Business administration is the management and organisation of a company’s operations (including resources and strategies) to achieve its goals and objectives efficiently and effectively. In other words, it’s the sauce that turns business dreams into reality. 

So, what are the best online courses teaching how to create this sauce?

Some great business administration courses online include the California Intercontinental University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, the University of London’s BSc Business Administration program (on Coursera) and Alison’s Diploma in Business Administration course.

Studying online can be amazing because it offers the kind of flexibility and accessibility many in-person programmes do not provide. But choosing a program that is worth the trouble can be daunting, especially if you’re in Nigeria. This article sifts through the noise and presents 10 of the best business administration courses online.

1. California Intercontinental University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program

This 100% online MBA program is tailor-made for working professionals interested in boosting their careers. It is a self-paced, six-week-long course. As with fully online programmes, it gives enrollees the flexibility of attending classes from anywhere in the world.

There are eight yearly start dates, so you can always register whenever you’re ready. 

2. The Pennsylvania State University’s Master of Business Administration degree

This degree is perfect if you want a customisable learning experience. At Penn State, you can pick the courses you’d like to study and tailor the curriculum to fit your vision. 

You don’t need GRE or GMAT scores to apply to Penn State’s online MBA, but the program could cost you up to $1,248 per credit or $14,976 per semester. Fortunately, there are several financial aid options you could explore.

And while it’s definitely not an MBA program from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn State is good enough to get you the education you need.

3. Udemy’s Business Administration and Management Course 

Udemy has been a popular online learning platform for years. Its 3.3-star-rated business administration and management course is a good place to start if you’re new to the field or need a quick lesson on key concepts like accounting and business statistics.

It could take about 9 hours and 40 minutes to complete the course, and you get a certificate of completion as well as lifetime access to the content of the course.

Compared to some other programmes on this list, it’s not pricey (about ₦11,900 as of September 2023). It gets better: if you’re lucky, you get a discount.

4. University of California’s Business Administration certificate program

This certificate program costs about $3,895 and runs for 9 to 18 months. It’s perfect for learners seeking a foundation in fundamental business management. It is also helpful if you want a grounded explanation of critical concepts necessary for managers in public or private sectors.

You’ll learn everything from finance to management to communication, and leave the program with the tools you need for today’s business landscape.

5. Diploma In Business Administration by UniAthena

You only need 1 or 2 weeks to complete this free diploma, which should help enhance your understanding of business administration. There’s also an option to pay for a blockchain-verified certificate on completion, but it’s entirely up to you to decide if it’s worth it.

6. Diploma In Business Administration by Alison

Alison’s free diploma in business administration includes 6 to 10 hours of online learning and a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation. It’s a good option if you want to learn more about business administration before trying paid courses.

The course includes seven modules and comes with a final assessment that tests your understanding of the concepts taught.

7. The University of London’s BSc Business Administration program on Coursera

This 100% online bachelor’s degree is pricey (about £13,356 to £18,868 or $16,806 to $23,741). But it has some impressive features. The program lasts for 36 to 72 months, features internationally renowned experts as tutors and comes with a certificate from one of the top universities in the world.

You can also get financial aid to fund your study.

8. University of Maryland Global Campus Master of Business Administration degree on Coursera

You can take this IACBE-accredited online degree if you’re a working professional looking to upskill quickly. The program lasts only 15 months, and you’ll gain practical business administration experience at the end of your study.

It costs about $694 per credit, but you can apply for financial aid.

9. Master of Business Administration by Illinois Institute of Technology on Coursera

This MBA from Illinois Tech costs $15,000 for total tuition and is entirely online. You don’t need to apply! You only need to enrol and complete three short courses to get in. It’s, therefore, a great option if you don’t have prior business administration knowledge and want to learn at your own pace.

It’s a pay-as-you-go programme and takes from 12 to 24 months for most learners to complete.

10. Global Master of Business Administration (GMBA) by Macquarie University on Coursera

This industry expert-endorsed MBA is based on the World Economic Forum’s curriculum that highlights 16 future-focused skill sets. Enrollees can have live group discussions with their professors and peers.

The program runs for 14 to 32 months and costs $26,000. However, Coursera offers financial aid that can help drive costs down.

Conclusion

The internet is a great resource if you want to learn anything — from how to make money on YouTube to more complicated pursuits like Business Administration. Platforms like AltSchool Africa, Coursera, edX and Udemy allow you get education from the comfort of your home (and sometimes for free).

To get the most out of the programmes in this article, please read through their brochures to be sure your needs are met. And if you need help paying for a course, use PiggyVest’s targeted savings feature.