Explore the top programs for anyone interested in postgraduate business studies.
Overview
A master's degree in business is usually a coursework-based postgraduate program. Typically, it contains 12 subjects focused on a certain discipline, such as applied finance, marketing, accounting, or business analytics.
The degree develops knowledge, skills, and expertise in the chosen field. Students explore principles and theory, engage in applied activities, and learn software tools used in professional practice. A background in the discipline is often beneficial but rarely essential.
The ideal program should offer a progression into, or advancement within, your preferred career. Business administration is a popular choice, as it lays the foundation for a managerial career. Other business masters align with more specific roles, such as marketing manager or economist.
Top 20 Business Masters Online
Based on interest from prospective students, the most popular online business master's programs are shown here. The rankings include job growth and salary statistics where available.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a management training program and the most popular master's degree in the world. It prepares professionals from diverse background to manage and lead.
Participants develop skills in business activities, people management, and strategic decision-making. MBA graduates earn an annual salary of $114,182 on average, with substantial upside potential.
SCU Online - Master of Business Administration
The SCU Online MBA is affordable and flexible and ideal for working professionals. Its online delivery allows for easy integration with your daily routine. With seven-week units and no exams, the course adjusts to your pace. It provides top-rated support. Specialisations: Accounting, Health Services Management, and Information and Knowledge Management.
2. Finance
A Master of Finance or Master of Applied Finance focuses on advanced financial analysis and decision-making skills. It's ideal for professionals aiming for roles in banking, investment, financial technology, and corporate finance.
Graduates typically earn high salaries, with financial analysts earning around $105k per year and higher-paying designations available.
UNSW Online - Master of Applied Finance
The UNSW Online Master of Applied Finance opens doors to high-paying careers for both finance and non-finance professionals. This highly rated program is designed for real-world applicability, offering skills to thrive in numerous financial roles. UNSW is globally recognised, ranked top 20 worldwide, and number 1 in Australia for finance and accounting.
A Master of Health Management or Masters in Health Administration equips healthcare workers for leadership roles. Courses blend health services topics with business skills, suitable for nurses, therapists, counsellors, and other professionals.
Clinic Coordinators earn $93k on average while Nurse Managers make $122k. Demand for health services managers is projected to grow by 15.4% to 2028.
UTS Online - Master of Health Services Management
The UTS Online Master of Health Services Management spans two years with 12 subjects. It has six intake periods annually. Specialisations include Quality and Safety, Digital Health, Leadership, and Planning. This flexible program prepares students to lead change and improve healthcare quality. It's designed for current and aspiring health managers.
4. Marketing
Masters of Marketing degrees are for upskilling in marketing or entering the field. They lead to jobs like digital marketing manager, with an average salary of $104,583.
Marketing roles in Australia are growing, projected to increase by 11.8% to 100,300 over the 5 years to 2028 according to Jobs and Skill Australia. The degree offers cutting-edge skills and a respected qualification.
RMIT Online - Master of Marketing
The RMIT Online Master of Marketing delivers job-ready skills with a choice of subjects. This 100% online program offers 12 courses. It includes 5 core units and 7 electives. Options like Advanced Digital Marketing and Brand Strategy allow for a customised study path. The program is suitable for experienced marketers and those changing careers.
The Master of Professional Accounting is ideal for graduates of any discipline entering accounting and finance. It meets accreditation requirements and covers essential accounting principles. Graduates access roles in finance, tax consultancy, and beyond.
The field is growing, with an 8.9% job increase expected by 2028. Accountants typically earn around $80k annually, with room to grow into advanced financial roles.
UNE - Master of Professional Accounting
The Master of Professional Accounting at UNE either transitions individuals into the accounting profession or enhances existing skills. Accredited by leading bodies, the curriculum covering accounting, finance, law, and tax. Flexible learning options, including online study, make it ideal for career advancement or a new professional direction in accounting.
The Master of Project Management prepares students to be project managers. It covers principles, practices, communication skills, and risk management for complex projects. Related Construction Management degrees are also available.
Graduates are well-positioned for high-earning careers, with project managers averaging an income of around $140k per year.
