2023 Best Online Business Management Degrees
An online bachelor’s in management is designed for students who desire careers in leadership roles. At the bachelor’s level, students receive an overview of management techniques, concepts, strategies, and practices to help them become efficient leaders across different industries. Some potential courses prospective students may come across include Organizational Leadership, Human Resources Management, and Project Management. In addition, students may have the opportunity to pursue concentrations within the programs to gain more experience in a specific industry, such as Global Supply Chain Management. Alternatively, students interested in a particular industry can pursue several online bachelor’s in management degrees, like emergency management and engineering management.
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Online Management Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In
Arizona State University
Annual Tuition: $19,398 - $29,428
15 Programs (view all)
Southern New Hampshire University Online
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ECPI University Online
2023 Best Online Business Management Degrees
| Rank | School | Salary Score | Median Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Gate University | $67,879 | ||
| City University of Seattle | 100 | $79,719 | |
| Capella University | 99 | $63,636 | |
| Excelsior University | 99 | $62,731 | |
| Bellevue University | 98 | $60,272 | |
| University of Minnesota Online | 98 | $59,473 | |
| Colorado State University Global | 98 | $59,425 | |
| Thomas Edison State University | 98 | $59,206 | |
| Western Governors University | 97 | $58,705 | |
| LeTourneau University | 97 | $58,551 |
2023 Online Colleges Offering Bachelor's Degrees
Ranking Details
#1 Golden Gate University
- Salary Score: 100
- Median Starting Salary: $67,879
- Locations: San Francisco (CA)
- Accreditation: WSCUC
Golden Gate University (GGU) is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Management totaling 120 units. The online program offers two emphases: (1) Leadership, Human Skills Development, and Diversity Skills and Knowledge as well as (2) Qualitative and Technical Skills and Knowledge. It can take full-time students four years to complete this program. GGU’s graduation rate is 47%.
GGU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Moodle. The management degree is designed to give students a basic overview of leadership concepts, techniques, and practices. Some examples of the program’s courses include Business Writing, Organizational Leadership, and Corporate Social Responsibility. Graduates may pursue careers like management consultants, human resources directors, and project managers.
#2 City University of Seattle
- Salary Score: 100
- Median Starting Salary: $79,719
- Locations: Seattle (WA)
- Accreditation: NWCCU
City University of Seattle (City U) is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Management requiring 180 credit hours. The program has four specialized study options: (1) Global Supply Chain Management, (2) International Logistics Emphasis, (3) Management, and (4) Project Management. Full-time students generally spend at least four years completing this program. The university accepts all applicants, and City U has a graduation rate of 38%.
At City U, online students complete coursework delivered on Brightspace by D2L. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to become successful managers. Sample courses include International Management, Ethics and Leadership, and Management Strategy. Potential career paths for graduates include team leads, franchise owners, and supervisors.
#3 Capella University
- Salary Score: 99
- Median Starting Salary: $63,636
- Locations: Minneapolis (MN)
- Accreditation: HLC
At Capella University — a private, for-profit institution — prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Business, which requires 180 credit hours. The program includes two concentration options: (1) Project Management or (2) Management and Leadership. Full-time students usually take at least four years to complete the program. Capella’s acceptance rate is 100%, and it has a 16% graduation rate.
Capella’s online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously through the software Blackboard. A bachelor’s in management helps prepare students to assume managerial roles. Some of the courses include Leadership in Organizations, Integration and Scope Management, and Human Resources and Motivation Management. A capstone course is required for both concentrations. Prospective careers for graduates include administrative officers, construction managers, and nonprofit managers.
#4 Excelsior University
- Salary Score: 99
- Median Starting Salary: $62,731
- Locations: Albany (NY)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Excelsior University is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management that totals 120 credit hours. The program’s Professional Component requires 45 credit hours. Full-time students typically spend four years completing the program. Excelsior accepts 100% of applicants, with 35% of students graduating.
At Excelsior, online students complete coursework delivered asynchronously and synchronously through the popular platform Canvas. This program covers management-related topics, like accounting and global commerce. Sample courses include Business Leadership, Management Concepts and Applications, and Organizational Behavior. In addition to online classes, students must complete a capstone course in order to graduate. Alumni may pursue careers like office managers, systems administrators, and procurement coordinators.
#5 Bellevue University
- Salary Score: 98
- Median Starting Salary: $60,272
- Locations: Bellevue (NE)
- Accreditation: HLC
Bellevue University is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Management requiring 127 credit hours. Bellevue also offers online bachelor of management degrees, like Hospitality Management, Project Management, and Sports Management. Prospective students can expect to take four years to complete this full-time program. Bellevue’s acceptance rate is 100%, and it has a graduation rate of 50%.
Bellevue facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through the distance learning software Canvas. An online bachelor’s in management from Bellevue is designed for students who aspire to obtain leadership roles in the industry of their choice. Some of the program’s courses are Fiscal Management, Critical Business Communications, and Ethical Management and Sustainability. Students must also complete a capstone course and a Kirkpatrick Signature Series of courses. Potential careers include business analysts, marketing managers, and general managers.
Overview of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management
Online business management degrees are designed to help students qualify for many types of business and managerial occupations. Courses cover the financial, operational, and staffing concerns found in all sizes and types of business organizations. Some schools, including those with online programs, offer Bachelor of Arts programs, which provide a broad educational foundation, while others offer Bachelor of Science programs that typically focus on industry-specific skills. Additionally, some schools feature a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in management.
Based on our analysis of 174 colleges offering online bachelor's degrees in management, the median annual tuition rate is $14,555. Online programs can be cheaper because they sometimes charge the in-state rate to non-residents, and distance learning eliminates on-campus costs, such as transportation and housing.
