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Individuals with a passion for empowering, motivating, and delegating often thrive in management positions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for managers to grow 5% from 2019-2029. Additionally, management professionals earn a median annual salary of $105,660, according to the BLS.
Managers typically focus on one industry or aspect of a business. For example, graduates of online management programs can work as marketing managers, administrative services managers, and compensation and benefits managers. Many management degrees offer concentration options to prepare learners for specialized roles.
Most management programs require essays, tests, and an internship. Students who pursue an online management degree often continue working while in school. This guide explores the benefits of pursuing an affordable management degree, along with professional organizations and scholarships for students in the field.
FAQ on Online Management Degrees
What degree is best for management?
A bachelor's in management qualifies holders for many entry-level positions. However, some organizations require graduates to complete a few years of on-the-job experience before becoming a manager.
What careers can I get with a management degree?
Graduates of online management programs can obtain leadership positions in nonprofits, corporations, and small businesses. Graduates can even work their way up to top-level executive positions, such as CEO.
What is the most in-demand business degree?
The BLS projects many management positions to grow at an above-average pace. However, demand varies by position. For example, the BLS projects employment for construction managers to grow 8% from 2019-2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
How do I start a career in management?
Many aspiring managers begin by earning a bachelor's degree. After graduation, individuals often gain experience in entry-level positions before pursuing management roles. Professionals may further improve their marketability by earning a master's degree.
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Individuals pursuing a management degree learn how to lead teams and contribute to a business's overall success. Degree-seekers prepare to facilitate employees' professional development, make ethical business decisions, use strategic analysis, and execute projects.
Online management programs typically require practical and theory-based courses. Curricula often explore principles of marketing, leadership theories, and strategic planning. However, exact courses vary based on the student's concentration area. For example, individuals studying construction management also learn about safety codes, and human resources programs cover topics such as talent requisition.
Why Get a Management Degree?
While pursuing an online management degree requires time and financial investments, the increased earning potential can offset the cost. The list below highlights a few common reasons for individuals to pursue an online management degree.
- Increase Earning Potential
- According to the BLS, most managers earn higher median salaries than coordinators or assistants in the same field. For example, public relations and fundraising managers earn a median salary of $116,180 per year, while public relations specialists earn a median annual salary of only $61,150.
- Qualify for Promotions
- While many professionals begin in entry-level positions and work their way up to management roles, this can take many years. A management degree prepares employees with the necessary skills that can lead to promotions.
- Enjoy Scheduling Flexibility
- Since online management programs typically offer flexible scheduling options, distance learners often work while earning their degree. This allows management students to gain practical experience.
- Save Money on Tuition and Fees
- Students pursuing an online management degree often pay lower tuition rates than on-campus students. Additionally, most schools waive campus fees for distance learners.
- Gain a Deeper Understanding
- While individuals can develop technical skills while working in management roles, students in online management programs explore the theories behind management practices.
What Are the Requirements for a Management Degree?
Students in online management programs gain academic knowledge and practical experience. Management students often partner with local businesses to create strategic management plans. Additionally, many management majors develop connections to local businesses through internships and capstone projects.
Management courses typically follow a lecture-based format and require essays and multiple-choice tests. Curricula often culminate with a thesis or portfolio project during the final semester. While completing a thesis, students conduct research and fill a gap in industry knowledge. Learners may also create a digital or physical portfolio comprising their academic and internship projects.
To access additional learning opportunities and career resources, management students can join professional organizations. Many professional associations offer discounted membership rates for students. These organizations often host webinars, networking sessions, and informational conferences. The following list features three professional organizations for students in online management programs.
This organization connects management professionals with continuing learning opportunities. AMA also offers a free student e-membership. Student members can access a digital quarterly management publication, job readiness webcasts, and a skills assessment. Student members also receive discounts on seminars.
Project management professionals and students can join this organization. PMI offers a discounted student membership, which provides access to more than 1,000 free tools and templates. The organization hosts events to encourage networking among members.
SHRM offers member benefits including in-person and virtual group training and a digital library with on-demand resources. Student members receive a discounted membership rate and opportunities to network with human resource professionals.
Scholarships for Management Students
Even students pursuing an affordable management degree can benefit from scholarships. General scholarships are often the most competitive. Management students can improve their chance of earning an award by focusing on scholarships reserved for students with leadership experience. The list below highlights two scholarships for management majors.
Who Can Apply: This scholarship program supports learners who demonstrate leadership within their school and community. Graduating high school seniors can apply, and recipients must attend an accredited college. Applicants must not be related to a Coca-Cola employee.
Amount: $20,000
Who Can Apply: The National Society of High School Scholars offers two scholarships each year to students who demonstrate leadership and management skills. Candidates may qualify through volunteer work, community engagement, or a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Applicants must submit a 500- to 800-word essay, an academic resume, and a recommendation from an educator.
Amount: $5,000
Most Affordable Online Management Degrees
#1 Most Affordable Online Management Degrees
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
- Portales, NM
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The flexibility of Eastern New Mexico University's learning opportunities suits many different types of degree-seekers interested in the public institution. The Portales, New Mexico-based school supports 3,946 learners attending remotely from all over the United States, offering 18 online bachelor's programs. Many individuals planning for a career in business management or a related field find that the top-ranking bachelor of business administration in management makes a great choice.
Connecting with top faculty members and supportive peers benefits students enrolled in business management. Relevant coursework and projects completed in a virtual learning environment help degree-seekers advance their personal and professional goals. Learners can participate in faculty-driven research, internships, and externships. It's possible for enrollees to mold the program to their needs and interests by working with a faculty advisor to create a customized plan of study and pick electives.
Since education can be costly, the college offers a variety of internal and external funding opportunities. Qualified students benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other types of financial assistance. The college reports that 97% of all enrollees receive some form of aid to offset educational expenses.
Percent Online Enrollment
69%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Most Affordable Online Management Degrees
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Durant, OK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Southeastern Oklahoma State University, located in Durant, offers premier online degrees for students looking for a competitive program. Online enrollment at the public institution totals 4,047 virtual learners, who can choose from 13 bachelor's programs available remotely. The bachelor of business administration in management provides a rigorous education with industry relevance to degree-seekers interested in business management.
Connecting with classmates and instructors in the virtual classroom space helps participants gain the full benefits of the business management programs' supportive online learning community. Enrollees complete coursework covering foundational and advanced topics to gain knowledge relevant to the business management field. Learners build the competency needed for a business management profession through hands-on practice in experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects. Institutional resources focused on student success, like career and academic advising, are available to degree-seekers throughout the program.
Financial aid officers can help learners find funding opportunities to help lower the costs of a business management degree. Scholarships, fellowships, and federal aid are just some of the many funding opportunities that students at the college enjoy access to. The institution provides some type of financial assistance to 95% of its enrollees.
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Most Affordable Online Management Degrees
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Miami, Florida International University provides premier online programs for students seeking competitive study. Online enrollment at the public institution totals 39,863 virtual learners, who can choose from 36 bachelor's programs available remotely. The rigorous, industry-relevant education provided by the bachelor of business administration in management appeals to degree-seekers interested in business management.
Connecting with classmates and instructors in the virtual classroom space helps participants gain the full benefits of the business management programs' supportive online learning community. Enrollees learn relevant knowledge for their future business management careers in classes covering the foundational and advanced topics of the field. Students can also pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as research projects and internships, to advance their competency for a career in business management. Institutional resources focused on student success, like career and academic advising, are available to degree-seekers throughout the program.
Funding opportunities found by working with a financial aid officer can lower the costs of a business management degree. Many funding options are available to learners at the college, including fellowships, scholarships, and federal aid. At the institution, 90% of enrollees receive some form of financial assistance.
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Most Affordable Online Management Degrees
University of Louisiana Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Louisiana Monroe's bachelor of business administration in management is a great choice for individuals seeking a flexible education to prepare them for the business management field. The public college supports 14 online bachelor’s programs, connecting 3,756 online learners with a premier undergraduate education.
The bachelor of business administration in management equips students with the tools they need for a successful business management career. Enrollees take classes on a variety of subjects, covering both foundational and advanced concepts in business management. Depending on their career aspirations, degree-seekers can complete hands-on learning experiences to increase their industry knowledge. Internships, externships, and applied research projects provide learners with valuable knowledge. Students can talk to their academic advisor and career services to get help throughout the course of the program.
Funding opportunities from internal and external sources, such as scholarships and fellowships, help applicants offset the price of their degree. A benefit of attending a leader in remote education, degree-seekers get connected to funding opportunities to support their academic journey, with 98% of them receiving aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Most Affordable Online Management Degrees
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The premier online programs at Boca Raton-based Florida Atlantic University suit students seeking competitive study. The public institution enrolls 14,613 learners remotely in its 11 online bachelor’s programs. The rigorous education relevant to the business management industry provided by the bachelor of business administration in management appeals to degree-seekers interested in the field.
The remote classroom environment of the business management program lets participants connect with the supportive virtual learning community, including classmates and faculty. Foundational and advanced topics in business management are covered in the program's classes, giving enrollees the relevant knowledge to prepare them for their future careers in the field. Students can do experiential learning opportunities, like internships and research projects, to develop skills for a future business management job. Degree-seekers enjoy access to institutional resources focused on student success, such as career and academic advising, throughout the course of the program.
When preparing for the costs of a business management degree, learners should meet with the financial aid office to discuss funding opportunities. The college boasts numerous scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. In all, 82% of all students receive some form of financial assistance.
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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