Online Business Degrees

Pursuing a college degree is an amazing decision to improve your life for you and your family. The degree you choose will not only dictate your college courses and what you learn, it will also have a profound impact on your career trajectory and earning potential.

A business degree is a great option for prospective students because it teaches a multitude of vital skills that are always in-demand in the marketplace such as communication, leadership, critical thinking, management and ethics. And, upon obtaining a business degree, you will have a well-rounded education that will help you develop a career in a variety of industries including public relations, finance, marketing and human resources.

In this article, we’re going to explore everything you need to know about earning a business degree. We’ll cover the best business degrees that offer the biggest career potential, compare online programs with traditional programs, and take a look at the differences between Associates, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral and PhD degrees.

But be sure to read this ENTIRE article because we’re also going to tell you exactly how OnlineDegree.com could help you save THOUSANDS on your tuition!

Let’s get started…

7 Best Online Business Degrees

Before we get to the specific online business degrees to focus your efforts on, let’s talk about WHY we believe these degrees are the best.

They are Economically Viable

The following business degrees set you on a lucrative career path. There will always be a demand for people with these skills, no matter what the economy is doing. If you are interested in a career that leaves a lot of room for growth and advancement, we highly encourage you to consider these specific online business degrees.

Perfect for Changing Careers

Are you an adult who has been part of the workforce for a while? Are you looking for a new career that allows you to earn more for your family? The following online business degrees are suited for those looking to make a change.

Flexible and Affordable

We’ve decided to focus on those business degrees that can be earned online because they allow busy working adults the opportunity to make a positive change in their lives. An online program will allow you to study at your own pace and during those hours that are convenient for YOU.

Did you know a survey showed that 52% of graduate students in the U.S. found their online education provided a better learning experience than their college-level classroom education (Duffin, 2019)?

Now that you know why we chose the online business degrees we did, let’s dive in:

Marketing

A bachelor of science in marketing is a dynamic degree that will provide you the skills to help organizations across every industry grow and thrive. You’ll learn how to conduct market research, develop and launch print and digital ads that convert for your clients and measure the effectiveness of each campaign.

Once you enter the workforce and gain some experience as a marketer, you’ll be able to climb the ladder to eventually become a marketing manager, marketing director or even chief marketing officer (CMO). No matter what leadership role you may eventually take on, you will have the foundational knowledge and skills obtained from your bachelor’s degree program.

Career Outlook

Businesses have been advertising for 100s of years and that is something that will never change. As more organizations come online, they will need marketers to help them with their social media marketing, e-commerce, and paid and organic search traffic. Because of this, the demand for skilled marketers will grow over the coming years. In fact, according to the BLS, overall employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to grow 6% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations

Business Administration

A bachelor of science in business administration is a fantastic generalist degree that prepares you to work in a wide variety of management and leadership positions in all industries. In this exciting degree program, you’ll learn effective leadership skills that will allow you to manage projects from start to finish. Coursework topics include human resource regulations, leadership skills, marketing, management strategies, writing business plans and more.

A degree in business administration can definitely help set you apart from other candidates when it comes time to landing a job. Most corporations look for individuals who possess business administration skills. Your degree will also help you to one day step into director and chief executive roles, if you so choose.

Career Outlook

All businesses, in every industry, need individuals who can effectively lead and manage projects. Because of this, demand for individuals with bachelor’s degrees in business administration should continue to grow in the coming years. Graduates have the option of owning and operating their own business or working in a managerial position in a variety of industries such as healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, communications, and more.

Accounting or Finance

A bachelor of science in accounting is a flexible degree that allows individuals to work as an accountant in a number of industries. Not only can an individual with this degree help people and businesses keep proper financial records and follow tax regulations, but they can eventually become a certified public accountant (CPA), taking on more responsibility and earning more.

