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A note to small business owners:

Even those who are self-employed shouldn't underestimate the value of a college degree. The knowledge acquired from a college education is helpful at any stage of running a small business, whether you are just starting up or trying to pull in more customers or clients.
   
The traditional college experience, with scheduled classes and long commutes, can take a lot of time away from your business. Online classes are a great alternative because you can fit them in to your busy schedule wherever it’s most convenient. With more colleges and universities offering classes online, there are a wide range of options of what to study. Here are the best programs for those involved with small business and e-commerce:

1. Business at University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix is perhaps the most well-known online university. Founded in 1976, the school was designed to give working adults the opportunity to get a higher education without hassle. One way they achieve this is through the “Graduation Team,” a team of advisors that will assist you with enrollment, scheduling, academic issues, and academic funding.

There are over 100 degrees offered, but a Bachelor of Science in Business is one of the most practical. At the University of Phoenix, each business degree has a concentration. Concentrations include accounting, global management, public sector, marketing, and the very applicable small business management and entrepreneurship. Pick the skill set you want to develop.

University of Phoenix allows students to take individual courses as well. You can sign up for popular courses like Principles of Microeconomics or Quantitative Analysis for Business without committing to an entire degree.

2. Entrepreneurship at Rasmussen College

Rasmussen College boasts career-specific education and the kind of individualized support you would find on a university campus. With a network of student services called SUPPORT+, you will have advisors, librarians, and tutors on hand to help.
   
This college provides a unique program for completing bachelor’s degrees called AcceleratED. Those who have a minimum of 40 credits from a previous university can enroll. The program is designed to cut down on cost (a mere $260 per credit) and time (each course is six weeks long). Marketing, finance, and international business are among the degrees that can be obtained through AcceleratED.
 
Entrepreneurship, offered as an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree as part of AcceleratED, is a fantastic choice for small business owners. Everything in the program is focused on helping you develop your business, including formulating an idea, staffing and launching your business, increasing sales, and creating a customer service plan.

3. Internet Marketing at Full Sail University

Full Sail University is a place where forms of entertainment are turned into careers. Located in Florida, this school has a list of online degrees that has surpassed the options offered on campus. These online programs are very unique and specific, including creative writing for entertainment, game design, music production, web design, and sports marketing.
   
The university provides support through its own online learning system that you can test drive online. Full Sail also has a program to provide students with an Apple MacBook Pro, Adobe software, and headsets at a significant discount.
   
Amongst all of the creative programs at Full Sail, there are several options that would be beneficial to small business owners. An obvious choice is internet marketing, offered as a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. Acknowledging that the Internet and other technology are constantly changing, this program combines traditional marketing techniques with new concepts like search engine optimization and social media. There is also a master’s program in innovation and entrepreneurship to launch businesses that are largely tech-based.

Unlike traditional higher education, where many students want to get in, earn their degrees, and get out, online education aims to help working individuals improve their jobs and businesses. There are hundreds of other online programs out there. Find the one that’s right for you, and then watch your business soar.

Author Bio:
Veronica Mason has worked as an academic adviser since graduating from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in education. She enjoys learning and writing about innovations in education, particularly online classes.