Your Guide to Online Business Degrees

Business is a popular degree choice. Of the two million bachelor’s degrees conferred in the United States during the 2021-2022 school year, the highest percentage were in business [1]. Likewise, business remains the most popular field of study at the master's degree level [2].

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. Explore the types of online business degrees you can earn and learn what you can expect from an online business program so you can decide whether it’s the best choice for your education. 

Types of business degrees you can earn online 

You can earn your business degree online at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. While you can earn a terminal degree in business, such as a PhD in Business or a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), fewer of these advanced programs are available online. With that in mind, we’ll focus on the three more common online business degrees you can pursue. 

Associate degree

You can earn your Associate of Science (AS) in Business Administration online in order 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.   

In your business concentration, you can expect to take introductory-level courses on:

• Principles of business

• Marketing

• Accounting

• Human resources

• Business technology

Degree cost and time commitment

An associate degree takes around two years to complete when you attend full-time. The average cost of tuition for a two-year degree is $7,196 to $40,038, depending on the type of school you attend and the degree program, according to Education Data Initiative [3]. However, the total online cost can range between $6,000 and $26,000, according to US News [4].

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. 

In your business major, expect to learn about foundational business subjects, such as:

• Micro- and macroeconomics

• Organizational leadership

• Principles of marketing

• Business ethics

• Introduction to statistics

• Strategic thinking

Degree cost + time commitment

A bachelor’s degree takes between four and five years to complete when you attend full-time. The total cost of tuition in-person ranges from $39,000 to $153,684 [3], whereas tuition for an online bachelor's degree costs between $40,926 and $62,756 [4]. 

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 in order to get started on that career track.  

Master’s degree

You can earn your Master of Science (MS) in business online, but 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. Some common MBA concentrations are:

• Consulting

• Management

• Marketing

• Finance

• Operations

Degree cost + time commitment

An MBA takes around two years to complete when you attend full-time. The costs can also be lower than studying in person. The average cost of an MBA is $56,850 [5].

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. 

Benefits of studying business online

Earning your business degree online can qualify you for the same salary and in-demand jobs as an in-person degree would. The median annual wage for roles in business and finance is $79,050, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which is $30,990 more than the median annual wage of $48,060 for all occupations [6]. 

Consider the additional benefits unique to online learning:

• Flexibility: Unlike the rigid structure of in-person classes or the demands of relocating, an online business degree typically offers more flexibility. For those who have other responsibilities, such as work or family, it can be a useful means of learning.  

• Social networking: Many students earn their degree from an in-person college or university because of the social opportunities they gain from that experience. However, a growing number of online degree programs foster interaction through discussion forums, virtual meetings, and more. ​​

• Begin applying what you know in real-time: If you plan to work while earning your degree, you can begin applying what you learn in your current job. Rather than waiting to graduate to implement what you’ve studied in your coursework, you can practice in a way that could inform and even strengthen your education. 

• Develop important skills unique to online learning: Whether online or in-person, earning your degree helps you develop valuable workplace skills. However, online learning can help you hone specific skills, such as time management, the ability to work independently, and self-discipline. 

Learn more: Is a Business Degree Worth It?

Do businesses take online degrees seriously?

Yes, today, most employers recognize reputable online programs and treat them on par with traditional campus degrees, especially when coming from accredited institutions. Many top-level colleges and universities now offer online degree programs. When choosing an online program, ensure it meets these three criteria:

1. Accreditation: The most crucial factor is accreditation by a recognized agency. This ensures the program meets quality standards.

2. University reputation: A degree from a well-known university, whether online or in-person, carries more weight than one from a lesser-known institution.

3. Program focus: The specific program and its relevance to the job requirements also matter. Employers value programs that equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Finding the best online business degree for you

Before you think about which type of online business degree you’d like to earn, it’s important to consider why you want to earn one in the first place. What do you want to achieve with a business degree? How might attending an online program help you reach your career goals?

Many programs publish annual employment reports, sharing data like the companies and industries that have hired past graduates, the percentage of graduates who received full-time job offers, and the type of work graduates go on to do. For each program you consider applying to, take time to review their recent employment reports and see how well their outcomes align with your desired results. 

Consider these additional factors as you compare online business degree programs. 

Concentrations + coursework 

What about business would you like to study, and what type of coursework will best prepare you to achieve your goals? As you research online business degree programs, look at the concentrations they offer, the required coursework you’d need to complete, and the tentative timeline you’d have to follow. Make sure those parameters align with your resources and larger professional goals.  

Network 

However social you want to be in your potential degree program, it’s worth inquiring about how courses are taught and the opportunities you’ll have to network—with your classmates, alumni, and even professional speakers who may be hired for webinars, workshops, or other supplementary events. Your education is more than what you learn from a course. The chance to build and expand your network can also be an important factor. 

Career support 

Many online colleges and universities offer career support services similar to what you’d experience at an in-person institution. These kinds of resources can be helpful as you transition out of your program and seek new opportunities to apply your education. Many institutions provide career placement information so prospective students can see what former students have done with their degrees. Look into what each program offers. 

Explore further 

Earning your business degree online can add a valuable credential to your resume and more specialized subject knowledge to your wheelhouse. Browse online business degrees on Coursera, available at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels in several concentrations, to find an affordable option that fits your life.