Should you choose to become a CPA, you can decide to either work as an independent accountant, or you can work as an accountant for one of the big four accounting firms Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, and KPMG. After you gain some critical experience, you can decide to climb the ranks to become an auditor, business intelligence analyst, or even chief financial officer (CFO).

Career Outlook

Every type of business in every industry requires accountants to help them manage their finances and adhere to tax regulations. And, with many businesses now leveraging data-driven insights to make better business decisions, the future for accountants is promising. The BLS has projected that employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029.

International Business

Do you have a keen mind for business? Does the thought of traveling the world and learning other languages excite you? If so, a bachelor of science in international business may be the perfect degree for you!

While a general business administration degree is suitable for those individuals who wish to work within the United States, those candidates who wish to live and work abroad will need to learn additional skills to help them succeed on an international level. With an international business degree, you’ll learn the cultural, ethnic, and linguistic skills needed to work anywhere in the world!

International business students typically choose to focus on one specific international region during their studies. These regions include Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, among others. Once the student has selected their region, they would then take a deep dive into the interworking of business in that region, learn to speak the language, get familiar with applicable laws, and study the religion, culture, and customs of that region.

Career Outlook

Thanks to advancing technologies, the world has become one, giant global marketplace. As more and more organizations expand their operations globally, they will require the assistance of business leaders who understand the cultural differences as well as foreign laws and regulations. For this reason, individuals with an international business degree are expected to be in high demand.

Healthcare Administration

While doctors and nurses are on the frontlines of healthcare, it is the administrators working tirelessly in the background that are really the unsung heroes in this industry. With a bachelor of science in healthcare administration, individuals are prepared for a career overseeing the operations of healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and doctor’s offices. Students will focus on a curriculum that instills leadership skills. Topics typically cover HIPAA laws, ethics in healthcare, human resources, payroll management and handling of PHI.

Graduates of a healthcare administration program are well-prepared to take on leadership roles within facilities, managing the staffing needs of the facility as well as ensuring exemplary service is given to each and every patient.

Career Outlook

Did you know that jobs in the healthcare industry are among the fastest growing? This is due in large part to an aging baby boomer population, who require more medical services. To meet these growing needs, hospitals, nursing homes and doctor’s offices will require the help of qualified and skilled healthcare administrators.

Sports Management

Are you a talented athlete? Or do you simply love watching sports? If so, a degree in sports management can help you turn your passion into a lucrative career! This degree will teach you how to apply finance, marketing, business and law concepts to sports organizations. An individual with this degree can choose to go on to become a sports scout, athletic director, or sports coach in both grade school teams as well as professional teams, and within any type of sport including baseball, football, basketball, tennis, soccer, hockey, and others.

Career Outlook

Sports have been a part of humanity for thousands of years. And modern sports are just as big a part of the entertainment industry as movies and music. Whether it’s a junior high baseball team or the NBA, there will always be a need for talented coaches, agents, scouts and administrators.

Online Vs Traditional Campus Business Degrees

If you are an 18-year-old recent high school graduate, chances are the idea of moving away from your family and living on a college campus is very appealing to you. You’ve just spent 12 years attending classes all day long, so spending a few more years doing the same won’t interrupt your life in any way.

But if you are an adult who currently has a full-time job and family responsibilities, going to traditional classes on campus can be very problematic. Even if you look for a local community college that offers classes at night or on the weekend, chances are you’ll still end up missing important family outings like your kids’ recitals and little league games.

Here are 3 reasons why an online degree makes a LOT more sense!

1. Flexibility

An online education offers busy adults the flexibility they need to successfully complete their higher education. You’re able to study during those times that are most convenient for YOU and never have to miss an important work or family function.

2. Affordability

Online programs are typically far more affordable than the traditional brick and mortar tuition. On top of these savings, online degrees also don’t require the cost of room and board, or even gas money to get to campus! As an added bonus, you can continue to work while you pursue your degree.

3. Business Degrees Fit Online Learning Perfectly!

These days, just about any degree can be earned online. But unlike some degrees, such as those in certain science fields that require lab work, the field of business is perfect for online learning.

