Do you want to know about the best online business administration master’s degrees? This guide reviews online Master’s Degrees in Business Administration (MBAs), the best schools with online MBA programs, the cost of tuition, and common courses covered in online business administration master’s degree programs.
We also explore business administration master’s degree jobs you’ll be qualified for after you graduate with an online MBA. An online Master’s Degree in Business Administration can open up high-paying career opportunities in supply chain management, business analytics, or project management.
Where Can I Get a Business Administration Master’s Degree Online?
Some of the best schools to get a business administration master’s degree online include Arizona State University, Drexel University, Oklahoma State University, and Penn State World Campus. Both public universities and private universities offer online graduate business programs.
What Schools Offer the Best Business Administration Master’s Degrees?
- Southern New Hampshire University
- University of Arizona
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- University of Wisconsin
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Business Administration Master’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online business administration master’s degree are a bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of education as well as certain GPA, GMAT, or GRE test scores. Some schools require interviews, and most schools require applicants to include a resume, one or more letters of recommendation, and an admissions essay or personal statement.
If you don’t meet the admission requirements for a specific program, you should contact the school’s admissions team. Some schools will still admit prospective students who don’t meet all the requirements.
Online Business Administration Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- GPA, GMAT, or GRE score
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Admissions essay or personal statement
How to Get a Business Administration Master’s Degree Online
You can get a business administration master’s degree online by fulfilling all of the graduation requirements for your chosen program. This includes completing a specific number of credits, maintaining the required minimum GPA, and completing a capstone project or case study analysis.
Make sure to check each program’s requirements because there may be different graduation requirements depending on the school you select. Knowing the graduation requirements will help you with your decision-making process.
Business Administration Degree Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 30 to 45 total credits
- Take around 21 credits in lower-level business administration courses
- Take around 9 credits in upper-level business administration courses
- Take 6 to 10 credits of electives
- Take a capstone course or write a thesis
Best Online Business Administration Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Master of Business Administration | Higher Learning Commission |
| Ball State University | Master of Business Administration | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
| Drexel University | Master of Business Administration | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Oklahoma State University | Master of Business Administration | Higher Learning Commission |
| Penn State World Campus | Master of Business Administration |
Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Master of Business Administration | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Arizona | Master of Business Administration | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Master of Business Administration |
International Accreditation Council for Business Education |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | Master of Business Administration | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Master of Business Administration | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
Best Schools for Business Administration: Top Online Business Administration Master’s Degree Programs
Looking for a great school with the perfect online business administration master’s degree programs can be challenging for prospective students. We are here to help with this list of the best schools with online graduate business programs. See below for detailed information about each school, including admission requirements and program specifics.
What Is an Online Business Administration Master’s Degree?
An online business administration master’s degree is a highly favored academic credential among employers that qualifies you for management positions in all industries. A Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a specialization means you have taken additional courses in a specific field, such as business analytics, marketing, or human resources.
Online business administration master’s degrees usually take around two years to complete and are just as rigorous as an on-campus degree. You take the same courses as an in-person MBA. The only difference is that classes, tutoring, networking, and submission of work take place online.
Online vs In-Person Business Administration Degrees
Deciding if an online MBA is right for you vs a traditional, in-person MBA can be challenging. Both options have their advantages, but, whatever format you choose, this graduate degree will help you access management jobs that have better salaries.
An MBA online program comes with online classes, online resources, and communication and submission of work are all online. Most offer flexible schedules, and some provide recorded classes that you can access anytime. An on-campus version requires you to physically participate in on-campus, scheduled classes and activities. You can attend part-time or full-time.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Master’s Degree in Business Administration
- Cost. Online tuition can be less expensive than in-person tuition, and distance learners do not need to commute to and from the school.
- Flexible location. You can pursue the program you want, even if it’s far away from your home.
- Global perspective. Online classes allow you to learn from and network with faculty and students all over the world.
- Flexible schedule. Taking an online MBA Program will allow you more control over your academic schedule. Many schools have pre-recorded classes you can access online anytime.
