Getting an online business degree is a convenient way to further your education—wherever you are and with whatever device you choose to use. An online Bachelor of Business Administration program can enable you to expand your business knowledge on a flexible class schedule that works for you.

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Wondering what is a business administration degree? The business administration field of study analyzes how a business is managed and operated. In a business administration degree program, you’ll learn about:

Once you complete an online bachelor’s degree in business administration, you can apply your knowledge to a variety of roles. Positions you may look for include entry-level roles at start-ups, small-to-midsize businesses and corporations, and a variety of jobs in industries like retail, auto and food service. Some people with a bachelor’s degree in business may even start their own companies. What you do with your online bachelor’s degree in business administration depends on your interests and goals.

Yes. Online programs, like online business school, are increasingly common. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 17.6% of postsecondary students took online courses exclusively in 2019. An undergraduate business administration online degree, no matter where you get it from, typically provides business management foundation skills. Some bachelor’s degree business programs enable students to choose a concentration, including finance, marketing, accounting or entrepreneurship. In a business degree program with a concentration, you’ll take extra classes related to the concentration.

When you earn a business degree online, you receive a diploma equivalent to what you’d earn if you had attended school on campus. Online bachelor’s in business programs may have similar features to on-campus classes, such as:

A business program online has the same amount of credit hours, typically around 120 credits, as an on-campus program. With online programs, there may be accelerated options for students as well.

Accreditation is a voluntary process postsecondary schools go through to confirm the quality of their programs. An accrediting board sets bachelor’s degree accreditation standards for business school programs and then evaluates programs based on the set criteria. When a business school meets the criteria for accredited bachelor’s degrees, the school is awarded with a designation from the accrediting association.

Look for acronyms like AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs) and IACBE (International Accreditation Council for Business Education) to see if a school is accredited.

Are you worried that some bachelor programs may not accept transfer credits or an associate degree? While specific credit requirements for bachelor’s degrees may vary, many undergraduate programs accept incoming students holding an associate degree or transfer college credits. Alongside these requirements, programs may also request letters of recommendation, transcripts and academic GPAs. Having this information handy may help streamline the online bachelor’s admission process.

An online bachelor’s degree in business administration’s admissions requirements vary by school. Typically, what you’ll need to apply includes:

Some students applying for business bachelor’s degrees may already have received college credits through community college or Advanced Placement courses. If you’ve received college credit, submit proof of your course completion(s) to the program you’re applying for. If the school accepts your credits, this could shorten your degree program and lower the cost.

Many online bachelor’s of business administration degree programs will require students to complete a certain amount of liberal studies credits for classes such as English, foreign language, math, science and history. For the business-focused part of your curriculum, your program may cover topics like:

Other topics you may study in bachelor’s degree business programs are economics, spreadsheets, quantitative analysis, human resources, and business law and ethics.

Choosing a major that aligns with your career goals can help you specialize in a particular field of business. Keep reading to learn about online business majors that may spark your interest if you’re still interested in majoring in business.

With a major in finance, you’ll learn about economics, market analysis, banking and financial markets. A business degree with a finance major could prepare you for roles as a financial analyst or financial examiner.

Accounting is a specialized area of finance. You’ll learn about financial statements, budgeting, auditing, tax regulations and reporting. This type of degree could lead to an auditor or accountant role.

A business major in marketing focuses on using market research and analysis to determine how to position products and services to customers. Are you wondering, “What can I do with a marketing major”? You might pursue a role like social media manager, market research analyst or content marketing manager.

A major in business management emphasizes the practice of managing individuals, teams and operations in business. You might pursue a role as a general manager for a company or work as a sales manager.

A business major in entrepreneurship could benefit those who want to open their own businesses and those who want to contribute to start-up businesses. Have you considered, “What can I do with an entrepreneurship major”? You might create your own company, contribute to new product development teams or help new businesses grow.

A major in operations focuses on the systems, equipment, processes and employees necessary to run a business and how they interact successfully. You might be interested in roles like supply chain specialist or logistics manager after you earn this degree.

Other possible business administration majors to consider include:

If there’s a particular business area you’re interested in, research online undergraduate business schools to see what courses are taught, what concentrations are available and how the programs align with your goals.

The answer to the BA vs. BS in business question depends on the school and the program. A Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration focuses more on humanities and communication, while a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration focuses more on operational skills and applications. You’ll learn core business principles in both types of degree programs, so what you choose depends more on what you want to specialize in during your program.

Typically, an online bachelor’s degree in business administration takes four years of full-time school, just like on-campus programs. If you have qualifying credits, you may be able to shorten your program. There are also accelerated business degree programs online that enable students to complete coursework quicker than a typical program. If you’re interested in a particular school, ask about accelerated bachelor’s degree options.

Online bachelor’s in business tuition costs vary. Typically, online bachelor’s degree tuition is less expensive if you attend a school that’s in the same state in which you reside. When considering your online bachelor’s degree program cost, take into account the cost of books and supplies.

With an undergraduate business bachelor’s degree, you can qualify for many jobs in various settings. Budgeting jobs help businesses and organizations create and stick to budgets. Fundraising positions help raise money for organizations. Management coordinates teams and finds ways to improve efficiency. Financial planners advise businesses on investment and fiscal decisions. Accountants help track and prepare financial documents. Marketers contribute to strategies that drive the sales of products and services.

Employment in financial and business operations occupations is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage for financial and business occupations was $76,570 in 2021, the BLS reports. The BLS expects 750,800 new business and financial jobs from 2020 to 2030. If you want to pursue a career in business after graduation, you may also want to consider an online master’s in business administration to help you gain additional business knowledge and expertise.

If you’re interested in getting an online bachelor’s degree in business administration, the online education component can offer flexibility. You can work part time or even full time as you complete your degree. Online learning also teaches relevant skills for the business world, like collaborating with others and completing work online. Online bachelor’s degrees can prepare you for real work in the business world.

Last Updated April 2022