Best Online Business Management Degrees
Many colleges and universities offer pathways to successful business management careers. Learn.org explores some of the best business management degrees available online in the article below.
Business management degrees prepare students to lead teams, analyze data, and make strategic decisions that drive organizational success. Earning an online degree in this field allows you to study management theory and leadership practices while maintaining a flexible schedule that fits your goals.
These programs build the foundation for diverse career paths in administration, marketing, and operations. Whether you're just starting out or advancing in your current role, an online business management degree can help you qualify for careers in business management that make an impact in nearly every industry.
List of Online Business Management Degrees
Several colleges and universities throughout the United States offer online bachelor's degrees in business management. We've featured ten programs below in alphabetical order.
1. Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University is a public university in Boone, North Carolina. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in management.
This program provides the business knowledge and skills needed to effectively and efficiently manage organizations in a rapidly changing, dynamic, and competitive global marketplace. The flexibility of this degree program is ideal for all busy, working adults. Courses cover topics like business futures, leadership, and global awareness.
2. Colorado State University Global
Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) is the online campus of the public Colorado State University System. It offers a Bachelor of Science in business management online.
Students in this program gain a comprehensive, holistic understanding of how various business units intersect and how organizational decisions impact business operations in a global economy. This flexible program focuses on ethics and diversity and is based on disciplines such as management, finance, economics, project management, and international management.
3. Florida International University
Florida International University is a public research university based in Miami, Florida. It offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in management through its R. Kirk Landon Undergraduate School of Business.
This program covers the fundamentals of organizational management, such as information systems, operations management, professional communication, applied macroeconomics, and marketing management. Through the unique and convenient online learning format, students learn how to apply these concepts in the workplace, with real-world scenarios.
4. McKendree University
McKendree University is a private university in Lebanon, Illinois. It offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in management online.
Students gain knowledge of how individuals and organizations function. Coursework covers business communication, organizational behavior, business strategy, and more. Courses are delivered entirely online in a convenient, eight-week format that allows busy students time to balance work and personal life, while furthering their education.
5. Old Dominion University Global
Old Dominion University Global is the online branch of Old Dominion University, a public research university in Norfolk, Virginia. It offers an online BSBA in management through its Strome College of Business.
This program offers coursework that helps students develop their understanding of management as both an art and a science and teaches the administrative skills necessary for positions of leadership and responsibility. Students also have the option to earn graduate credits while completing their bachelor's degree through ODU's MBA Early Entry Program.
6. Oregon State University
Oregon State University is a public research university in Corvallis, Oregon. It offers online Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in management.
Students learn how to create a shared vision for teams and companies, manage organizational change and communication, and implement strategies that maximize a company's value. Three areas of specialization are available: general management, human resource management, and people analytics.
7. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a public university in Durant, Oklahoma. It offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in management.
This program provides a solid foundation in all aspects of business practice including managing human resources, facing economic changes, communicating effectively, and understanding globalization. Students can bring in up to 90 transfer credits, and multiple start dates throughout the year mean you never have to wait long to get started on your online degree program.
8. University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public research university in Birmingham, Alabama. It offers a Bachelor of Science in management online through its Collat School of Business.
Students learn to manage small teams to large companies and how those skills can be applied to middle and senior management positions. Two concentrations are available: business administration and production and operations. Both include core business courses in areas like business communication, financial management, operations management, and marketing.
9. University of Wisconsin Whitewater
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a public university in Whitewater, Wisconsin. It offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in management.
This degree program covers topics such as stakeholder management, motivation, leadership, strategy, and ethics, and prepares students to work in business, nonprofit, and government organizations. Students can learn at their own pace and build connections through online assignments and discussion boards.
10. Western Governors University
Western Governors University is a private, non-profit online university based in Millcreek, Utah. It offers a BSBA in management.
Students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a range of career opportunities in the business environment. Courses are competency-based which means that once you demonstrate mastery in a specific area, you can move on. This allows students to move more quickly through their program.
How We Rank Schools
We select schools that combine academic excellence with flexibility and affordability to serve today's business students. Each ranked program meets rigorous standards for quality and career preparation.
- Accreditation: All schools hold regional accreditation, and many business programs are recognized by professional accrediting bodies such as AACSB or ACBSP.
- Affordability: We assess tuition costs, financial aid opportunities, and scholarship availability to identify programs offering strong value.
- Career Readiness: Programs that include internships, capstone projects, or leadership training receive higher consideration.
What Should I Look for in a Business Management Program?
When comparing online business management degrees, look for features that align with your learning style and career goals. The right program should offer quality instruction, networking opportunities, and flexible learning options.
Accreditation and Industry Alignment
Accredited programs ensure your degree will be recognized by employers and graduate schools. Some business schools also align their coursework with industry certifications, such as project management or human resources. This combination can strengthen your résumé and open doors to more specialized roles.
Program Flexibility and Learning Format
Online programs vary in structure, with some offering self-paced learning while others follow a term-based format. Consider whether you prefer asynchronous coursework or scheduled live sessions for more interaction. Multiple start dates and accelerated options can also help you complete your degree faster.
Opportunities for Real-World Experience
Many online business management programs integrate practical learning experiences such as internships or team-based projects. These allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real business challenges. Practical experience not only builds confidence but also helps you stand out in a competitive job market.
Careers for Business Management Graduates
Graduates with a business management degree can pursue leadership roles in industries like finance, retail, healthcare, and technology. Common positions include operations manager, marketing coordinator, and business analyst.
Some graduates continue to advanced studies, such as earning an MBA, while others move into entrepreneurship or consulting. With an online degree, you can gain both the theoretical background and practical skills needed to manage people and processes effectively.
FAQs About the Best Online Business Management Degrees
If you're exploring online business management programs, you may have questions about degree types, skill development, and career options. The following answers provide insight to help you make an informed decision.
What Types of Business Management Degrees Are Offered Online?
You can earn associate, bachelor's, or master's degrees in business management online. Bachelor's programs cover areas such as finance, marketing, and human resources, while master's programs often focus on strategic leadership.
Some schools also offer accelerated degree completion options for transfer students or professionals returning to college. This flexibility helps you tailor your education to your current experience and goals.
What Skills Will I Gain in an Online Business Management Program?
Students learn critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills that are essential in any organization. Coursework often includes management theory, communication, and business ethics to prepare graduates for real-world decision-making.
You'll also develop analytical and interpersonal skills that can be applied across industries. These abilities are valuable whether you're managing small teams or leading large departments.
What Can I Do After Earning a Business Management Degree?
A business management degree can prepare you for a variety of roles, including sales manager, operations director, or business consultant. Many graduates also pursue entrepreneurship, using their education to start and grow their own companies.
Continuing education is another option, as many students later pursue an MBA or specialized certification. The degree provides both the versatility and foundation to adapt to changing business environments.
Choose Your Online Business Management Program Today
Several colleges and universities offer online business management programs. With the article above, you can find the right business management program for you.