2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Business Management

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC - Chapel Hill) is a large, public institution that offers an online Master of Business Administration through their Kenan-Flagler business school. Professors help prepare students to work in data-driven environments and make analytical decisions in their chosen industry. Students may also customize their curriculum. They have 25 electives to choose from, as well as five MBA concentrations: (1) entrepreneurship, (2) data analytics and decision making, (3) finance, (4) strategy and consulting, and (5) marketing.

At UNC - Chapel Hill, online students can study asynchronously, which is optimal for working professionals. However, students must attend two in-person summits, which are held in international cities and on campus.

Duke University (DKU) is a medium-sized, non-profit institution that offers an online Master of Science in Quantitiatve Management: Business Analytics requiring 16 credits. The curriculum aims to provide students with a broad understanding of data science and digital technology in business. Some core classes for this major include Managerial Economics and Applied Probability and Statistics. Students must complete all program requirements to graduate, including an in-person residency launch experience and course modules. These can take 19 months to finish with a part-time schedule. Students may alternatively pursue an Accelerated Master of Science in Quantitative Management: Business Analytics, which focuses on advanced data science and analytics training. Graduates may go on to explore careers as a data scientist, business intelligence analyst, or big data engineer.

At DKU, students use Sakai to access their online coursework, which is a hybrid learning platform. Students have access to virtual career services and career coaching.

New York University (NYU) is a large, private non-profit that offers five online master's in management programs, including HR management and development, management and systems, project management, quantitative management, and management of technology. The overall goal of these master's degrees is to train students to become strategic business professionals with specialized expertise in their area of study.

These leadership-focused programs may blend online work with some in-person requirements, but students can mostly learn asynchronously according to their personal schedule. NYU boasts an "award-winning" online platform that provides students with "the same quality of education as on-campus."

Georgetown University is a private, non-profit institution with a Jesuit identity that offers five online Masters of Professional Studies in Management that feature distinct areas of interest: sports industry, technology, emergency and disaster, HR, and project management. Each program requires a different amount of credit hours — ranging from 30-33 — and may take anywhere from 2-5 years to finish. The curriculum differs depending on a student's focus, but the online experience is similar throughout.

At Georgetown, students use Canvas, an interactive online learning management system. This digital platform provides a discussion forum and contains the syllabi, course materials, assignments, grades, and assessments. Online coursework is asynchronous, meaning that students can work at their own pace.

The University of Southern California (USC) is a large, private research institution that offers many diverse options for studying a Master's in Management. Students may choose a program from one of the following broad categories: business and accounting, communication, education and teaching, engineering, gerontology, health and medicine, library science, pharmacy, and professional studies. Within each of these groups are a host of niches that offer fully online and hybrid programs, including some with part-time and accelerated learning tracks. The breadth of options may be the most impressive on our rankings list. Explore the link provided above to learn more about the individual degree programs they offer.

Lehigh University is a private non-profit that offers an online graduate degree in Management Science and Engineering, which can be attained through a Master's of Engineering or a Master's of Science. These programs aim to impart knowledge about critical, technical, and managerial tasks that involve high-level decision-making and research.

Lehigh has been offering flexible online programs at the graduate level for the past 30 years. Their Office of Distance Education estimates that the average time to complete an online master's program is between 2.5 and 3 years. If students pursue a part-time schedule, it could potentially take longer. Either way, their site emphasizes that their online degree offers the same diploma that's awarded to their on-campus students.

The University of Arkansas (UA) is a large, public institution that offers an online Executive Master of Business Administration requiring 38 credit hours. The curriculum focuses on leadership and management practices in business. Some core classes in this major include Quantitative Methods and Decision Making, Corporate Financial Management, and Marketing. To graduate, students must complete eight first-year classes and six second-year classes, which can take two years with a part-time schedule.

There are more specialized business management programs available as well, such as Master of Science in Engineering Management, Master of Science in Operations Management, and Professional Master of Information Systems with several concentrations that emphasize management in this industry. Graduates of these programs may go on to explore careers in business analytics, supply chain management, finance, and entrepreneurship.

