Online degrees are ideal for busy working adults. There’s no commuting, no relocation and no need to quit your job. You’ll study whenever suits your schedule. In both online and on-campus settings, business is the most popular field of study and it remains the most popular field of study at a master’s degree level.
This versatile credential will set you up for success in almost any field—from healthcare to human resources, marketing to management. Even better, you can earn your business degree online.
How to Get Business Degree Online
Earning your degree online comes with several potential benefits: you don’t need to relocate, you can continue working, you may have greater scheduling flexibility, and your overall program costs may be lower. In this article, we’ll go over the types of online business degrees you can earn and discuss what you can expect from an online business program so you can decide whether it’s the best choice for your education. Studying online, you’ll earn the same business degree that you’d earn in an on-campus program. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s or an MBA, the diploma requires the same coursework and the same number of credit hours.
Research Online Programs: Start by researching accredited universities and colleges that offer online business degree programs. Look for institutions with reputable business schools and programs that align with your career goals.
Choose Your Degree Level: Determine whether you want to pursue an undergraduate degree (such as a Bachelor of Business Administration) or a graduate degree (such as a Master of Business Administration or MBA). Consider your current educational background and career aspirations when making this decision.
Check Admission Requirements: Review the admission requirements for the online business programs you’re interested in. These requirements may include submitting transcripts, standardized test scores (such as the GMAT or GRE), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay.
Apply to Programs: Once you’ve identified the programs that interest you, complete the application process for each program. Be sure to meet all application deadlines and submit any required materials accurately and on time.
Arrange Financing: Explore your options for financing your online business degree, including scholarships, grants, loans, employer tuition assistance programs, and payment plans offered by the university. Make sure to apply for financial aid if you’re eligible.
Develop a Study Schedule: Online programs offer flexibility, but it’s essential to create a study schedule that works for you. Allocate time each week for attending virtual classes, completing assignments, studying, and participating in online discussions or group projects.
You can earn your business degree online at almost every stage: associate, bachelor’s, and master’s. While you can earn a terminal degree in business, such as a PhD in Business or a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), there are far fewer of these advanced programs available online.
Associate Degree
You can earn your Associate of Science (AS) in Business Administration online to pursue entry-level jobs in business or transfer into a bachelor’s degree program.
Typical coursework
At the associate level, you will need to work through your general education requirements before you can concentrate or specialize in business administration. It typically takes a minimum of 60 credits to earn your associate degree, with a portion of those (a minimum of 12 credits) going toward your concentration or focus.
An associate degree takes around two years to complete when you attend full-time. An online associate business degree may be a good option if you want an academic degree to list on your resume and the topic knowledge you’ll gain from your business courses, but don’t necessarily have the time it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree—or need a break before pursuing one.
Bachelor’s Degree
You can either earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in business administration online, and opt to major or concentrate in one of several related business subjects, such as business studies, marketing, finance, human resources, or accounting.
With your bachelor’s degree, you can pursue several entry-level jobs with your degree or begin a business master’s degree program, though it’s worth noting that many MBA applicants spend time acquiring professional experience before returning to school.
Typical Coursework
After you complete your general education requirements, which tend to make up the first two years of study, you can expect to spend one-third to one-half of your college credits working toward your major.
An online bachelor’s degree may be a good option if you want to qualify for more entry-level business jobs or advance in your business career. Most roles in the business and finance sector require a bachelor’s degree to get started on that career track.
Master’s Degree
You can earn your Master of Science (MS) in business online, but by and large, the most popular business master’s degree is the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Many online MBA programs, including the iMBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, provide access to the same faculty, courses, and materials as in-person MBA programs.
Typical coursework
In your master’s program, expect to take more advanced business courses that deepen your knowledge of topics like international markets or corporate finance. You can also expect an emphasis on leadership since many people use the degree to pursue managerial and senior-level roles.
Beyond your core coursework, many MBA programs offer concentrations or specializations, which are similar to a college major.
Submission
An online master’s degree may be a good option if you’re seeking career advancement beyond entry- and associate-level roles, or if you’d like the intense skills development and networking opportunities that many MBA programs foster.
