Best Accelerated Online Business Degrees of 2024
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Business is one of the most popular college majors in the United States — and for good reason. Knowing how to launch, run, and grow a successful business can open doors to well-paid, interesting jobs in every sector and industry.
The highest-paid business executives, for example, earned a median annual salary of $239,200 in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Median pay for even the average exec was six figures last year.
The payoff for a business degree is there, yes — but getting your diploma the traditional way typically takes at least four years.
Want to get there quicker? You can slice years off the process with an accelerated online degree program. We've rounded up the best (and fastest) options out there.
Featured Online Business Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Fastest Accredited Online Bachelor's in Business Programs
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $531
Out-of-State | $531
Credits to Graduate: 120
Kansas State University offers an online business administration program with concentrations in data analytics, human resource management, marketing, and operations. All business administration majors follow a similar curriculum except for the 12 credit hours dedicated to concentration-related courses. Key classes include principles of finance, strategic management, and principles of macroeconomics.
Prospective students must submit an online application and a $40 fee. Incoming first years must have a high school GPA of at least 3.25, an ACT score above 21, or an SAT score above 1060.
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $465
Out-of-State | $465
Credits to Graduate: 120
Buena Vista University's business degree prepares students for a variety of roles by teaching finance, statistics, and accounting. Attendees can choose among five concentrations, including management, marketing, finance, agricultural business, and sports business. Each concentration requires the completion of five relevant courses.
Graduates can enroll in an accelerated master's of organizational leadership program, which can be completed within one year of graduation. The organizational leadership degree can be completed online and prepares students for leadership roles.
Bethel University
Mishawaka, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $465
Out-of-State | $465
Credits to Graduate: 120
Bethel University offers a bachelor's in business administration program for individuals interested in learning about finance, leadership, and governance. Enrollees can work at their own pace as courses are fully asynchronous. The school estimates that students can earn the degree within 2-4 years.
Attendees take a total of 40 courses consisting of core, elective, and major classes. Business-related courses include business finance, business law, and business communication. The institution offers six start dates annually, allowing applicants to start earning their degrees faster.
Regis University
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $589
Out-of-State | $589
Credits to Graduate: 120
Regis University's accelerated business administration degree helps students gain a foundational understanding of analytics, problem-solving, and management. The program offers six specializations, including finance, international business, and project management.
Courses are fully online and take 5-8 weeks to complete. Full-time students can complete the program in 36-48 months. Graduates of the bachelor's program earned an average starting salary of $75,250, according to a survey held by the school. Enrollees can also choose a dual-degree program to earn a bachelor's and master's degree simultaneously.
DeSales University
Center Valley, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $560
Out-of-State | $560
Credits to Graduate: 120
DeSales University offers an accelerated bachelor's in business administration that focuses on the importance of business planning, organization, and budgeting by exploring real-world profitable companies. Enrollees learn about marketing, finance, and management in courses like principles of management, corporate finance, and international business.
Attendees can enroll in the data analytics track, which teaches data structures, math, and programming. Qualified students, those with a 3.0 GPA or higher at the end of their junior year, can sign up for the accelerated bachelor's and MBA program. The accelerated dual-degree program can be completed in 4.5 years.
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,150
Out-of-State | $1,150
Credits to Graduate: 120
Nova Southeastern University offers eight business-related bachelor's degrees, including finance, entrepreneurship, and management. Enrollees in these majors take the same core business courses, including corporate finance, business law, and organizational behavior. Each degree offers different major courses, which may require 24-30 credits.
Attendees also have the ability for hands-on learning through case competitions and internships. Case competitions involve a case study that must be solved and presented in front of a panel of judges. The school also offers a business network of 178 corporate partners to help attendees find mentors and internship opportunities.
Asbury University
Wilmore, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $399
Out-of-State | $399
Credits to Graduate: 124
Asbury University's online BS in business management can help students understand the function of management in a corporation. The entirely online program offers eight-week courses, including a mixture of foundational, major, and elective classes.
Enrollees with at least 90 completed credits and a GPA of 3.0 or higher can enroll in the dual-degree bachelor's and MBA program. The MBA degree under the dual-degree program can be completed within 12 months, and up to 25% of courses do not require students to pay any additional fees.
Bushnell University
Eugene, OR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $495
Out-of-State | $495
Credits to Graduate: 124
Bushnell University's BS in business administration provides a project-based learning model with concentrations in general business, digital marketing, and management. Graduates should have effective communication skills, an understanding of business management, and literacy of management trends.
Bachelor's in business enrollees can apply for a dual degree program to pursue an MBA or master's in leadership. Students may submit a dual degree application if they have at least a 3.0 GPA and one year left in their studies. Enrollees can finish the master's degree within one year and save up to 25% on graduate tuition.
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $475
Out-of-State | $475
Credits to Graduate: 120
Concordia University Wisconsin offers an online BA in business management program to help students gain general managerial skills that can be applied to multiple industries. Enrollees learn about current technologies and techniques, including business management software, project management tools, and research analysis methods.
The business management curriculum consists of core courses, major requirements, and electives. Attendees achieve competency in foundational business principles through courses like financial accounting, project management, and critical thinking.
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To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
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In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
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.
Business Concentrations
- 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 bachelor's 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 $78,000, according to May 2022 data from the BLS.
Featured Accounting Programs
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.
Featured Advertising Programs
3. Business Administration
An accelerated business administration bachelor's degree program can launch your career in less time. You'll study core topics like marketing, finance, and accounting while strengthening your leadership abilities. You can pursue business administration careers in diverse fields with this degree.
Featured Business Administration Programs
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 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.
Featured Business Intelligence Programs
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.
Featured Business Law Programs
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.
