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7 Different Types of Business Plans Explained

11 min. read

Updated April 10, 2024

Business plans go by many names: Strategic plans, traditional plans , operational plans, feasibility plans, internal plans, growth plans, and more.

Different situations call for different types of plans. 

But what makes each type of plan unique? And why should you consider one type over another?

In this article, we’ll uncover a quick process to find the right type of business plan, along with an overview of each option. 

Let’s help you find the right planning format.

• What type of business plan do you need?

The short answer is… it depends. 

Your current business stage, intended audience, and how you’ll use the plan will all impact what format works best. 

Remember, just the act of planning will improve your chances of success . It’s important to land on an option that will support your needs. Don’t get too hung up on making the right choice and delay writing your plan.

So, how do you choose?

1. Know why you need a business plan

What are you creating a business plan for ? Are you pitching to potential investors? Applying for a loan? Trying to understand if your business idea is feasible?

You may need a business plan for one or multiple reasons. What you intend to do with it will inform what type of plan you need.

For example: A more robust and detailed plan may be necessary if you seek investment . But a shorter format could be more useful and less time-consuming if you’re just testing an idea.

2. Become familiar with your options

You don’t need to become a planning expert and understand every detail about every type of plan. You just need to know the basics:

• What makes this type of plan unique?
• What are its benefits?
• What are its drawbacks?
• Which types of businesses typically use it?

By taking the time to review, you’ll understand what you’re getting into and be more likely to complete your plan. Plus, you’ll come away with a document built with your use case(s) in mind—meaning you won’t have to restart to make it a valuable tool.

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3. Start small and grow

When choosing a business plan format, a good tactic is to opt for a shorter option and build from there. You’ll save time and effort and still come away with a working business plan.

Plus, you’ll better understand what further planning you may need to do. And you won’t be starting from scratch.

Read More: How to identify the right type of plan for your business

Again, the type of business plan you need fully depends on your situation and use case. But running through this quick exercise will help you narrow down your options. 

Now let’s look at the common business plan types you can choose from.

• Traditional business plan

The traditional (or standard) business plan is an in-depth document covering every aspect of your business. It’s the most common plan type you’ll come across. 

A traditional business plan is broken up into 10 sections:

• Executive summary
• Description of products and services
• Market analysis
• Competitive analysis
• Marketing and sales plan
• Business operations
• Key milestones and metrics
• Organization and management team
• Financial plan
• Appendix 

Why use this type of plan?

A traditional business plan is best for anyone approaching specific business planning events—such as presenting a business plan to a bank or investor for funding.

A traditional plan can also be useful if you need to add more details around specific business areas. 

For example: You start as a solopreneur and don’t immediately need to define your team structure. But eventually you hit a threshold where you need more staff in order to keep growing. A great way to explore which roles you need and how they will function is by fleshing out the organization and management section .

That’s the unseen value of a more detailed plan like this. While you can follow the structure outlined above and create an in-depth plan ready for funding, you can also choose which sections to prioritize. 

Read More: How to write a traditional business plan  

• One-page plan

The one-page business plan is a simplified (but just as useful) version of a traditional business plan. It follows the same structure, but is far easier to create. It can even be used as a pitch document.

Here’s how you’ll organize information when using a one-page plan:

• Value proposition
• Market need
• Your solution
• Competition
• Target market
• Sales and marketing
• Budget and sales goals
• Team summary
• Key partners
• Funding needs

A one-page plan is faster and easier to assemble than a traditional plan. You can write a one-page plan in as little as 30 minutes . 

You’ll still cover the crucial details found in a traditional plan, but in a more manageable format.

So, if you’re exploring a business idea for the first time or updating your strategy—a one-page plan is ideal. You can review and update your entire plan in just a few minutes.

Applying for a loan with this type of plan probably wouldn’t make sense. Lenders typically want to see a more detailed plan to accurately assess potential risk. 

However, it is a great option to send to investors. 

“Investors these days are much less likely to look at a detailed plan,” says Palo Alto Software COO Noah Parsons. “An executive summary or one-page plan, pitch presentation, and financials are all a VC is likely to look at.”

Creating a more detailed plan is as much about being prepared as anything else. If you don’t dig into everything a traditional plan covers, you’ll struggle to land your pitch . 

If you don’t intend to seek funding, a one-page plan is often all you need. The key is regularly revisiting it to stay on top of your business. 

Let’s explore two unique processes to help you do that: 

Read More: How to write a one-page business plan

Lean planning process

Lean planning is a process that uses your one-page plan as a testing tool. The goal is to create a plan and immediately put it into action to see if your ideas actually work. You’ll typically be focusing on one (or all) of the following areas: 

• Strategy – What you will do
• Tactics – How you will do it
• Business Model – How you make money
• Schedule – Who is responsible and when will it happen

Why use this process?

Lean planning is best for businesses that need to move fast, test assumptions, revise, and get moving again. It’s short and simple, and meant to get everyone on the same page as quickly as possible. 

That’s why it’s so popular for startups. They don’t necessarily need a detailed plan, since they’re mostly focused on determining whether or not they have a viable business idea .

