Best Online Business Management Programs of 2022

An online bachelor's degree in business management is a popular, flexible, and versatile major that can prepare learners for a variety of successful, lucrative careers. This page features a list of the top-ranked business management programs in 2022, as well as information about admission requirements and financial aid. We also highlight potential business-related career paths for graduates and answer some frequently asked questions about business management degrees.

Students with a bachelor's in business management can pursue a career in entrepreneurship, small business management, or corporate leadership. As a versatile and flexible major, business management can lead to many high-paying business careers, including top executive positions in marketing, finance, and human resources.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human resources executives earned a median annual salary of $121,220 in 2020. Additionally, many graduates go on to earn an MBA or another graduate degree in a business-related field.

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Business Management Degree Overview

Earning an online bachelor's degree in business management prepares graduates to serve as entrepreneurial thinkers and corporate decision-makers in small businesses and international enterprises. Students learn to manage corporate resources by applying their knowledge of analysis and information technology. They also explore topics such as law, ethics, behavioral dynamics, and quantitative analysis.

As the most popular major in the U.S., business programs can prepare learners for a variety of careers, including accountant, sales manager, financial analyst, and market research analyst.

Business management programs cover topics such as accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare administration, and nonprofit leadership. This degree's main objective is to ready learners to work in businesses or pursue a graduate education in business management. A core of business management courses — as well as general education and elective classes — support that objective.

Courses in an Online Business Management Bachelor's Program

Financial Accounting

Learners in this course study the rules and regulations related to preparing financial information for internal and external sources in order to evaluate an organization's financial health. Students learn to interpret and communicate financial accounting information and to understand the overall system of accounting.

Principles of Marketing

Students examine the fundamental concepts of marketing, which include an organization's functions for creating, communicating, and delivering value to its customers. Designed to meet organizational goals and customer needs, these functions include distribution, environmental monitoring, marketing research, target market selection, product selection, promotion, and pricing.

Principles of Management

A writing-intensive course, students in this class examine the principles and fundamentals of management in order to understand formal organizational management. Topics include theories of planning and decision-making in an organizational context, as well as the unique challenges of international management.

Managing Organizational Change

Students learn methods of effective human resources management during periods of organizational change. The course emphasizes change management as it contributes to a company's survival, growth, increased productivity, and conflict management. Students closely consider change in complex, volatile, and international environments.

Global Financial System

This course exposes students to the global financial architecture, including the operational practices of global financial markets and multinational financial institutions. Course content focuses on international banking and international capital markets. Students also explore the international financial environment and its functions, operations, and products.

Admission Requirements for Business Management Students

Admission requirements for online bachelor's in business management programs typically mirror those of on-campus options. However, online students must also ensure their computers meet the technology requirements for the school's learning platform. Check out the common admission requirements below.

Minimum GPA

Applicants typically need to hold a minimum GPA. For traditional learners, this usually applies to high school coursework. For students with some college-level experience, this may apply to previous collegiate coursework. Applicants who do not meet minimum GPA requirements can contact the admissions office to learn about alternative admission policies.

Minimum SAT/ACT Score

While some schools accept applicants who have not taken a standardized test, many require exam results as part of the application package. Admission may require a minimum score on the SAT or ACT. Some colleges — especially community colleges — administer their own alternative admission or placement tests.

High School Diploma

Admission into a bachelor's program requires an applicant to hold a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as a GED certificate. Some schools expect students to complete pre-collegiate coursework as part of their high school experience, while others accept any diploma. Homeschooled applicants may receive an exemption from these admission requirements provided they meet other standards.

Admission Requirement

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Minimum Age Standards

Though most online bachelor's in business management programs welcome all qualified learners, some exclusively serve adult students. In these instances, applicants need to meet a minimum age standard — usually 21-24 years. Married students and members of the U.S. armed services who are younger may also qualify as adult learners.

Benefits of a Business Management Degree

Graduating from a bachelor's in business management program can lead to careers in analysis, marketing, sales, and personnel management. These positions tend to offer higher pay and more responsibility than the entry-level jobs available to people with an associate degree in business.

To advance their careers, some business professionals go on to pursue a master's degree in management, an MBA, or another advanced degree. However, most mid-level jobs do not require a graduate-level education. Additionally, some business professions call for licensure.

For example, a CPA needs to hold a state-authorized license, while a financial analyst can advance in their career with a securities broker license from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Career Outlook

As one of the most popular college majors, bachelor's in business management programs offer a strong footing for professional growth and advancement. Graduates can work in many business functions, including marketing, human resources, finance, operations, accounting, and communications.

As of October 2021, PayScale reported that the average base salary for professionals with a BS in business management was about $70,000 — significantly higher than the national average for all occupations. Professionals with ample experience and/or an advanced degree can take home six-figure salaries.

Students seeking job stability often gravitate towards these programs, as business careers are consistently in demand. The BLS projects 8% growth for business and financial occupations from 2020-2030.

See where a bachelor's in business management degree can take you. Learn more about business management careers.

Continuing Education

Completing an online bachelor's in business management provides graduates with the skills and qualifications needed to compete for a variety of entry-level positions. While professionals can climb the career ladder by gaining industry experience, earning an advanced degree can often accelerate this process.

For many business management graduates, the next logical step may involve completing an MBA. These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete and usually require applicants to possess several years of relevant experience.

Job Options for Business Managers

Management Analysts

Working in both in-house and consultative roles, management analysts help companies improve their efficiency and effectiveness. These professionals work with managers to reduce costs, increase income, motivate staff, and address other departmental issues.

Median Annual Salary: $87,660 (May 2020)

Administrative Services and Facilities Managers

Also known as business office managers and operational managers, these professionals manage administrative aspects and help ensure businesses run smoothly. They oversee office staff, create and update policies to improve operations, contract with vendors to ensure facilities are properly maintained and kept secure, and outsource maintenance or business supply requests.

Median Annual Salary: $98,890 (May 2020)

Financial Managers

These professionals ensure their companies remain financially viable and healthy. Financial managers accomplish this by creating long-term strategic planning around financial matters, overseeing investment activities, and reviewing financial reports to ensure the company meets its target. They also oversee other financial staff to ensure they follow all legal requirements.

Median Annual Salary: $134,180 (May 2020)

Sales Managers

Sales managers lead sales teams to ensure they are maximizing profit by setting sales goals, meeting customer expectations, handling complaints, and working with the marketing department to build brand and product awareness. They also oversee sales representatives and set departmental budgets.

Median Annual Salary: $132,290 (May 2020)

Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers

These professionals create marketing plans that help build consumer awareness for products and services. They work with sales departments to lead marketing campaigns, use in-house teams and outside vendors to create advertising materials, and evaluate new media opportunities for advertising and marketing. They also oversee other marketing staff.

Median Annual Salary: $141,490 (May 2020)

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Business Management Programs