Online Bachelors in Management

As one of the most popular bachelor’s degree majors, management is a competitive area of study. Explore career options, average salaries, coursework, and available online programs to earn an online bachelor’s in management.

Companies of all sizes require management positions. Whether you’re working closely with a small team or creating policies for thousands of employees across multiple departments, you’ll engage in essential services as a manager in a company. Discover how a bachelor’s degree in this field can help you improve your application or enhance your ability to perform your current position in your company.

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What Is an Online Bachelor’s in Management?

A program in management provides you with the necessary skills and preparation to compete as a business owner or management of an established business. You can tailor your program to focus on managing a brand-new business or climbing the corporate ladder. Whether you already are a manager or are dreaming of moving up in your company, find the right online bachelor’s degree course for your goals.

Typical courses cover management, business operations, marketing, finance, and leadership topics. Expect to learn about business software, principles of economics, marketing strategies, and effective leadership skills.

Courses in management programs can be highly variable. Some programs focus on a specific area of management, like business management or human resources. Others are more broad in nature and prepare you for an unknown career. If you wish to enjoy a flexible career, then consider a bachelor’s in management. Other management-related bachelor’s degrees may offer you more specific training, but may not offer the same broad range of opportunities in the future.

Depending on your previous experience and chosen coursework, you may be qualified as a manager in the following industries:

Administrative services and facilities
Compensation and benefits
Human resources
Analytics
Executive roles

Many of these departments and roles require previous experience in the industry before you can apply to become a manager. Thankfully, studying online gives you the freedom to pursue your career and study at the same time. Depending on your schedule and course load, you may find the time you need to continue to work part time or full time in your career as you take courses to expand your knowledge and improve your career possibilities.

A competitive career in management requires leadership and business skills, but you may also need previous experience in your chosen industry. Consider an online program that offers concentrations if you know the specific industry you wish to join. Otherwise, take a more general approach to prepare for any available position upon completing your course.

Study online to enjoy more free time and a more affordable degree, on average. A typical online bachelor’s program costs less than an on-campus program. Many also offer flexible scheduling for part-time studies or an accelerated program.

How Much Does a Bachelor’s in Management Cost?

An online bachelor’s degree, on average, costs between $38,500 and $60,600, according to U.S. News. Some programs cost $100,000 or more, while others cost less than $21,000.

Most online degrees cost less than on-campus ones. An in-person bachelor’s degree includes campus fees, living expenses, and other costs.

Both in-person and online programs come with other costs. Are you planning on relocating to a new home or apartment, or can you complete your course from your current accommodations? How are you planning on covering food costs and other living expenses? These costs vary considerably depending on your specific situation and location, but need to be factored into the total cost of a degree program.

Scholarships, tuition reimbursements, and other factors can help you enjoy a more affordable program experience. Look for any financial aid you may qualify for as you compare online programs.

Average Salary for a Bachelor’s in Management

Because of the wide range of careers related to an online bachelor’s in management, the average salary can vary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, administrative services and facilities managers earned a median pay in 2020 of approximately $98,900.

Compensation and benefits managers earned a median pay of $125,100 in 2020. In human resources departments, managers earned about $121,200 annually. Consider a career as a management analyst, where professionals earned approximately $87,700 in 2020.

Management positions typically require at least five years of experience and a related bachelor’s degree. As a successful manager, you may be able to apply for an executive position or start your own business. Top executives earned a 2020 median pay of about $107,700.

The average salary of these positions depends not only on your title and chosen industry but also on your work experience and local area. Some states offer higher median salaries than others, and the highest earners typically have more than five years of work experience in a related occupation.

What Is the Job Outlook for Bachelor’s in Management Degree Holders?

Most management careers enjoy an expected job growth of 6% between 2019 and 2029. This is higher than the average expected national job growth percentage for the same period. Top executive growth is estimated at 4%, which is as fast as the national average.

Courses in Bachelor’s in Management

Train for a career in management with courses in business, finance, and leadership. Many programs offer courses in marketing, international business, ethics, and other areas that help you in your career.

Some management programs provide concentrations that offer more specialized courses in particular areas. If you’re passionate about managing a human resources office, finance department, or tech start-up, look for related courses to dive into your area of interest.

Most online bachelor’s in management degrees also offer a number of general education and elective courses. These courses cover the arts, sciences, and humanities, as well as offering fascinating areas of specialty within your major.

The number of courses you take depends on your program. Most bachelor’s degree programs are 120 credits, though some management degrees may require more. Here are some common courses you can expect to take in your management bachelor’s degree:

Leadership discovery: Do you know what it takes to be a successful leader? From motivational theories to practical examples, find out how you can motivate a team and effectively manage any size of group or department.
Human resource management: Dive into the responsibilities of a human resource manager to see if this role may suit your talents and passions. Learn about benefits administration, labor relations, job analysis, and more.
Negotiation: Conflict resolution is an essential ingredient in any manager. Find out how to bring together a diverse team and negotiate differences in a culturally sensitive way.
Business research: Analyze trends in your business and across your industry with the right analytic and research skills. This class will prepare you to gather and analyze data from a broad range of inputs.
Marketing: Find out what it takes to successfully market your company and your brand. Promote positive customer relations and an upward growth trajectory with clear, effective, and branded marketing.
Finance: You may have a finance department to handle the books, but finance courses can help you make responsible decisions as a manager or entrepreneur. Identify the best ways to utilize your working capital and make wise financial decisions from quarter to quarter and year to year.
Global business: Connect with an increasingly globalized industry with these crucial courses. Identify areas where you reach out and redefine global relations to promote positive business relationships.
Strategic management capstone: Most online bachelor’s in management courses have a capstone project to put your knowledge into action. Identify a research project or other capstone project and work closely with an advisor to complete it.

