A bachelor’s degree in business management is a versatile degree that can prepare you for a long career in leadership. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in management occupations is expected to increase by 8% over the next decade, and the median annual wage for professionals in this field was $102,450 in May 2021, making this a great career choice for individuals who prioritize high pay and job security.
But the time commitment required to earn a degree can be a major deterrent for some people, leading them to search for other, more suitable options.
If you’re interested in fast-tracking your education, there are several ways you can earn a degree in less than the standard four years. From increasing your course load to earning prior learning credits, there are plenty of effective ways to earn your degree in less time.
Here’s a closer look at how you can speed up your degree program, as well as a selection of the fastest online bachelor’s degree programs in business management.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the Fastest Online Business Management degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
The 17 Fastest Online Bachelor’s Programs in Business Management
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
National University
Intelligent Score: 98.97In-state: $13,320
Out-of-state: $13,320
In-state: $15,480
Out-of-state: $15,480
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$442
Online, On-Campus
WASC Senior College and University Commission
146
Indiana Wesleyan University
Intelligent Score: 96.57In-state: $28,184
Out-of-state: $28,184
In-state: $13,512
Out-of-state: $13,512
SAT: 1010-1200
ACT: 21-27
$455
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
120
BYU Pathway Worldwide
Intelligent Score: 96.03In-state: $5,970
Out-of-state: $5,970
In-state: $7,510
Out-of-state: $7,510
SAT: 1200-1410
ACT: 26-32
$79
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
120
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 95.47In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
$561 - $661
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120
Lamar University
Intelligent Score: 95.13In-state: $6,129
Out-of-state: $15,945
In-state: $6,397
Out-of-state: $6,397
SAT: 943-1140
ACT: 17-23
$296
Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
120
Western Governors University
Intelligent Score: 93.42In-state: $6,380
Out-of-state: $6,380
In-state: $7,500
Out-of-state: $7,500
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$621
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
120
Belhaven University
Intelligent Score: 92.52In-state: $26,650
Out-of-state: $26,650
In-state: $10,350
Out-of-state: $10,350
SAT: 995-1135
ACT: 19-23
$425
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
124
Fisher College
Intelligent Score: 91.15In-state: $31,700
Out-of-state: $31,700
In-state: $26,166
Out-of-state: $26,166
SAT: 820-1060
ACT: 13-20
$138
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
120
LeTourneau University
Intelligent Score: 90.76In-state: $31,740
Out-of-state: $31,740
In-state: $18,630
Out-of-state: $18,630
SAT: 1110-1330
ACT: 22-29
$380
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
Benedictine University
Intelligent Score: 90.14In-state: $30,830
Out-of-state: $30,830
In-state: $18,574
Out-of-state: $18,574
SAT: 980-1160
ACT: 19-26
$660
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120
Rochester University
Intelligent Score: 89.65In-state: $24,720
Out-of-state: $24,720
In-state: $10,206
Out-of-state: $10,206
SAT: 840-1060
ACT: 17-23
$496
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120
Immaculata University
Intelligent Score: 89.05In-state: $26,900
Out-of-state: $26,900
In-state: $12,780
Out-of-state: $12,780
SAT: 990-1170
ACT: 17-23
$465
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
120
UMass Dartmouth
Intelligent Score: 88.95In-state: $15,791
Out-of-state: $35,779
In-state: $14,014
Out-of-state: $14,014
SAT: 1200-1390
ACT: 27-32
$1,026
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
120
Northeastern University
Intelligent Score: 88.1In-state: $54,360
Out-of-state: $54,360
In-state: $25,264
Out-of-state: $25,264
SAT: 1410-1540
ACT: 33-35
$541
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
120
Purdue University Global
Intelligent Score: 87.63In-state: $9,208
Out-of-state: $28,010
In-state: $9,208
Out-of-state: $9,208
SAT: 1170-1420
ACT: 25-33
$371
Online
Higher Learning Commission
180
Saint Louis University
Intelligent Score: 87.13In-state: $46,400
Out-of-state: $46,400
In-state: $21,420
Out-of-state: $21,420
SAT: 1160-1370
ACT: 25-31
$650
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
120
UW Extended Campus
Intelligent Score: 86.06In-state: $9,273
Out-of-state: $37,161
In-state: $10,728
Out-of-state: $10,728
SAT: 1260-1460
ACT: 27-32
$365
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120
How Long Does It Usually Take to Get a Bachelor’s in Business Management?
