15 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business and Management Degrees 2021

Date Updated: February 18, 2021

A bachelor's in business management delivers the depth of knowledge emerging professionals need to succeed in entry-level roles with advancement potential. This degree covers theoretical and applied topics in business management and operations, economics, marketing, and related areas.

Business management programs typically lead to bachelor of science in business management (BSBM) degrees. A BSBM is analogous to a bachelor of business administration (BBA) or bachelor of science in business administration (BSBA). However, BSBM programs usually focus more on the human aspects of operational management.

In either case, a bachelor's degree in business is one of the wisest educational investments a student can make. As the National Association of Colleges and Employers notes, business majors accounted for eight of the top 10 fields in top demand among businesses in 2018.

This guide contains detailed information about BSBM degrees, along with comprehensive rankings of the nation's top online BSBM programs for 2021.

2021's Top 10 Online Business and Management Bachelor's Programs

Rank School Location
1 University of Florida Gainesville, Florida
2 University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL
3 Florida International University Tallahassee, FL
4 University of Wisconsin Whitewater Whitewater, WI
5 Crown College St. Bonifacius, MN
6 University of La Verne La Verne, CA
7 University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst, MA
8 Trine University Angola, IN
9 University of Mary Bismarck, ND
10 LeTourneau University Longview, TX

 

What Are Business and Management Degrees?

In the United States, formal programs for business-oriented higher education date back to the 1880s. Business programs exploded in popularity during the early 20th century as new, automated production technologies dramatically reshaped the American industrial landscape.

Today, many lucrative, in-demand jobs are open to capable professionals with BSBA and BSBM degrees. These include middle management positions, though most high-level executive and C-suite roles still prefer candidates with graduate degrees.

Other leading career paths include accounting, consulting, investment banking, data science, and project management.

Most business professionals work in office settings for midsized and enterprise-level companies. A bachelor's in business management also doubles as an excellent choice for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. Those drawn to the field typically possess a strong desire for success and personal achievement, along with sharp analytical minds capable of process-oriented and mathematical thinking.

According to Statista, professional and business services comprise the number one employment category in the United States, counting over 20 million workforce members as of September 2020. This statistic reinforces one longstanding truism about a bachelor's in business: individuals with BSBA or BSBM credentials enjoy excellent access to gainful opportunities.

Many business fields appear poised for continued expansion in the years ahead. Projection data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that financial managers, advertising and marketing managers, and management analysts can expect significant occupational growth from 2019-2029.

Why Get a Bachelor's in Business or Management?

A bachelor's in business management offers one of the safest bets for career opportunities and growth. Business majors enjoy significantly higher employment rates than graduates in most other fields. Median earnings for business and financial fields also vastly outpace the national median for all professions, delivering strong economic returns on investment.

Beyond stable employment opportunities and high salaries, business majors also enjoy additional benefits:

    • Transferable Skills: Business majors can move easily between jobs and industries. These professionals can apply their knowledge and skills to most private enterprises.

 

    • Easy Upgrades: Many professionals return to school and earn MBAs or other advanced business degrees to accelerate their career potential. An existing academic background in business may strengthen your application and your in-class performance.

 

    • Excellent Networking Opportunities: Even at the undergraduate level, business programs provide invaluable networking opportunities that help degree-holders launch and grow their careers. Online learners also enjoy access to network-building events, even if they never set foot in the classroom.

 

Top Business and Management Bachelor's Degree Rankings of 2021

Explore the following rankings for information on 15 of the best bachelor's in business management programs available online in 2021.

Learn more about the unique methodology we use to evaluate and rank schools by visiting the link below.

Our Ranking Methodology

What the Best Bachelor's in Business and Management Have in Common

College experiences vary widely among students. That said, prospective business students should consider some common key elements that identify top schools and programs.

    • They are accredited. Accreditation is an important form of quality assurance offered to colleges through third-party agencies and organizations. To earn accreditation, schools must undergo a rigorous evaluation of their academics, finances, and other key areas. All schools in our ranked list have received accreditation. When searching for business programs, consider accrediting bodies such as:
      • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
      • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
      • International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
      • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
      • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
      • New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
      • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
      • Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and Universities Commission (WSCUC)

 

    • They are reputable. A school's reputation can play an important part in its graduates' success. Reputable schools garner name recognition and respect from employers. Learners who attend these schools may earn higher incomes and advance professionally in their respective fields. Reputable schools often maintain highly selective admission policies. At the University of Florida, for example, only 37% of applicants are admitted.