SCU Online - Master of Project Management
The SCU Online Master of Project Management is endorsed by AIPM and aligned with PMBOK. It's delivered entirely online over two years, part-time. This course prepares you for leadership in project management. It includes core units and an Industry Research Project. Electives cover accounting, business, and health services. Skills learned apply directly to the workplace.
7. Management
The Master of Management degree centres on organisational leadership and foundational business training. It's distinct from an MBA, with no requirement for professional experience, and is often shorter and more cost-effective.
Management subjects may include disruption strategies, managing with digital technology, and business analytics. Graduates with experience are ready for managerial roles, with salaries averaging $125k annually.
UNSW Online - Master of Management
The UNSW Online Master of Management readies early career professionals for managerial roles. It explores business basics, analytics, and digital strategies. This fully online program is offered by the Australian Graduate School of Management. It includes 12 subjects that mix theory and practice. Students learn in a tech-focused, practical environment.
8. Commerce
A Master of Commerce is a postgraduate degree designed for graduates from fields like business, arts, and engineering, aiming to expand business acumen and skills.
The flexible program opens career paths in finance, marketing, and management, with options to specialise. It enhances job prospects and earning potential across various business sectors.
Deakin University - Master of Commerce
The online Master of Commerce at Deakin University offers a diverse range of majors including finance, marketing, human resources, accounting, economics, management information systems, and international trade. It blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing students for the global business environment.
A Masters in Human Resource Management degree is a pathway to become an HR manager or advance your HR career. It is open to university graduates of any discipline and professionals with HR experience. Example topics are managing people and organisations, performance management, and employee relations.
HR managers enjoy job security and high pay, with 13.7% job growth projected to 2028 and an average salary of $125k.
ECU Online - Master of Human Resource Management
The 100% online Master of Human Resource Management from Edith Cowan University offers a flexible, exam-free study path. Complete the part-time course in 24 months or fast-track in 18 months with relevant majors. This program covers essential HR topics like organisational management, employee relations, performance, wellbeing, and analytics.
10. Economics
Degrees in Economics focus on areas such as econometrics, finance, international business, health economics and behavioural economics. A master's program prepares graduates for analysis and policy-making roles in government and consulting.
Economists are in demand, though from a small base, with jobs projected to grow by 14.6% to 5,500 by 2028. Job posts for economists often quote salaries around the $105k mark.
UNE - Master of Economics
The University of New England's Master of Economics program offers a comprehensive study in economic theory and application. It includes specialisations in agricultural and resource economics, economic development, and efficiency and productivity analysis. Graduates excel in roles as economists, policy analysts, and consultants.
11. Leadership
A Masters in Leadership is designed for managers and professionals, focusing on influencing rather than 'doing'. It prepares participants for senior roles, enhancing management strategies, vocabulary, and confidence.
Leadership and management studies may cover digital literacy, teamwork, adaptive mindsets, and strategic leadership. Graduates emerge with a qualification that showcases their potential and commitment to self-improvement.
Deakin University - Master of Leadership
The Deakin University Master of Leadership is a cost-effective, convenient course designed for career advancement. It's structured for professional practice, integrating workplace activities. This affordable program can be completed in just 12 months without pausing your career. Subjects focus on communication, teamwork, and strategic leadership.
The Master of Business Analytics combines data analytics with strategic decision-making. Graduates are prepared for jobs like business analyst, marketing analyst, predictive analytics specialist, and product development manager.
Business analysts earn around $112k per year in Australia on average, which is an estimated $10k-$12k more than data analysts.
UTS Online - Master of Business Analytics
The UTS Online Master of Business Analytics prepares you for success in data-driven roles. This fully online degree from the AACSB-accredited UTS Business School builds business and data skills. Students explore data-driven solution design, customer analytics, data visualisation, and more. Subjects cover analytics foundations to financial analytics.
The Master of Business Information Systems blends information technology with business strategy. Graduates perform roles such as IT project manager, systems manager, and business analyst.
Jobs such as these are highly paid, often in excess of $115k per year. The field also shows promising employment growth, with a projected 12.7% increase in ICT Business and Systems Analysts roles by 2028.
UniSQ - Master of Business (Information Management Systems)
The Master of Business (Information Management Systems) at the University of Southern Queensland focuses on integrating technology with business. Explore how to leverage information systems for innovation and competitiveness. Students learn about data analysis, decision-making, and strategic IT management, preparing for information management leadership.
