Fastest Online Business Degree Programs in 2023

• You can earn a business degree in less than four years with an accelerated program.
• Earn a fast-track business degree in marketing, accounting, finance, or another field.
• At many top-ranked colleges, you can earn an accelerated business degree online.

There's a reason why business is the most popular college major. Earning a business degree may lead you to higher-paying career paths. But what if you want to earn your bachelor's degree in less than four years?

An accelerated business degree program can help you launch your business career in less time. Fast track your career with a fast-track business degree program.

Curious about your career options with a business degree? With a business major, you can work in diverse industries and fields. It's a great option if you want flexibility.

What Direction Can I Take With a Business Degree?

Want to work in marketing, finance, human relations, or hospitality? Maybe you're interested in healthcare, data analytics, or global business. An accelerated business degree can help you go in many directions. Here are some of the main concentrations available in an accelerated business program.

Ready to learn more? Check out over 30 business concentrations for your fast-track business degree program — and launch your next career.

Accounting
Advertising
Business Administration
Business Intelligence
Business Law
Contract Management
Digital Marketing
E-Business
Economics
Entertainment Management
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Forensic Accounting
Hospitality Management
Human Resources
International Business
Logistics
Management
Management Information Systems
Marketing
Negotiation and Conflict Management
Nonprofit Management
Organizational Leadership
Project Management
Public Relations
Real Estate
Retail and Sales Management
Risk Management
Small Business
Sports Management
Supply Chain and Logistics
Sustainability

1. Accounting

Want to crunch some numbers? Look into accounting bachelors programs. You'll learn how to prepare and review financial reports. And a bachelor's degree meets the entry-level requirement for many accounting careers, including roles like managerial accountant and auditor.

Accountants and auditors earn a median annual salary of over $77,000, according to May 2021 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

2. Advertising

Advertising blends research and creativity. Learn how to design ad campaigns and measure their impact with an advertising concentration. After graduation, you can qualify for roles like brand strategist, ad sales agent, or media planner.

Fascinated by advertising? It's a good idea to take marketing, sales, and public relations classes to strengthen your skills.

3. Business Administration

An accelerated business administration degree program can launch your career in less time. You'll study core topics like marketing, finance, and accounting while strengthening leadership abilities. A flexible option, you can pursue business administration careers in diverse fields with this degree.

Can't choose between finance, management, marketing, or a dozen other concentrations? A business administration degree gives you flexibility.

4. Business Intelligence

Business intelligence and analytics play a key role in decision-making. Earn an accelerated business degree with a concentration in business intelligence bachelors to gain data analysis and strategic decision-making skills. You can qualify for business intelligence careers like data analyst, management analyst, and financial analyst.

Researching business intelligence programs? Keep an eye out for concentrations in business analytics or data management.

5. Business Law

The legal side of business is complex. Learn the ins and outs of contract law, employment regulations, and tax law while pursuing a business law concentration. You'll qualify for roles in human resources, labor relations, and finance.

Considering a law degree? An undergrad degree in business law can give you the legal background for law school.

6. Contract Management

Learn how to negotiate deals and strike a bargain while earning a degree in contract management. You'll study acquisitions, negotiations, and business law. After graduation, you can work in contract strategy, acquisitions, or procurement management.

If you're interested in contract management, you can look for related programs in acquisitions and business law.

7. Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is a hot field, and a digital marketing bachelors degree program can help you build your research, analytical, and marketing skills. You can qualify for roles like market research analyst, digital marketing specialist, and social media specialist with your fast-track business degree.

Interested in digital marketing? You can also look for programs in internet marketing, email marketing, and social media management.

8. E-Business

Specialize in e-commerce and online business with a concentration in e-business. You'll study marketing, customer retention, and logistics while preparing for careers in e-commerce, sales, and digital marketing. Or add electives to work in healthcare, tech, or another in-demand industry.

Some business programs call it e-business and others call it e-commerce. Check out course descriptions to find the right fit for you.

9. Economics

Learn how to analyze decision-making and study economic forces with a bachelor's in economics program. You'll strengthen your research and analytical skills thanks to the mix of social science and business coursework. And economics careers include a variety of roles — from financial analyst to data analyst.