 

    • They promote academic excellence. We measure academic excellence in a few ways, including graduation rate, retention rate, and the number of full-time faculty teaching courses. Nearly 90% of first-year students remain enrolled for a second year at Florida International University, indicating satisfaction with their education.

 

  • They are affordable. A college education is the most significant financial investment many people ever make. Top schools aim to make their programs affordable for students from all financial backgrounds. At the University of La Verne, for example, more than 70% of learners receive some form of financial aid. Institutions also offer scholarships and grant opportunities to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

1. University of Florida

Public university in Gainesville, FL, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB

UF faculty and students participate in thousands of innovative research projects, including an undertaking 50 years ago that led to creating Gatorade, the world's most popular sports drink. More than 52,000 students attend each year.

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration / Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Online UF students can choose from two pathways to complete their bachelor's in business administration. The bachelor of science in business administration (BSBA) focuses on business disciplines like entrepreneurship and marketing, while the interdisciplinary bachelor of arts of business administration (BABA) offers flexibility to explore other subjects beyond business.

The BABA offers 11 specialization options, including event management, mass communication, anthropology, and sport management. Each BABA enrollee must also complete a 150-hour internship before their senior year. The BSBA program requires no internship or specialization selections.

Students in both business administration programs learn from top professors in the AACSB-accredited Warrington College of Business.

Applying to UF

First-year applicants must supply transcripts and ACT/SAT scores, unless they receive a test waiver. Before enrolling in UF's business program, transfer students must complete seven prerequisite courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA. A $30 application fee applies.

Program at a Glance

  • Tuition: $112/credit (in state); $500/credit (out of state)
  • Required Credits: 120 credits
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous and synchronous)

2. University of Alabama

Public university in Tuscaloosa, AL, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB

Founded in 1831, the state's flagship university has dedicated nearly two centuries to academics, research, and service. UA attracts 38,000 students each year and boasts an extensive catalog of online degrees.

Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration

At UA, new students can begin their bachelor's degrees in business administration at the start of any semester. The Bama By Distance platform offers identical degrees to those earned on campus, with the flexibility to study remotely on a part-time or full-time basis.

The 120-credit program includes introduction to operations management, analysis of economic conditions, and business communications courses. Each enrollee also selects one course each from UA's marketing, accounting, and management options.

Graduates exit the program with the broad business knowledge required to succeed in the fields of management, human resources, finance, or nonprofit work.

Applying to UA

UIA requests official transcripts from all applicants. Each transfer student must demonstrate a minimum 2.0 GPA on prior college coursework. Candidates with fewer than 24 credits should also satisfy admission requirements.

Program at a Glance

  • Tuition: $375/credit
  • Required Credits: 120 credits
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)

3. Florida International University

Public university in Tallahassee, FL, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB

As the only public research institution in Tallahassee, FIU remains dedicated to student-centered learning and engagement with local and global communities. FIU's multiple campuses serve a diverse community of 58,000 learners.

Bachelor of Business Administration in Management

This online bachelor's in business management presents course concepts using real-world scenarios to prepare learners for the workplace. Before gaining admission to the school of business, an undergraduate must complete seven pre-business core courses with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Once enrolled in the major, required courses include applied business statistics, legal environment of business, and executive skill development. On-campus faculty also deliver FIU's dynamic, interactive online programs.

Online students may choose to participate in the self-paced Academy of Leaders professional development workshop or apply to join the FIU Honors College.

Applying to FIU

First-year applicants and transfer applicants with fewer than 60 credits must provide high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores. All transfer students must submit college transcripts. A $30 application fee also applies.

Program at a Glance

  • Tuition: $229/credit (in state); $346/credit (out of state)
  • Required Credits: 120 credits
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)

4. University of Wisconsin Whitewater

Public university in Whitewater, WI, accredited by HLC and AACSB

The 12,500 students at UW-Whitewater enjoy a variety of academic programs and lower costs than any other four-year school in the UW system. A 19-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures small class sizes and individualized support.

