5 Features You'll Find at the Best Online Business Schools

The versatility of a business degree is hard to beat, and that may be why it seems like business schools are a dime a dozen these days. But not all online business schools are created equal. If you're looking for an online program that can actually equip you with the business and management skills you'll need for success in your field, you'll need to know what to look for.

As you begin the process of choosing an online business school, there are a handful of features that could be important in your decision-making process. Keep an eye out for the following five characteristics as you narrow your list of potential programs.

5 Things to look for when choosing an online business school

There are hundreds of business programs out there, so the idea of choosing the right institution for you can seem a little daunting. But you'll soon start to notice that the best online business schools have a few key features in common.

1. A wide range of business degree options

You've already decided that studying business is the right path for you, but that doesn't mean you have every step of your educational journey planned out already. In reality, there are a ton of distinct paths within the field of business.

Dr. Rebecca Murdock, Dean of the College of Business at Bellevue University, notes that it's important to look for an online business school that offers a range of valuable degree options. Before you're ready to officially add a school to your short list, browse through their website to analyze their business degree offerings.

"What options are available within the business program? Do those options lead to impactful skill development and meaningful careers?" Dr. Murdock poses. Whether you're looking at the associate, bachelor's, or post-baccalaureate level, you'll want to be sure the program offerings are both robust and relevant to the career goals you've set out for yourself.

2. A market-oriented, application-based curriculum

Identifying an online business school that offers the types of programs you're looking for is important, but it can also be helpful to take it a step further and analyze the course offerings of those business programs.

"The content of the program should be current and relevant to your professional goals," explains Dr. David Levy, Professor at Bellevue University's College of Business. "Students should look for programs that will expand their educational horizons by teaching content and skills that will benefit them in their professional and personal lives."

A market-oriented, application-based curriculum emphasizes skills employers are looking for in future job candidates. It also teaches students to apply the business concepts and information systems they learn to real-life work scenarios.

Dr. Murdock highlights one of the tried-and-true practices of the Bellevue University business programs as an example of what to look for in an industry-relevant, skills-based business school: "We integrate relevant career and academic skills throughout the curriculum so that students can be successful in launching and advancing their careers."

3. Engaging and experienced instructors

A strong curriculum will only be as effective as its instructors, and that's why you should be sure to review the faculty profiles of the business schools you're scoping out. This can be particularly important when you're learning online.

"Online courses should not be a self-study, correspondence type of experience," Dr. Levy says, explaining that engaging instructors can make all the difference — especially when they can bring their real-world experience into the classroom.

"Faculty should have their fingers on the pulse of the professions and industries that employ their students," Dr. Murdock adds. "You should be looking for strong academically and professionally qualified faculty who are committed to learning experiences that are relevant to your career aspirations."

If the business schools you're looking at have a history of delivering online learning, that's even better. In addition to instructors who have plenty of practical experience in the field of business, you'll also want to work with faculty members who are well-versed in the nuances of virtual, online instruction.

4. A generous credit transfer policy

As a career-minded professional with big goals, time is of the essence. For that reason, it's important to find an online business school that will honor your prior experience.

If you've already completed any college coursework, you'll definitely want to make sure the business schools you're considering have generous transfer policies that will make the most of the credits you've already earned. That way, you can avoid retaking any courses you've already completed, saving you both time and money in the long run.

With this in mind, make a note to look for schools that promise maximum college credit transfer — even better if they've been named among the nation's best according to Phi Theta Kappa's Transfer Honor Roll as Bellevue University has.

5. Positive student outcomes

You'll never know exactly what you're going to get when you enroll in a college program. But it's always a good idea to look into student outcomes. Asking about what types of jobs alumni go on to pursue, for example, can give you a better idea of where a program could lead you.

Another way to get a feel for the student experience at a particular school is to find the institution's social media pages. Schools will often post community news, student or alumni features, and other fun promotions or activities that will give you a good idea of what it's like to earn your degree there. Many colleges and universities will also include program-specific news and blog articles on their websites where you can peruse student or faculty stories and stay up to date on the latest happenings in the department you're interested in.

Find the best online business school for you

By investing in the advancement of your education, you're committing to propel your career forward. And studying business online will allow you to sow the seeds for a robust professional network while you learn.

"Online students are able to interact with classmates across the U.S. and even internationally, often resulting in professional connections that will span beyond their programs," Dr. Levy explains.

Now that you know how to find the best online business schools, see if you can find your fit at Bellevue University. Our College of Business has a reputation for empowering high-performing professionals who are ready to innovate and lead in a competitive business environment. If you're hoping to count yourself among them, find out more by visiting the Bellevue University College of Business page.

Get firsthand insight from our grads by checking out our article "Why I studied business at Bellevue University: Grads reveal their reasons."