How Long Does It Take to Get a Business Degree?

Key takeaways

Earning a business degree typically takes two to six years, which varies depending on the type of degree you’re pursuing. 

• Business degree options include associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the field.

• Factors that influence how long your business degree takes include switching schools, changing majors, dropping classes, taking extra credits, or completing summer classes.

• You can find a job in economics, human resources, finance, marketing, and social media management with a business degree.

Learn more about the different types of business degrees, how long they take to earn, and factors that can impact the length of your degree program. Then explore online business degrees from esteemed universities.

How long does it take to get a business degree?

Associate degree in business

Pursuing an associate degree typically requires you to complete 60 credit hours. If you're a full-time student, this usually takes about two years of completing 15 credits per semester over four semesters. If you're a part-time student, it could take up to three years, depending on how many credits per semester you’re able to take. 

Bachelor's degree in business

The length of time it takes to get a bachelor’s degree in business can vary depending on the program, the school, and other factors. The average bachelor’s degree program requires you to complete 120 credit hours. If you’re a full-time student, this could take four years of completing 15 credits per semester over eight semesters. If you’re a part-time student, it could take up to seven years or longer.

Is a business degree worth it?

Getting your degree is a time investment, but it can be well worth the time and effort. You can learn skills that translate to many different fields, from manufacturing to hospitality to health care and more. Although there’s no guarantee that you'll make a considerable salary, Kiplinger did include business degree programs on its 2024 list of the Best College Majors for a Lucrative Career [1]. 

A 2025 survey by the Hult International Business School shows that 95 percent of human resources (HR) employers were more likely to hire individuals with an undergraduate business degree [2].

Master's degree in business

Most business master's degree programs require 30 to 40 credit hours, but some may require you to complete up to 60 credit hours. If you're a full-time student, you might earn your master's degree in two years. If you’re a part-time student, it could take anywhere from two to four years. 

Read more: Master of Business Administration (MBA) Guide

Doctoral program in business

The highest business degrees include a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree and a PhD in business. These programs may require around 60 credit hours. If you're a full-time student, it could take an average of four years to get your degree. If you're going part-time, it could take six to 10 years or longer.

What can you do with a business degree?

With a business degree, you can pursue careers in economics, finance, human resources, marketing, sales, social media management, investment banking, and more. Potential job titles include accountant, market research analyst, operations manager, loan officer, and financial planner. This versatile degree allows you to pursue jobs across industries or even start your own business.

How fast can I get a business degree: Factors that affect length

Your goals, priorities, and other factors can affect the time it takes to get your business degree. For example, some schools and programs require more credit hours than others.

Factors that may increase the time it takes to get a degree include:

• Switching schools or majors, which means some credits might not transfer

• Dropping classes

• Needing additional time to complete degree requirements, such as a master’s thesis for an MBA or a dissertation for a doctoral degree

Factors that may help you earn your degree faster include:

• Taking more credits per semester

• Earning college credits in high school

• Taking summer classes

• Taking accelerated programs like an accelerated MBA, which allows you to get your degree in around 9 to 18 months

Online vs. on-campus learning

You can decide to enroll in online programs or pursue the more traditional on-campus experience to earn your business degree. Both options come with advantages and drawbacks, but ultimately, you should choose the one that works best for you. 

On-campus learning may give you more opportunities to network and get more face-to-face interaction with instructors and your classmates. However, on-campus business classes generally require you to be present at a specific time on specific days. If you're fitting your degree program around a work schedule or other commitments in your life, this might not be ideal. 

Online business degree programs may offer more flexibility, although some courses may require time commitments. If you can choose courses that allow you to learn at your own pace, you might be able to complete more credit hours per semester. 

Alternatives to a business degree

Getting a business degree isn’t your only option for opening doors to jobs in the business world. If you have a degree in another subject or want to prove your proficiency, you might pursue a certificate in specific topics or skills. Or, you could take individual courses to build your skills and knowledge base. 

Certificate programs

Certificate programs give you credentials to prove that you've completed specific business-related courses. These programs can help you develop technical skills associated with whatever the subject matter is. Certificate programs may take six to 24 months to complete, depending on the program and the pace you're able to go. 

Individual courses for skill-building

Taking online courses is another way to gain skills without spending time in a full degree program. Depending on your field and goals, taking a class or two could help advance your career. For example, you might take a course in negotiation skills to sharpen your skills in that area. 

In addition to building your skills, this can advance your goals toward getting a degree later if the course credits transfer. The average length of time varies from course to course.

Explore our free career resources

Subscribe to Career Chat to stay up-to-date with business trends and career tips. Then, check out these resources to help you advance your business career:

• Build your knowledge: Business Professionals + GenAI: Saving Time and Increasing Performance 

• Read an insider story: Meet the CPA Advancing Her Data and Leadership Skills with an MBA

• Watch on YouTube: Career Spotlight: Product Marketing Manager

Enjoy the flexibility of online degree programs available from Coursera’s esteemed university partners.