The only drawback is that this planning process is built primarily around early-stage businesses. It can be a useful tool for established businesses looking to test a strategy, but it may not be as helpful for ongoing management.

Read More: The fundamentals of lean planning

Growth planning

Growth planning is a financials-focused planning process designed to help you make quick and strategic decisions.

Again, it starts with a one-page plan outlining your strategy, tactics, business model, and schedule. The next step is to create a working financial forecast that includes projected sales, expenses, and cash flows.

From there, you run your business. 

As you go, track your actual financial performance and carve out time to compare it to your forecasts . If you spot any differences, these discrepancies may indicate problems or opportunities that call for adjusting your current strategy.

Growth planning combines the simplicity of the one-page plan and the speed of lean planning, with the power of financial forecasting. 

This makes the process useful for every business stage and even allows you to skip to the forecasting step if you already have a plan.

With growth planning, you’ll:

• Regularly revisit your financials
• Better understand how your business operates 
• Make quick and confident decisions

This process focuses on growing your business. If diving into your financials isn’t a priority right now, that’s okay. Start with a one-page plan instead, and revisit growth planning when you’re ready.

Read More: How to write a growth-oriented business plan

• Internal plan

Sometimes you just need a business plan that works as an internal management tool. 

Something to help you: 

• Set business goals
• Provide a high-level overview of operations
• Prepare to create budgets and financial projections

You don’t need an overly long and detailed business plan for this. Just a document that is easy to create, useful for developing or revisiting your strategy, and able to get everyone up to speed.

The internal plan is a great option if you’re not planning to present your plan to anyone outside your business. Especially if you’re an up-and-running business that may have created a plan previously. You might just need something simple for day-to-day use.

Read More: 8 steps to write a useful internal business plan

• 5-year business plan

Some investors or stakeholders may request a long-term plan stretching up to five years. They typically want to understand your vision for the future and see your long-term goals or milestones.  

To be honest, creating a detailed long-term business plan is typically a waste of time. There are a few exceptions:

• A long-term plan is specifically asked for
• You want to outline your long-term vision
• Real estate development
• Medical product manufacturing
• Transportation, automotive, aviation, or aerospace development

The reality is, you can’t predict what will happen in the next month, let alone the next one, three, or five years.

So, when creating a long-term plan, don’t dig too deep into the details. Focus on establishing long-term goals , annual growth targets, and aspirational milestones you’d like to hit.

Then supplement these with a more focused one-page plan that actually describes your current business, which you can use in your business right now.

Read More: How to write a five-year business plan

• Nonprofit business plan

A nonprofit business plan is not too different from a traditional plan. You should still cover all of the sections I listed above to help you build a sustainable business. 

The main differences in a nonprofit plan are tied to funding and awareness. You need to account for:

• Fundraising sources and activities.
• Alliances and partnerships.
• Promotion and outreach strategies.

You also need to set goals, track performance, and demonstrate that you have the right team to run a fiscally healthy organization. You’re just not pursuing profits, you’re trying to fulfill a mission. But you cannot serve your community if your organization isn’t financially stable.

If you can use your business plan to show that you’re a well-organized nonprofit organization, you are more likely to attract donors and convince investors to provide funding.

Read More: How to write a nonprofit business plan

Resources to help write your business plan

Don’t get too hung up on the type of business plan you choose. Remember, you can always start small and expand if you need to.

To help you do that, I recommend downloading our free one-page business plan template . It’s especially useful if you’re exploring an idea and need a quick way to document how your business will operate.

If you know you’ll pursue funding, download our free traditional business plan template . It’s already in an SBA-lender-approved format and provides detailed instructions for each section. And if you want to explore other options, check out our roundup of the 8 best business plan templates you can download for free.

Lastly, check out our library of over 550 sample business plans if you need inspiration. These can provide specific insight into what you should focus on in a given industry.

Remember, just by deciding to write a business plan, you are increasing your likelihood of success. Pick a format and start writing!

Types of business plans FAQ

Which type of planning should be done for a business?

The type of planning fully depends on your business stage and how you intend to use the plan. Generally, whatever format you choose should help you outline your strategy, business model, tactics, and timeline.

How many types of business plans are there?

There are seven common types of business plans, including: traditional, one-page, lean, growth, internal, 5-year, and nonprofit plans.

Tim Berry is the founder and chairman of Palo Alto Software , a co-founder of Borland International, and a recognized expert in business planning. He has an MBA from Stanford and degrees with honors from the University of Oregon and the University of Notre Dame. Today, Tim dedicates most of his time to blogging, teaching and evangelizing for business planning.

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What is a business plan?

1. write an executive summary, 2. describe your company, 3. state your business goals, 4. describe your products and services, 5. do your market research, 6. outline your marketing and sales plan, 7. perform a business financial analysis, 8. make financial projections, 9. summarize how your company operates, 10. add any additional information to an appendix, business plan tips and resources.

A business plan outlines your business’s financial goals and explains how you’ll achieve them over the next three to five years. Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a business plan that will offer a strong, detailed road map for your business.

ZenBusiness

A business plan is a document that explains what your business does, how it makes money and who its customers are. Internally, writing a business plan should help you clarify your vision and organize your operations. Externally, you can share it with potential lenders and investors to show them you’re on the right track.

Business plans are living documents; it’s OK for them to change over time. Startups may update their business plans often as they figure out who their customers are and what products and services fit them best. Mature companies might only revisit their business plan every few years. Regardless of your business’s age, brush up this document before you apply for a business loan .

» Need help writing? Learn about the best business plan software .

This is your elevator pitch. It should include a mission statement, a brief description of the products or services your business offers and a broad summary of your financial growth plans.

Though the executive summary is the first thing your investors will read, it can be easier to write it last. That way, you can highlight information you’ve identified while writing other sections that go into more detail.

» MORE: How to write an executive summary in 6 steps

Next up is your company description. This should contain basic information like:

Your business’s registered name.

Address of your business location .

Names of key people in the business. Make sure to highlight unique skills or technical expertise among members of your team.

Your company description should also define your business structure — such as a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation — and include the percent ownership that each owner has and the extent of each owner’s involvement in the company.

Lastly, write a little about the history of your company and the nature of your business now. This prepares the reader to learn about your goals in the next section.

» MORE: How to write a company overview for a business plan

The third part of a business plan is an objective statement. This section spells out what you’d like to accomplish, both in the near term and over the coming years.

If you’re looking for a business loan or outside investment, you can use this section to explain how the financing will help your business grow and how you plan to achieve those growth targets. The key is to provide a clear explanation of the opportunity your business presents to the lender.

For example, if your business is launching a second product line, you might explain how the loan will help your company launch that new product and how much you think sales will increase over the next three years as a result.

» MORE: How to write a successful business plan for a loan

In this section, go into detail about the products or services you offer or plan to offer.

You should include the following:

An explanation of how your product or service works.

The pricing model for your product or service.

The typical customers you serve.

Your supply chain and order fulfillment strategy.

You can also discuss current or pending trademarks and patents associated with your product or service.

Lenders and investors will want to know what sets your product apart from your competition. In your market analysis section , explain who your competitors are. Discuss what they do well, and point out what you can do better. If you’re serving a different or underserved market, explain that.

Here, you can address how you plan to persuade customers to buy your products or services, or how you will develop customer loyalty that will lead to repeat business.

Include details about your sales and distribution strategies, including the costs involved in selling each product .

» MORE: R e a d our complete guide to small business marketing

If you’re a startup, you may not have much information on your business financials yet. However, if you’re an existing business, you’ll want to include income or profit-and-loss statements, a balance sheet that lists your assets and debts, and a cash flow statement that shows how cash comes into and goes out of the company.

Accounting software may be able to generate these reports for you. It may also help you calculate metrics such as:

Net profit margin: the percentage of revenue you keep as net income.

Current ratio: the measurement of your liquidity and ability to repay debts.

Accounts receivable turnover ratio: a measurement of how frequently you collect on receivables per year.

This is a great place to include charts and graphs that make it easy for those reading your plan to understand the financial health of your business.

This is a critical part of your business plan if you’re seeking financing or investors. It outlines how your business will generate enough profit to repay the loan or how you will earn a decent return for investors.

Here, you’ll provide your business’s monthly or quarterly sales, expenses and profit estimates over at least a three-year period — with the future numbers assuming you’ve obtained a new loan.

Accuracy is key, so carefully analyze your past financial statements before giving projections. Your goals may be aggressive, but they should also be realistic.

NerdWallet’s picks for setting up your business finances:

The best business checking accounts .

The best business credit cards .

The best accounting software .

Before the end of your business plan, summarize how your business is structured and outline each team’s responsibilities. This will help your readers understand who performs each of the functions you’ve described above — making and selling your products or services — and how much each of those functions cost.

If any of your employees have exceptional skills, you may want to include their resumes to help explain the competitive advantage they give you.

Finally, attach any supporting information or additional materials that you couldn’t fit in elsewhere. That might include:

Licenses and permits.

Equipment leases.

Bank statements.

Details of your personal and business credit history, if you’re seeking financing.

If the appendix is long, you may want to consider adding a table of contents at the beginning of this section.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Here are some tips to write a detailed, convincing business plan:

Avoid over-optimism: If you’re applying for a business bank loan or professional investment, someone will be reading your business plan closely. Providing unreasonable sales estimates can hurt your chances of approval.

Proofread: Spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors can jump off the page and turn off lenders and prospective investors. If writing and editing aren't your strong suit, you may want to hire a professional business plan writer, copy editor or proofreader.

Use free resources: SCORE is a nonprofit association that offers a large network of volunteer business mentors and experts who can help you write or edit your business plan. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Development Centers , which provide free business consulting and help with business plan development, can also be a resource.

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Spark vs 2degrees: Mobile Plans Comparison

Posted by Martin Kovacs 15/01/2021

As two of New Zealand’s largest and most popular mobile service providers, Spark and 2degrees are locked in constant competition to keep customers connected and happy. So, when it comes to a head-to-head rundown of prepaid and pay monthly plans, how do these two mobile market-leaders shape up?

If you’re on the hunt for a new mobile deal, there’s a range of options to choose from. There are plans decked out with unlimited data, talk and texts. Plus, there are plenty of extras, including music and video streaming , hotspotting and free data incentives.

The choices may be many, however, we’ve done the legwork and taken an in-detail look at the prepaid and pay monthly deals from Spark and 2degrees, plus the other factors to keep in mind.

Spark Prepaid

Spark’s prepaid Value Packs cost between $19 and $79, and come with different amounts of data, talk and texts.

Socialiser data can be used on the Facebook, Messenger, Twitter and Spotify apps. But keep in mind that Spark’s rollover data is capped at 3.5GB (there’s no rollover for bonus or Socialiser data) and its rollover talk at 500 minutes.

In addition to this, Spark’s prepaid offerings also include two Data Lovers plans.

Spark’s Value Pack and Data Lovers deals additionally include:

• Bonus data – is available with Value Packs purchased and activated between October 27, 2020 and January 24, 2021 inclusive (Spark may extend the end date)
• Data Stack – customers receive 100MB of stackable data each month they stay on an eligible Value Pack
• Spotify – three months free Spotify Premium (new Spotify Premium users only). Customers who already have Spotify can get 50% off Spotify Premium. Unlimited music data to listen to Spotify for three months

Spark prepaid customers also have a number of options to pair their plan with prepaid extras, available for purchase separately:

Data prepaid extras

Talk prepaid extras, text prepaid extras, talk and text prepaid extras.

Compare prepaid mobile plan providers here!

2degrees Prepaid

2degrees advises that carryover lasts for up to a year. Customers who don’t renew their plan straight away, but top up at least $10 within three months, keep their carryover data and minutes.

If you’re more focused on the shorter term, here are Spark’s prepaid fortnightly offerings:

2degrees’ monthly and fortnightly prepaid plans additionally include:

• Hotspot – available at no extra cost
• Free data hour – available with 2degrees’ Data Clock app
• Voicemail – available on all plans at no extra cost
• Wi-Fi calling – use minutes (no data) to make calls over Wi-Fi
• Unlimited calls – to other 2degrees mobiles

2degrees customers can also bolster their prepaid plan with a selection of data and talk add-ons.

Data prepaid add-ons

Talk prepaid add-ons.

*All prices correct as of 15/01/21. Further information on pricing can be found at individual retailer websites. This should be used as a starter guide and not considered an actual quote.

Canstar’s Choice

If you’re after a good value prepaid phone plan with around 2GB of data, we feel Spark does have the edge. On top of 2GB of rollover data, Spark’s $29 Value Pack comes with a bonus 2GB of data, plus an extra-extra 2GB that you can use on social media.

Spark Pay Monthly

Spark’s pay monthly Endless Mobile plans are open term, come with unlimited NZ and OZ talk and text, and are available with a range of max-speed data inclusions (with each plan also coming with endless data). Spark advises that once a max-speed data inclusion has been reached, speeds will be reduced to 1.2Mbps.

Spark’s Endless Mobile plans additionally include:

• Spotify/Netflix – half-price Spotify Premium is available with the $39.99 and $59.99 plans, with the $79.99 and $99.99 plans having the option to include Spotify Premium or Netflix Standard (HD).
• Hotspot – is available for all plans at a charge of $10 per month.
• Share – up to three mobiles can be added to the $99.99 plan at a cost of $29.99 each, sharing data, talk and text. Each companion gets 50% off Spotify Premium included in their plan.

Spark pay monthly customers also have the choice of purchasing a number of extras to add to their plan.

Data pay monthly extras

Talk and text pay monthly extras, 2degrees pay monthly.

2degrees’ pay monthly plans are available with a range of carryover data inclusions (with carryover data lasting for up to a year), and come with unlimited NZ and OZ calls and text.

In addition to its carryover data plans, 2degrees’ 40GB plan comes with unlimited data, providing speeds of up to 1Mbps once the data inclusion has been used. You also have the option of signing up for pool plans, sharing a plan with up to three other people (dependent on the plan).

2degrees pay monthly plans additionally offer:

• Hotspot – available at no extra cost.
• Free data hour – available with 2degrees’ Data Clock app.
• Voicemail – available on all plans at no extra cost.
• Wi-Fi calling – use minutes (no data) to make calls over Wi-Fi.
• Share your data – customers can share all or a portion of their NZ data with up to five people who are also on 2degrees.
• Unlimited calls – to other 2degrees mobiles.

2degrees pay monthly customers can also purchase a number of add-ons to pair with their plan.

Data pay monthly add-ons

Talk pay monthly add-on.

Really, it’s too close to call, and will come down to your individual (or family) needs. For while Spark’s unlimited monthly plans come with the promise of endless data, you’ve got to remember that there are data caps that kick in. Hit your data limits and speeds of 1.2Mbps will curtail your web activity to just simple browsing.

At an entry price point of $40, there’s very little between the two providers: Spark gives you half-price Spotify, while 2degrees offers 4GB of un-slowed data to Spark’s 3GB.

But, if you’re a couple, 2degrees’ 10GB plan offers great value. And being able to add extra people to your 2degrees plan can really stack the savings.

So, ultimately, when it comes down to monthly phone plans the choice is yours – just remember to do the maths. Compare what you’re paying for against the calls/data/extras you require. And remember to always do your research, which you can start now, by checking out Canstar Blue’s customer satisfaction ratings for mobile phone providers. All you have to do is click on the button below.

Compare monthly plan providers here!

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• Use appropriate financial models and principles
• Employ effective technological strategies for financial decision-making
• Implement ethical and legal standards and guidelines in finance

Health Care Management

• Understand the day-to-day functions within a health organization or department
• Guide others toward achieving organizational mission, goals and objectives

Human Resource Management

• Contribute strategically and collaboratively to the mission, vision and values of the business
• Implement ethics as an integral practice of the business

Management and Leadership

• Build a sustainable advantage through the management of human capital
• Use information and technology to productively achieve organizational goals
• Execute an effective integrated marketing communications program
• Strategically plan for domestic and global markets

Project Management

• Integrate and coordinate the interdependencies between professional accepted processes and knowledge areas
• Define and control the scope activities of a project
• Employment settings to explore include banks, financial services and tax preparation services
• Research job titles such as financial analyst, accounts payable clerk and audit manager
• Employment settings to explore include financial services, insurance agencies and manufacturing organizations
• Research job titles such as business analyst, financial analyst and account manager
• Employment settings to explore include corporations, real estate agencies and nonprofit organizations
• Research job titles such as financial analyst, accountant and data analyst
• Employment settings to explore include hospitals, nursing care facilities and health insurance companies
• Research job titles such as business analyst, practice manager and health administrator
• Employment settings to explore include hospitals, government and manufacturing organizations
• Research job titles such as human resources specialist, talent acquisition manager and recruiter
• Employment settings to explore include hospitals, manufacturing organizations and consulting firms
• Research job titles such as office manager, account manager and store manager
• Employment settings to explore include retail, corporate and nonprofit organizations
• Research job titles such as marketing/sales coordinator, account manager and communications specialist
• Employment settings to explore include corporate, government and technology companies
• Research job titles such as project manager, project coordinator and program manager

* Capella cannot guarantee any specific job, promotion, salary increase or other career outcomes. You will need to conduct your own research to understand what opportunities may be available to you. Note that some career paths may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications or other designations along with a degree.

Which is better for a BS in Business, FlexPath or GuidedPath?

The FlexPath learning format is available for select specializations. Your lifestyle and learning preferences will factor into choosing a path for your bachelor’s degree in business. FlexPath gives you the freedom to set your own deadlines and complete coursework at your own pace. GuidedPath offers a more structured approach with a fixed weekly schedule.

• Complete your assessments at your own pace
• Engage one-on-one with faculty to receive feedback
• Get support from coaches when you need it
• Pay one tuition fee per 12-week billing session; books, supplies and other fees apply

Learn more about FlexPath

• Complete weekly assignments with preset deadlines
• Participate in weekly discussion posts with your classmates and faculty
• Connect with academic coaches to keep you on track
• Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter

Learn more about GuidedPath

FlexPath lets you finish the degree you started, with a bachelor’s in business in 14 months and under $13,000.*

*Based on fastest 25% of students. Your program length and cost will vary by transfer credits, the per-session cost and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies and other fees apply.

Why choose the BS in Business at Capella University?

Relevant education.

Our competency-based approach is designed to deliver marketable skills that you can apply immediately in your work.

Earn credit for your knowledge

You may be able to earn credits through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) if you demonstrate mastery of business competencies. * You may also be eligible to earn credit for past coursework and prior learning. Learn more »

Gen ed courses included

Capella students have a great way to complete gen ed requirements with access to ACE® Credit-recommended courses from our affiliate, Sophia Learning. Explore low-cost options »

Reduce your tuition by $15,000

Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $15K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund select bachelor’s degrees. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.   Apply now »

*All transfer and CPL credit must be completed prior to starting any program in the FlexPath format. Any professional certification or external courses taken concurrently with FlexPath enrollment cannot be recognized in the Capella degree program.

“It took me 35 years, but I did it through FlexPath. I'm so excited for what the future holds for me, my business and all my community endeavors.”

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• View all Business Bachelor's Degrees

Business Management – B.S. Business Administration

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• View all Business Degrees

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• View all Education Degrees

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• Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)– M.A.
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• Cloud Computing – B.S.
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Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree

• Information Technology Management – B.S. Business Administration (from the School of Business)
• View all Technology Master's Degrees
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• View all Technology Degrees
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• View all Nursing Post-Master's Certificates
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• View all Health & Nursing Degrees
• View all Nursing & Health Master's Degrees
• Nursing – Education (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
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• Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S. (Available in select states)
• Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S. (Available in select states)
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• Nursing – Leadership and Management (RN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Nursing Informatics (RN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.

Master of Healthcare Administration

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WGU School of Business

Change your life with an online business degree, business catalog.

Sandra, MBA grad

ONLINE BUSINESS DEGREES

Choose the Right Business Degree for You

Our online bachelor’s and master’s programs are accredited and give you the option to figure out which program best suits your educational needs. WGU business courses offer real-world application, the ability to graduate faster, and industry relevancy so you can pursue your career goals.