Bachelor of Business Administration in General Management

UW-Whitewater boasts more than 20 years of experience in online education. The university offers a 120-credit online bachelor's in business administration through its College of Business and Economics.

Business administration students complete core classes, including business writing, principles of marketing, and career information, a course teaching self-analysis techniques used in job search preparation. Although online students do not need to visit campus, the program does require 20 hours of community service prior to graduation.

Online learners receive support through academic advising, library services, financial aid, technical support, and career services.

Applying to UW-Whitewater

UW-Whitewater accepts online applications through the University of Wisconsin System E-Application portal. Prospective students must provide official high school or college transcripts, and first-year applicants must submit ACT/SAT scores.

Program at a Glance

  • Tuition: $389/credit
  • Required Credits: 120 credits
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)

5. Crown College

Private university in St. Bonifacius, MN accredited by HLC

As an affiliate of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, Crown helps students grow academically and spiritually. Located 40 minutes west of the Twin Cities, Crown serves a small, tight-knit community of just over 1,500 learners.

Bachelor of Science in Business

Students enrolled in Crown's online bachelor's degree in business management learn to apply a biblical perspective to their professional decision-making processes. Crown requires all learners to complete a 15-21 credit Christian studies core covering biblical and theological subjects.

The business administration major features courses in strategy and policy, business research methods, and concepts of personal finance. Forty-seven credits of open electives allow for extensive customization.

Qualified students can pursue accelerated MBAs concurrently with their bachelor's degrees. Dual-degree enrollees graduate with MBAs in just one additional year of study.

Applying to Crown

Crown accepts new students on a rolling basis. Undergraduate applicants must supply high school transcripts if they possess fewer than 24 college credits. Otherwise, candidates should submit transcripts from all prior colleges.

Program at a Glance

  • Tuition: $395/credit
  • Required Credits: 125 credits
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)

6. University of La Verne

Private university in La Verne, CA, accredited by WSCUC

Located about 35 miles east of Los Angeles, La Verne serves more than 7,000 students. The private, nonprofit institution offers more than 50 undergraduate programs, over 20 master's degrees, four doctorates, and a robust online education system.

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

La Verne's online bachelor's in business administration allows working professionals to advance their careers on their own terms. The university delivers its online courses in a flexible, asynchronous format. Enrollees can also attend classes in person at one of La Verne's regional campuses.

The management concentration requires two courses on organizational theory and human resources. Enrollees can participate in an integrative business practicum to fulfill a third required concentration course or complete a class in international management or culture and gender issues in management.

Online students can access individualized academic advising, library services, and career support through phone calls, video conferencing, or on-campus meetings.

Applying to La Verne

La Verne evaluates online applicants based on age, number of college credits completed, cumulative GPA, and work experience. Each candidate must supply official transcripts, a personal statement, and a $50 application fee.

Program at a Glance

  • Tuition: $645/credit
  • Required Credits: 128 credits
  • Program Length: As few as 18 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or hybrid

7. University of Massachusetts Amherst

Public university in Amherst, MA, accredited by NECHE and AACSB

As the largest public research university in New England, UMass Amherst stands apart due to its breadth of academic, research, and community outreach programs. Over 30,000 learners attend each year, enjoying a 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Bachelor of Business Administration in Management

Business administration students at UMass Amherst can select from five majors, including management. The Isenberg School of Management blends foundational classes with coursework that simulates real-world business experiences.

The 120-credit program comprises courses in management communications, business policy and strategy, and introduction to global business. Each student rounds out their degree with 21 credits of non-business electives, which they can apply toward a minor or certificate.

Nearly 60% of graduating seniors in the Isenberg School class of 2018 accepted a full-time job offer before commencement.

Applying to UMass Amherst

Successful online Isenberg School applicants generally possess at least 27 transferable college credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA. A candidate must provide official transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement.