Considering graduate school? The research training in an economics program can help you in business or social science master's programs.

10. Entertainment Management

Entertainment is a hot field. And you can learn about the business side of the entertainment industry with an entertainment management degree program. Learn how to manage events and negotiate contracts, and then pursue jobs in public relations, event planning, or social media.

You can also pursue a career as an agent or personal manager with an entertainment management degree.

11. Entrepreneurship

Curious about venture capital and entrepreneurial careers? Then earn a bachelor's in entrepreneurship. You'll learn how to design a business plan, raise capital, and assess new ventures. You can also gain strong analytical and leadership skills.

Entrepreneurs work in every field from tech to sales. Or use your skills to work for an established company in development and venture capital.

12. Finance

Want to work in a fast-paced, growing field? Then consider earning a finance bachelors degree. You'll strengthen analytical skills as you learn how to assess investment strategies and manage portfolios. And finance careers offer some of the highest salaries for business majors.

Financial analysts typically make more than any other business career outside management. In May 2021, they earned a median annual salary of over $95,000, according to the BLS.

13. Forensic Accounting

Forensic accountants are the investigators of the accounting world. Learn how to uncover financial fraud and investigate financial crimes with a forensic accounting bachelors degree program. Common job titles include fraud examiner, forensic accountant, and auditor.

Can't find a forensic accounting program? Many accounting concentrations offer electives to focus your degree on forensic accounting.

14. Hospitality Management

The hospitality sector continues to rebound after the pandemic. A hospitality management bachelors degree program gives you industry-focused training in finance, management, and customer service. Work in lodging, events planning, or the food industry after graduation.

Hands-on experience in hospitality is a plus when you're looking for management roles. An internship can help you get there.

15. Human Resources

Explore recruiting, retention, and training with a bachelor's in human resources (HR) program. You'll learn how to assess an organization's workforce needs and manage training programs. The degree can lead to a career as a human resources specialist, training and development specialist, or compensation and benefits specialist.

Businesses across every sector rely on HR professionals, so it's a great option if you want a versatile career path.

16. International Business

Take your degree across borders with an international business bachelors. You'll learn about global financial systems, business strategy, and cross-cultural management. A fast-track international business degree can lead to jobs in international finance, international marketing, or global operations management.

Want to travel? Many online business programs incorporate internship opportunities abroad.

17. Logistics

Got an eye for detail? Logistics is all about analyzing processes and identifying improvements. During a bachelor's in logistics program, you'll learn how to analyze supply chains and implement more efficient systems. After graduation, you can work as a logistician or supply chain manager.

Interested in a specific step of the supply chain? Some colleges offer transportation management, procurement, and distribution concentrations.

18. Management

Earn an accelerated business management degree to fast track your management career. You'll study organizational behavior, team leadership, and project management during a bachelor's in business management program. Use those leadership and communication skills to lead teams in diverse industries.

Management jobs typically pay the highest median salary of any career group, according to BLS data. How much can you earn? Median annual pay topped $102,000 in May 2021, the BLS reports.

19. Management Information Systems

Learn how to manage information and data with a bachelor's in management information systems program. You'll add tech skills to your accelerated business management degree. After graduation, you can choose from many information systems careers.

Look for entry-level titles like information security analyst, operations research analyst, and computer systems analyst.

20. Marketing

Marketing is a hot field. Learn how to research trends, analyze competitors, and design marketing plans with a bachelor's in marketing program. You can prepare for in-demand marketing careers like market research analyst.

There could be a high demand for market research analysts. According to the BLS, nearly 100,000 market research job openings are projected annually, on average, from 2021-2031.

21. Negotiation and Conflict Management

Business is all about negotiation. Hone your skills with a degree in negotiation and conflict management. You'll study conflict mediation, mediation, and labor relations. Use your degree as a labor relations specialist or work in human resources.

What else will you study? Expect coursework on business communications, conflict analysis, and strategic leadership.

