A master’s degree in business can enhance your career through a deep dive into specialties such as management, finance, accounting, or data analytics. This guide offers a comprehensive look at online master’s degrees in business from top colleges throughout the U.S. It introduces you to some of the best online business master’s programs and tells you what you’ll learn, what the pay looks like for someone with a master’s degree, the admissions requirements you’ll need to meet, the career options a master’s degree opens up, and much more. Keep reading to find out which online master’s degrees in business stand out in 2024.
Top Online Master’s Degree in Business Program for 2024
We have ranked the top schools below. Our Rankings Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES.) Click the About the Ranking link below for more information about our methodology.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Maryville University of Saint Louis offers several online master’s degrees for business students. These include master’s in accounting, business administration, data analytics, management and leadership, and strategic communication and leadership. The online MBA is highly specialized and prepares students to receive addition qualifications and certifications. Some of the specializations for the MBA include accounting, cybersecurity, financial services, and project management. The business data analytics master’s gives students the opportunity to advance their skills in data analytics, data warehousing, data mining, and data visualization. Additionally, the accounting master’s has been recently revamped to respond to the everchanging field of accounting, preparing students to excel in the modern world. All of these programs can be completed online, with no required campus visits. Most of the classes are synchronous, so students will have to go to class on a set schedule, but the schedule is set with the working professional in mind.
Program Highlights:
Master in Business Administration
- Credits: 51 credits
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $714 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Saint Charles, MOPrivate not-for-profit $$
Lindenwood University offers various online business and management degree programs. These include an MA in either leadership or non-profit administration, an MAcc, MBA, MHA, MPA, or an MS in either digital marketing or fashion business and entrepreneurship. Regardless of which program a student enrolls in, it will be delivered 100% online. Their classes are designed to fit around their personal schedules, and they will still be able to access all of the same tools and support resources as students who are on-campus. The university as a whole has a generous transfer policy that allows students to complete their desired degree in a timely fashion. Finally, all of the programs are rigorous, but they are highly customizable so students can get a degree that fits their personal interests and professional goals.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts – Leadership
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $585 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Healthcare Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: 14-24 months
- Cost: $585 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science – Digital Marketing
- Credits: 36
- Length: 12-24 months
- Cost: $585 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Macon, GAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Mercer University offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) fully online that students can complete at their own pace while still learning from the same highly-credentialed faculty that teach the various on-campus MBA programs. Depending on a student’s goals, they have the option of pursuing either an accelerated 30-hour or a specialized 36-hour degree. Those who choose the specialized 36-hour track will have the opportunity to select between a range of different graduate certificates or concentrations, which include business and data analytics, women in leadership, accounting, finance, health care management, and marketing to name a few. After graduating from the program, students will be prepared to pursue various opportunities, like becoming a benefits manager, a customer engagement manager, or a sales director.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 30-36
- Length: As little as 12 months
- Cost: Varies
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Bloomington, INPublic $$
Indiana University’s Bloomington campus offers a flexible, fully online master in business administration. While ideal for seasoned business professionals, it is open to anyone with an undergraduate degree, though those with a degree in a field outside business might have to take some additional courses. The program is designed to be completed quickly while working full-time. Students can also choose between three different specializations: finance, business analytics, and strategic management. No matter which specialization a student chooses, they will learn invaluable skills during class time, such as critical thinking skills, project management skills, and best communication practices for their specific field. By the end, students will be prepared to enter a leadership position in their field.
Program Highlights:
Master in Business Administration
- Credits: 15 credits
- Length: 15 months
- Cost: $1,521 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Huntington, WVPublic $$
Anyone looking for a flexible online MBA should consider the program from Marshall University. Along with being fully online, students can take the courses on a part-time basis while working at a full-time job. Additionally, synchronous classes are scheduled to fit around a working professional’s schedule. In the program, students take foundational business courses and can choose from electives tailored to their interests. While applicants with undergraduate degrees in all fields are welcome to apply, there are a couple foundational skills students with an undergraduate degree in a field other than business must take. By the end of the program, students are ready to switch to a career in or advance their career in management, marketing, MIS, law, business administration, accounting, economics, communications, finance, and organizational behavior.
Program Highlights:
Masters in Business Administration
- Credits: 36 credits
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $418.00 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Milwaukee, WIPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Greensboro, NCPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Bethany, OKPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Howell, MIPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Saint Leo, FLPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Babson Park, FLPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
25/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Learning Outcomes for Your Online Master’s Degree in Business
Business master’s degrees cover many specialized areas of the business field, which means there are a lot of variances in program goals and course subject matter. However, each program must meet certain standards – expressed in a program’s learning outcomes and likely stated on the program’s website – to satisfy the requirements of accreditation. Most likely, at least some of the learning outcomes for the programs you’re considering are similar to the ones listed below.
