Choosing an online business degree program is a big decision. You want a school that provides a reputable education and opportunities for career growth.
Top 10 Accredited Online Business Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The following accredited programs are highly rated and offer a flexible path to a Bachelor’s in Business Administration or a related field:
1. Western Governors University
Western Governors University offers affordable programs in Business Management, Accounting, Marketing, and Information Technology Management. You can complete courses at your own pace.
2. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University provides over 60 business majors like Finance, Healthcare Management and Project Management. SNHU is accredited and courses are available 24/7.
3. Colorado State University
Colorado State University-Global Campus features programs in Human Resource Management, Organizational Leadership, and Computer Information Systems. CSU-Global is accredited and military friendly.
4. Purdue University
Purdue University Global lets you earn a BS in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or other areas. Purdue Global is accredited and respected. Courses are 100% online.
5. University of Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Amherst features a top online Bachelor of Business Administration degree. UMass Amherst is accredited and highly ranked.
6. Oregon State University
Oregon State University Ecampus offers a BS in Business Administration, Marketing, Management, and more. OSU Ecampus is accredited with AACSB International.
7. Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus provides a respected BS in Business with majors like Accounting, Finance, Management and Marketing. Penn State is accredited.
8. University of Florida
University of Florida Online has an online BBA program with majors in General Business, Finance, Management, and Marketing. UF Online is accredited.
9. University of Massachusetts-Lowell
University of Massachusetts-Lowell features an online Bachelor of Business Administration degree. UMass Lowell is accredited and courses are flexible.
10. Washington State University
Washington State University Global Campus offers an accredited online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. WSU Global Campus is affordable and military friendly.
What to Look for in an Online Business Bachelor’s Degree
When researching online business bachelor’s degree programs, there are several factors you’ll want to consider to find one that fits your needs.
1. Accreditation
Make sure any program you’re interested in is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Accredited schools meet high standards for quality and their degrees will be respected by employers.
2. Curriculum and Specializations
Look for a curriculum that covers fundamental business topics like accounting, finance, marketing, management, and economics. Some schools also allow you to specialize in areas like human resource management, healthcare management, entrepreneurship, or hospitality. Select specializations that align with your career goals.
3. Flexibility
One of the main benefits of online degrees is flexibility. Look for programs that offer asynchronous courses you can complete on your own schedule. Some also allow you to accelerate your pace and finish your degree faster. Also consider if the program allows for any transfer credits from other schools.
4. Faculty and Student Support
While online programs are convenient, you still want support. Look for schools with business faculty who are experienced in online education. They should provide resources like online tutoring, academic advising, and tech support. An active online student community is also valuable for networking and mentorship.
5. Career Resources
The best schools provide resources to help you launch your career. Look for programs that offer internship opportunities, resume and interview preparation, and job placement assistance. Some partner with companies for job opportunities and mentoring.
Conclusion
With so many options, finding the right online business bachelor’s degree program for you may feel overwhelming. Focus on schools that meet the key factors of accreditation, curriculum, flexibility, support, and career resources. With the right program, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to open up opportunities in a variety of business fields.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Business Bachelor’s Degrees
Pursuing an online business bachelor’s degree is a big step. It’s normal to have questions about what to expect in an online program.
Here are some of the most common FAQs from prospective students:
1. Will I have opportunities to interact with professors and other students?
Yes, most schools offering accredited business degrees online build interactivity into the curriculum. You’ll connect with professors and fellow students through:
- Live video lectures
- Discussion forums
- Group projects
- Video calls
While the program is flexible, you won’t be learning in isolation. There are plenty of chances to ask questions, share ideas, and build connections.
2. What kind of courses will I take?
You’ll take a mix of general education requirements as well as major-specific business courses like:
- Introduction to Business
- Principles of Management
- Business Ethics
- Financial Accounting
- Macroeconomics
- Business Law
- Information Systems
The exact curriculum will depend on your concentration or specialization. Common options include finance, marketing, management, and accounting.
3. Can I complete my degree at my own pace?
Most schools offering online business degrees allow students to progress at their own pace to some degree. However, there are a few constraints to be aware of:
• Core courses follow a set schedule each term. You’ll need to complete assignments and exams on time.
• Some courses have prerequisites so you’ll need to finish them in the proper order.
• Financial aid and scholarships may require you to enroll in a minimum number of credits each term.
• Degree completion time is often capped at 6-8 years to ensure the relevance of earned credits.
While the program offers flexibility, you’ll still need to follow an overall plan to finish your degree. Advisors can help you create a schedule tailored to your needs and goals.
4. Will my degree be respected by employers?
Yes, accredited business degrees earned online are respected by employers. Accreditation is a stamp of approval that indicates a school meets high standards of quality. As long as you choose an accredited program, the degree you earn online will carry the same weight as one earned on-campus.