Best Accelerated Online Business Degrees of 2024
Business is one of the most popular college majors in the United States — and for good reason. Knowing how to launch, run, and grow a successful business can open doors to well-paid, interesting jobs in every sector and industry.
The highest-paid business executives, for example, earned a median annual salary of $206,680 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Median pay for even the average exec was six figures last year.
The payoff for a business degree is there, yes — but getting your diploma the traditional way typically takes at least four years.
Want to get there quicker? You can slice years off the process with an accelerated online degree program. We’ve rounded up the best (and fastest) options out there.
Featured Online Business Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Fastest Accredited Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs
Kansas State University
- Manhattan, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,489
- Out-of-state$25,560
- In-State$10,294
- Out-of-state$23,018
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled20,229
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Buena Vista University
- Storm Lake, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$37,518
- Out-of-state$37,518
- In-State$9,936
- Out-of-state$9,936
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled1,959
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Bethel University
- Mishawaka, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,270
- Out-of-state$30,270
- In-State$7,500
- Out-of-state$7,500
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate98%
- Students Enrolled1,339
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$39,260
- Out-of-state$39,260
- In-State$14,063
- Out-of-state$14,063
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled5,566
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
DeSales University
- Center Valley, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$39,500
- Out-of-state$39,500
- In-State$21,120
- Out-of-state$21,120
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled3,101
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$33,510
- Out-of-state$33,510
- In-State$21,153
- Out-of-state$21,153
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled20,898
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Asbury University
- Wilmore, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,084
- Out-of-state$32,084
- In-State$9,990
- Out-of-state$9,990
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled1,720
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Bushnell University
- Eugene, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,100
- Out-of-state$32,100
- In-State$17,640
- Out-of-state$17,640
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled686
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Wisconsin
- Mequon, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$31,660
- Out-of-state$31,660
- In-State$11,628
- Out-of-state$11,628
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled5,204
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
What Direction Can I Take With a Business Degree?
Want to work in marketing, finance, human relations, or hospitality? Maybe you’re interested in healthcare, data analytics, or global business. An accelerated business degree can help you go in many directions. Here are some of the main concentrations available in an accelerated business program.
Ready to learn more? Check out over 30 business concentrations for your fast-track business degree program — and launch your next career.
Business Concentrations
- Accounting
- Advertising
- Business Administration
- Business Intelligence
- Business Law
- Contract Management
- Digital Marketing
- E-Business
- Economics
- Entertainment Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Forensic Accounting
- Hospitality Management
- Human Resources
- International Business
- Logistics
- Management
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing
- Negotiation and Conflict Management
- Nonprofit Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Project Management
- Public Relations
- Real Estate
- Retail and Sales Management
- Risk Management
- Small Business
- Sports Management
- Supply Chain and Logistics
- Sustainability
1. Accounting
Want to crunch some numbers? Look into accounting bachelor’s programs. You’ll learn how to prepare and review financial reports. And a bachelor’s degree meets the entry-level requirement for many accounting careers, including roles like managerial accountant and auditor.
Accountants and auditors earn a median annual salary of $79,880, according to May 2023 data from the BLS.
2. Advertising
Advertising blends research and creativity. Learn how to design ad campaigns and measure their impact with an advertising concentration. After graduation, you can qualify for roles like brand strategist, ad sales agent, or media planner.
3. Business Administration
An accelerated business administration bachelor’s degree program can launch your career in less time. You’ll study core topics like marketing, finance, and accounting while strengthening your leadership abilities. You can pursue business administration careers in diverse fields with this degree.
4. Business Intelligence
Business intelligence and analytics play a key role in decision-making. Earn an accelerated business degree with a concentration in business intelligence to gain data analysis and strategic decision-making skills. You can qualify for business intelligence careers like data analyst, management analyst, and financial analyst. Researching business intelligence programs? Keep an eye out for concentrations in business analytics or data management.
5. Business Law
The legal side of business is complex. Learn the ins and outs of contract law, employment regulations, and tax law while pursuing a business law concentration. You’ll qualify for roles in human resources, labor relations, and finance.