22. Nonprofit Management

Nonprofits make a difference. Learn how to lead nonprofit organizations with an accelerated bachelors business degree in nonprofit management. You can take on management roles in the nonprofit sector or work in fundraising, grant writing, or nonprofit program coordination.

A nonprofit management degree is also a great option if you're interested in public sector or nongovernmental organization careers.

23. Organizational Leadership

Study organizational behavior, leadership, and change management with a bachelor's in organizational leadership program. You can launch a career in management, training and development, or consulting after finishing your fast-track business degree.

Organizational leadership is also a great option if you're interested in human resources, recruiting, or retention roles.

24. Project Management

Learn how to oversee projects from the planning to delivery phases. With a bachelor's in project management, you can pursue work in diverse business roles. Check out our resources on project management careers for more.

Project management specialists are among the highest-paid business careers that don't require experience. How much do they make? The median annual salary topped $94,000 in May 2021, according to the BLS.

25. Public Relations

Are you fascinated by public opinion, branding, and communications? Then look into a public relations bachelors degree program. You'll study strategic communications, advertising, and media relations. After earning an accelerated business degree, you'll qualify to pursue roles like public relations specialist.

Want a field similar to public relations? Check out marketing and advertising concentrations.

26. Real Estate

Real estate is an exciting field. With an accelerated bachelors degree in real estate program, you'll gain sales, analytical, and communication skills. After graduation, you can work as a real estate agent or specialize in commercial real estate, property development, or real estate finance.

A real estate degree is also great if you're interested in investing, brokerage, or mortgage-related careers.

27. Retail and Sales Management

Want to work in sales? Then consider a fast-track business bachelors in retail and sales management. You'll learn how to manage sales teams and craft sales strategies that appeal to customers.

Here's a fun fact: sales managers reported a median annual salary of over $127,000 in May 2021, according to BLS data.

28. Risk Management

Learn how to identify and mitigate risk in a bachelor's in risk management program. Where can you work after earning an accelerated business degree online? Risk management is an in-demand skill in finance, insurance, cybersecurity, and real estate.

Risk management consultants earn an average salary of over $80,000 per year, according to March 2023 data from Payscale.

29. Small Business

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. Learn how to launch a new venture, expand a small business, or manage a small business while earning your fast-track business degree.

You can gain entrepreneurial and management skills during a small business degree program — which can pay off in the workforce.

30. Sports Management

Want to work on the business side of sports? Then a bachelor's in sports management is a great option. You can become an athletic director, coach, or sports operations manager, among other sports management careers.

With a sports management degree, you could also become an agent or facilities manager.

31. Supply Chain and Logistics

Want to plan complex production, transportation, and procurement processes? Then a bachelor's in supply chain management program might be the best fit. Some logistics careers like supply chain manager or logistician report average salaries of over $77,000 per year, according to Payscale data.

Can't decide between logistics and supply chain management? Most business programs treat them as interchangeable and they offer similar coursework and career opportunities.

32. Sustainability

Combine business with environmental studies by earning a bachelor's in sustainability. You can pursue sustainability careers like environmental specialist, sustainability consultant, and supply chain coordinator. Or bring a sustainability mindset to many other business fields.

Expect to take some natural science courses as part of most sustainability programs. Or consider a bachelor's in business with a sustainability concentration to focus on the business side.

What Courses Should I Expect to Take?

You'll strengthen analytical, communication, and leadership skills during a fast-track business degree. Business majors take courses in marketing, human resources management, and finance. Choose a concentration to specialize your coursework.

Here are some common course titles for students earning their accelerated business degree online:

• Organizational Behavior
• Project Management
• Business Communication
• Operations Management
• Human Resources Management
• Financial Accounting
• Business Analytics
• Principles of Marketing

What Kind of Careers Can You Have With a Business Degree?

You can work in growing fields like finance, marketing, or management. Here are some common career paths with a bachelor's in business.

How Fast Can I Get an Online Bachelor's in Business?

The length of an accelerated bachelor's program in business varies by school, but most take 2-3 years. These programs usually require a standard 120 credits, but class sessions are condensed.