- Maintain your career. Doing an online MBA makes it easy to study while staying at your current job or attending to family responsibilities.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Master’s Degree in Business Administration
- Structured routine. Classes are scheduled and have a routine, so you know what to expect in advance. This means you plan your life around classes.
- Immediate responses. Attending an on-campus program means you are there with professors while they are lecturing. You can get immediate responses to your questions or feedback on your work.
- Fewer distractions. Many people find it less distracting to learn in a classroom than learning online at home.
- Hands-on learning. On-campus programs give students hands-on learning opportunities to help students engage with the material in different ways.
- Networking. In-person MBA degree programs allow you to network with local faculty, students, and businesses.
What Types of Online Master’s Degrees Can You Get in Business Administration?
The most common type of online Master’s Degree you can get in Business Administration is a general Master of Business Administration (MBA). It is very rare to find Master of Science or Master of Arts degrees in Business Management. However, you can earn different MBA specializations like a finance specialization, marketing specialization, human resources specialization, or risk management specialization.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Business Administration with a General Management Specialization or a Master of Business Administration with an International Management Specialization?
It is better to get an MBA with a General Management specialization because it is very popular among employers. Graduates will have a wide range of management skills and knowledge that can be applied to businesses in any industry, from human resource management to project and operations management.
An MBA with an International Management specialization is excellent for students who want to work abroad or in a multinational company. Students learn about business administration in an international context, and it prepares students to do business all over the world.
Both General Management and International Management MBA specializations are popular in the job market, but you will have to decide which is better for you based on your career goals.
How Much Does a Business Administration Master’s Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a two-year business administration master’s degree costs an average of $19,314 per year. This includes tuition and required fees but does not include living expenses.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Business Administration Master’s Degree Online?
It takes about two years to get a business administration master’s degree online for full-time students. A part-time format could take three to four years. Some schools allow you to take an acceleraged program, which is enough credits per semester to graduate in just one year, but this is a very intensive schedule. If you are interested in getting your degree quickly, you should consider an accelerated MBA.
Most business administration master’s degrees require between 30 and 49 credits. However, credits vary by program and specialization. If you plan to finish within two years, you will be required to complete 6 to 9 credits per semester.
Are Online Business Administration Degrees Respected?
Yes, online business administration degrees are respected and common. NCES data shows that in 2019, more than seven million students registered for online courses at colleges and universities. You should make sure that you enroll in an accredited online MBA program. A degree from an unaccredited institution will likely not be respected by employers.
You can find accredited online business administration master’s degree programs and top respected schools for online master’s degrees in our article.
Is Business Administration Hard to Learn Online?
No, business administration is not hard to learn online if you’re interested in business and can spend the time and effort needed to achieve learn the material and get good grades. Most programs offer online resources to support students and help those who are struggling.
Business Administration Bootcamp vs Online Business Administration Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?
An online business administration master’s degree is a more advanced qualification than a business administration bootcamp certification, though a business administration bootcamp certification can still help you qualify for jobs with some of the top global companies. Both types of programs have advantages and potential career paths in business administration.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Business Administration Master’s Degree
- Advanced courses. Learning advanced skills through an MBA program will increase your employability.
- Networking. You will learn about current practices and tools from people with professional expertise. You might also meet business people through guest lectures and virtual events to build your professional network.
- Learn about multiple fields and industries. You’ll learn about different aspects of business and enhance your leadership skills, critical thinking, analytical skills, communication, and managerial skills.
- High-paying salaries. A master’s degree will unlock some of the highest-paying professional careers. In fact, Statista reports that the average master’s degree salary is $20,000 more than the average bachelor’s degree salary.
- Avoid unemployment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that having a higher-level degree lowers your chances of unemployment.
Top 5 Benefits of a Business Administration Bootcamp
- Takes less time. Online bootcamps are perfect for busy individuals because they take much less time to complete than a traditional MBA.
- Affordable. Bootcamps are more cost-effective since they don’t have the same fees that colleges and universities do.
- Flexible payment and scholarships. Bootcamps provide flexible payment options with income-share agreements, where students get a loan and agree to pay a percentage of their income back after graduation if they make more than a set amount.