6. Contract Management
Learn how to negotiate deals and strike a bargain while earning a degree in contract management. You’ll study acquisitions, negotiations, and business law. After graduation, you can work in contract strategy, acquisitions, or procurement management.
7. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is a hot field, and a digital marketing bachelor’s degree program can help you build your research, analytical, and marketing skills. You can qualify for roles like market research analyst, digital marketing specialist, and social media specialist with a fast-tracked business degree.
8. E-Business
Specialize in e-commerce and online business with a concentration in e-business. You’ll study marketing, customer retention, and logistics while preparing for careers in e-commerce, sales, and digital marketing. Or add electives to work in healthcare, tech, or another in-demand industry. Some business programs call it e-business, and others call it e-commerce. Check out course descriptions to find the right fit for you.
9. Economics
Learn how to analyze decision-making and study economic forces with a bachelor’s in economics program. You’ll strengthen your research and analytical skills thanks to the mix of social science and business coursework. And economics careers include a variety of roles — from financial analyst to data analyst. Are you considering graduate school? The research training in an economics program can help you in business or social science master’s programs.
10. Entertainment Management
Entertainment is a hot field. And you can learn about the business side of the entertainment industry with an entertainment management degree program. Learn how to manage events and negotiate contracts, and then pursue jobs in public relations, event planning, or social media. You can also pursue a career as an agent or personal manager with an entertainment management degree.
11. Entrepreneurship
Curious about venture capital and entrepreneurial careers? Then earn a bachelor’s in entrepreneurship. You’ll learn how to design a business plan, raise capital, and assess new ventures. You can also gain strong analytical and leadership skills. Entrepreneurs work in every field, from tech to sales. You can use your skills to work for an established company in development and venture capital.
12. Finance
Want to work in a fast-paced, growing field? Then consider earning a finance bachelor’s degree. You’ll strengthen your analytical skills as you learn how to assess investment strategies and manage portfolios. And finance careers offer some of the highest salaries for business majors. Financial analysts typically make more than any other business professional outside management. In May 2023, they earned a median annual salary of over $99,010, according to the BLS.
13. Forensic Accounting
Forensic accountants are the investigators of the accounting world. Learn how to uncover financial fraud and investigate financial crimes with a forensic accounting bachelor’s degree program. Common job titles include fraud examiner, forensic accountant, and auditor. If you can’t find a forensic accounting program? Many accounting concentrations offer electives to focus your degree on forensic accounting.
14. Hospitality Management
The hospitality sector continues to rebound after the pandemic. A hospitality management bachelor’s degree program gives you industry-focused training in finance, management, and customer service. Graduates can work in lodging, events planning, or the food industry after graduation. Hands-on experience in hospitality is a plus when you’re looking for management roles. An internship can help you get there.
15. Human Resources
Explore recruiting, retention, and training with a bachelor’s in human resources (HR) program. You’ll learn how to assess an organization’s workforce needs and manage training programs. The degree can lead to a career as a human resources specialist, training and development specialist, or compensation and benefits specialist. Businesses across every sector rely on HR professionals, so it’s a great option if you want a versatile career path.
16. International Business
Take your degree across borders with an international business bachelor’s. You’ll learn about global financial systems, business strategy, and cross-cultural management. A fast-track international business degree can lead to jobs in international finance, international marketing, or global operations management. Want to travel? Many online business programs incorporate internship opportunities abroad.
17. Logistics
Got an eye for detail? Logistics is all about analyzing processes and identifying improvements. During a bachelor’s in logistics program, you’ll learn how to analyze supply chains and implement more efficient systems. After graduation, you can work as a logistician or supply chain manager. Interested in a specific step of the supply chain? Some colleges offer transportation management, procurement, and distribution concentrations.
18. Management
Earn an accelerated business management degree to fast track your management career. You’ll study organizational behavior, team leadership, and project management during a bachelor’s in business management program. Use those leadership and communication skills to lead teams in diverse industries. Management jobs typically pay the highest median salary of any career group. How much can you earn? Management professionals earned $116,880 in May 2023, according to the BLS.