Program at a Glance

  • Tuition: $475/credit
  • Required Credits: 120 credits
  • Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous)

8. Trine University

Private university in Angola, IN, accredited by HLC and ACBSP

More than 4,000 students attend Trine's main campus, regional locations, and online programs each year. Trine focuses on the learner's future by offering small class sizes, career-oriented education, and personal attention for every student.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Management

Trine's online bachelor's in business management prepares graduates for leadership positions in firms and organizations of all sizes. The 120-credit curriculum provides well-rounded knowledge of management, marketing, and accounting, along with communication skills.

Required courses include designing operations, managerial finance, and risk management. All students gain meaningful work experience by completing an approved business internship prior to graduation. Several credits of open electives allow learners to focus on additional interests in a business or non-business discipline.

Trine allows for part-time or full-time enrollment. Students can take 1-2 courses at a time during each eight-week term.

Applying to Trine

Each candidate must supply a completed application, ID verification, proof of high school graduation or GED certificate, and official transcripts from all colleges attended. Transfer students can apply up to 90 credits toward their degrees.

Program at a Glance

  • Tuition: $399/credit
  • Required Credits: 120 credits
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)

9. University of Mary

Private university in Bismarck, ND, accredited by HLC and IACBE

Founded in 1959, Mary is a Benedictine Catholic university serving 3,800 students of all faiths and backgrounds. Mary produces graduates who act as ethical leaders in both their careers and their communities.

Bachelor of Science in Business Management

The online bachelor of science in business management (BSBM) degree from Mary is a great option for students who want to gain real-world management skills, enhance their career, or progress toward a master's program. Enrollees can complete this flexible program through online, on-site, or hybrid delivery.

BSBM program enrollees complete 124 credits, including courses on computer information systems strategic leadership and principles of Catholic social teaching in business.

The degree requires no formal business capstone, but all graduating seniors at Mary must complete competency testing to evaluate levels of achievement.

Applying to Mary

First-time college students and transfer applicants with fewer than 24 credits must provide high school transcripts. A transfer applicant with more than 24 credits should submit college transcripts demonstrating a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Program at a Glance

  • Tuition: $450/credit
  • Required Credits: 124 credits
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous), on-campus, or hybrid

10. LeTourneau University

Private university in Longview, TX, accredited by SACSCOC

LETU opened in 1946 to educate returning World War II veterans. Today, the Christ-centered and interdenominational university enrolls more than 3,000 online and on-site students interested in integrating their faith and careers.

Bachelor of Business Management

LETU's bachelor's in business management introduces students to the basics of leading a company and provides the skills needed to succeed across any field or industry. The 120-credit program integrates the foundations of the Christian faith to equip graduates for careers of ethics and service.

The business core study of organizational behavior, marketing principles, macroeconomics, and managing innovation and change. All students complete 12 credits of biblical and theology coursework.

A culminating global management strategy experience asks students to effectively evaluate management principles using case studies, internal diagnostic techniques, and external environmental analysis.

Applying to LETU

LETU reviews applications on a rolling basis. First-year applicants must supply high school transcripts and SAT/ACT test scores, unless they receive exemptions. A transfer student with 12 or more college credits must provide transcripts demonstrating a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Program at a Glance

  • Tuition: $475/credit
  • Required Credits: 120 credits
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)

11. University of Northwestern St. Paul

Private university in Roseville, MN, accredited by HLC

UNW, founded in 1902 as a Bible and missionary training school, offers a Christ-centered liberal arts education to its 3,500 enrollees.

Bachelor of Science in Business Management

This bachelor's in business management develops students' understanding of marketing, economics, and finance while building a strong foundation in Christian values and ethics. Nearly 90% of recent program graduates reported that UNW's coursework was relevant to their job duties.

To help reduce out-of-pocket costs, UNW provides free textbooks for all 15 courses in the business major core. These courses include corporate strategies, business law and contracts, and international business.

Each enrollee can broaden their expertise by incorporating a minor into their program. Popular options include communication studies, psychology, and ministries.

Applying to UNW

The UNW admissions department considers the following: qualifying age (21 years or older), minimum 2.0 GPA, submission of official transcripts, evidence of a new birth in Jesus Christ, and willingness to abide by UNW's conduct expectations.

