Online Business Schools, Colleges and Universities: How to Choose

Several online degree programs in business are available at the bachelor's and master's degree level. These programs include a variety of enrollment options and schedules to accommodate working professionals as well as full-time students.

How to Select an Online Business Program

Award Levels

Study in online bachelor's and master's degrees in business can lead to a career in a wide number of industries and fields. Students can often choose to specialize their degrees with concentrations in finance, law, management, accounting and economics. It's recommended that prospective students research and consider which aspect of business they would like to enter before selecting an online business program.

Program Type

Full immersion online programs are common for business programs at the bachelor and master level. In these programs, all courses are offered on the Web through streaming video lectures, texts, conferencing and online instruction. Students never have to attend classes on campus and have the freedom to view course material and complete assignments any time during the day or night. Some schools may also offer accelerated, self-paced or directed study options, which allow students to work at their chosen pace.
A number of colleges and universities also offer hybrid online programs. These programs retain a strong online component but also require students to spend at least part of the time on campus. Hybrid programs allow students to benefit from personal interaction with classmates and faculty as well as access to school facilities.

Technical Requirements

Online programs require a broadband Internet connection such as DSL or cable. Students may also require additional course materials such as textbooks or software which are available for purchase through the school's website.

List of Common Online Business Programs

Online Bachelor of Science in Business

While some schools may offer accelerated learning options, the majority of online bachelor's degree programs in business administration take from 2-3 years to complete. A typical course load will include up to 60 credits of liberal arts requirements such as calculus, statistics, accounting, office technology and communications.
The core business courses taken will depend on the student's chosen specialization, though most programs include classes in law, marketing, finance and leadership skills. Specializations in a business program can include accounting, finance, business management, human resources and business information systems. Internship opportunities are also available with many specializations.

Online Master of Science in Business

Online master's degree programs prepare students for upper-level positions in services such as insurance, finance, and regulatory compliance. Students in the master's degree program build on the bachelor's degree by deepening their knowledge of business strategy, economics and marketing. A master's degree program prepares students to make executive-level decisions that affect many or all aspects of a large business.
Many students work on individual research with a professor or instructor by communicating though e-mail, voice or video conferencing. Some programs require the students to present their thesis on campus, while others ask for a research paper and internship credits.