Relevant Business Theories and their Practical Applications
Learning relevant business theories involves developing a standard ability that demonstrates a solid understanding of business principles as well as teaches how to integrate, synthesize, and apply the theories relevant to your chosen specialization. Assessment includes testing along with developing a strategic plan by employing critical thinking, problem-solving, and vision as well as by using acceptable business practices.
Leadership and Team Collaboration
Business professionals must demonstrate effectiveness in organizing, leading, and collaborating with team members in a range of professional business settings to reach common goals. This is evidenced by taking initiative, developing cohesiveness, building concurrence, and motivating others. At the master’s level, it also includes skills in self-assessment of leadership styles, strengths, and weaknesses as well as the ability to change and adapt as needed. Collaboration skills are demonstrated through clear and effective communication, willingness to participate, and encouragement and respect for the contributions of others.
Communications
Effective communication skills, both written and oral, are essential for virtually every business setting and intended audience. Written communication skills develop through creating reports, memorandums, etc. with writing that is clear, concise, and well organized without compromising depth or accuracy in analysis or documentation. Oral skills develop through public speaking in both formal and informal contexts to demonstrate the appropriate choice of subject matter, clear organization, and effective presentation.
Ethics
The ability to make reasoned, ethical decisions based on applicable law and established standards of ethical professional conduct is essential for any position in the business world. Students are taught to recognize legal, ethical, and moral issues as they arise, determine the proper responses, and exhibit the courage to implement those responses in direct and impactful ways. Additionally, students learn to demonstrate integrity in all personal and professional contexts.
Courses You Can Expect to Take in Your Online Master’s in Business Program
The courses you can expect to take while earning your online master’s degree largely revolve around the stated learning outcomes for your program. While these vary to some extent depending on the specialization, many general business subjects are common to almost all business master’s programs regardless of particular major. Below are six course descriptions from online master’s degree in business programs in subjects you’ll likely cover for any master’s degree in business.
Applied Financial Concepts and Principles
An examination of foundational financial concepts, principles, and practices provides you with a framework for understanding a company’s financial performance and true value. Specific topics include the cost of capital, financial analysis and cash flow, security markets and valuation, risk analysis, and the time value of money. Students learn to interpret financial statements as well as how to formulate and implement financial strategies. Basic principles of economics and accounting are also covered.
Business Analytics
Business analytics concerns the skills, practices, and technologies used in the process of analyzing and transforming data into insights to improve business decisions. Business analytics plays a major role in the lifeblood of all businesses, so business master’s students need a solid foundation in the basics of business analytics regardless of specialization. Students learn to employ quantitative and statistical analysis in the design of business models, identify relationships and patterns in data mining, anticipate future business trends using predictive modeling, and more.
Business Law and Ethics
This course is a comprehensive review of business law and ethics as they relate to all aspects of business practices on both the corporate and individual levels. These areas include corporate culture and governance, stakeholder responsibility, social responsibility, employee and diversity issues, intellectual property and trade secrets, global ethical business practices, and more. Students learn to apply relevant law and accepted ethical practices to real-world problem-solving and decision-making processes.
Critical Thinking and Decision Making in Business
A course in critical thinking and decision-making provides a framework for understanding decision-making across the full range of business contexts (e.g., policy, strategy, finance, human resources, etc.). Topics covered include the cognitive processes involved in decision-making, decision-making analysis from multiple points of view, biases and heuristics in decision-making, the influence of risk and uncertainty in the decision-making process, and how to avoid common decision-making pitfalls.
International Business and Economics
The terms “business” and “international business” are now practically interchangeable, so this course presents a survey of relevant macroeconomic issues relevant to global business practices for master’s students in all sectors of the profession. Students learn to identify, analyze, and resolve problems related to demand, market structure, production, costs, and more in their interactions with the various economic, government, cultural, and environmental systems and practices around the world.
Organizational Behavior and Leadership
Leadership is the key binding ingredient in all business master’s programs. In this course, students examine core theories, principles, and practices of behavior concerning the motivation of employees and others in a variety of business contexts. Behavior concepts are explored on the organizational, group, and individual levels employing a range of leadership styles. Students develop effective skills in communications, negotiation, and interpersonal interaction to maximize group performance.
FAQs About Online Business Master’s Degree Programs
Regardless of the specific program you choose, you’re bound to have a few questions that apply generally to most online business master’s programs regardless of specialization. Below are answers to seven of the most often-asked questions students have about online master’s degree in business programs.
-
Are online master’s programs in business offered fully online?
Fully-online business master’s degrees have become the rule rather than the exception. In fact, many online programs can now be completed without ever going to campus. If you are required to go to campus, it will likely be at the start of your program to attend an introductory seminar or at the end for your master’s thesis defense. Also remember that some online business master’s programs include an internship or field experience that requires in-person participation.
