North Carolina covers 15 metropolitan areas including Jacksonville, Myrtle Beach, Greensboro, Asheville, Winston-Salem, Charlotte among others. The state is also known for a number of unique "microclimates" as well as rich soils and agriculturally viable regions. With such diversity of towns and cities comes much diversity for business opportunities. The Raleigh-Durham Research Triangle or "The Triangle" carries a lot of weight when it comes to research and development. Top schools calling the Triangle home include North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke, and North Carolina State University. The largest city, Charlotte draws in tourism, the transportation industry, and is the second-largest banking economy in the country after New York City. There are 9 fortune 500 companies in Charlotte alone. One of them is Bank of America. In Asheville, craft brews are king, along with some quirky and fun business opportunities for people who love the great out doors and the arts. The coast bring in more business, and ares like Myrtle Beach sustain large retail and tourism industries. Multiple amusement parks, wineries, natural beauty, and golf courses add to this economy. In Shelby, Durham, Wilmington and Winston-Salem the film and arts community is growing- housing many temporary and long-term workers. As for agriculture, North Carolina is the leading producer of tobacco in the country- and continues to serve not only the American market but the global market as well. Business opportunities are diverse as the state of North Carolina itself. Whether you want to look at alternative sources for fuel, peak under the hood of a Fortune 500 company, or have unique dreams suitable for quirky towns like Asheville or large cities like Charlotte, there is something for all types here in North Carolina.
Average Salaries for Common MBA-Holding Roles in North Carolina
Financial Manager: $106,637
Chief Financial Officer (CFO): $286,201
Marketing Manager: $88,035
Project Manager, Information Technology (IT): $64,842
Operations Manager: $84,659
Finance Manager: $106,637
Online Learning in Charlotte
When it comes to business prospects, Charlotte has it all. Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina with over 800,000 people, and a metropolitan area that contains over 2,537,000. The Globalization and World Cities Research Network lists it as a "gamma plus" global city along with Osaka, St. Petersburg, and St. Louis. After New York City, it is also the second-largest banking center in the United States. Banks, Museums, Sports, Festivals and more- when we say Charlotte has it all, we mean it. When it comes to fortune 500 companies, 9 of them have headquarters in Charlotte including Bank of America, Lowe's, Duke Energy, and Family Dollar. The Sports industry in Charlotte draws in tourism particularly motorsports as Charlotte is home to multiples offices of NASCAR, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Forbes recently listed Charlotte among the "Best Places For Business and Careers" and it is obvious as to why- there is something for all types of business-minded individuals in Charlotte. If banks and Fortune 500 companies where not enough to prove that Charlotte can support all types of businesses let's not forget that Charlotte is also home to over 240 companies tied to energy including AREVA, Piedmont Natural Gas, and Siemans Energy just to name a few. The culture is also unique drawing in tourists and artists from all walks of life. Arts businesses and restaurants thrive in cities like Charlotte. When it comes to online business schools Johnson and Wales as well as Queens University are both located in Charlotte offering a number of business degrees right at your fingertips.
Online Learning in "The Triangle"
The Raleigh Durham Research Triangle, often referred to as just "The Triangle" is part of the Piedmont region of North Carolina. The regions historical cornerstones include three top tier research universities: North Carolina State University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. It incorporates the cities of Raleigh, Durham and the town of Chapel Hill. This is the second largest metropolitan area in the state after Charlotte. Along with the three top-notch universities that help comprise The Triangle comes innovative and varied commerce opportunities. Technology firm, government agencies, medical centers and schools are doing well and are projected to continually increase over the next decade. Companies like IBM, SAS Institute, Cisco are headquartered here, and this region is one of the best in the united states for life sciences. Research and development are also prevalent industries here partially due to the presence of Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill. A wide range of businesses exist in The Triangle including tourism always a large draw in North Carolina. The possibilities are endless for individuals looking to chase their business dreams and can be supported in an economy that has no sign of slowing down. Whether you're looking to understand large corporations and how they tick or follow your small business dreams, the Raleigh Durham Research Triangle can support both. Online business degrees are placed throughout the metropolitan area meaning that regardless of location, there is something right at your doorstep.
