering common project management skills and tools, can take up to a year to complete. Depending on the program you choose, you may need a bachelor's degree to enroll. Six Sigma programs will teach you proven methods for improving processes, quality, and productivity.

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