Online bachelor’s degree in business management
A business management bachelor's degree builds foundational skills in leadership, finance, marketing, and operations. Explore what to expect and how to evaluate your educational options.
Explore online business management degree programs
Key takeaways
- A bachelor's degree in business management typically requires about 120 credits and four years of full-time study, though programs vary.
- Graduates can pursue careers such as management analyst, an occupation the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects to grow by 10% from 2025 to 2035.
- Admission requirements vary, but programs commonly require a high school diploma or GED and transcripts. Some programs also request additional materials.
Why earn a bachelor's degree in business management online?
Explore versatile business career paths
Pursue a variety of career opportunities in the business and financial sector after graduation.
Build practical business and management skills
Develop business leadership and administration skills that organizations rely on to drive growth and make decisions.
Learn online with greater flexibility
Study business management online with the flexibility to balance your coursework with work and other commitments.
What can you learn in an online business management degree?
A business management bachelor's program teaches students the fundamentals of business administration, leadership, and decision-making. Learners study business principles in areas like accounting, finance, and marketing, while also developing skills in communication, critical thinking, and project management.
Most bachelor's programs require about 120 credits and four years of study. Curricula differ by school, but they may include specialization opportunities, such as human resources, finance, and international business.
What courses are in an online business management degree program?
Business management programs typically combine foundational business coursework with classes that strengthen your analytical, leadership, communication, and decision-making skills. Coursework often covers factors that affect organizational performance, such as finances, employees, operations, technology, and customer relationships.
Coursework can also introduce quantitative methods that help business professionals interpret data and make informed decisions. As you progress through the program, you may move from introductory business concepts into more focused management areas. Specific course requirements and electives depend on the school and program. Common courses and subject areas include:
BA vs. BS in business management
A bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS) in business management are both undergraduate degrees. However, their academic emphases differ. A BA typically takes a broader, interdisciplinary approach and may provide more opportunities to study liberal arts or explore electives outside the major.
A BS often places greater emphasis on technical, analytical, or quantitative skills. This degree may include more structured requirements within the major. However, these distinctions depend on the school, so compare each program's curriculum, concentrations, and degree requirements before choosing the program that is right for you.
What are the admission requirements for an online business management degree?
Admission requirements for online business management bachelor's programs vary by school and program, but common requirements may include:
- High school diploma or GED
- High school transcripts
- Application fee
- Résumé
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- ACT or SAT scores, if required
Check the admission requirements for each program before applying.
What can you do with a bachelor's degree in business management?
A bachelor's in business management program can help prepare graduates for a variety of roles in business and finance, including opportunities to advance into management positions with experience. These roles can involve overseeing operations, analyzing business performance, and making strategic decisions.
The BLS projects faster-than-average employment growth for business and financial occupations from 2025 to 2035, with approximately 886,600 job openings each year, on average.
Here are some potential career paths to pursue:
Marketing manager
Marketing managers study the market to identify opportunities, develop pricing strategies, and attract customers to their products and services. They create campaigns that promote their products or services while maintaining brand consistency and attracting potential customers.
- Median annual salary (May 2025): $166,790
- Projected employment growth (2025-35): +7%
Marketing manager
Marketing managers study the market to identify opportunities, develop pricing strategies, and attract customers to their products and services. They create campaigns that promote their products or services while maintaining brand consistency and attracting potential customers.
- Median annual salary (May 2025): $166,790
- Projected employment growth (2025-35): +7%
What can you pursue after a bachelor's degree in business management?
After earning a bachelor's degree in business management, you may choose to continue your education to build more specialized knowledge or prepare for more advanced roles. Common options include:
Master's in business management
A master's in business management program can help you develop more advanced team and project management skills and prepare you for senior-level positions.
Master's in business administration
A master of business administration (MBA) program can help you develop broad management skills, while specialized MBA programs allow you to focus on a particular area of business. These programs also emphasize strategic thinking and decision-making.
Doctorate in business administration
A doctor of business administration (DBA) program explores advanced topics in business theory and practice. These programs can prepare graduates to help organizations address complex business challenges.
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