Program at a Glance

  • Tuition: $440/credit
  • Required Credits: 125 credits
  • Program Length: 18-22 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous) or hybrid

12. University of North Alabama

Public university in Florence, AL, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB

Founded in 1830, UNA is the state's oldest four-year university. The school boasts a 130-acre campus, a live lion mascot, and a student body of 7,700 on-site and online learners.

Bachelor of Business Administration – Management

The online bachelor's in business administration (BBA) at UNA provides a faster, more economical learning experience for working professionals. Students can choose from several modes of delivery, including self-paced, eight-week courses; instructor-guided, 16-week courses; or a mix of both.

During the accelerated, 120-credit program, learners take classes in applied managerial decision-making and analysis, managerial communications, and project management. Individuals graduate prepared to lead organizations in today's diverse, global economy.

Many of UNA's online courses undergo a quality assurance process from Quality Matters, an internationally recognized organization. This evaluation involves a unique rubric, a peer-review process, and professional development for online course faculty.

Applying to UNA

UNA requires first-year applicants to submit high school transcripts and ACT/SAT scores. Students can apply for admission to the BBA major and the College of Business only after completing 45 credits.

Program at a Glance

  • Tuition: $300/credit
  • Required Credits: 120 credits
  • Program Length: 1.5-2 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)

13. Minot State University

Public university in Minot, ND, accredited by HLC and IACBE

Approximately 3,000 students enroll at MSU each year. The small, rural institution offers a welcoming learning environment and a low 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring every learner's voice is heard.

Bachelor of Science in Management

MSU's online degree prepares students to plan, organize, lead, and control resources in diverse business environments. The 120-credit program focuses on management principles at strategic, tactical, and operational levels.

Required courses include spreadsheet applications, entrepreneurship/small business management, international business, and marketing. Enrollees can complete full-time, part-time, or project-oriented internship experiences in their local communities for elective credits.

An enrollee can complete their entire degree without stepping foot on campus, but the College of Business invites online learners to become involved. Learners can use campus facilities or participate in MSU's student-run clubs and organizations.

Applying to MSU

Online undergraduate applicants must provide official transcripts from high school and any college coursework. Individuals younger than 25 with fewer than 24 college credits should supply ACT scores.

Program at a Glance

  • Tuition: $329/credit
  • Required Credits: 120 credits
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)

14. Thomas Jefferson University

Private university in Philadelphia, PA, accredited by MSCHE

Originally founded in 1824, today's Jefferson began as a merger between Thomas Jefferson University and Philadelphia University in 2017. Approximately 8,000 students enroll each year, enjoying the academic advantages offered by two united legacies, including a bachelor of science in business management (BSBM).

Bachelor of Science in Business Management

Jefferson's online BSBM degree builds skills in management, teamwork, professional communication, and problem-solving. Each course lasts eight weeks, and newly admitted learners can choose from several start dates each year.

Required courses include operations management, principles of marketing, and economic decision-making. The degree culminates with a business capstone seminar. Working alone and in teams, students evaluate and apply business strategies through extensive written assignments and oral presentations.

Online learners receive access to the university's IT help desk, 24/7 tutoring, library support, and career services.

Applying to Jefferson

Jefferson accepts new students on a rolling basis. Each BSBM program applicant must provide an official high school transcript, GED certificate, or college transcripts.

Program at a Glance

  • Tuition: $605/credit
  • Required Credits: 120 credits
  • Program Length: 1-3 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online

15. Shorter University

Private university in Rome, GA, accredited by SACSCOC

Shorter is a Christian liberal arts university with a history dating back to 1873. The institution offers a low 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and educates approximately 1,500 learners each year.

Bachelor of Business Administration

Shorter offers a general bachelor of business administration (BBA) online. Enrollees can customize their degrees with management electives or practical internship experiences.

Each degree-seeker must complete a 120-credit curriculum, including two survey courses covering the Old and New testaments. Core business courses introduce statistics for business, strategic management and policy, and ethics in society and the workplace.

Shorter also offers an online BBA in sport management exploring the relationship between athletics and business, along with an on-campus BBA with a management concentration.