- Project-based learning. Bootcamps typically teach students through projects and problem sets rather than traditional lectures and papers.
- Good value on the job market. Bootcamp graduates are highly favored amongst some of the top global companies that have already hired bootcamp graduates. Top global companies hiring bootcamp graduates are companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Why You Should Get a Business Administration Master’s Degree Online
You should get a business administration master’s degree online because you can get the two most valuable benefits of a master’s degree, which are high-paying salaries and avoiding unemployment. An MBA graduate’s salary is significantly higher, the average MBA graduate earns almost double that of an associate degree graduate.
You should go back to college and take business administration courses online because earning a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from a reputable school can help graduates start careers in competitive arenas like Silicon Valley tech companies and Wall Street banks. The management skills you learn through an online MBA can be applied to any industry. If you attend school online, there is also the added bonus of not having to pay any on-campus student fees or buy as many supplies for courses, and therefore saving you money.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Master’s Degree Program in Business Administration?
The courses you’ll take in an online master’s degree program in business administration are Organizational Management, Statistics or Data Analysis, Strategy Development, Marketing, and Financial Management. Online Master’s Degree in Business Administration courses vary by program, but these are some common core courses you should look for in your curriculum. Below are some sample core courses you are likely to find in your online graduate business program.
Organizational Management
Organizational management trains students on key issues such as leadership, communication, and change management. This field of study will help students learn key managerial skills that they will need to perform the best business practices for any MBA job.
Statistics or Data Analysis
Data analysis and statistical analysis are essential skills for making good business decisions. These courses teach students the basics of business analytics through statistical concepts. This course can be challenging for students who did not cover statistics during their undergraduate degree.
Strategy Development
Developing strategies for various aspects of business activity is a vital part of any business administration job. You learn to apply your statistical analysis skills to quantify and extrapolate valuable insights from data to develop sound strategies that propel the business forward.
Marketing
Marketing courses teach students about major issues like market research, opportunity analysis, target market identification, customer trends, planning and implementation, and ethical considerations. Learning the practice of enacting a business-level marketing strategy is a key concept in any business program.
Financial Management
Financial management courses will train students to apply different techniques that will help business executives make sound financial decisions. Business finances are one of the most important managerial issues you’ll face in this field. Financial management courses also give students the opportunity to see if jobs in financial management are of interest to them.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Business Administration Master’s Degree Graduates
There is typically only one continuing education path for online business administration master’s degree graduates, and that’s getting a doctorate or PhD. If you do decide to pursue further education, you can get a Doctorate or PhD in Business Administration. Acquiring either one will unlock even more senior roles and salaries in business administration.
If you don’t want to commit to any doctoral programs, you could also take certification exams to boost your credentials. Remember, a certification is different from a certificate. A certification is usually an exam offered by a professional organization or business enterprise, while a certificate is a short educational course offered by a college or university.
Related Online Business Administration Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Business Administration Master’s Degree Programs
Things to look for in the best business administration master’s degree programs are accreditation, cost, concentrations, dual degrees, and admission requirements. After the initial admission decision, these are the most important things to concern yourself with. In the next section, we’ll explain why these major issues are important.
Accreditation
The institution where you get your online MBA should be accredited. Acquiring a degree from an unaccredited institution will hold little to no value for you since potential employers won’t consider unaccredited degrees as valid qualifications.
Cost
Knowing the expected cost of your MBA education is essential because you need to be able to pay for your education and cover other expenses. Make sure to contact the admissions office about financial aid options like federal grants and school scholarships.
Concentrations
Selecting a concentration that fits your career goals is important. Pick the right concentration so you study topics that prepare you for a career in your chosen field and to pursue your specific career goals. School admissions advisors can help you customize your course specializations for the technical skills you need.
Dual Degree
Some schools also offer dual degree options that allow you to complete a second master’s degree while you are getting your MBA. Common dual degrees with an MBA are closely related and have lots of course overlap. A dual degree is very impressive to potential employers.