19. Management Information Systems
Learn how to manage information and data with a bachelor’s in management information systems program. You’ll add tech skills to your accelerated business management degree. After graduation, you can choose from many information systems careers. You can also look for entry-level titles like information security analyst, operations research analyst, and computer systems analyst.
20. Marketing
Marketing is a hot field. Learn how to research trends, analyze competitors, and design marketing plans in a bachelor’s in marketing program. You can prepare for in-demand marketing careers like market research analyst. The BLS projects the creation of nearly 95,000 market research jobs annually from 2022-2032.
21. Negotiation and Conflict Management
Business is all about negotiation. Hone your skills with a degree in negotiation and conflict management. You’ll study conflict mediation and labor relations. Use your degree as a labor relations specialist or work in human resources. What else will you study? Expect coursework on business communications, conflict analysis, and strategic leadership.
22. Nonprofit Management
Nonprofits make a difference. Learn how to lead nonprofit organizations with an accelerated bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management. Upon graduation, you can take on a management role in the nonprofit sector or work in fundraising, grant writing, or nonprofit program coordination. A nonprofit management degree is also a great option if you’re interested in careers in the public sector or at nongovernmental organizations.
23. Organizational Leadership
Study organizational behavior, leadership, and change management in a bachelor’s in organizational leadership program. You can launch a career in management, training and development, or consulting after finishing your fast-tracked business degree. Organizational leadership is also a great option if you’re interested in human resources, recruiting, or retention roles.
24. Project Management
Learn how to oversee projects from the planning to delivery phases. With a bachelor’s in project management, you can pursue work in diverse business roles. Check out our resources on project management careers for more. Project management specialists are among the highest-paid business professionals that don’t need previous experience. How much do they make? The median annual salary topped $98,580 in May 2023, according to the BLS.
25. Public Relations
Are you fascinated by public opinion, branding, and communications? Then look into a public relations bachelor’s degree program. You’ll study strategic communications, advertising, and media relations. After earning an accelerated business degree, you’ll qualify to pursue roles like public relations specialist. Do you want a field similar to public relations? Check out marketing and advertising concentrations.
26. Real Estate
Real estate is an exciting field. In an accelerated bachelor’s degree in real estate program, you’ll gain sales, analytical, and communication skills. After graduation, you can work as a real estate agent or specialize in commercial real estate, property development, or real estate finance. A real estate degree is also great if you’re interested in investing, brokerage, or mortgage-related careers.
27. Retail and Sales Management
Want to work in sales? Then consider a fast-track business bachelor’s in retail and sales management. You’ll learn how to manage sales teams and craft sales strategies that appeal to customers. Sales managers reported a median annual salary of over $135,160 in May 2023, according to BLS data.
28. Risk Management
Learn how to identify and mitigate risk in a bachelor’s in risk management program. Where can you work after earning an accelerated business degree online? Risk management is an in-demand skill in finance, insurance, cybersecurity, and real estate. Risk management consultants earn an average salary of over $94,660 per year, according to April 2024 data from Payscale.
29. Small Business
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. Learn how to launch a new venture, expand a small business, or manage a small business while earning your fast-track business degree. You can gain entrepreneurial and management skills during a small business degree program — which can pay off in the workforce.
30. Sports Management
Want to work on the business side of sports? Then a bachelor’s in sports management is a great option. You can apply to be an athletic director, coach, or sports operations manager, among other sports management jobs. With a sports management degree, you could also become an agent or facilities manager.
31. Supply Chain and Logistics
Want to plan complex production, transportation, and procurement processes? Then a bachelor’s in supply chain management program might be the best fit. Some logistics careers, like supply chain managers, earn more than $88,540 per year, according to April 2024 data from Payscale. Can’t decide between logistics and supply chain management? Most business programs treat them as interchangeable, and they offer similar coursework and career opportunities.
