Online master’s in business
An online master's in business program can help you secure a high-paying role in industries like marketing, finance, and tech. Explore online master's in business programs, and enroll today on edX.
Explore online master's in business programs
Why earn a master's in business degree online?
Boost earning potential
Earning a master's degree can increase your earning potential and lead to higher-paying roles.
Move up the ladder
A master's in business degree can lead to management-level roles in your current field or a new one.
Work while in school
An online format makes it easier to work while earning your master's degree.
Find the right online master's in business programs for you
What can you do with a master's in business degree?
A master's in business program can provide learners with the knowledge necessary to help advance an organization's mission at the highest levels. This graduate-level qualification can open doors to various in-demand roles across industries as varied as finance, healthcare, technology, and marketing.
Earning a master's in business degree can better qualify you for management positions at any number of organizations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 1.1 million job openings annually from 2024 to 2034 for management occupations, which represents faster-than-average job growth.
Here are some potential career paths in management to consider, with 2024 salary data from the BLS:
Chief financial officer
Manages an organization's financial operations, including financial planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and risk management, while providing strategic financial guidance to the executive team and stakeholders.
Median annual salary: $206,420
Marketing manager
Analyze demand, create pricing strategies, and develop strategies to expand market share. These roles require strong analytical and leadership skills.
Median annual salary: $161,030
Financial manager
Evaluate financial reports to set investment strategies and improve the financial well-being of organizations. Financial managers also design long-term financial plans and manage financial analysts.
Median annual salary: $161,700
Human resources manager
Oversee hiring, employee benefits, and human resources specialists, while consulting with executives on the organization's workforce needs and strategic goals.
Median annual salary: $140,030
Operations manager
Direct daily operations, including managing projects and teams, while implementing policies that improve efficiency. General and operations managers benefit from a strong background in business management.
Median annual salary: $101,280
What should you expect from an online business program?
A master's in business program can strengthen analytical, decision-making, and leadership skills. While developing these abilities, you'll also take advanced courses in a specialty area. Master's in business programs offer concentrations in several areas, including management, business administration, and entrepreneurship.
Earning your master's in business degree online typically takes 1-2 years, depending on the program. Accelerated one-year master's programs generally require a higher time commitment, which can make it more challenging to work while in grad school.
Concentrations for online business programs
Specializing in your master's in business program can help prepare you for focused career paths after graduation. While business schools offer graduate degrees in many areas, here are some of the more common concentrations:
Finance
Learn how to analyze financial reports, set long-term financial goals, and implement plans to reach those goals. Within finance, you'll study corporate investment strategy, financial modeling, and international finance.
Strengthen marketing analytics abilities while exploring data-driven approaches to increasing marketing share. Common courses include consumer behavior, competitor analysis, and marketing strategy.
Study organizational behavior and change with an emphasis on human resources management. Courses may include talent development, recruitment, and training and development.
Management
Build leadership skills while studying management approaches and learning how to lead teams. Common classes during a master's in management program include strategic management, change management, and ethical leadership.
Learn how to launch and grow new ventures, including entrepreneurial financing and venture capital. Courses may include venture planning, negotiations, and entrepreneurial strategy.
Admissions for online master's in business programs
You can apply for an online master's in business program with a bachelor's degree in any field. Some programs may include prerequisite courses in business, statistics, or other subjects. Business schools may also set a minimum GPA for admissions.
Other common application requirements include:
- GMAT or GRE scores
- Professional experience
- Letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose
Some colleges also conduct an interview during the admissions process.
Frequently asked questions
Not ready to start a full Master's program yet?
Earn a MicroMasters® program certificate instead! MicroMasters programs are a series of graduate-level courses from top universities designed to advance your career. MicroMasters program certificates showcase deep learning and in-demand skills to employers and can help you get started on a path toward completing an advanced degree.