Admission Requirements
Check the admission requirements carefully to ensure you meet all the admission criteria before taking the time to fill out an application and paying the application fee. Some schools specifically request that students have exceptional work experience and expertise in managerial concepts already, so be sure to write yours in any essays that need to be submitted. If you don’t meet one or two of the admission requirements, reach out to the program’s admissions counselor to see if you meet the conditions to waive those requirements.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Business Administration Master’s Degree?
The most affordable online business administration master’s degree is the Master of Business Administration at Oklahoma State University. This 33-credit program costs $481.15 per credit hour for in-state students and $611.35 per credit hour for out-of-state students, amounting to $15,878 and $20,175 respectively.
Can I Get a Business Administration Master’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get a business administration master’s degree online for free. However, there are financial aid options for MBA programs to help cover the cost. Federal grants, school scholarships, and outside organization grants have different eligibility requirements and criteria, so talk with your admissions office to find the best options to suit your needs.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Business Administration Master’s Degree Graduates
An online Master’s Degree in Business Administration can give you access to high-paying jobs in the business industry. Once you have completed your online graduate business program, you will be able to secure employment in your business field of choice.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Business Administration Master’s Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a business administration master’s degree. An online MBA program prepares students to be job-ready upon graduating, and many business programs also provide valuable career services to help graduates land a job in their field of study. If you take the time to take some online MBA courses and get a degree, you can definitely find a job in business administration.
What’s the Average Online Business Administration Master’s Degree Salary?
According to PayScale, the average annual salary for someone with a business administration master’s degree is $92,000. MBA salaries will vary depending on the job role and company you secure employment with. Other potential career paths include project manager with an entry-level salary of $58,320 or chief financial officer with an entry-level salary of $93,202.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Business Administration Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with an online business administration master’s degree include marketing manager, financial manager, or management consultant. You could also become a product manager with your online MBA.
Business Administration Degree Jobs
- Business Consultant
- Information Technology Manager
- Human Resources (HR) Manager
- Financial Advisor
- Operations Manager
Potential Careers With an Online Business Administration Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Business Administration Master’s Degree?
You can make between $108,018 and $133,380 per year with an online business administration master’s degree. Entry-level job salaries usually start lower. For instance, you could pull an annual salary of $67,187 as an entry-level business development director. More senior roles have higher median salaries, as much as $208,000 per year as a marketing manager.
Salaries will vary depending on professional experience, level of education, performance, job role, company, and personal reputation. Below we’ll cover some common high-paying jobs for online MBA graduates in more detail.
Highest-Paying Online Business Administration Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Business Administration Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | $133,380 |
| Financial Manager | $131,710 |
| Senior Product Manager | $128,061 |
| Sales Manager | $127,490 |
| Business Development Director | $108,445 |
Best Jobs for Online Business Administration Master’s Degree Grads
The best online business administration master’s degree jobs provide a competitive salary and opportunity for advancement. Let’s explore the best business administration master’s degree jobs below with details on wages, job outlook, number of jobs, and states where pay is the highest.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Business Administration Master’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online business administration master’s degree is absolutely worth it. Online programs in business administration can qualify you for high-paying potential career paths and help you avoid unemployment, and an online degree program is usually more affordable than an in-person degree.
In addition to a respected degree, value-added services from business schools are extremely helpful when you enter the job market. Career support services provide resume reviews, interview coaching, and help you network and make connections.
Additional Reading About Business Administration
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Online Business Administration Master’s Degree FAQ
The technical requirements of an online MBA program are usually a computer with a stable Internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. Different business programs have different requirements for online learners, so be sure to check with your school.
Yes, you can get jobs in business administration without an MBA because you can get entry-level jobs with an Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Some people have landed MBA-level positions through on-the-job experience and short-term online studies or certificate programs. However, the most efficient way to get an MBA-level position is to earn an MBA.
Yes, you can work remotely in business administration with an MBA degree. There are many remote business administration jobs available now. To find remote jobs, use these best remote job boards. When you land an interview for a remote job, check with the hiring manager to see if the company wants this position to stay remote or if they are looking for a candidate who is willing to transition to working in the office at some point.
You can find MBA jobs on well-known job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn. Networking with professors and students in your business program is another great way to find MBA job opportunities.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
