University HQ is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University Headquarters strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best business programs.
The team at UniversityHQ digs into higher education information and date from authoritative sources like the BLS and College Navigator to provide some of the best information and rankings for business programs. A business career is flexible and versatile, and it can involve nearly every economic activity. Business careers thrive in the for-profit sector including large, medium, and small sized organizations. Business careers also have enormous impacts on the non-profit sector. Students can build solid business careers on a strong foundational knowledge of the basics of organizations and management. In a broad sense, being prepared for financial management, operations management, project management, international supply chain management, human resource management, business administration, or business management means having the knowledge and skills that move an organization towards its goals. These degrees in business are designed to prepare graduates of on-campus or online business degree programs to take on vital roles and leadership positions.
On-campus, hybrid (online and campus instruction), or online degrees can help everyone learn business and management principles and gain the education they need to succeed. Online education is flexible and students and business professionals can maintain employment, businesses, community ties, and family obligations. Whether you have an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or no degree at all, online business degree programs offer an effective, money-saving alternative to full-time on-campus education while still providing general education courses and business courses you need.
Featured Online Programs
Online Business Associate Degree
Associate degrees in business provide a solid foundation for entry-level positions. These two-year programs typically cost around $8,705 per year for out-of-state students. Courses cover basic business, accounting, and management principles. Find the best business campus schools and the most affordable business schools.
Students can choose between an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) in Business. The A.A. focuses more on general education, while the A.S. emphasizes technical skills.
Graduates can pursue roles like administrative assistant or sales representative. Many use this degree as a stepping stone to further education.
Online Business Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degrees in business are four-year programs offering in-depth knowledge. Students can select from Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) options.
B.S. programs tend to be more quantitative, featuring courses in finance and statistics. B.A. programs often include more liberal arts classes and focus on communication skills.
Graduates are prepared for roles such as financial analyst, marketing manager, or business consultant. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 10% growth for management analysts over the next decade.
From MBA to Master's Degree: Advanced Education
Master's degrees in business offer specialized knowledge for career advancement. The most common options are:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Specialized Master's programs (e.g., Master of Finance, Master of Management)
MBAs are designed for professionals with about five years of work experience. They provide broad business knowledge and leadership skills. Specialized master's (MBA) programs cater to recent graduates or those seeking deep expertise in a specific area. These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete.
Choosing an Accredited College Program
Selecting an accredited program to pursue a business degree is an important decision. The entire institution may have accreditation from the regional accreditation agency for the state. The US Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education oversee a national system for accreditation. These organizations authorize qualified agencies to conduct accreditation.
The national systems consist of regions of states and the US Territories. The regions are New England, the Middle States, the Northcentral, the Northwest, the South, and the Western region. These regional agencies perform institutional accreditations which assess the entire school, college, or university.
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is the leading accreditation agency for business schools and business programs. This organization accredits bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral business programs. The AACSB operates in more than 50 countries, and its accreditations have wide acceptance and respect in academic and business communities.
- The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) works with business, accounting, and business-type programs at all levels from associate degrees to doctoral degrees. The organization has a global scope of operations.
- The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) accredits programs at all levels, from associate degrees to doctorates, but it does not work with schools that only offer an associate level degree.
Specializations & Concentrations Within Business Majors
Business degrees offer a wide range of specializations to cater to diverse interests and career aspirations. Students can choose from traditional concentrations or explore emerging interdisciplinary fields. Selecting the right specialization aligns academic pursuits with professional goals.
Core Business Concentrations
Marketing focuses on promoting products and services, encompassing market research, branding, and advertising strategies. Finance specializations delve into managing money, investments, and financial planning for organizations and individuals. International business prepares students for global markets, covering cross-cultural management and international trade.
Accounting concentrations teach financial reporting, auditing, and tax preparation. Management specializations develop leadership skills and organizational behavior understanding. Human resources concentrations focus on talent acquisition, employee relations, and workforce development.
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Specializations
Business intelligence and data analytics combine business acumen with technology skills. Students learn to interpret big data, use predictive modeling, and make data-driven decisions. Information systems specializations bridge IT and business processes, covering database management and enterprise systems.
Entrepreneurship concentrations equip students with skills to start and manage their own businesses. Supply chain management focuses on optimizing product flow from suppliers to consumers. Sustainability in business explores eco-friendly practices and corporate social responsibility.
Career Opportunities and Growth in the Business Field
Business careers offer diverse paths and strong growth potential. Graduates with business degrees can pursue roles across industries, often commanding competitive salaries and advancement opportunities.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average growth for business and financial occupations from 2023 to 2033. This translates to an estimated 963,500 job openings annually in these fields. The median annual wage for this group was $79,050 in May 2023, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $48,060.
The demand spans various sectors, with finance, marketing, and management showing particularly strong prospects. Technological advancements and data-driven decision-making are reshaping business roles, creating new opportunities.
We're seeing increased emphasis on skills like data analysis, digital marketing, and project management across business functions.
Business Concentration Salaries
| Occupations | Entry-Level Median Annual Salary | Mid-Career Median Annual Salary | Late-Career Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accountant | $51,000 | $61,500 | $65,300 |
| Financial Analyst | $60,600 | $75,200 | $79,300 |
| Human Resources Manager | $55,700 | $75,900 | $82,500 |
| Marketing Manager | $51,900 | $75,900 | $88,200 |
| Operations Manager | $57,000 | $73,400 | $85,700 |
| Project Manager | $60,900 | $84,200 | $97,500 |
| Supply Chain Manager | $66,300 | $91,800 | $101,400 |
Top Business Educational Resources
MBA programs offer comprehensive business education, covering finance, marketing, and strategy. Online platforms like Coursera and edX provide flexible options for learning business concepts. Books like "Good to Great" by Jim Collins offer valuable insights into successful business practices.
We recommend exploring industry-specific publications to stay current. Journals such as Harvard Business Review provide in-depth analysis of business trends. Professional associations often offer workshops and certifications to enhance specific skills.
Many universities have business libraries with extensive resources. These may include access to market research databases, financial reports, and case studies.
Internships and Practical Experience
Internships are crucial for gaining real-world business experience. They provide opportunities to apply classroom knowledge and develop professional networks. We encourage seeking internships in various business functions to broaden your skill set.
Student organizations like AIESEC offer international internship programs. These experiences can enhance cross-cultural communication skills and global business understanding.
Leveraging Alumni Networks and Business Associations
Alumni networks offer a powerful platform for career growth. We've found that graduates who actively engage with their school's alumni association gain access to job opportunities, mentorship, and industry insights. Business associations, such as chambers of commerce or industry-specific groups, provide similar benefits. Members can attend events, join committees, and build relationships with peers and leaders in their field.
State-By-State Business College Rankings
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