Benefits of a Business Degree

Here are just a few benefits of getting a bachelor’s degree in the business industry:

Market Demand

As we saw with our business degree examples, there is huge market demand for individuals who have obtained a specific set of skills. This job security is invaluable as we continue to face an uncertain global economy.

Candidates who have taken the time to earn their business degree will also have a competitive advantage over those without a degree when it comes time for job hunting. That’s because recruiters and employers value a specific skillset. If you have that skillset, you’ll stand apart from the crowd.

Greater Earning Potential

Upon graduation, many students who have earned a BB or BSBA can enjoy a higher than average salary. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median income for a career related to degrees in business begins at around $60,000 annually. That’s right out of the gate. After a few years of gaining valuable experience, you have every chance of advancement and even greater earning potential.

Job Versatility

A degree in business offers individuals a wide array of skills that allows them to then choose between a wide array of career paths. From business administration to accounting to PR and marketing, the world of business offers dynamic possibilities for just about anyone with the right skills.

Cost and Tuition of Obtaining a Business Degree

The cost of higher education is a significant financial challenge for the majority of Americans. According to a US News and World Report, the average yearly cost of a traditional public college is $9,687. That same education at a private college will cost $35,087.

Did those figures make your heart stop? Don’t worry, there are ways you can save on your education. Read our article on 5 ways you can save on college tuition, and also use our free Smartplan to find ways to save at various schools across the country by taking advantage of free courses, discounts and more. In fact, that’s why we created OnlineDegree.com so that everyone could have access to an affordable education.

Choosing the Right Type of Business Degree

What is the best choice for you? Undergraduate or graduate?  Let’s walk through the options.

Business Major or Minor?

If you’ve read this far, then you already know that obtaining a business degree is a great way to obtain skills people who understand business are ALWAYS in demand and that can lead to a lucrative career. But now the question is, what TYPE of business degree should you pursue?

For instance, should you major in business or is it enough to have a minor in business? And what about an associates degree vs bachelor’s degree vs masters or PhD? Keep reading because we’re going to explain everything. 

To start, if you want to reap the many benefits we’ve listed about obtaining a business degree, then it’s a good idea to major in business. Students with multiple interests sometimes minor in subjects that support their major. So they may major in a general field but use their minor to specialize in a certain area. For example, a business major may choose to minor in marketing or finance.

Associates in Business

Students with limited time and/or budgets often choose to obtain an associates degree. These degrees can generally be earned in just two years as opposed to a 4-year bachelor’s degree, saving time and a lot of money

There are associates-level business degrees that can lead to satisfying career outcomes, one being business management. Having said that, many people choose to get their associates degree in business so they can enter the workforce quickly and begin earning. Usually these people will set money aside toward finishing their education and eventually obtain either a bachelor’s or master’s in business.

Bachelors in Business

While no degree comes with a guarantee you’ll likely quickly and easily land a job, the reality is, recruiters and employers typically look for candidates who possess a bachelor’s in business. This 4-year degree is standard and what many refer to when they say, “college degree” or “4-year degree.”

As we mentioned a little bit earlier, there are ways you can save toward your 4-year degree, and if you’re interested in obtaining your bachelor’s in business, then be sure to check out our Smartplan to find ways to save.

Masters in Business (MBA)

A masters in business (MBA) degree is definitely not mandatory for landing a great job. But an MBA will usually be required if your goal is to one day become a C-suite executive at a large corporation. Take a look at any resume of a Fortune 500 executive and you’ll see the MBA credential on there.

The length of an MBA program will vary as no two schools will offer the exact same curriculum. There are full-time traditional MBA programs that take 2 years to complete. This is the traditional timeframe to complete an MBA. There are also accelerated courses that can be completed in less than two years part-time curriculums that will take longer than two years to complete.