At UA, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which supports the hybrid online/in-person format and requires classroom attendance one Saturday per month. Online students have resources, such as online coaching and access to the student liaison office.

Northwestern University is a private non-profit that offers an online Master's in Information Systems, with eight potential areas of specialization, including Information Systems Management and Project Management. Since information systems impact almost all industries, this advanced degree may offer a broad range of professional opportunities for growth. At Northwestern, online students can network online among peers and leading innovators in the field. Northwestern's online curriculum specifically focuses on the development and management of software projects. Some core classes include IT Strategy, Database Administration, and Information Security Management. To graduate, students must also complete a capstone project that provides them with experience developing large multi-tier information systems using Java.

Golden Gate University (GGU) is a small non-profit that offers an online Master of Business Administration requiring 54 total units. The curriculum aims to provide students with leadership skills and business acumen. Some core classes for this major include Corporate Finance, Management and Leadership, and Information Technology. To graduate, students must complete business, strategic, and capstone courses, which can take two years with a full-time schedule.

There are other business management programs, such as Master of Science in Project Management, Master of Science in Leadership, and Master of Science in Business Analytics. Similarly, Master of Science in Information Technology Management explores business leadership skills in the IT sector. Graduates may go on to explore careers in business, marketing, IT, or finance.

At GGU, students use Moodle to access their online coursework through a hybrid learning experience. Online students have access to tutoring, wellness, and advising services.

The George Washington University (GWU) is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Master of Science in Management totaling 33 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this program within one year. This program is split into 21 credit hours of core courses and 12 credit hours of electives.

At GWU, online students complete coursework delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. This online master's program delivers courses on management fundamentals. Sample courses include Financial Accounting, Organizations and Human Capital, and Business Ethics and Public Policy. Graduates may pursue careers like operations managers, human resource directors, and project managers.

At Villanova University — a private, nonprofit, and Roman Catholic institution — future students can pursue an online Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management, requiring 48 credit hours. It can take two years to complete this program. The strategic management specialization requires 7.5 credit hours.

Villanova facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Blackboard. The strategic management specialization helps students build leadership skills and become executive decision-makers. Some of the program’s courses include Leadership Challenge, Essential Economics, and Corporate Finance. Students are required to complete three capstone courses. Potential career options include investment managers, industrial project managers, and business analysts.

Boston University (BU) is a private, nonprofit university offering two online master’s in management: (1) Master’s in Business Administration (45 credit hours) and (2) Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management (40 credit hours). It can take 18 to 24 months to finish these programs. The second program allows students to complete an administrative sciences graduate certificate.

BU’s online students complete courses available asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. Both programs explore management topics that help students advance their careers. Example courses are Financial Concepts, Project Management, and Business Continuity Management. The second program requires students to complete a capstone project. Prospective careers for graduates include program managers, risk analysts, and directors of operations.

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a large, public institution that offers an online master's program in energy and environmental management, which requires 30 credit hours. The curriculum's goal is to equip students with the skills to generate social benefits in their communities through direct action. There are three potential tracks, including (1) planning and management, (2) environmental law, and (3) geographic information systems. Each educational pathway caters to teaching managerial skills, such as natural resource planning, executive decision-making, communication, and expertise in legal matters, but they offer different core courses and electives. To graduate from any of these 100% online tracks, students must also complete either an internship or practicum.

Michigan State University (MSU Online) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership equaling 30 credit hours. This program can last around 20 months. This accelerated program is delivered over 15 five-week course modules.

MSU Online facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on D2L Brightspace. The program gives students the skills, knowledge, and experience to enhance their leadership abilities. The program’s courses are International Management, Corporate Strategy, and Talent Management and Development. Graduates can pursue a range of careers, such as marketing managers, financial analysts, and human resource managers.

At Fordham University — a private, nonprofit, Jesuit institution — prospective students can pursue an online Master of Science in Management totaling 30 credit hours. Future students can expect to finish this program in less than 12 months. This program allows students to choose one of two focus areas: (1) Business Communication and (2) Finance.

