Online master’s in business

Whether you want to take on more responsibilities at work, move into a new field, or increase your earning potential, a master's in business program can help you reach your goals. Discover the top online master's in business programs and the career paths you can take with this degree.

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 1.2 million job openings annually from 2023 to 2033 for management occupations, which represents faster-than-average job growth.

Here are some potential career paths in management to consider, with salary data from the BLS:

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 one to two 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.

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.