An online bachelor’s in business administration is a flexible way to build broad undergraduate knowledge across core business functions. Most programs cover foundational topics like management, marketing, finance, operations, and accounting, then let you tailor electives or a concentration based on your goals.

Some schools award a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). Others award a BA or BS with a business administration major. The label matters less than the curriculum, academic policies, and accreditation status.

Quick answers

What is an online bachelor’s in business administration?

An online bachelor’s in business administration is an undergraduate degree that covers core business functions through online coursework. Programs typically include general education, a business core, and electives or a concentration.

Is a BBA different from a bachelor’s in business administration?

BBA stands for Bachelor of Business Administration. Some schools award a BBA, while others award a BA or BS with a business administration major, so compare curriculum, requirements, and concentration options.

How are online BBA programs typically structured?

Most programs include general education, a business core, electives or a concentration, and a capstone or integrative course. Even in asynchronous formats, courses may still use weekly deadlines, group work, and discussion participation.

What classes are common in a business administration bachelor’s?

Many programs include accounting, economics, statistics or quantitative methods, business law and ethics, marketing, finance, operations, organizational behavior, and strategic management, plus general education requirements.

What admissions requirements are common?

Requirements vary by school and student type, but commonly include a high school diploma or equivalent, official transcripts, and placement requirements or transfer credit evaluation when applicable.

Can transfer credits reduce required coursework?

Transfer credits can reduce how many courses you need, but policies vary by institution. Before enrolling, confirm transfer limits, minimum grades, and any residency requirements.

At a glance

  • Bachelor’s programs typically combine general education with a business core and electives or a concentration.
  • Online formats may be asynchronous but still include weekly deadlines, group work, and discussion participation.
  • Concentrations or elective tracks can help you specialize without changing the degree level.
  • Transfer credits may reduce required coursework, depending on school policy.

For a full map of this program area, start here: Business Administration Program Guide


Schools to compare

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only—always confirm details directly with each school.

#1

Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 71%
Graduation rate 44%
Tuition
In‑state$8,419
Out‑of‑state$15,620
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 21

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Shenandoah University

Winchester, VA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 78%
Graduation rate 66%
Tuition
In‑state$36,028
Out‑of‑state$36,028
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 97%
Graduation rate 44%
Tuition
In‑state$9,712
Out‑of‑state$20,492
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Seminole State College of Florida

Sanford, FL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 43%
Tuition
In‑state$3,227
Out‑of‑state$11,447
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 72

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Palm Beach State College

Lake Worth, FL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 41%
Tuition
In‑state$3,050
Out‑of‑state$10,910
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 98

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Santa Fe College

Gainesville, FL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 51%
Tuition
In‑state$2,563
Out‑of‑state$9,189
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 75

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Pensacola State College

Pensacola, FL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 39%
Tuition
In‑state$2,348
Out‑of‑state$9,407
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 90

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 44%
Graduation rate 85%
Tuition
In‑state$16,004
Out‑of‑state$34,501
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 17

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


How online BBA programs are structured

Core degree components

Most online bachelor’s programs follow a similar structure:

  • General education courses, such as communication, math, and social science
  • Business core courses that build shared foundations
  • Electives or concentration courses that let you specialize
  • A capstone, project, or integrative course in the final term, depending on the school

Common online course features

Online formats may be asynchronous, but many still include weekly deadlines, group work, and discussion participation. To compare how online formats differ, see: Online Course Formats

If you are trying to move faster, compare this degree level to accelerated pacing: Accelerated Business Administration Programs

Typical curriculum in a bachelor’s in business administration

Bachelor’s programs commonly include a business core built around topics like:

  • Financial and managerial accounting
  • Microeconomics and macroeconomics
  • Business statistics or quantitative methods
  • Business law and ethics
  • Marketing principles
  • Corporate finance or financial management
  • Operations and supply chain fundamentals
  • Organizational behavior and leadership
  • Strategic management

For a deeper breakdown of coursework and how it maps across degree levels, see: Business Administration Curriculum

Common concentrations and elective tracks

Concentrations can help you specialize within business administration without changing the degree level. Availability varies by school, and some programs use elective tracks instead of formal concentrations.

Common options include:

  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Management
  • Human resources
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Operations management
  • International business

Browse concentration pages here: Business Administration Concentrations

If you already know your direction, jump into a concentration:

Admissions requirements

Admissions requirements vary by school and student type. Some programs admit first time college students. Others focus on transfer students.

Common requirements include:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Official transcripts
  • Placement requirements, when applicable
  • Transfer credit evaluation for applicants with prior college coursework

For a full checklist and degree level differences, see: Business Administration Admissions Requirements

Transfer credits and degree planning

Transfer credits can reduce how many courses you need, but rules vary by institution.

Before you enroll, confirm:

  • Maximum transfer credits allowed
  • Minimum grades required for transfer courses
  • Whether credits apply to the business core or only electives
  • Residency requirements, meaning a minimum number of credits must be completed at the institution

These pages can help you evaluate policies and plan realistically:

Accreditation and program quality checks

Accreditation is a baseline quality indicator. Verify that the institution holds recognized accreditation, then compare how the business program is structured, supported, and delivered online.

Learn what to verify and how to compare schools: Business Administration Accreditation

Bachelor’s vs other business administration degree levels

If you are comparing degree levels, these pages can help:

For a value and fit discussion, see: Is a Business Administration Degree Worth It