32. Sustainability
Combine business with environmental studies by earning a bachelor’s in sustainability. You can pursue sustainability roles like environmental specialist, sustainability consultant, and supply chain coordinator. Or, you can bring a sustainability mindset to many other business fields. Expect to take some natural science courses as part of most sustainability programs. Or consider a bachelor’s in business with a sustainability concentration to focus on the business side.
What Courses Should I Expect to Take?
You’ll strengthen analytical, communication, and leadership skills during a fast-track business degree program. Business majors take courses in marketing, human resources management, and finance. Choose a concentration to specialize your coursework.
Here are some common courses that students earning their accelerated business degree online take:
- Organizational Behavior
- Project Management
- Business Communication
- Operations Management
- Human Resources Management
- Financial Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Principles of Marketing
What Kind of Careers Can You Have With a Business Degree?
You can work in growing fields like finance, marketing, or management. Here are some common career paths you can take with a bachelor’s in business.
Featured Online Business Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How Fast Can I Get an Online Bachelor’s in Business?
The length of an accelerated bachelor’s program in business varies by school, but most take 2-3 years. These programs usually require students to complete a standard 120 credits, but class sessions are condensed.
Standard programs feature 14- to 16-week sessions, but accelerated sessions run between 7-8 weeks or less. In standard programs, you complete about five courses each semester, spending about 15 hours in class and studying for 30 hours each week. In an accelerated program, course loads are doubled.
You could spend up to 90 hours each week attending classes and studying. If you are interested in enrolling in a degree completion program, you may be able to transfer your college credits and earn your degree in as little as one year.
What Can I Expect From an Accelerated Online Bachelor’s in Business Program?
You should consider both the pros and cons of accelerated degrees, including the heavier course loads. In an online bachelor’s degree program, you learn business strategy, operations, and management skills.
Many programs offer concentrations, which can open up doors for specialized careers and further study. Some popular specializations include accounting, finance, and human resources.
Business students also have degree types to consider, such as a bachelor of business administration (BBA), a bachelor of arts (BA), and a bachelor of science (BS).
While all degree types offer similar career potential, the courses and requirements vary. For instance, BBA programs emphasize practical training, BA programs focus on interdisciplinary business applications, and BS programs focus on analytical and applied approaches.
What Are Admission Requirements for an Accelerated Online Bachelor’s in Business Program?
For admission into an accelerated online bachelor’s in business program, students usually must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Due to the intensity of accelerated programs, applicants may also need a minimum GPA of 3.0 to demonstrate their academic capabilities.
Online programs have similar requirements as on-campus programs, with the exception of the technological requirements needed to participate in virtual classes.
Application
The requirements for an undergraduate application vary by school, as do the methods for submitting them. Many schools offer their own online portal to make uploading documents and reviewing progress easier for applicants. Prospective undergraduate students can also use one of the college application systems to manage their applications.Test Scores
Depending on the school, you may need to submit scores from one of the college entrance exams. These test results provide insight into your academic strengths and help schools decide between similar applicants. Even when schools provide test waivers, you should still consider submitting your scores if you have strong results.Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are a common application component. You typically submit written support from 1-3 of your teachers, guidance counselors, mentors, or employers. Reference letters might cover what makes you unique or how well prepared you are for a bachelor’s program.Essay
College application essays or statements give you a chance to reveal more about yourself, your circumstances, and your interests. Application essays can showcase your writing abilities. They can also demonstrate how well you respond to instructions when schools provide essay prompts.Official Transcripts
Applicants must almost always submit official transcripts, which provide details on their previous studies. These records can help determine if you qualify for admission and have the necessary prerequisites. Transcripts can also help schools determine if transfer students have any transfer credits.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fastest Online Business Programs
Yes. You can complete a bachelor’s degree in one year via degree completion programs and schools with generous transfer credit policies. Many schools allow learners to earn credits from previous training or life and work experience.
However, for an accelerated degree in a business program, completion times are typically 2-3 years. Since an accelerated bachelor’s in business program features about 120 credits, the amount of work required to complete the training in one year would be too taxing for learners.