Fordham’s online students complete coursework in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Blackboard. This graduate program gives students the knowledge and tools to obtain management careers. Sample courses include Managerial Statistics, Global Initiatives in Management, and Business Strategy for the Modern World. Students must attend at least one in-person residency to graduate. Prospective careers for graduates are investment managers, data analysts, and organizational consultants.

Pepperdine University is a private, nonprofit, Christian university offering an online Master of Science in Management and Leadership, which equals 36 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this program in 16 months. The program requires students to complete two in-person immersions.

Pepperdine facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Sakai. The master’s in management program prepares students to assume leadership roles in management. Some of the program’s courses include Managing Creativity and Innovation, Leadership and Self, and Behavior in Organizations. Students must complete a management and leadership capstone in the program's second year. Potential career options for graduates are site managers, chief financial officers, and management analysts.

Johns Hopkins University is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Flexible Master of Business Administration - Business Analytics & Risk Management (BARM). Requiring 54 credit hours, this program can be finished within three years. It is split into 20 credit hours of business foundations and 34 credit hours of electives.

At Johns Hopkins, online students complete coursework available in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. The program explores the latest skills, concepts, and practices students need to become industry leaders. Example courses include Enterprise Risk Management Frameworks, Advanced Business Analytics, and Managing Financial Risk. Even online students must complete a mandatory two-day residency to graduate. Prospective careers include business analysts, management consultants, and program managers.

At Syracuse University, a private, nonprofit university, future students can pursue an online Master of Business Administration in Marketing Management totaling 36 credit hours. Future students can expect to complete this program within two years. The marketing management specialization requires students to take three marketing electives.

Syracuse facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Blackboard. The program prepares students to assume managerial roles in marketing and sales. Sample courses include Marketing Research, Strategic Brand Management, and Marketing Analytics. Graduates may pursue careers like media directors, marketing managers, and marketing research analysts.

The University of Houston (UH) is a public university that offers an online Master of Science in Management and Leadership requiring 30 credit hours. This program is divided into core courses, advanced courses, in-person experiential learning, and elective courses. Full-time students can complete this program in approximately two years.

UH’s online students complete courses available in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Blackboard. This program helps students develop skills in leadership, business strategy, and human resources. Some of the program’s courses include Strategic Analysis, Legal Environment of Management, and Leadership Development. The program requires six credit hours of practical, field, or specialized experience. Potential career options include directors of operations, training and development managers, and management analysts.

The Stevens Institute of Technology (Stevens) is a private, nonprofit institution with an online Master of Science in Management equaling 30 credit hours. This online program can be finished in 12 months, and it offers two concentration options: (1) Management and (2) Information Systems.

Stevens facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. A master’s in management provides a foundation for students to pursue careers in management or other leadership roles. The program’s courses include Financial Decision Making, Organizational Behavior and Design, and Economics Core. Students have the option to take an industry capstone program. Prospective careers for graduates include clinical managers, project managers, and human resources managers.

At North Carolina State University (NCSU), a public university, future students can pursue an online Master of Management, which requires 30 credit hours. It can take 18 to 30 months to finish this program, which has two concentrations: (1) Marketing Analytics and (2) Risk and Analytics.

NCSU’s online students complete coursework delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Moodle. This program exposes students to various business management concepts. Some of the program’s courses are Data-Drive Managerial Decisions, IT Risks and Controls, and Critical Thinking for Managers. Graduates may pursue careers such as sales managers, business development managers, and chief executives.

Ohio University - Main Campus is a public institution with an online Master of Science in Management totaling 36 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend two years to complete this program. In this online program, students can graduate with four graduate credentials, such as Business Analytics and Strategic Selling & Sales Leadership.

Ohio facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. The program gives students the skills to be transformative managers across different industries. Some of the program’s courses include Researching the Business Environment, Managerial Decisions & Challenges, and Managing Individuals and Teams. Students must complete a capstone project to graduate. Prospective careers for graduates include management analysts, finance managers, and data analysts.

The University of Wisconsin - Platteville (UW - Platteville) is a public university that offers an online Master of Science in Strategic Management requiring 30 credit hours. It can take two years to finish this program, which has three areas of emphasis: (1) Strategic Marketing, (2) Strategic Sourcing, and (3) Strategic Human Resources.