The 5 Best Online Business Schools in North Carolina
In total, there are 32 online business degree-granting institutions in the state of North Carolina. These range from community colleges offering affordable associates-level programming and the ability to transfer to a four year institution, to some of the best graduate business schools in the nation. While potential students should first and foremost ensure that a given university has the type of business degree they wish to pursue, there are a few business programs that stand out across the board. We've selected our favorite five online business degree offering universities in business below. To select our programs, we've used the methodology of equally weighting the range of online business offerings with the academic prestige of a given university. The academic prestige of universities is calculated using a number of metrics such as average amount of financial need received, average class sizes, admissions standards, and the percentage of faculty holding terminal degrees in their field. Check out our top five online business degree-granting universities in North Carolina below!
East Carolina University is a public research university located in Greenville, North Carolina. Forbes Magazine recently ranked Greenville as one of the top ten "best small places for business and careers". There are 28,289 students enrolled at ECU and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. ECU offers a vast number of degree programs including wide range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees as well as graduate-level certificates. There are 88 bachelor's degrees, 72 master's programs, 17 doctoral degree programs and 79 departmental certifications. The Southern Association of College and Schools Commission accredits ECU to award associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. When it comes to online business degree options, ECU offers 12 fully online business degrees including a B.S. in Education Hospitality Management and and M.B.A. According to U.S. News East Carolina University ranks as the 118th top public school in the nation.
Campbell University is a private liberal art sciences and vocational university located in Buies Creek, North Carolina. There are 6,484 students enrolled who benefit from small classes and a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1. There are over 150 programs for undergraduates and graduates offered through 10 academic division and includes several adult and online programs. According to U.S. News Campbell University ranks as the 30th best college in the region as well as the 22nd best college for veterans. When it comes to online business degrees, Campbell University offers 6: 2 associate degrees and 4 bachelor's degrees. Students may select from a A.A. in Business, an A.A. in Information Technology Management, and a B.A.S in Business Administration among others. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Cample University to award associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional degrees.
Forsyth Technical Community College is a public institution located in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Winston-Salem is known as the "City of Arts and Innovation" for its dedication to both the fine arts as well technological research. There are 9,528 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. Forsyth Tech offers degrees in 19 different fields. In 2011 President Barack Obama cited Fosyth Tech as an example of education reform that is taking place in low-opportunity areas. Forsyth Tech offers innovative programming for all ages including high school students who if duel-enrolled may earn an associate degree along with their high school diploma. When it comes to online business degrees, Forsyth Tech offers 8 associate degrees business administration, import/export compliance, international business, logistic management, global logistics technology and more. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission accredits Forsyth Tech to award associate degree programs.
Gardner-Webb University is a private four-year university located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. Boiling Springs is located about 50 miles west of Charlotte. There are 4,305 students enrolled at Gardener-Webb University, who benefit from small classes and a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. According to U.S. News , Gardner-Webb University ranks as the 220th best national university and has the 75th best online graduate business program, and 119th best online MBA programs. Academically, Gardner-Webb offers a vast array of undergraduate programs everything from accounting and arts to world religion and writing. When it comes to online business degrees Gardner-Webb offers three bachelor's degrees including a B.S. in Accountancy, a B.S. in Business Administration, and a B.S. in Healthcare Management. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission accredits Gardner-Webb to awared bachelor's, and master's degree programs.
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) public historically American Indian liberal arts university. It is located in Pembroke, North Carolina which was previously known as "Raleigh." There are 6,269 students enrolled where 5,511 are undergraduates and 758 are graduate students. There are 41 degrees offered to undergraduate students and 17 graduate degree programs. According to U.S. News UNCP is the 91st best school in the region and 37th best public school. The online graduate degrees in education and business degree programs also rank highly. When it comes to online business degrees, UNCP offers three bachelor's degrees in business administration (economics track) business administration (finance track), and business administration (management track) The Southern Association on Colleges and Schools accredits UNCP to award baccalaureate and master's degree programs.
Directory of Online Business Degrees in North Carolina
| Gardner-Webb University | Boiling Springs, NC | Online B Degrees: 3 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (704) 406-4000110 South Main St, Boiling Springs, NC 28017 |
| University of North Carolina at Pembroke | Pembroke, NC | Online B Degrees: 3 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (910) 521-60001 University Drive, Pembroke, NC 28372 |
| Vance-Granville Community College | Henderson, NC | Online B Degrees: 6 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (252) 492-2061200 Community College Rd, Henderson, NC 27536 |
| Western Carolina University | Cullowhee, NC | Online B Degrees: 4 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (828) 227-72111 University Way, Cullowhee, NC 28723 |
| Randolph Community College | Asheboro, NC | Online B Degrees: 5 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (336) 633-0200629 Industrial Park Ave, Asheboro, NC 27205 |
| Appalachian State University | Boone, NC | Online B Degrees: 3 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (828) 262-2000John E. Thomas Hall, 287 Rivers St, Boone, NC 28608 |
| Surry Community College | Dobson, NC | Online B Degrees: 4 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (336) 386-8121630 S Main St, Dobson, NC 27017 |
| Stanly Community College | Albemarle, NC | Online B Degrees: 3 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (704) 982-0121141 College Dr, Albemarle, NC 28001 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | Salisbury, NC | Online B Degrees: 3 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (704) 216-72221333 Jake Alexander Blvd S, Salisbury, NC 28146 |
| Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Online B Degrees: 3 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (866) 598-2427801 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202 |
| Montreat College | Montreat, NC | Online B Degrees: 3 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (828) 669-8012310 Gaither Cir, Montreat, NC 28757 |
| Central Carolina Community College | Sanford, NC | Online B Degrees: 3 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (919) 775-54011105 Kelly Dr, Sanford, NC 27330 |
| Queens University of Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Online B Degrees: 2 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (704) 337-22001900 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC 28207 |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | Online B Degrees: 1 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (919) 515-2011Raleigh, NC 27695 |
| Lenoir-Rhyne University | Hickory, NC | Online B Degrees: 2 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (828) 328-1741625 7th Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601 |
| Mid-Atlantic Christian University | Elizabeth City, NC | Online B Degrees: 2 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (252) 334-2070715 N Poindexter St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 |
| North Carolina A&T University | Greensboro, NC | Online B Degrees: 2 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (336) 334-75001601 E Market St, Greensboro, NC 27401 |
| Wilson Commuinity College | Wilson, NC | Online B Degrees: 2 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (252) 291-1195902 Herring Ave E, Wilson, NC 27893 |
| Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville, NC | Online B Degrees: 2 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (910) 672-11111200 Murchison Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28301 |
| Mount Olive College | MT Olive, NC | Online B Degrees: 1 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (919) 658-2502634 Henderson St, Mt Olive, NC 28365 |
| William Peace University | Raleigh, NC | Online B Degrees: 1 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (919) 508-200015 East Peace Street, Raleigh, NC 27604 |
| Robeson Community College | Lumberton, NC | Online B Degrees: 1 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (910) 272-37005160 Fayetteville Rd, Lumberton, NC 28360 |
| Davidson County Community College | Thomasville, NC | Online B Degrees: 1 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (336) 249-8186297 DCCC Road, Thomasville, NC 27360 |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Flat Rock, NC | Online B Degrees: 1 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (828) 694-1700180 W Campus Dr, Flat Rock, NC 28731 |
| Wayne Community College | Goldsboro, NC | Online B Degrees: 1 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (919) 735-51513000 Wayne Memorial Dr, Goldsboro, NC 27534 |
| Richmond Community College | Hamlet, NC | Online B Degrees: 1 | |
 ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO (910) 410-17001042 W Hamlet Ave, Hamlet, NC 28345 |