EMPLOYER SATISFACTION

98% of employers included in a 2023  Harris Poll Survey said WGU grads met or exceeded expectations.

EXCELLENCE AND RESPECT

Many WGU School of Business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

GUIDED BY A MENTOR

A program mentor will be your guide, providing help and motivation throughout your WGU experience.

Business Bachelor's Degrees Online

Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...

Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:

• Time: 61% of graduates finish within 19 months
• Tuition:  $3,755 per 6-month term
• Courses : 40 total courses in this program

Skills for your résumé this program will teach you include: 

• Business communication
• Product development
• Decision making models
• Project management strategies
• Budgeting for business

This online degree program is an excellent choice for kick-starting your organizational management career.

IT Management – B.S. Business Administration

IT managers are needed in nearly every organization:...

IT managers are needed in nearly every organization:

• Tuition:  $3,755 per 6-month term
• Courses: 40 total courses in this program

Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include: 

• Team Leadership
• Operations Management
• Communication
• Agile Project Management
• Analytical Techniques
• Information Technology

Key competencies of these online courses align with industry needs: management and leadership, networks and security, and information systems management.

You can become a healthcare industry leader:...

You can become a healthcare industry leader:

Compare with B.S. Health Information Management

• Time: 63% of graduates finish within 17 months
• Tuition:  $3,755 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 40 total courses in this program.
• Strategic Planning

The online courses in this career-focused business degree program will prepare you with management-level skills and an up-to-date understanding of our healthcare delivery system.

Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?...

Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?

• Time: 62% of graduates finish within 24 months
• Courses: 41 courses in this program

Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:

• Financial Statements
• Detail Oriented

Take your first step toward CPA certification and learn how to use GAAP, ledgers, and journals.

A SHRM-recognized online business degree program:...

A SHRM-recognized online business degree program:

• Time: 65% of graduates finish within 24 months.
• Courses: 41 total courses in this program.
• Agile project management
• Employment and labor laws
• Recruiting strategies
• HR technology
• DE&I understanding

Earn your B.S. in Human Resources and help build strong organizations.

For those who want to lead brands and steer consumer markets:...

For those who want to lead brands and steer consumer markets:

• Time: 60% of graduates finish within 19 months.
• Project Management
• Product Management

Marketing is a creative and exciting field—and one where an undergraduate degree will open better opportunities.

This online finance program is career-focused so you will gain relevant...

This online finance program is career-focused so you will gain relevant industry skills.

• Time: 62% of graduates finish similar programs within 24 months
• Tuition:  $3,575 per 6-month term

Some careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:

• Spreadsheets
• Financial Analysis
• Problem Solving

The competency-based model at WGU allows you to move as quickly as you can master the material, and do your coursework on your schedule. Flexibility is key with the B.S. in finance at WGU.

Supply Chain and Operations Management - B.S.

This online supply chain and operations management program will prepare...

This online supply chain and operations management program will prepare you for real-world experiences in business.

• Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 19 months.
• Tuition:  $3,575 per 6-month term.
• Courses:  36 courses in this program.

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

• Strategic Planning
• Operations:

Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster...

Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster pace with fewer courses.

• Time: Approximately 5 years.
• Tuition : $3,735 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $3,940 per term for the master's portion.
• Courses: 42 total courses in this program.

Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:

• CompTIA A+ 
• CompTIA Network+ 
• CompTIA Security+ 
• CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
• CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist 
• Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
• ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
• LPI Linux Essentials
• Scripting and programming
• Networking and security
• Systems and services
• Data management
• Business of IT

This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in IT and move directly into a master's degree in IT management, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.

A program designed for future leaders in HIM....

A program designed for future leaders in HIM.

• Time:  61% of grads earned this degree in 36 months or less.
• Tuition:  $4,085 per 6-month term.
• Courses : 36 total courses in this program.
• Medical Terminology
• Healthcare System Applications
• Health Information Law and Regulations
• Healthcare Project Management
• Data Analytics and Information Governance

This CAHIIM-accredited program makes you eligible for the RHIA exam. 

Compare with B.S. Business – Healthcare Management

Business Master's Degrees Online

Master of Business Administration

The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management,...

The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management, strategy, and leading teams:

• Time:  Graduates can finish in 12 months
• Tuition:  $4,755 per 6-month term
• Courses: 11 total courses in this program
• Leadership strategies
• Talent management
• Data collection and interpretation
• Financial statements

Our competency-based model gives you an innovative learning experience you won't find anywhere else—and our MBA grads tell us they loved accelerating their program to see a faster ROI.

Prepare for a career leading private or public healthcare organizations....

Prepare for a career leading private or public healthcare organizations.

• Time:  WGU lets you set a schedule so you can finish your MBA in just one year.
• Tuition:  $4,755 per 6-month term.
• Courses : 11 total courses in this program.
• Regulatory compliance
• Patient care improvement
• Service line development
• Healthcare trends
• Health policy and legislation

Healthcare is big business in today's complex economy.  Steer your career with this specialty MBA.