-
What career paths are open to master’s degree in business grads?
Career options for graduates of online master’s degrees in business programs are almost endless since business skills are needed in all sectors and industries. Best of all, most are high-paying, in-demand careers with lots of room for advancement. Below are five occupations often taken by business master’s degree holders to give you just a very small idea of what you could do with your degree. Be sure to check out the job demand and earnings chart below for five additional career possibilities.
- Senior Accountant (MS in Accounting)
- Business Development Manager (MS in Entrepreneurship)
- Operations Manager (MS in Organizational Leadership)
- Project Manager (MS in Project Management)
- Athletic Director (MS in Sport Management)
-
What accreditation should I look for in an online master’s business degree program?
There are two forms of accreditation. Institutional accreditation assures a college or university meets certain standards of quality when taken as a whole. In the U.S., it’s administered by several regional and national accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. All the schools highlighted in this guide are institutionally accredited.
The second form of accreditation, programmatic accreditation, concerns the vetting of specific degree programs and/or the business departments or schools. Providers of programmatic accreditation include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Some specializations are accredited by other organizations. For example, some sports management master’s programs are accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). Not all quality online business master’s programs are programmatically accredited, so think of programmatic accreditation as one of the many factors to consider when choosing your degree program.
-
What does the admissions process look like for an online master’s in business?
Admission requirements vary from school to school and program to program. However, you’ll likely find requirements similar to the following:
Bachelor’s Degree – All programs require a bachelor’s degree from a properly-accredited college or university. Some require that your bachelor’s major be in the business field, but others accept students of all majors. A minimum GPA on undergraduate coursework is also common.
Professional Work Experience – Many business master’s programs require work experience in your area of specialization or the business field generally. The amount of that experience varies by program, but one to two years is common. Work experience is sometimes waived or modified for exceptional applicants.
Standardized Admissions Test Scores – Minimum GMAT or GRE test scores are sometimes required and sometimes optional.
Additional common application requirements include academic transcripts, a current CV or resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay.
-
How much does an online master’s degree in business cost?
Program costs vary, sometimes substantially, from program to program. Primary factors impacting cost include:
Public vs. Private School – Public school degree programs typically cost less, at least for in-state residents, than their private school counterparts.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Residents – Most public colleges and universities charge a higher tuition rate to out-of-state students. Private schools typically charge the same rate for all students.
Total Credits – Most online business master’s programs require 30 to 45 credits.
To give you an idea of the range of costs you may encounter with online master’s degree in business programs, consider that the University of Maryland Global Campus (a public school) offers its MS in Human Resources Management program (36 credits) for $18,504 to in-state students and $23,724 to out-of-state students, while Georgetown University (a private school) offers its program (33 credits) for $50,391. When considering program cost, keep in mind that most students in online business master’s programs qualify for a variety of financial aid resources like scholarships and grants, assistantships and fellowships, work-study, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and more.
-
How long will it take me to finish my master’s degree in business online?
Factors impacting a program’s length include your specific school, your chosen major, the total number of required credits, and, most importantly, your choice of full-time or part-time study. Most online business master’s degree students complete their programs in about two years. Students studying full-time in accelerated formatted programs may be able to finish their degrees in as little as one year to 18 months. Part-time programs, especially those that are self-paced, often allow students three years or more to complete them.
-
Which specializations are available for a master’s degree in business?
Below are two dozen areas of specialization available to business master’s degree seekers. Several colleges and universities offer online options for the most popular ones, and at least one school offers an online option for each of these specializations.
- Accounting
- Business Intelligence
- Business Law
- Construction Management
- Digital Marketing
- Emergency Management
- Entertainment Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Management
- Finance
- Forensic Accounting
- Hospitality Management
- Human Resources
- Management
- Negotiation and Conflict Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Organizational Management
- Project Management
- Public Relations
- Real Estate
- Sports Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Taxation
- Training and Development
Job Demand and Earnings Potential With Your Master’s Degree in Business
Earnings for graduates of online master’s degree programs are generally healthy. Demand for business graduates is also quite healthy but varies depending on the specialization. The chart below offers recent earnings and job demand figures from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook for some popular occupations for professionals with business master’s degrees. What you’ll earn with your degree depends on several factors, like your chosen specialization, your specific job title and employer, your geographic location, and your professional work experience.
| Career | Median Annual Earnings (2021) | Job Growth (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager (MS in Finance) | $131,710 | 17% |
| Human Resources Manager (MS in Human Resources Management) | $126,230 | 9% |
| Management Analyst (MS in Business Management) | $93,000 | 14% |
| Marketing Manager (MS in Business & Marketing) | $135,030 | 10% |
| Purchasing Manager (MS in Supply Chain Management) | $127,150 | 6% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics