Online business programs for high school students offer a unique pathway for building specialized skills and gaining a nuanced understanding of areas like marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship. Unlike in-person programs, online courses allow for more flexibility in pacing and access to a broader range of resources, including guest lectures and case studies from industry professionals across the globe. You can explore complex topics at your own pace, ask questions during live sessions, and access a variety of perspectives without the limitations of physical location! Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
Here are 9 great online business programs you can enroll in as a high school student.
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP) —Organizational Behavior Track
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across a range of subjects, including business, economics, and organizational psychology! It is one of the rare online research programs that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research.
As a business student, Horizon’s Behavioral Economics and Organizational Behavior Labs offer a unique chance to understand how psychology impacts real-world decision-making. In Behavioural Economics, you will explore how mental shortcuts influence economic choices and how they can lead to biases. The Organizational Behavior Lab dives into what makes teams work well, how organizations foster creativity, and why these elements matter in fields like startups and government.
After choosing a subject track and type of research, you’ll be paired with a professor or PhD scholar whom you will work with to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. This program is a great opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields under the guidance of a researcher from a top university.
Subject Areas: Multidisciplinary | Choose from subjects like organizational behavior, behavioral economics, and more
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
2. Wharton Global Youth Program — Online
Wharton Global Youth’s Online Programs for high school students provide a structured introduction to business topics through courses led by Wharton faculty. In ‘Financial Decision Making,’ you’ll learn the fundamentals of economics and finance. ‘Future of the Business World’ explores current business issues through interactive projects and simulations.
‘The Sports Business Academy’ covers sports’ business and legal aspects, while ‘Understanding Your Money’ provides foundational knowledge on personal finance and investing. These courses allow you to engage with business concepts in a virtual setting alongside peers from around the world.
Note: A 5.5-week online pre-baccalaureate program is also available in the summer from May. You can earn college credit after enrolling in multiple courses online spanning the breadth of the business curriculum at Wharton.
Subject Areas: Business, finance, entrepreneurship, economics, leadership, statistics, coding, and more
Cost: $329 – $4,799, depending on the course selected. Find the cost of each online course here. There is also a $100 non-refundable application fee. Scholarships are available
Application Deadline: May 1
Program Dates: 1–4 weeks, depending on the course selected. Multiple sessions typically between June and July. 5.5 weeks for the pre-baccalaureate program available from May
Eligibility: High school students
3. Young Founders Lab
The Young Founder’s Lab is an accelerator program designed to help you build a real, revenue-generating startup that tackles impactful challenges. Throughout this virtual program, you’ll be mentored by experienced entrepreneurs and professionals from leading companies like Google and Microsoft. You’ll brainstorm innovative ideas and participate in sessions covering essential business concepts and skill-building. Additionally, you’ll analyze case studies, join expert-led panels, and participate in other activities to expand your understanding and prepare you for success in the startup world. Find more details here.
Subject Areas: Business, entrepreneurship, technology
Cost: $2,900; financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. February 9 for the upcoming spring cohort. Apply here!
Program Dates: March 3 onwards for the upcoming spring cohort! There are multiple cohorts in the summer, fall, winter, and spring!
Eligibility: Currently open to all high school students
4. Babson Summer Study
Babson Summer Study is a three-week online program for high school students focused on developing an entrepreneurial mindset by exploring leadership, marketing, finance, and business communication. Centered around the United Nations Global Goals, this program allows you to explore real-world issues and solutions while earning 4 college credits from Babson. You’ll join a global network of peers interested in entrepreneurship, attend panels and presentations with Babson faculty and alumni, and complete daily live sessions and independent coursework.
Subject Areas: Entrepreneurship, business communication, marketing, leadership, and more
Cost: $6,295 + $95 application fee. Full and partial need-based scholarships are available
Application Deadline: March 14
Program Dates: July 7 – 28
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who will be at least 16 or older by the start of the program
5. Harvard Business School Online Business in Society Courses
Harvard Business School Online offers a selection of business-related courses designed to be completed in 3 to 6 weeks. These courses taught by Harvard faculty allow high school students to build valuable skills from anywhere. Although these courses are aimed at a general audience rather than just high schoolers, they are a good option for students who want to challenge themselves. The Business in Society module includes courses such as Sustainable Business Strategy, which explores how businesses can create a positive social impact.
