In today’s fast-paced world, where the digital learning is expanding rapidly, the demand for skilled business managers is at an all-time high. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to climb the corporate ladder, acquiring a business management degree online can be a game-changer. Let’s delve into why pursuing this degree path online might be the smartest move for your career.
What is an online business management degree?
An online business management degree is a virtual program that prepares students to coordinate and oversee corporate activities. The length of the program depends on factors like what school you attend and whether you pursue a degree at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Why Choose a Business Management Degree Online?
1. Flexibility
One of the most significant advantages of pursuing a Business Management Degree online is the flexibility it offers. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar institutions, online programs allow students to tailor their studies around their existing commitments. Whether you’re a working professional, a parent, or someone with a busy schedule, the flexibility of online learning enables you to balance your studies with other responsibilities seamlessly.
2. Diverse Specializations
Business management is a broad field encompassing various aspects of organizational operations. Online degree programs often offer a wide range of specializations, allowing students to focus their studies on areas that align with their interests and career goals. Whether you’re passionate about finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, or human resources, there’s a specialization tailored to your aspirations.
3. Cost-Effectiveness
Online degree programs are often more cost-effective than their on-campus counterparts. With no need to commute or relocate, students can save significantly on expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and campus fees. Additionally, many online programs offer flexible payment options and financial aid opportunities, making higher education more accessible to individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
4. Enhanced Learning Experience
Contrary to common misconceptions, online learning can provide an equally engaging and interactive learning experience as traditional classroom settings. Through innovative technologies such as virtual classrooms, multimedia resources, and discussion forums, online students have access to a wealth of educational materials and opportunities for collaboration with peers and instructors.
Is a business management degree online worth it?
A business management degree can be a good investment for individuals looking to advance their careers. They can prepare you for various careers ranging from business and finance to marketing, allowing you to find a career that aligns with your interests.
While pursuing these roles without business management degrees is possible, obtaining postsecondary can get you into your desired role faster. If you already have a career, advancing your education can help you qualify for promotions, salary increases and more jobs.
A business management degree is especially worth it if you pursue an online program, as this format tends to be more accessible. Students can complete the work at their own pace, allowing them to work full-time or care for their families while attending school.
Types of Business Management Degree Online
Here are a few common types of business management degrees that you can get online:
Associate degrees in business management
Associate degrees typically take two years of full-time study to complete. These programs are appropriate for students who want to transfer to a four-year college or get an entry-level job in business management.
Typically, course content in these degree programs focuses on job skills, without a general education component. You can get an associate of arts or science after earning a high school diploma or GED. Some students earn an associate degree while they’re in high school by completing a dual enrollment program.
Bachelor’s degrees in business management
These four-year programs often include a general education component followed by major courses. Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in business management might complete a minor in a related subject, like accounting, finance or communication.
Bachelor’s degrees in business management can prepare students for a business management career or a graduate program in a business-related field. You can enter a four-year program in business management after earning your high school diploma or GED. Many schools allow students to transfer credit from an associate degree program, which can help them earn their bachelor’s degree more quickly.
Graduate degrees in business management
An online graduate degree program in business management can help you develop advanced skills and prepare you for a senior leadership position. These programs take an average of one to three years to complete. Many students earn graduate degrees part-time while working or after gaining several years of experience in their chosen field.
You might earn a master’s degree in business management or a master of business administration (MBA) with a concentration in management or leadership. Some online graduate programs allow you to choose an industry to focus on, like health care or nonprofit organizations.
10 Online Business Management Degree Programs
1. Southern New Hampshire University
If you want to become a leader in a nonprofit organization, you might consider the Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) online bachelor’s degree program in business administration with a concentration in nonprofit management. As one of 14 concentrations in SNHU’s online business administration program, this pathway prepares students to be program directors and fundraising coordinators.
The program includes content on organizational behavior, human resources and general business knowledge. You earn the degree by completing 120 credit hours but can transfer up to 90 hours. Admissions requirements may include transcripts and an application fee.
2. Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University (LSU) offers several online bachelor’s degree programs in business management and related fields. You might earn a degree in general administration in management, human resources management or international business management through the school’s online course catalog.
The content of each degree program depends on its focus and might include general finance, management techniques, business law, marketing and ethics. Admissions requirements might include transcripts, an application form and a fee. LSU accepts credit from eligible institutions and also offers course credit for valid professional certifications that meet the criteria of certain courses.
3. Arizona State University
At Arizona State University (ASU), you can earn a Bachelor of Science in business management online. This program focuses on problem-solving skills and analytical thinking, preparing students for graduate coursework or a management position in commercial and nonprofit organizations.
In their degree courses, students learn about global trends in business leadership, ethics, e-commerce and other subjects related to business management. Students graduate by completing 120 credit hours, including general education requirements. Students accepted into ASU’s general admissions period can apply for this program. ASU also has graduate programs in business management and related subjects.
4. University of Maryland
The University of Maryland’s Global Campus offers an online program where students can earn a Bachelor of Science in management. This program emphasizes leadership and problem-solving skills, which can help students become assistant managers or program directors in organizations.
The program requires students to complete 120 credit hours, including general education courses, electives and 33 credit hours of major courses. Major courses focus on organizational theories, accounting, decision-making and business ethics. Students can transfer up to 90 hours from other schools to finish sooner. Admissions requirements might include an application, a processing fee and transcripts from prior educational experiences.
5. Herzing University
Herzing University offers associate, bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in business management. These programs are self-paced, so it might take students a varying amount of time to complete each degree program. Course content includes digital media, business law, project management and quantitative decision-making.
Admissions requirements vary by program but might include a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED), an application and an interview with an admissions officer. Herzing accepts credit from completed programs, which allows your bachelor’s credits to count toward your graduate degree.
6. Syracuse University
You can earn a bachelor’s degree in business management from Syracuse University online. This program is part of the college’s professional studies program, meaning most of the coursework relates to business and professional topics while requiring minimal general education credit.
Each course combines weekly live sessions with self-paced assignments. Course topics include global business practices, business communications, leadership and marketing basics. This program requires applicants to submit an application, admission essay and academic transcripts from previous degree or diploma programs. Syracuse accepts up to 90 hours of transfer credit.
7. Western Governors University
Utah’s Western Governors University (WGU) offers a fully online bachelor’s degree program in business management. This program uses a self-paced model, where you complete coursework and pass exams to show your competency in key areas.
In this program, you might study various business management topics, including ethics, project management, data analysis and supply chain management. WGU also requires that students complete a general education program. The admission requirements include an application, transcripts and an intake interview. You can submit transfer credit from approved programs to shorten your program length.
8. Averett University
Averett University offers an online program where you can earn a Bachelor of Science in business administration degree with a management concentration. This program prepares students for graduate study or management positions in a wide range of industries. Graduates earn 120 credits, with 30 coming from general education requirements.
In their degree courses, students study a range of business management subjects like accounting, marketing, economics and quantitative analysis. Students can transfer up to 90 hours of credit from partner institutions, which include other four-year colleges and technical schools. Admissions requirements may include test scores, transcripts and an admissions essay.
9. Pepperdine University
California’s Pepperdine University offers a fully online program where you can earn a Bachelor of Science in management. This two-year major program requires 60 core credits that are part of Pepperdine’s general education program. It uses a cohort model, where students take the same courses throughout their degree program.
Content includes globalization, market dynamics, organizational theories and management techniques. General admission requirements for Pepperdine’s online programs may include citizenship status, transcripts and standardized test scores. Students can transfer up to 60 credits to cover the general education requirements.
10. Coastline College
Coastline College offers an online associate degree program in management and supervision, allowing students to choose an industry focus, like health care or retail. The program will prepare students for mid-level managerial roles or advanced degree programs in business management or entrepreneurship.
This two-year online program features some self-paced content, allowing students to work at their own pace. The degree program’s course content depends on which specialty area you choose, but all concentrations include management practices, data analysis and decision-making. Admissions requirements may include transcripts and an application fee.