FAQs on Bachelor’s in Management

What Jobs Require a Bachelor’s in Management?

Many management positions require a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Earn a BA in management to improve your application as an administrative services manager, human resources manager, or management analyst.

As an administrative services and facilities manager, you’ll supervise administrative and clerical staff. These positions require you to develop, monitor, and manage records and supplies for facilities of all sizes. You must also inspect the facility itself to ensure it meets security, health, and environmental standards and regulations.

Human resource managers oversee employment benefits, employee organization, and recruitment. In this position, you’ll coordinate your company’s workforce to maximize talents and help employees find the best role for their skills and passions.

Management analysts are also known as management consultants. In this role, you may not be employed by a single company, but may work as a consultant to inspect facilities and make procedural and organizational recommendations. You’ll use your talents and knowledge from your bachelor’s degree courses to help companies around your area or around the globe improve their operations.

Does a Bachelor’s in Management Offer Good Job Prospects?

Expect to earn a competitive salary and enjoy higher-than-average job growth as a manager in a growing company. Most management positions are paid well and offer opportunities for further advancement.

A competitive salary means you’ll be rewarded for your hard work, knowledge, and talents. Management positions offer you the opportunity to guide others, so they make an excellent career track if you’re passionate about sharing your knowledge and instructing less experienced employees.

The average and above-average growth outlooks make this a reasonably secure career path. Every industry requires managers to guide, instruct, and inspire employees. If you aren’t excited about the opportunity of working closely with other employees on a daily basis, management analysts, and other roles give you the opportunity to work with systems and structures to promote positive change.

An online bachelor’s degree is a particularly compelling career move for many individuals. Compared with an on-campus program, online learning gives you the flexibility to study at leading institutions wherever you call home. Learn from leading professors and industry experts as you continue to live and work in a familiar setting.

What Are the Different Fields of Management?

The industry is typically organized based on the department or industry you’re managing. Look for a management course focusing on human resources, administrative services, compensation and benefits, or another field.

Some programs offer concentrations in other areas related to business management. For example, a global business management degree equips you with the knowledge and experience you need to apply to global corporations and work across country borders with clients and employees.

A finance concentration can prepare you to apply for a position as a finance manager or to start an entrepreneurial track. Learn about investments, securities, risk evaluation, and other finance topics that are related to successful management in this area.

Marketing managers need to understand brand management, sales strategy, and the product development process. You can dive into these topics with a marketing concentration in a management degree.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s in Management Degree?

You may be able to complete a bachelor’s degree in around 36-48 months as an online student. Both online and on-campus courses range from three to six years in length, depending on the number of classes you take per semester.

As an online student, you have the freedom to enjoy a more flexible approach to study. Some online programs offer a rigid schedule with due dates and class times similar to an on-campus course. For most, however, you can take a self-paced approach.

Studying online, whether part-time or full-time, allows you to balance other commitments. Continue to work part time, raise a family, or take part in your favorite hobby as you study at irregular times or at a slower pace.

Online programs in management also give you the opportunity to accelerate your coursework. Why take four years to complete a course if you can do it in just 36 months? Look for an accelerated option to save time and move forward in your career.

What Does a Bachelor’s in Management Program Curriculum Typically Include?

Most management programs cover business, finance, marketing, and leadership courses. Depending on the concentration, you may also take computer programming, manufacturing, or human resources courses.

From negotiation to marketing, a management program offers a range of in-depth courses related specifically to managing and inspiring employees. Many courses highlight specific tasks and skills you’ll use throughout your career, giving you the confidence you need in the next business negotiation or hiring season.

Other courses are dedicated to areas related to your department. For example, a computer programming or finance course can help you better understand the daily tasks of the employees you’re managing. Stay connected to your team by receiving training in their roles. This helps you better facilitate improvements and encourage communication.

Not sure which department or industry you’re seeking a position in? Many bachelor’s in management degree programs are intentionally broad in nature. Taking a few finance, marketing, accounting, global business, and computer programming courses gives you a wide range of skills and information to pursue positions in many different fields.

Summary Information

Degree programs can be completed fully online
Programs typically take between 36 and 48 months to complete
Standard, part-time, and accelerated programs available
Popular concentrations include supply chain management, organizational leadership, and administrative services

Can be completed in 36 months, or less if you already have college credits
Offers opportunities in high-growth management positions
Provides essential training for management and executive careers
Flexible study offers accelerated and part-time study opportunities

Programs can cost as little as $21,000
A number of scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs are associated with this degree
Costs typically vary from school to school
Online programs offer lower average costs than on-campus programs

Online Bachelor's in Management (Business) Degree Programs