Are you unsure about pursuing a business management degree? Consider exploring degrees in leadership, finance, and communications.
Common Courses
Business management programs provide a basic understanding of managerial operations, including financial planning, organizing, and controlling, as well as related fields, such as finance and accounting. Students learn to work individually or in groups, which allows them to enhance their collaboration, leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. Some schools require online business management students to gain practical experience by completing capstone projects or internships. The following are some of the courses commonly found in a business management program.
Often one of the early classes in an online business management program, this course gives students a broad overview of management functions. Course materials cover the business environment, corporate culture, organizational structure, and strategy. Students also start to see the manager's role in business operations and the need for specific skills, such as decision making, goal setting, and ethical leadership.
Statistical data plays an important role in managerial decision making and performance measurement, so this course teaches students how to collect, analyze, and apply this information in a business environment. A math-heavy course, business statistics explores both descriptive and inferential statistics. Other possible topics include market research, quality control, and forecasting.
This course explains how business organizations manage money to maximize value for the shareholders or owners. Students learn about the role of cash in day-to-day operations, as well as long-term concerns such as funding sources, investments, the allocation of financial resources, and taxes. Coursework covers how to understand and interpret financial documents.
Sometimes split across two terms, a course in economics explores the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, including the exchange of wealth. Macroeconomics looks at the larger global economic system as well as smaller national and regional economies. Microeconomics, by contrast, looks at the actions of individuals and firms to see how they impact the economy.
Another subject sometimes divided into two terms, an accounting course helps students understand an organization's financial records. The section on financial accounting covers basic accounting methods and bookkeeping, explaining such concepts as debits and credits. Managerial accounting then enables students to interpret and make decisions based on these financial records. Coursework may require students to apply their understanding of finances to managerial functions, such as planning and budgeting.
Most marketing courses begin by introducing the "four Ps" of marketing — product, price, promotion, and place (or distribution). Students discover the purpose of marketing and how efforts are made to build brand awareness and attract an organization's target audience. Students also learn how marketing is closely intertwined with many other business functions, such as accounting, production, and shipping.
For future managers, a course in information systems management goes beyond the fundamentals of information networks, databases, software, and business communications. Students understand how managers use these systems as tools for making better decisions, solving problems, working more efficiently, and gaining advantages over competitors.
Careers for Management Graduates
Acquiring a management degree can be the first step on a wide range of potential career paths across many different industries. According to Burning Glass Technologies, 62,204 business management positions became available from August 2020-2021. Of these, 43.7% required less than two years of work experience and another 42.3% required only three to five years of experience. Additionally, only 1.8% of these required an advanced degree. Overall, management may be a promising field for college graduates, who may be interested in pursuing one of the following potential occupations.
General managers and operations managers are found at all levels of an organization and in many types of businesses and industries. Whether they oversee one department or location or many, they are typically responsible for leading, planning, organizing, staffing, and controlling their part of the organization. The highest-paying positions are found in banking, scientific research, and computer manufacturing. The median annual salary is $103,650.
Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents are responsible for ensuring that an organization's employees have the raw materials, products, machinery, and services needed to perform their job duties. According to the BLS, the number of openings for purchasing agents and managers is expected to decline through 2030 due to increasing automation. The median annual salary for buyers and purchasing agents is $66,690 and for purchasing managers is $125,940. The job outlook is declining by 4%.
With several years of experience, some business managers may decide to become management analysts. These professionals are typically self-employed as independent consultants who help business organizations become more efficient and profitable. The BLS projects that demand for management analysts will increase over the next decade, resulting in 99,400 new openings each year. The median annual salary is $87,660 and the job outlook is 14%.
Highly experienced business managers may rise to the level of chief executive officer. A CEO is responsible for overseeing an entire business organization by crafting strategic plans, setting policies, and hiring other top executives that allow the organization to maximize value and meet goals. The median annual salary is $189,950 and the job outlook is declining by 6%.
Explore our career finder tool to see where popular programs, including business, can lead you on your career path.
Applying to an Online Business Management Program
In general, prospective students must submit an application form and possibly a corresponding fee when applying to an online program. They may also be asked to submit some of the following documentation along with their application:
- Official high school transcripts (or college transcripts (if some coursework has been completed) with a minimum GPA ranging from 2.5-3.0
- SAT or ACT scores
- Letter(s) of recommendation from teachers, supervisors, or other mentors
- An essay or personal statement
- A resume showing extracurricular activities and jobs, especially those demonstrating leadership abilities and community service
The Importance of Accreditation
Prospective management students should select a school that has been accredited. Enrollment in an accredited program may be required to transfer credits between schools or enroll in a graduate program, and it is a requirement to be eligible for federal financial aid. Accreditation means that a school has met rigorous standards of excellence according to an independent agency sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education. Business students may also want to verify that their chosen online program has received additional program-level accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Business Management Degrees
How Long Does It Take To Get a Business Management Degree Online?
Most business management bachelor's degrees require the completion of 120-126 credit hours. Students enrolled full time generally complete this program in four years, but part-time students may require additional semesters to finish the program. If you have previous college or applicable work experience, you may be able to satisfy some of your degree requirements and graduate sooner.
What Certification Will I Need?
Although management professionals are not generally required to be certified, project management or Six Sigma certification can be an advantage in some industries. Project Management Professional certification, which focuses on mastering common project management skills and tools, can take up to a year to complete. Depending on the program you choose, you may need a bachelor's degree to enroll. Six Sigma programs will teach you proven methods for improving processes, quality, and productivity.
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