Best Small Business Management Degree Programs of 2023
With today's technology and a growing spirit of entrepreneurship, small businesses have a huge opportunity to thrive. Learn what it takes for businesses to succeed through a degree in small business management, and take your career into your own hands.
Why This Matters
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87,000+ JOBS PER YEAR ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS ANALYSTS
Though there are numerous other available occupations in the business management field, on average, approximately 87,100 management analyst positions alone are expected to open annually for the next 10 years.
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BY 2029, THE DEMAND FOR MANAGEMENT ANALYSTS WILL INCREASE 11%
The percent change in management analyst positions from 2019-2029 is a significant 7% higher than the average expected growth for all occupations.
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EARN $45,450 ABOVE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE
Management analysts earn an average of $85,260 per year, compared to the $39,810 average pay for all occupations.
Our Research
This list primarily includes Bachelor of Science degrees offered through undergraduate universities but also covers some associate degrees and certificates available through community colleges. Depending on the school, these degrees may focus on business management, business administration, entrepreneurship, or leadership, and they are available online, in-person, and as a combination of the two.
The accreditation for small business management degrees depends on the school and degree. Many bachelor of science programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools (ACBS), or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSBI). Attending an accredited school is necessary to qualify for financial aid, and degrees from business-accredited schools might stand out to employers.
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 53 hours to write this article
- 210 universities and colleges we assessed
- 329 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Small Business Management Degree Programs
What You Should Know About This Degree
Small business management degrees come in many forms, including diploma or certificate programs and bachelor of science degrees. Though some program names include the term “small business management,” some schools call it entrepreneurship, business administration, or business management. These programs are different from a finance, accounting, or marketing degree, which are much more focused on one area and designed for a career path in the relevant field.
Small business management degrees provide a broader overview of knowledge and skills to help students learn how to lead entire organizations. Students who earn a degree in small business management have a wide breadth of employment opportunities and career paths. By 2029, overall job growth in the field of business and financial operations is expected to increase by 5%, a rate faster than most occupations.
With this degree, students can start their own businesses, serve as consultants to small businesses, manage a company’s operations, or act as a sales manager. Typically, a career in this field doesn’t require specific certificates and licensing, except for people who wish to become a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Some schools may also offer the optional Certified Business Manager (CBM) certification.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching small business management degree programs:
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Online courses may be offered either synchronously or asynchronously. Synchronous courses occur at set times, while asynchronous courses don’t, allowing students to progress through lessons and complete assignments on their own schedules and at their own pace.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Small business management bachelor’s programs require students to complete around 120 credits to graduate, typically over four years. Associate degrees often take around two years to complete, and certificate programs usually take two semesters. The length of time also depends on your schedule and whether you’re studying part- or full-time.
If you know the level of certificate or degree you’d like to pursue, visit applicable schools’ websites to see if they offer courses in your areas of interest. Pay attention to the application and credit requirements and whether the school offers courses online, in-person, or both.
Depending on the program and your background, you might be able to obtain financial assistance. Research available state or federal student aid, scholarships, or employment benefits, note any application deadlines, and apply early.