Best online business administration degrees 2021: Top picks

Earning a business administration degree online provides a convenient and cost-effective way to start your career. From administrative assistants to chief executive officers, a business administration degree teaches students the finance, management, and networking skills they need to ensure success. 

Undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration train students in topics such as accounting, marketing, human resources, and information technology. Many programs include specializations that grow business expertise in a particular field. Graduate degrees in business administration also train managers and leaders. This bodes well with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 9% growth in managerial positions to 2030. 

To find out which online business administration degree is right for you, check out our topic picks below. 

The best online bachelor’s in business administration degrees

The rankings below are ZDNet’s top picks for business administration degrees online. ZDNet’s ranking methodology takes numerous factors into consideration to help you get a clear look at how to find the best online business administration degree.

Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.

Insights from a graduate who majored in business administration

 Darien Chui obtained his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University – Vancouver. During his undergrad, he served as president of Beta Alpha Psi and the Institute of Managerial Accountants to help fellow students bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace. Darien was also a student ambassador for the Carson College of Business and a student leader in other non-business-related organizations on campus. 

Since graduating, Darien has been working full time as a data analyst. Outside of the 9-5, Darien also owns his own wedding photography studio, which is ranked top 10 in the United States.

ZDNet: Was there anything about being a business administration major that you didn’t expect or anticipate?

Darien Chui: To be honest, I didn’t entirely know what to expect because I wasn’t 100% sure what my exact career goals were when I first started. However, I didn’t expect for there to be so many options for study and career paths within the business admin major. It was nice to be exposed to so much variety.

ZDNet: What misconceptions do people have about majoring in business administration, and what would you tell them?

DC: I think many people think a business administration major will prepare them to run their own business. From my experience, I’d tell them that a business administration major is a good foundation; however, it’s not enough to fully guarantee your success in starting a business from scratch.

ZDNet: What was the most challenging course you took as a business administration major? What advice would you give to students who are about to start this course?

DC: My most challenging course was statistics. I struggled with stats because there were a lot of formulas that you had to memorize by rote memory, which wasn’t my strong suit. My advice to students taking a stats course is to find real-life scenarios for where each type of formula or concept takes place. Having real-life examples to study, and a story to help you remember, will improve your understanding of statistics.

ZDNet: How did you make the most of your time as a business administration major so that you were competitive in the job market after graduation?

DC: I took advantage of all the extra-curricular opportunities that were available. Good grades aren’t enough. When your university offers workshops such as professional resume reviews, interview prep, networking events, etc., be sure to go to as many of them as you can. 

Also, get involved with business clubs where available. Being involved in Beta Alpha Psi (an accounting club) helped me better understand the accounting profession and helped me make connections with accounting firms in the area, which led to an internship. Even after I decided to discontinue my path into accounting, the connections with other student leaders and employers eventually helped me land a full-time job in the industry I decided to go into. 

When employers see that you’re putting in effort outside of the classroom to educate and prepare yourself for the workplace, you’ll stand out amongst the competition.

What to expect in an online bachelor’s in business administration degree program

An online bachelor’s in business administration introduces students to business theories, principles, and practices. What to expect in a business degree program varies, but generally some consistencies exist across the board. 

With coursework in accounting, finance, and management, learners build the skills to work in business settings across industries and organizations. Classes in organizational behavior, information technology, statistics, and human resources provide essential insights into optimizing people, technology, and data to achieve business goals. 

Online bachelor’s in business administration courses

Introductory coursework in economics, finance, and business communication help establish foundational knowledge for program-specific business administration classes. While earning a business administration degree, students learn data analytics, entrepreneurship, marketing, and management while simultaneously applying the principles of each through assignments, group projects, and practical learning exercises.

Business Analytics

A business analytics course introduces students to methods used to assess quantitative and qualitative information. Learners develop skills to interpret and apply information from data to business situations. 

Global Business

Global business courses emphasize the business connections between organizations, companies, and individuals around the world. Students explore social, economic, and political influences on business and how to apply that information to making effective, efficient business decisions on the global stage.

Marketing

Marketing classes focus on strategies to promote goods and services. By emphasizing advertising, business communications, and market strategy and research, students develop skills to engage with and influence consumers and the general public.

Project Management

In a project management class, students learn about how to effectively manage all aspects of a project’s life cycle. Project management coursework emphasizes time management, budgeting, risk management, and communication skills alongside planning, development, and execution of a specific project.

In conclusion

A business administration degree online paves the way to a fulfilling business career. The wide scope of a business administration degree allows students to apply what they learn across industries and organizations. Check out the top online business administration degree picks here and find out which program is right for you.