A bachelor’s degree in business management typically requires four years of full-time study, equal to 12 credit hours per semester. This is the standard timeframe for most bachelor’s degree programs, but this time commitment can be daunting for those interested in starting their careers as soon as possible.
However, online degree programs offer flexibility that can significantly reduce the time needed for completion. More specifically, online programs often offer accelerated programs that allow students to complete their degrees faster than normal.
Accelerated programs in business management are designed to provide a condensed curriculum without compromising the quality of education. These programs are tailored to meet the needs of motivated individuals who wish to fast-track their education and enter the job market or advance their careers more quickly. By choosing an accelerated online program, students can complete their degree in a shorter period, often two to three years.
How to Speed Up Your Degree Program
Accelerated programs aren’t the only way to save time when earning your degree. Even if you enroll in a traditional program, you may be able to get your degree in less than four years by taking more credit hours every semester, earning prior learning credits, and taking classes during the shortened winter and summer semesters.
If you’re considering pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in business management and want to expedite your graduation, here are some of the strategies you can employ.
Prior learning assessment
One effective way to accelerate your degree program is through prior learning assessments (PLA). Many universities offer PLA programs that allow students to earn college credits for knowledge and skills acquired outside of the traditional classroom setting. This can include credits earned through examinations such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, or workplace training.
By demonstrating proficiency in specific subjects, you can bypass certain courses and earn credits, reducing the number of courses you need to complete. This can potentially save you both time and money while still obtaining a valuable degree.
The amount of time that prior learning credits can save you will depend on the extent of your prior experience and the university you’re applying to. Many institutions place caps on the amount of credit you can earn from prior experience, so be sure to check with your school for more information about PLAs.
Take classes during the winter and summer
Another effective strategy is to take advantage of winter and summer sessions offered by your online institution. While traditional programs typically operate on a fall and spring semester schedule, online universities often provide additional sessions throughout the year. By enrolling in courses during these shorter sessions, you can accumulate credits more rapidly and make progress towards your degree even during the off-season.
This approach requires careful planning and dedication, as the workload can be more intensive during these condensed periods. However, the ability to complete courses at an accelerated pace can significantly reduce the overall duration of your degree program.
Increase your course load
If you have the time and energy, increasing your course load is an effective way to expedite your degree completion. Most colleges consider 12 credit hours as a full-time semester. However, if you can manage a higher workload, you may be able to take on additional classes per semester to expedite your degree program.
Before increasing your course load, it is important to consult with your academic advisor to ensure that you can handle the extra work without sacrificing the quality of your education. While some students thrive under a heavier course load, others may find it overwhelming. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance while striving for academic excellence is crucial.
If you plan to go this route, you should also have a plan in place to keep up with your coursework. Try to set and stick to specific study times, and if possible, have a dedicated study room or home office that you can use to complete your work without distractions.
It’s worth noting that most institutions have a limit on the number of credits students can take per semester, typically capped at 18 credits. This cap is typically to deter students from overwhelming themselves by taking on more work than they can handle. Be mindful of these restrictions and consider your personal capabilities and responsibilities before deciding to take on a heavier course load.
Obtaining an online bachelor’s degree in business management can be a great experience that opens doors to various career opportunities. By choosing a program designed for accelerated learning and employing strategies such as prior learning assessment, taking classes during winter and summer sessions, and increasing your course load, you can expedite your degree completion without compromising the quality of your education.
Our Research
This list features some of the country’s fastest online bachelor’s programs in business management. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the fastest online bachelor’s programs in business management to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.