At UW - Platteville, online students complete coursework available in asynchronous formats on Canvas. A master’s in strategic management helps students develop and implement effective business strategies in managerial roles. Sample courses include Managerial Accounting, Organizational Development, and International Supply Chain Management. A capstone course is required for graduation. Potential career options are chief operating officers, management consultants, and management analysts.

The University of Hartford (UHart) is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Master of Business Administration - Management totaling 36 credit hours. This accelerated program can be completed in around two years. The fast-track MBA program includes 12 in-depth business management courses.

UHart facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Blackboard. The management concentration is designed for anyone wanting to pursue a managerial role. Example courses include Managerial Statistics and Analytics, Organizational Leadership, and Global Strategic Management. The MBA core requires students to complete a capstone course. Graduates may pursue careers like business managers, marketing managers, and purchasing managers.

The University of Florida (UF) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Management totaling 32 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend two years completing this program with a full class schedule. The program is split into 22 credit hours of core courses and 10 elective credit hours.

At UF, online students complete coursework delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. This program provides students the transferable skills and knowledge to advance in business-related careers. Sample courses include Managerial Economics, Global Strategic Management, and International Business Law. Potential career options for graduates include financial analysts, project managers, and management consultants.

The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) is a public university with an online Master of Science in Management and Organization. Equaling 30 credit hours, this degree program can be completed within two years. Students can choose from three specializations: (1) Business Strategy and Innovation, (2) Leadership and Change Management, and (3) Managing for Sustainability.

CU Denver facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. Prospective students can expect to explore topics like change management, organizational strategy, and business ethics. Some of the program’s courses are Leading Individuals and Teams, Designing Effective Organizations, and Managing People for Competitive Advantage. Prospective careers include chief executives, marketing managers, and business analysts.

At La Salle University — a private, nonprofit, Catholic university — future students can pursue an online Master of Business Administration - Management requiring 33 to 42 credit hours. Students can expect to complete this program within 14 to 16 months.

La Salle’s online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. This program helps students develop their leadership skills. Example courses are Managerial Accounting for Decision Making, Financial Performance: Control and Measurement, and Leadership Theory and Practice. Students are required to complete an integrative capstone course. Graduates may pursue careers like directors of operations, management consultants, and data analysts.

Champlain College is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Master of Business Administration - Advance Management equaling 36 credit hours. Full-time students can spend two years completing this program. Students take 24 to 27 credit hours of professional courses and 12 credit hours of specialization courses.

At Champlain, online students complete courses available in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. A master’s in management helps new graduates and working professionals develop managerial skills. Sample courses are Technology As a Disruptive Force, Organization Analysis & Finance, and Managing Risk in Organizations. Potential careers for graduates include associate consultants, business analysts, and wealth management analysts.

Based in Hackettstown, New Jersey, Centenary University is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the United Methodist faith. It hosts an online Master of Business Administration. This self-paced graduate degree is designed for students to complete in 14 months, but most students take around 26 months to graduate. It has five concentration options: (1) Management, (2) Marketing, (3) Health Administration, (4) Leadership, and (5) Finance.

Distance learners graduate from Centenary University’s School of Professional Studies, and they often pursue careers in the business sector, especially in managerial roles. Since the online school maintains small class sizes, students receive more attention and interaction with peers and faculty.

Concordia University - Saint Paul is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church, and it is an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The school offers an online Master of Arts in Leadership and Management, which requires 36 credit hours total. The duration of the graduate program is 1.5 years.

Overall, students create their own schedules and have opportunities to connect with their cohort and professors throughout the program. In terms of coursework, distance learners have nine classes featuring business methodology, including an option to study abroad if they choose. The curriculum is focused on helping students find a leadership career after graduation, teaching practical skills, such as ethical decision-making, organizational culture management, and legal regulations. Students take classes such as Leadership and Management Research, Synthesis, and Reflection; Strategic Leadership and Process Implementation; and Leadership, Management, Influence, and Change.