Applying to Shorter

An applicant with fewer than 24 transferable college credits must supply high school transcripts demonstrating a minimum 2.25 GPA and qualifying ACT or SAT scores. A candidate with at least 24 transferable credits must provide college transcripts with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Program at a Glance

  • Tuition: $367/credit
  • Required Credits: 120 credits
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous and synchronous)

What to Expect From Business and Management Programs

Bachelor's in business management programs usually take about four years of full-time enrollment to complete. Some schools offer accelerated options that compress this timeline to about three years.

While schools vary in credit requirements, most BSBA and BSBM programs require students to complete about 40 classes. In most cases, about half of those courses focus exclusively on topics related to the major. Electives make up the remaining classes.

In business, formal degree concentrations are more common at the graduate level. However, some bachelor's programs offer opportunities for specialization in e-commerce, economics, entrepreneurship, human resources, project management, and more.

Along with academic transcripts and SAT/ACT scores, admission requirements usually include academic prerequisites in math- and statistics-oriented subject areas. Business schools may also request letters of recommendation, personal statements, and resumes or CVs.

If you decide to apply to multiple programs, Common App makes the process more manageable.

Business and Management Degree Options

Undergraduate business management students can pursue BSBA or BSBM degrees. Both programs cover common topics but differ in their respective orientations and focuses.

BSBA degrees, which some schools refer to as BBA degrees, take a generalized approach to business. These programs survey critical areas of business practice, including accounting, business management, economics, marketing, and sales. As such, they generally focus on the operational and quantitative sides of business and enterprise.

BSBM degrees cover similar subjects but focus more on the human side of business. Coursework typically emphasizes communication, human resource management, strategic planning, and executing a vision beyond mathematical and numerical analysis.

BSBA degrees offer more analytical and technical education, while BSBM degrees embrace leadership, team-building, and ways to optimize employee performance. Both designations carry equally high levels of prestige among employers.

Popular Bachelor's in Business Management Courses

As with most degrees, a bachelor's in business management includes core classes, electives, and thesis or capstone courses.

Core courses make up the educational backbone of the program. Enrollees can pursue electives related to their majors, along with general education electives. Thesis or capstone courses cover the final major research projects in most programs.

The following list illustrates the core classes and major-related electives students can expect to encounter in their programs:

    • Introduction to Business: This essential course provides a thorough, practical introduction to the principles of the contemporary business environment. Content covers organizational structures, the functions of various managers and executives, and operational logistics.

 

    • Business Law I: Required by some programs and elective in others, introductory classes in business law explain the structure of the U.S. and international legal systems as they relate to enterprise. Subjects like ethics, tort law, contract law, and intellectual property law receive priority consideration.

 

    • Principles of Economics: BSBA and BSBM programs emphasize the importance of economic theory. These degrees usually require each student to complete an introductory survey course in economics, which examines the key general principles of macroeconomics and consumption-oriented theories of microeconomics.

 

    • Risk Management: Calculated risk-taking is a universal aspect of the enterprise management experience. Though usually configured as an elective, this crucial and valuable class teaches students to identify, evaluate, and mitigate known and unknown risks related to business operations.

 

    • Corporate Finance: Usually offered as an elective to students in finance tracks or concentrations, this course covers the essentials of financing in business. Learners explore time-value monetary theory, risk-return potential, cash flow analysis, capital costs, and net-present value, among other concepts. Students then apply these concepts from a business management perspective.

 

What Jobs Can Business Degrees Get You?

A bachelor's in business management opens doors to entry-level positions with strong growth and advancement potential. The credential qualifies degree-holders for positions in accounting, finance, enterprise management, marketing, and sales. Working in business or management consulting offers another career track, though professionals usually transition into consultant roles after gaining more experience.

The following list summarizes jobs for those with bachelor's degrees in business. These roles all offer above-average pay and stable or accelerating growth prospects:


Accountant

Accountants track, record, and analyze monetary data and financial statements for businesses, organizations, and individual clients. They prepare financial statements and tax returns, working to ensure their employers or clients meet tax compliance and financial reporting obligations.