Standard programs feature 14- to 16-week sessions, but accelerated sessions run between 7-8 weeks or less. In standard programs, you complete about five courses each semester, spending about 15 hours in class and studying for 30 hours each week. In an accelerated program, course loads are doubled.

You could spend up to 90 hours each week between classes and studying. If you are pursuing a degree completion program, you may be able to transfer your college credits and earn your degree in as little as one year.

What Can I Expect From an Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Business Program?

You should consider both the pros and cons of accelerated degrees, including the heavier course loads. In an online bachelor's degree program, you learn business strategy, operations, and management skills.

Many programs offer concentrations, which can open up doors for specialized careers and further study. Some popular specializations include accounting, finance, and human resources.

Business students also have degree types to consider, such as a bachelor of business administration (BBA), a bachelor of arts (BA), and a bachelor of science (BS).

While all degree types offer similar career potential, the courses and requirements vary. For instance, BBA programs emphasize practical training, BA programs focus on interdisciplinary business applications, and BS programs focus on analytical and applied approaches.

What Are Admission Requirements for an Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Business Program?

For admission into an accelerated online bachelor's in business program, students usually need a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Due to the intensity of accelerated programs, applicants may also need a minimum 3.0 GPA to demonstrate their academic capabilities.

Online programs have similar requirements as on-campus programs, with the exception of the technological requirements needed to participate in virtual classes.

Application

The requirements for an undergraduate application vary by school, as do the methods for submitting them. Many schools offer their own online portal to make uploading documents and reviewing progress easier for applicants.

Prospective undergraduate students can also use one of the college application systems to manage their applications.

Test Scores

Depending on the school, you may need to submit scores from one of the college entrance exams.

These test results provide insight into your academic strengths and help schools decide between similar applicants. Even when schools provide test waivers, you should still consider submitting your scores if you have strong scores.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are a common application component. You typically submit written support from 1-3 of your teachers, guidance counselors, mentors, or employers.

Reference letters might cover what makes you unique or how well prepared you are for a bachelor's program.

Essay

Also known as college application essays or statements, this written portion of the application gives you a chance to reveal more about yourself, your circumstances, and your interests.

Application essays can showcase your writing abilities. They can also demonstrate how well you respond to instructions when schools provide essay prompts.

Official Transcripts

You almost always submit official transcripts, which provide details on your previous studies.

These records can help determine if you qualify for admission and have the necessary prerequisites. Transcripts may also indicate transfer credits for transfer students.

Fastest Accredited Online Bachelor's in Business Programs

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

Frequently Asked Questions About the Fastest Online Business Programs

Can I get a bachelor's degree in one year?

Yes. You can complete a bachelor's degree in one year via degree completion programs and schools with generous transfer credit policies. Many schools allow learners to earn credits from previous training or life and work experience.

However, for an accelerated degree in a business program, completion times are typically 2-3 years. Since an accelerated bachelor's in business program features about 120 credits, the amount of work required to complete the training in one year would be too taxing for learners.

Are accelerated degree classes worth it?

Yes. If you can manage or need fast-tracked schooling, an accelerated degree can be worthwhile. These programs allow you to complete a full bachelor's program in half the time of traditional programs. This allows you to enter the workforce and start earning an income faster.

You should also consider the online degree value for accelerated programs. In general, online programs are more accessible and flexible. For accelerated programs, specifically, asynchronous online training may allow you to maintain other work or family commitments.

Is an accelerated bachelor's degree program in business right for me?

Deciding if an accelerated business degree program is right for you requires considering how you might benefit from this program and how you might handle it. For example, you may want to complete your degree within a two-year period, making an accelerated program necessary.

Accelerated programs require you to dedicate a lot of your schedule to schooling. Not only that, you need to juggle more courses and assignments than traditional students. You must also stay engaged and committed to your courses with fewer breaks.

Are accelerated degree programs affordable?

The cost of an accelerated degree program in business can vary by school, but they typically have similar costs to standard programs. After all, many schools have a per-credit tuition system that is not affected by how quickly you move through the program.

In schools that charge tuition based on time, such as per-semester tuition rates, accelerated degrees may actually save you money. However, some schools may charge more for accelerated programs.