How To Get A Business Degree Online

In today’s fast-paced world, going back to school doesn’t mean pressing pause on your life. Whether you’re working full-time, raising a family, or simply looking for a more flexible path, earning a business degree online has become one of the smartest and most accessible ways to advance your career. Gone are the days when you had to sit in lecture halls or fight through morning traffic just to make it to class.

Now, you can learn accounting, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and more—all from the comfort of your home (or a cozy coffee shop). But how do you actually go about it? What should you look for in a program? Is it really worth it? In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how to get a business degree online—from choosing the right school and format, to tips for staying motivated and finishing strong.

Best Online Business Degree Programs

Selecting a reputable online business degree program is the foundation of your educational journey. Here’s a curated list of 10 accredited institutions offering top-tier online business degrees, known for their flexibility, affordability, and career-focused curricula:

1. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): Offers a BS in Business Administration with concentrations like healthcare administration and finance, accepting up to 90 transfer credits for faster completion.

2. Western Governors University (WGU): Provides competency-based BS and MBA programs in business management, accounting, and more, allowing students to progress at their own pace.

3. Purdue Global: Features bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration, finance, and organizational management, with a hands-on curriculum designed by industry experts.

4. Arizona State University (ASU) Online: Delivers diverse programs in business studies, economics, and global leadership, emphasizing real-world applications.

5. University of Bridgeport: Offers an accelerated BS in Business Administration, ideal for adult learners, with courses in project management and marketing.

6. DeVry University: Provides ACBSP-accredited business programs with specializations in human resources and project management, starting every eight weeks.

7. American InterContinental University (AIU): Offers a BBA with specializations like entrepreneurship and marketing, tailored for career-focused students.

8. University of Wisconsin–Madison Online: Known for its rigorous business programs taught by world-renowned faculty, ensuring high-quality education.

9. University of Tennessee (Haslam College of Business): Integrates experiential learning in its online business programs, focusing on management, accounting, and finance.

10. FutureLearn (in partnership with top universities): Provides microcredentials and full degrees in business management, data analytics, and finance, ideal for flexible learning.

These schools are regionally or nationally accredited, ensuring your degree is recognized by employers and transferable for further education.

Online Business Degree Requirements

To enroll in an online business degree program, you’ll typically need to meet specific admission criteria, which vary by institution and degree level. For a bachelor’s degree, most schools require a high school diploma or equivalent, with a minimum GPA (often 2.0–3.0). Some programs may ask for standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), though many, like SNHU and WGU, have test-optional policies. Associate degree programs may have more lenient requirements, while master’s programs, such as MBAs, often require a bachelor’s degree, professional experience, and sometimes GMAT scores.

You’ll also need reliable internet access, a computer meeting the program’s technical requirements, and basic tech skills for navigating online platforms. Programs like Purdue Global and DeVry offer user-friendly interfaces and tech support to ease the transition. Many schools allow transfer credits (up to 90 for bachelor’s at SNHU), which can reduce time and cost. Always verify accreditation with the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to ensure quality.

Cost of an Online Business Degree

The cost of an online business degree varies widely based on the institution and program level. According to the Education Data Initiative, tuition for a two-year associate degree ranges from $7,196 to $40,038, while a bachelor’s degree can cost between $6,000 and $26,000 annually. Master’s programs, like MBAs, average around $56,850, though WGU offers programs under $4,500 per six-month term.

Online programs are often more affordable than on-campus options due to lower overhead costs, and many schools, such as ASU Online and SNHU, offer financial aid, scholarships, or tuition discounts for military students. For example, WGU’s Leadership Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for eligible students. Transferring credits or opting for accelerated programs can further reduce expenses.

Benefits of an Online Business Degree

Pursuing a business degree online offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace and schedule. This is ideal for balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. Online programs often cost less than traditional degrees, and you save on commuting and housing expenses. The curriculum is designed for real-world application, teaching skills like leadership, analytics, and decision-making, which employers value across industries.

Institutions like Purdue Global and Haslam College emphasize hands-on learning through simulations and projects, preparing you for roles in finance, marketing, or human resources. Additionally, online programs foster networking through virtual discussions, webinars, and alumni networks, as highlighted by Coursera and UW–Madison, enhancing career opportunities.