The Master of Engineering Management is for engineers transitioning to become managers. The program blends managerial skills with technical expertise, key for engineering leadership roles.
Engineering managers handle product development, budgeting, and team coordination. Graduates typically command high salaries, with an average annual income of $175k.
CQUniversity - Master of Management for Engineers
The Master of Management for Engineers at CQUniversity is for engineers to enhance managerial skills. It blends technical and applied elements with business management concepts. The curriculum spans human resource management, marketing, and project management. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in engineering and technology sectors.
15. Business
Masters of Business (MBus) degrees offer a flexible structure, allowing students to select subjects across business disciplines. However, the MBA has taken over this function, becoming the default degree for general and specialised business studies.
In Australia, MBA programs generally require just 2 years of professional experience for admission. They also frequently offer numerous electives and specialisations.
RMIT Online - Master of Business Administration
RMIT Online's Master of Business Administration focuses on essential skills for Industry 5.0. Choose from six minors: Design Thinking, Digital Transformation, Leadership, Project Management, Sustainable Enterprise, and People Analytics. These areas are valuable for understanding and managing the latest technological and leadership challenges.
Masters of Business Management blend business instruction with leadership training. They may be more focused on applied business skills than Master of Business (Management) or Master of Management.
Students develop their ability to manage a team or operation, with diverse job opportunities created. A wide range of other business management degrees are available, including many of the specialisations highlighted on this page.
UNSW Online - Master of Management
UNSW's online Master of Management develops essential skills for leading organisations. Strengthen all-round business management capabilities with subjects such as managing yourself and others, financial management, disruption strategies, career navigation, and analytics. With a focus on practical experience, graduates are prepared for leadership roles.
17. Business Law
The Master of Business Law targets non-lawyers who make business decisions. Graduates develop an understanding of key legal principles affecting business, such as intellectual property and corporate governance.
This degree leads to roles in finance, HR, and policy advising, providing essential knowledge for legal compliance and informed decision-making in various business settings.
SCU Online - Master of Business Law
The Master of Business Law from Southern Cross University is a 100% online postgraduate course, designed for non-legal professionals to enhance their legal expertise in business. It offers flexible, part-time study, electives, and highly-rated online study support. Graduates are primed to confidently address legal challenges in corporate settings.
The Master of Supply Chain Management prepares experienced professionals for roles such as logistics manager, distribution manager, or supply chain manager.
Courses cover topics such as logistics analytics, AI, strategic operations, supply contracts, and risk management. Salaries for supply chain managers average $145k per year. Employment is projected to grow by 9.4% over the 5 years to 2028.
RMIT Online - Master of Supply Chain and Logistics Management
RMIT University's Master of Supply Chain and Logistics Management is a flexible online program. Complete 12 subjects on topics including AI, strategic supply operations, and risk management. Ideal for newcomers and SCM professionals, it opens doors to high-level roles. The program begins with a graduate certificate, offering a streamlined path.
19. Entrepreneurship
An Entrepreneurship and Innovation degree primes graduates for starting their own businesses or driving innovation within companies. It hones skills in strategic growth and business development, essential for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The degree blends business theory with practical skills in financial management, marketing, and strategic planning. Specialised topics like innovation strategies and investor relations may also be covered.
UTS Online - Master of Business Administration (Flex Stream)
The MBA program from UTS Online develops many of the capabilities needed for entrepreneurship. Participants complete core units in leadership, marketing, accounting, finance, governance, and negotiation. The flex stream gives access to numerous useful electives, such as AI for organisations, analytics, enterprise agility, and digital strategies.
Masters in Technology Management normally require a background in Computer Science, IT, or a related field. The programs enhance both technical and managerial skills, developing those ready to lead in a digital-driven workplace.
Graduates are equipped for high-level roles in an industry that's constantly evolving with new technologies. IT managers earn $130k on average. Employment of ICT managers is projected to grow 12.7% to reach 98,600 by 2028.
UTS Online - Master of Technology Management
The UTS Online Master of Technology Management helps professionals to lead in tech-driven environments. This part-time, two-year course is structured for convenience. Choose electives that align with career goals. With subjects on AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics, the program is ideal for those looking to impact tech strategy and implementation.