Compare online business degrees

This program is not the only online business degree WGU offers that is designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.

Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper...

Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper management:

Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:

• Communications
• Information Systems Security

Learn to navigate emergencies, execute strategies, and optimize systems with the competencies within this specialty MBA.

An online master's degree focused on change management, innovation, and...

An online master's degree focused on change management, innovation, and leading teams:

• Time: 60% of graduates can finish in 17 months.
• Courses: 10 total courses in this program

Skills for your résumé that this program will teach you:

• Coordinating
• Performance Management 

Develop a comprehensive suite of leadership skills and your confidence to navigate changing business structures.

Become better qualified to pursue a greater variety of public and private...

Become better qualified to pursue a greater variety of public and private accounting positions:

• Time: 62% of grads finish within 19 months.

Skills for your résumé that this program will prepare you for: 

• Tax Planning
• Financial Management
• Online Communication

This MAcc program is designed to prepare you for the CPA exam and also the CMA or CIA exams.

Two online marketing master's degree options with a focus on either...

Two online marketing master's degree options with a focus on either digital marketing or marketing analytics.

• Time:  61% of graduates finish WGU master's programs in 18 months
• Tuition:  $4,530 per 6-month term
• Courses:  10 total courses in this program
• Specialization:  Students choose from two specializations to focus their marketing studies on digital marketing or marketing analytics
• Digital Marketing Analytics
• Presentations
• Market Research

A marketing master's degree will help you prepare for a wide range of exciting marketing careers.

A SHRM-recognized master's degree in human resource management...

A SHRM-recognized master's degree in human resource management

• Time:  61% of graduates finish this program within 18 months.

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program include: 

• Performance Management
• Talent Acquisition
• Human Resource Information System (HRIS)

Earn your M.S. in Human Resources and help companies create excellent cultures.

Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:...

Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:

• Time:  61% of graduates finish within 20 months.
• Tuition:  $4,055 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
• Data Analytics Lifecycle 
• Data Science and Advanced Analytics Applications
• Data Mining Techniques
• Machine Learning 
• Data Management

Master data mining, visualization, and SQL—and lead analytics at the business of your choice.

A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead....

A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead.

• Time:  60% of graduates finish within 18 months.
• Tuition:  $3,940 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 10 total courses in this program.

Included in your program—at no extra cost—is the opportunity to earn the valuable  PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification .

• Technology operations and integration
• Sourcing and planning
• Risks and influence
• Solutions development
• Project management

Maximize the opportunities that your IT career path has afforded you—earn your master's and keep moving up. 

A master's focused on managing comprehensive, value-based care, directly...

A master's focused on managing comprehensive, value-based care, directly in line with innovations in health and healthcare.

• Time:  60% of grads finish within 21 months. 
• Tuition:  $4,755 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 12 total courses in this program.
• Collaborative Leadership
• Healthcare Models and Systems
• Healthcare Financial Management
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Healthcare Information Technology

Your rich experience in a health-related field can mean more when you bring a master's level of understanding to the problems that organizations need to solve.

Compare degrees

This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.

The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for...

The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for instructional designers tasked with creating engaging and immersive virtual learning experiences that can substitute for on-ground instruction.

No teaching license required.

• Time: 62% of students finish this program in 10 months.
• Tuition:  $3,975 per 6-month term
• Courses:  12 total courses in this program.

This program includes two tracks for students to choose from:

• The K-12 pathway
• The Adult Learner pathway

Skills for your résumé included in this program:

• Learning Experience Design
• Assessment and Learning Analytics
• Learning Technology
• Research Methodology

Develop training and instruction expertise to help you in the classroom, in educational settings, or in corporate world.

Business Certificates

Leadership Certificate – School of Business

Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the...

Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the help of a leadership certificate from the School of Business.

• Time: 4 months from start to finish.
• Cost:  $2,250 for the certificate.
• Courses: 3 courses total in this program.

This program is for emerging leaders, however this program does not require a bachelor’s degree, and provides transferable credit towards a WGU degree program.

Whether you aspire to work for a Fortune 500 organization, a government agency, a non-profit organization, or a fast-paced start-up, this certificate can give you the keys to success in a variety of industries, including:

• Finance and Banking
• Manufacturing

Supply Chain Certificate – School of Business

Boost your résumé and gain valuable experience with a supply chain...

Boost your résumé and gain valuable experience with a supply chain certificate from the School of Business.

• Time: 6 months from start to finish.
• Cost:  $2,500 for the certificate.
• Courses:  4 courses total in this program.

This program is designed for individuals who are ready to take their supply chain experience to the next level and become a front-line leader in their organization.

Whether you want to advance your career in this field, or you're just getting started, a supply chain certificate can help you be ready for your next career step. You'll be prepared to work in a variety of industries including: 

Accounting Fundamentals Certificate – School of Business

Enhance your résumé and showcase your skills with an accounting...

Enhance your résumé and showcase your skills with an accounting fundamentals certificate from the School of Business.

• Time : 6 months from start to finish.
• Cost : $2,000 for the certificate.
• Courses : 5 courses total in this program.

This program is designed for individuals who want to boost their résumé with the help of an accounting fundamentals certificate from WGU’s School of Business.