Careers with an Online Business Degree

A business degree opens doors to diverse, high-demand careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and financial jobs are projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, with median salaries ranging from $60,000 for entry-level roles to $433,000 for chief financial officers. Here are some in-demand roles:

• Financial Analyst: Median salary of $99,890, with 9% growth through 2033, analyzing financial data for investment decisions.

• Human Resources Manager: Median salary of $136,350, with 6% growth, overseeing recruitment and employee relations.

• Marketing Manager: Median salary of $156,580, crafting strategies to connect companies with customers.

• Accountant: Median salary of $81,010, with 6% growth, managing financial records and compliance.

Programs at AIU and DeVry prepare you for these roles with specializations in entrepreneurship, finance, or marketing, while MBAs from SNHU or WGU can propel you into leadership positions.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Business Degree?

The duration of an online business degree depends on the program and your schedule. Associate degrees typically take two years, while bachelor’s degrees require 3–4 years. Accelerated programs, like those at the University of Bridgeport, can reduce a bachelor’s to three years, and WGU’s competency-based model allows students to finish in as little as 2.5 years by leveraging prior experience. MBAs generally take two years full-time, though part-time or accelerated options, like those at Purdue Global, can adjust this timeline. Certificates, such as WGU’s accounting fundamentals certificate, may take six months, offering a quick boost to your resume.

Online Business Degree Accreditation

Accreditation ensures your degree is credible and transferable. Regional accreditation, like that held by UW–Madison (Higher Learning Commission) and SNHU, is the gold standard, ensuring rigorous academic standards. National accreditation, such as the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, is common for online-focused schools like DeVry. Many business programs, including those at WGU and Purdue Global, are also accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), signaling quality in business education. Verify accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education’s database to avoid unaccredited or fraudulent institutions.

Tips for Choosing an Online Business Degree

Selecting the right program requires careful consideration. Start by defining your career goals—whether it’s finance, marketing, or entrepreneurship—and choose a program with relevant specializations, like AIU’s BBA in Entrepreneurship. Ensure the school is accredited and offers robust support, such as tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities, as provided by Purdue Global and Campus. Compare tuition costs and financial aid options, and check for flexibility, like asynchronous courses at SNHU or self-paced learning at WGU. Investigate faculty credentials and alumni success rates to gauge program quality. Finally, test-drive the platform if possible, as many schools offer demos to ensure tech compatibility.

Online Business Degree vs. Traditional Degree

Online business degrees offer the same academic rigor as traditional degrees but with greater flexibility. You can study from anywhere, accessing materials 24/7, which suits busy schedules. Traditional degrees involve in-person classes, which may foster more direct networking but require commuting and fixed schedules. Online programs, like those at ASU Online, often feature interactive elements like virtual discussions and webinars to replicate networking. Employers value skills over delivery format, and studies show 61% of students took at least one online course in 2021, reflecting their growing acceptance. Online degrees are often cheaper, with WGU’s tuition 53% below the national average.

Specializations in Online Business Degrees

Specializations allow you to tailor your degree to your career interests. Common options include:

• Finance: Focuses on investments and financial planning, offered by Purdue Global and ASU Online.

• Marketing: Covers digital strategies and consumer behavior, available at AIU and FutureLearn.

• Human Resources: Emphasizes recruitment and compliance, included in DeVry’s programs.

• Entrepreneurship: Teaches skills for starting businesses, offered by AIU and WGU.

• Healthcare Administration: Prepares you for leadership in healthcare, available at SNHU.

These specializations, often paired with core courses in management and economics, enhance employability in niche fields, as noted by Haslam College and Coursera.

Financing Your Online Business Degree

Funding your degree is manageable with strategic planning. Apply for federal financial aid via FAFSA, which many schools like SNHU and ASU Online accept. Scholarships, such as WGU’s $5,000 Leadership Scholarship or merit-based awards at Purdue Global, can offset costs. Employer tuition reimbursement programs are another option for working professionals. Transferring credits, as allowed by SNHU (up to 90 credits), reduces expenses. Some schools, like FutureLearn, offer microcredentials that are more affordable than full degrees, allowing you to build skills incrementally.

Conclusion

Earning a business degree online is a strategic step toward a rewarding career in a high-demand field. With flexible, accredited programs from institutions like SNHU, WGU, and Purdue Global, you can gain practical skills in management, finance, or marketing while balancing your life’s demands. By choosing a program aligned with your goals, verifying accreditation, and leveraging financial aid, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in the global business landscape. Start your journey today and unlock a world of opportunities with an online business degree.