Business is the most popular field for online degrees, but there are a lot of paths you can take. Let’s break down the main options so you can figure out which one actually makes sense for your situation.
What you’ll learn: Accounting, economics, marketing, management, business law, finance, and usually some electives or a concentration area.
Typical cost online: Ranges from about $12,000 (WGU) to $40,000+ (SNHU, ASU) depending on the school and how many credits you transfer in.
Is it worth it? If you need a bachelor’s degree for career advancement or to meet a job requirement, yes. Many management and supervisory roles list a bachelor’s as a minimum qualification.
What you’ll learn: Advanced strategy, leadership, financial analysis, operations, marketing strategy, and often a specialisation like healthcare management, data analytics, or supply chain.
Typical cost online: Enormous range. From about $10,000 (University of the People, WGU) to $60,000–$100,000+ for programmes at top-ranked business schools. The median is probably $20,000–$40,000 for a solid accredited programme.
Is it worth it? It depends on your career goals. If you’re aiming for a management or executive role in a corporate setting, an MBA is often expected. If you’re an entrepreneur or in a technical field, the ROI is less clear.
One thing to know: MBA programmes vary wildly in quality. An MBA from a school with AACSB accreditation (the top business school accreditation) carries more weight than one from a school without it.
Options: Google Career Certificates, Coursera specialisations, edX MicroMasters, individual university courses, and professional certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or CPA prep.
Cost: Usually $50–$2,000 depending on the programme.
Is it worth it? For targeted skill-building, absolutely. But they generally don’t replace a degree if your employer or industry expects one.
If you have a bachelor’s and want to move into management or switch careers: MBA.
If you have specific skill gaps and don’t need a credential: Individual courses or certificates.
If you’re not sure: Start with a certificate or individual courses. Many programmes let you apply those credits toward a degree later.
What path are you considering? Let us know and we can help you think it through.
THE BBA (BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION)
Who it’s for: People who don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree and want a broad business foundation. Good for entry-level to mid-level roles in management, marketing, finance, human resources, and general business operations.What you’ll learn: Accounting, economics, marketing, management, business law, finance, and usually some electives or a concentration area.
Typical cost online: Ranges from about $12,000 (WGU) to $40,000+ (SNHU, ASU) depending on the school and how many credits you transfer in.
Is it worth it? If you need a bachelor’s degree for career advancement or to meet a job requirement, yes. Many management and supervisory roles list a bachelor’s as a minimum qualification.
THE MBA (MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION)
Who it’s for: People who already have a bachelor’s degree (in any field) and want to move into management, leadership, or specialised business roles. Also common for career changers.What you’ll learn: Advanced strategy, leadership, financial analysis, operations, marketing strategy, and often a specialisation like healthcare management, data analytics, or supply chain.
Typical cost online: Enormous range. From about $10,000 (University of the People, WGU) to $60,000–$100,000+ for programmes at top-ranked business schools. The median is probably $20,000–$40,000 for a solid accredited programme.
Is it worth it? It depends on your career goals. If you’re aiming for a management or executive role in a corporate setting, an MBA is often expected. If you’re an entrepreneur or in a technical field, the ROI is less clear.
One thing to know: MBA programmes vary wildly in quality. An MBA from a school with AACSB accreditation (the top business school accreditation) carries more weight than one from a school without it.
INDIVIDUAL COURSES AND CERTIFICATES
Who they’re for: People who want specific skills without committing to a full degree. Also good for testing the waters before enrolling in a programme.Options: Google Career Certificates, Coursera specialisations, edX MicroMasters, individual university courses, and professional certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or CPA prep.
Cost: Usually $50–$2,000 depending on the programme.
Is it worth it? For targeted skill-building, absolutely. But they generally don’t replace a degree if your employer or industry expects one.
HOW TO DECIDE
If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree and need one for career advancement: BBA.If you have a bachelor’s and want to move into management or switch careers: MBA.
If you have specific skill gaps and don’t need a credential: Individual courses or certificates.
If you’re not sure: Start with a certificate or individual courses. Many programmes let you apply those credits toward a degree later.
What path are you considering? Let us know and we can help you think it through.