Featured Contract Management Programs
7. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is a hot field, and a digital marketing bachelor's 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 a fast-tracked business degree.
Featured Marketing Programs
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.
Featured Business Programs
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. Are you considering graduate school? The research training in an economics program can help you in business or social science master's programs.
Featured Economics 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.
Featured Entertainment Management Programs
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. You can use your skills to work for an established company in development and venture capital.
Featured Entrepreneurship Programs
12. Finance
Want to work in a fast-paced, growing field? Then consider earning a finance bachelor's degree. You'll strengthen your 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 professional outside management. In May 2022, they earned a median annual salary of over $96,220, according to the BLS.
Featured Finance Programs
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 bachelor's degree program. Common job titles include fraud examiner, forensic accountant, and auditor. If you can't find a forensic accounting program? Many accounting concentrations offer electives to focus your degree on forensic accounting.
Featured Forensic Accounting Programs
14. Hospitality Management
The hospitality sector continues to rebound after the pandemic. A hospitality management bachelor's degree program gives you industry-focused training in finance, management, and customer service. Graduates can 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.
Featured Hospitality Management Programs
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.
Featured Human Resources Programs
16. International Business
Take your degree across borders with an international business bachelor's. 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.
Featured International Business Programs
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.
Featured Logistics Programs
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. How much can you earn? Management professionals earned $107,360 in May 2022, according to the BLS.
Featured Management Programs
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. You can also look for entry-level titles like information security analyst, operations research analyst, and computer systems analyst.
Featured Management Information Systems Programs
20. Marketing
Marketing is a hot field. Learn how to research trends, analyze competitors, and design marketing plans in a bachelor's in marketing program. You can prepare for in-demand marketing careers like market research analyst. The BLS projects the creation of nearly 95,000 market research jobs annually from 2022-2032.
Featured Marketing Programs
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 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.
Featured Negotiation and Conflict Management Programs
22. Nonprofit Management
Nonprofits make a difference. Learn how to lead nonprofit organizations with an accelerated bachelor's degree in nonprofit management. Upon graduation, you can take on a management role 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 careers in the public sector or at nongovernmental organizations.
Featured Nonprofit Management Programs
23. Organizational Leadership
Study organizational behavior, leadership, and change management in a bachelor's in organizational leadership program. You can launch a career in management, training and development, or consulting after finishing your fast-tracked business degree. Organizational leadership is also a great option if you're interested in human resources, recruiting, or retention roles.
Featured Organizational Leadership Programs
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 professionals that don't need previous experience. How much do they make? The median annual salary topped $95,370 in May 2022, according to the BLS.
Featured Project Management Programs
25. Public Relations
Are you fascinated by public opinion, branding, and communications? Then look into a public relations bachelor's 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. Do you want a field similar to public relations? Check out marketing and advertising concentrations.
Featured Public Relations Programs
26. Real Estate
Real estate is an exciting field. In an accelerated bachelor's 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.
Featured Real Estate Programs
27. Retail and Sales Management
Want to work in sales? Then consider a fast-track business bachelor's in retail and sales management. You'll learn how to manage sales teams and craft sales strategies that appeal to customers. Sales managers reported a median annual salary of over $130,600 in May 2022, according to BLS data.
Featured Retail and Sales Management Programs
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 $84,190 per year, according to Jan. 2024 data from Payscale.
Featured Risk Management Programs
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.
Featured Small Business Programs
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 apply to be an athletic director, coach, or sports operations manager, among other sports management jobs. With a sports management degree, you could also become an agent or facilities manager.
Featured Sports Management Programs
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 managers, earn more than $88,377 per year, according to March 2024 data from Payscale. Can't decide between logistics and supply chain management? Most business programs treat them as interchangeable, and they offer similar coursework and career opportunities.
Featured Supply Chain and Logistics Programs
32. Sustainability
Combine business with environmental studies by earning a bachelor's in sustainability. You can pursue sustainability roles like environmental specialist, sustainability consultant, and supply chain coordinator. Or, you can 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.
Featured Sustainability Programs
What Courses Should I Expect to Take?
You'll strengthen analytical, communication, and leadership skills during a fast-track business degree program. Business majors take courses in marketing, human resources management, and finance. Choose a concentration to specialize your coursework.
Here are some common courses that students earning their accelerated business degree online take:
- 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 you can take with a bachelor's in business.
Finance
In finance, you'll calculate risk, manage portfolios, and evaluate investment strategies. Common entry-level titles include financial analyst, financial examiner, and budget analyst.
Marketing
Research consumer behavior and design marketing strategies in the marketing field. Look for titles like market research analyst.
Human Resources
Every industry needs HR to manage hiring, benefits, and training. Keep an eye out for titles like human resources specialist or training and development specialist.
Accounting
Prepare financial statements and evaluate documents in the accounting field. With a bachelor's degree, you can work as an accountant or auditor.
Project Management
Project managers work in tech, business, construction, and manufacturing. You can become a project management specialist with a bachelor's degree.
Featured Online Business Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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 students to complete 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 attending classes and studying. If you are interested in enrolling in 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 must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Due to the intensity of accelerated programs, applicants may also need a minimum GPA of 3.0 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.
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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 results. -
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
College application essays or statements give 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
Applicants must almost always submit official transcripts, which provide details on their previous studies. These records can help determine if you qualify for admission and have the necessary prerequisites. Transcripts can also help schools determine if transfer students have any transfer credits.
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 means you can enter the workforce and start earning an income faster.
You should also consider the value of an online program, especially one that's accelerated. In general, online programs are more accessible and flexible. Accelerated programs with asynchronous online training may allow you to maintain other work or family commitments while you study.
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?
How much an accelerated college degree program costs depends on your school, location, and specific course of study. However, many cost a similar amount to their in-person counterparts. 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.