 

  • Required Education: Bachelor's in business or accounting; candidates must also pass a standardized certification examination to earn professional licensure
  • Job Outlook (2019-29): +4%
  • Median Annual Salary: $71,550

Budget Analyst

These specialized finance professionals analyze public and private organizations' operating budgets. Budget analysts develop and determine budgeting priorities, audit existing budgetary initiatives and commitments, and ensure compliance with applicable laws.

 

  • Required Education: Bachelor's in business, finance, accounting, or economics with a strong concentration of statistical and data analysis courses
  • Job Outlook (2019-29): +3%
  • Median Annual Salary: $76,540

Actuary

Actuaries apply economic theory, data modeling, and statistical methodologies to questions of risk analysis. They mainly work for insurance companies, though some function as independent consultants.

 

  • Required Education: Bachelor's degree plus on-the-job training
  • Job Outlook (2019-29): +18%
  • Median Annual Salary: $108,350

Public Relations Specialist

PR specialists apply targeted strategies to help their employers or clients build distinct personal brands or public images.

 

  • Required Education: Bachelor's degree in business, PR, English, journalism, or communications
  • Job Outlook (2019-29): +7%
  • Median Annual Salary: $61,150

Loan Officer

Employed by banks and other financial institutions, loan officers review and analyze loan applications and make decisions on customer-submitted requests.

 

  • Required Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, business, or a related subject area plus on-the-job training
  • Job Outlook (2019-29): +3%
  • Median Annual Salary: $63,270

Choosing Between Business and Management Programs

Rankings offer a convenient way to compare the key details of top programs. Aspiring students can use these lists as a starting point to consider the many factors that go into the school selection process. School prestige and performance in competitive rankings reviews carry significant weight in the business world, along with:

    • Earning Potential and Placement Rates: Reputable business schools provide data for students to compare earnings and placement rates after graduation.

 

    • Networking and Alumni: Networking is crucial in the business world. Many students prefer schools with strong alumni programs and networking opportunities.

 

    • Career Services: In addition to campus-based career services, consider business schools that maintain recruitment partnerships with major regional employers.

 

    • Future Education Opportunities: Graduate business degrees, like MBAs, enhance career growth and earning potential. Some schools offer accelerated programs that allow bachelor's graduates to earn graduate degrees in less time.

 

    • Accreditation: In addition to regional institutional accreditation, consider programs with optional programmatic endorsements from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Associate to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.

 

Depending on your preferences and personal priorities, you may also want to consider other school characteristics, such as program length, school size, class sizes, and the cost of attendance.

Why You Should Get Your Business Bachelor's Online

Coursework in bachelor of business administration and management degrees translates well to online delivery formats. Earning a business degree online delivers an education that aligns favorably with the traditional classroom experience.

Online learning formats also offer advantages that on-campus programs cannot match. Learners can set their own study schedules, allowing them to continue working or honoring other commitments while completing their degrees.

Online programs also deliver cost advantages, since they do not require commuting or physical relocation. However, not all learning styles translate well to the virtual classroom. Students who prefer a more moderated learning experience offering face-to-face interaction with peers and faculty members may prefer campus-based programs.

Meanwhile, successful online students share several crucial characteristics. These learners demonstrate high levels of independence, self-motivation, and self-discipline, along with the ability to focus on immediate and long-term goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is better: a bachelor's in business administration or business management?

Given their different focuses, neither degree can be described as "better." Business administration concentrates more on general operations and the financial and practical sides of enterprise, while business management engages more deeply with organizations' human elements. The "better" degree aligns more closely with your personal and professional goals.

How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in business management?

Business schools usually structure their programs to lead to graduation in four years of full-time study. Some offer accelerated options. Learners with transfer credits can also reduce their expected graduation timelines.

What can I do with a degree in business management?

A business management degree opens up many career paths in accounting, finance, management, marketing, and sales. The degree also translates well to public relations, human resources, and consulting, among other professional tracks.

Should I get a business management BA or BS?

It depends on your learning objectives and career goals. BS programs emphasize quantitative and technical skills, while BA programs focus more on communication and the qualitative sides of business.

Is a degree in business management worth it?

Individuals with business degrees typically enjoy higher salaries and more comfortable employment than most other college majors. A business degree offers one of the safest educational bets a person can make.

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