Their Global Business course examines the complexities of operating in international markets, focusing on strategic decision-making across borders. Leadership, Ethics, and Corporate Accountability addresses ethical challenges in business leadership, teaching you to navigate corporate responsibility with integrity.
Subject Areas: Business, social impact, entrepreneurship, investing, leadership, corporate accountability, global business, and more
Cost: $1,850 per course, certificate of completion provided
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Program Dates: 3–6 weeks, depending on the course selected, self-paced
Eligibility: Students from any academic background can apply
6. USC Online Pre-College Business Program
USC’s Marshall School of Business offers an online summer program called “Building Blocks of Business: Tools for Creating a Dynamic and Sustainable Business” for high school students to explore the interdisciplinary aspects of running a business. Throughout the course, you’ll learn key topics in business strategy, customer targeting, operations, finance, and data analytics, focusing on real-world applications.
Activities include business simulations, interactive videos, and case studies, where you’ll take on roles such as an investor to analyze business models for profitability. Designed to be completed in 20–25 hours over 2–4 weeks, this program helps you understand how various business disciplines work together to drive success. A certificate of completion is awarded upon finishing.
Subject Areas: Business strategy, customer targeting, operations, finance, and data analytics
Cost: $1,990 + $35 application fee
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines based on program start date; more information here
Program Dates: 2–4 weeks, rolling dates starting from October until March
Eligibility: Students aged 14 or older currently enrolled in high school or a secondary program; recent graduates, gap year students, or those over 18 can request an exemption by emailing [email protected]
7. Cornell SCE Pre-College Online Business Courses
Cornell’s School of Continuing Education (SCE) offers online business courses for high school students, allowing you to earn credits and an official Cornell transcript. Relevant courses include Introduction to Business Management, Financial Accounting, Marketing, Python for Non-Dyson Majors, and Global Business Strategy. Through the Canvas platform, courses are offered in both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (on-demand) formats, connecting you with Cornell instructors and peers through discussion boards, video sessions, and interactive activities.
Subject Areas: Business management, accounting, marketing, data analytics, global business strategy, and more
Cost: $1,840 per credit
Application Deadline: May 5 for summer courses
Program Dates: Multiple three-week sessions in June, July, and August
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors over the age of 15
8. Columbia SPS Academic Year Weekend Program
Columbia’s SPS Academic Year Weekend Program provides a robust online learning experience for high school students interested in business. Students have opportunities to explore entrepreneurial concepts, economics, and finance. Each course is taught in small, interactive sections by scholars and experienced practitioners, allowing students to engage deeply with the material and connect with peers worldwide.
Business-related courses include ‘Entrepreneurial Innovation and Human Behavior,’ which examines psychological drivers in business, and ‘Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Changing the World via Venture Creation’ which focuses on startup strategies and social impact. Additionally, ‘Game Theory: A Course in Mathematical Economics’ covers decision-making models, and ‘Introduction to Finance & Investment Management’ introduces foundational principles of investing and financial planning. Sessions run on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays, allowing students to balance other commitments.
Subject Areas: Entrepreneurship, social impact, innovation, business strategy, psychology, and more
Cost: $2,810 per session (single course registration); each additional course costs $2,700
Application Deadline: December 5 for the Spring program
Program Dates: January 18 – March 23
Eligibility: Students must be in grades 9–12 while the program is running
9. NYU Future Business Leaders Webinar Series
New York University’s Stern School of Business’s 9-part webinar series offers high school students a comprehensive look into various fields within business, guided by insights from industry executives. Led by the Senior Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, each session dives into areas like entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and management in sectors like fashion, sports, and entertainment. This series expands your understanding of career pathways in business and provides a completion certificate.
Subject Areas: Accounting, data science, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, management, sports and entertainment, fashion
Cost: $350
Application Deadline: July 1
Program Dates: August 3 – 31
Eligibility: High school students
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