Whether you want to advance your career in this field, or you're just getting started, an accounting fundamentals certificate can help you be ready for your next career step. You'll be prepared to work in a variety of industries including: 

Business Degrees To Help Boost Your Salary

A business degree should be worth the cost. Our degree programs have proven to provide a great return on investment. In fact, WGU grads see an average salary increase of $22,200 within just two years of graduation.* Great ROI and higher pay—a business degree from WGU is your foundation for career progression. * WGU 2023 Annual Report

See Real Student Stories

Find a Scholarship

WGU vs. Traditional Universities Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

AVG. yearly tuition For BACHELOR’S DEGREES

AVG. yearly tuition For MASTER’S DEGREES

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

A counselor you have to schedule time with

An individual Program Mentor who knows your goals and schedule

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

* Average yearly bachelor's degree tuition according to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (2022). ** Average yearly master's tuition according to data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (2022).

See a Breakdown of Course Costs

Start Your College Journey at WGU

WGU has built a special, accelerated path for students ages 14-18 with a high school diploma or equivalent, and their families. Now enrolling for this exclusive opportunity.

Business Programs with the Best ROI

It's important to be thoughtful before investing in a degree. Comparing the cost of the program and the ROI you'll get is key in determining if a program is right for you. WGU programs rank extremely highly when it comes to ROI and competitive tuition. Learn more about how we rank when it comes to post-graduate debt and salary levels.

Bachelor of Science

Business Management: 267% ROI

Marketing: 249% ROI

Accounting: 202% ROI

More Resources for Business Students

Should I Get an Online MBA?

Discover how an online MBA can help you boost your career and salary.

How to Become a Market Disruptor

Discover what a market disruptor is and the skills you need to be one.

Meet More WGU Business Alumni 

Learn more about the experiences of distinguished WGU graduates.

What Our Alumni Are Saying

People love their WGU experience. See why it means so much to them, and what makes us different.

"Western Governors University is truly the best. The university is family. They helped me a lot, and I am indeed grateful."

— David Ekpezu, B.S. Business Management grad

"At WGU, it feels more like, 'We are here for you. So whenever you're ready, we're ready.'"

— Andrea Petty, B.S. Marketing grad

"Earning my master’s degree from WGU was an affirmation that I possessed the classical, foundational knowledge one requires to achieve excellent outcomes for themselves in the business world."

— Rob Berg, M.S. Management and Leadership grad

WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers

School of business faqs, what is the best online school for a business degree.

Doing research is crucial when comparing business administration degrees. Things like the cost of the program, the amount of time it will take, and the courses are all important factors when making a decision. But there is more you should think about when making your choice. The amount of debt students have, the amount they are able to earn after they graduate, and how many online students a university has are also extremely important factors in determining which is the best program to meet your needs.

1. Excelsior College ROI: 497% Exclusively Online Students: 25,245 Tuition: $9,180 per year

2. Western Governors University ROI: 267% Exclusively Online Students: 136,139 Tuition: $6,450 per year See WGU's Business Management Program

3. American Public University System ROI: 249% Exclusively Online Students: 45,249 Tuition: $11,550 per year

4. Arizona State University—Skysong ROI: 225% Exclusively Online Students: 43,721 Tuition: $8,550 per year

5. Capella University ROI: 171% Exclusively Online Students: 37,859 Tuition: $10,710 per year

Source: WGU Data

What is the most inexpensive online school for business?

Compare tuition prices for business management programs at online colleges. Other fees may apply, and fees will vary based on degree program and institution. These calculations are made based on 4 year degree programs, with prices listed on an institution's website.

Western Governors University $28,600

Capella University $38,400

Southern New Hampshire University $38,400

Purdue Global University $50,085

University of Phoenix $47,760

Grand Canyon University $56,400

Devry University $62,708

Walden University $62,795

How much does an online business degree cost?

On average, online business degrees at other universities will cost $38,000 to $60,000 total. There also may be in-state or out-of-state tuition factors, as well as additional fees. However, you may be able to find online degree programs that cost much less.

For example, business degree programs at WGU are $3,755 per term for a bachelor's degree, and only $4,755 for graduate programs. This is less than half the cost of other online institutions.*

How fast can I get an online business degree?

A bachelor's degree in business usually takes around four years to complete at a traditional university. Often online business degree programs allow you to accelerate your program. For example, at WGU business undergraduate programs can be completed in around two years thanks to the accelerated course program.

What can I do with an online business degree?

An online business degree can open up many opportunities for you to begin or advance your career in business. Since a business degree is versatile and teaches many skills, it could qualify you to work in any of several unique industries. With an online business degree, you could potentially qualify for a job in management, finance, accounting, marketing, information technology, or even healthcare. So whether you want to be an accountant or a chief technology officer, an online business degree can help.

Can I earn a CPA license in my state with a WGU degree?

CPA licensure requirements vary by state. Check here for more information about accounting license requirements in your state.

*WGU average annual bachelor’s tuition rates are 48% lower than the national average, compared to national rates reported by the  Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems in 2022 . WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science, Nursing Prelicensure program.

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