Doctoral

Doctoral degrees provide students with advanced practices and sophisticated skills. Why would someone continue their education to earn their doctoral degree? To start, someone with a doctoral degree in business is going to command a MUCH higher salary. Beyond earnings, this degree will lead to top-level positions and future promotions. Doctoral degree programs not only provide comprehensive training but also excellent networking opportunities to expand professional networks.

PhD

A PhD degree is really for someone who wishes to have an academic career in education and research. So, if you are interested in one day either teaching business skills to others or conducting theoretical research, then a PhD will be required.

The bottom line is, if you want an in-demand career in business. A bachelor’s degree is all you really need. Once you get this you can always choose to go back to school to get your MBA or doctoral so your earnings potential can increase exponentially!

Choosing the Correct University or College for Business

Now that you have a good idea of which online business degree interests you,, now you’ve got to find the right school for you to get degree…as quickly and painlessly as possible, while gaining the most benefit.  Here are a few things we think are hugely important for adults, and you’ll want to choose a university with: 

• Online Programs
• $0 in application fees
• Doesn’t require SAT/ACT testing
• Faculty and professors that understand adult students’ needs
• Offer discounts or scholarships
• Convenient enrollment dates year-round (so you don’t have to wait for Spring or Fall)
• Accredited

Finding adult-friendly schools that match these can certainly be challenging! 

BUT, that’s why we created our Smartplan.  

We realize that every student has unique circumstances and goals. When you use our Smartplan, we could help you find the right school you’re looking for AND has these crucial criteria to make pursuing your degree that much easier.

Register today to get your free Smartplan and compare different colleges! >>

Salary Data for Business Professionals

As we’ve mentioned, a business degree can lead to a wide variety of career paths in just about every industry. But to give you an idea of the kind of earning potential this degree offers, let’s take a look at some of the salary for occupations in the business field, according to data from the BLS:

• Financial analysts: $84,300
• Market research analysts: $63,230
• Sales managers: $121,060
• Human resource specialists: $60,350
• Accountants and auditors: $69,350
• Management analysts: $82,450
• Personal financial advisors: $90,640

Keep in mind, these are the average salaries for non-management positions. Once you’ve been in the field for a few years, you can begin to move up the ladder and earn more. According to the BLS, the median business management salary was $102,590 in 2017.

Here are some examples of the median income for those individuals in management positions:

• Financial: $125,080
• Human resources: $110,120
• Sales: $121,060
• Training: $108,250
• Advertising and marketing: $129,380
• Computer systems: $139,220
• Engineering: $137,720

And don’t forget, should you choose to continue your higher education and earn your MBA, you can boost your earnings even more. According to the Financial Times, the average salary for an MBA three years after graduation was $142,000 in 2017. A doctoral degree will have you commanding an even higher salary.

You could say that once you earn your initial business degree, the sky really is the limit! It all depends on how far you want to go.

FAQs

Q: What careers can I have with a business degree?

A: A business degree can lead to a wide variety of career paths in numerous industries. Some careers include:

•         Business analyst
•         Account manager
•         Financial analyst
•         Marketing manager
•         Project manager
•         Sales manager
•         Sales representative

Q: Why should I major in business?

A: A business degree will provide you with the skills that are considered highly valuable by most employers and recruiters. That means no matter what economy we find ourselves in, you will have job security and a good salary.

Q: What business major is right for me?

A: Everyone has their own interests and skills. But what we can tell you is that the business majors we listed in this article can set you up for a rewarding and lucrative career path. Having said that, there are a lot of dynamic and interesting business degrees available, so you may want to do some research of your own.

How to Get Started 

Wow, we’ve just covered a LOT of information. You may be wondering what you should do next.

We highly recommend you take a few moments to use OnlineDegree.com’s Smartplan to find the right school that offers all of the criteria you’re looking for.   We’ve provided this helpful and free tool for you to help you make the right decision, and find ways that could end up saving you THOUSANDS of dollars toward your business degree!

Register today for free >>