10 Online Business Courses for High School Students
MD: This blog lists 10 online business courses for high school students.
Business is one of the most popular college majors and one of the most competitive, especially at the undergraduate level. If you are in high school and thinking about refining your profile and resume for college applications to business school, online business courses are one option you could consider!
If you’re building something - whether it is a startup, a research project, or just a strong college application - getting certified in business basics can help you stand out. Colleges look for students who show focus and initiative, and business courses can show both.
What is a business course?
A business course is a short-term, focused learning experience that usually covers one specific topic in business — like marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, or management. Courses can range from a few hours to a few weeks and are often offered online or in-person. You might complete a course on your own schedule, and many include videos, readings, and quizzes. Some even provide a certificate upon completion!
A good course helps you work through case studies, practice decision-making, and even build your first pitch deck or business plan. These projects can go straight into your application portfolio or be used as a basis for a future internship or startup idea.
To help you get started, here is a curated list of 10 online business courses for high school students:
BUFE0220: Introduction to Business, Finance, and Economics (Columbia University Pre-College Online)
This course breaks down how financial markets work and how companies make big money decisions. You will learn about stocks, bonds, and how businesses figure out what things are worth and where to get funding. It mixes theory with real-world examples, using microeconomics to explain how firms think about risk, strategy, and long-term growth.
You will also get hands-on with case studies and projects that show how real companies make financial choices. If you are curious about how businesses grow, raise money, and make tough calls in changing markets, this course is a solid starting point.
Cost: $3,965
Dates: Session A: July 7–July 18; Session B: July 21–August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (early application encouraged)
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 9–12 or recent graduates
AEM 1200: Introduction to Business Management (Cornell University Precollege Online)
This is a college-level business course offered by Cornell’s Dyson School, built for high school students who want a deeper look at how businesses work. It covers key areas like strategy, finance, marketing, HR, and entrepreneurship. You will study real companies, use tools like BizCafe to run a virtual business, and take part in hands-on simulations like stock picking. The focus is on both analysis and practical skills. By the end of the course, you will earn 3 Cornell credits and receive an official transcript.
Cost: $1,840 per credit.
Dates: Session 1: June 2–June 20; Session 2: June 23–July 11; Session 3: July 14–August 1
Application Deadline: Session 1: May 5; Session 2: May 19; Session 3: June 16
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors and seniors, ages 15–19
If you’re someone who dreams of launching your own business or social venture, this course is for you. It's a fast-paced, hands-on experience where you’ll learn how to take an idea and turn it into reality. From figuring out who your customers are to designing your business model, finding the right product-market fit, and building a brand, you’ll cover it all.
You'll also explore how to market your venture, secure funding, and handle legal stuff. The class mixes interactive lectures with peer feedback, pitch development, and refining your plan step by step. By the end, you’ll have a solid business model, a pitch deck, a crowdfunding video, and the know-how to build something from scratch.
Cost: $3,965
Dates: Session A: July 7–July 18; Session B: July 21–August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling (early application encouraged)
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 9–12 or recent grads
Future of the Business World (Wharton Global Youth Online)
This two-week program explores advanced business topics using real-world frameworks from Wharton’s undergraduate courses. You'll learn how new technologies, design thinking, and global trends are shaping business, using frameworks straight from Wharton’s undergraduate curriculum.
The course is interactive, with live lectures, daily discussions, and business simulations to bring everything to life. You'll work in teams on a final project, where you’ll predict the future of global business based on real data. Along the way, you'll get hands-on experience with strategic decision-making and planning, all while working with Wharton faculty and Penn undergrad TAs.
Cost: $4,099; plus $100 non-refundable application fee
Dates: Session 1: June 16–June 27; Session 2: July 7–July 18; Session 3: July 21–August 1
Application Deadline: Priority Deadline: April 2; Final Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Open to students currently in grades 9–12
Future Business Leaders Webinar Series (NYU Stern School of Business)
Hosted by NYU’s Stern School of Business, this online webinar series lets high school students explore different areas of business, including finance, accounting, entrepreneurship, marketing, fashion, and sports business. Over nine sessions, you'll hear from industry leaders and business executives who will share their experiences and insights.
Each session connects real-world examples with core business concepts, helping you explore potential career paths and deepen your understanding of the business world. The program is led by Stern’s Senior Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion and focuses on leadership, clarity of purpose, and curiosity. After completing the full series, you’ll earn a certificate to add to your college application portfolio.
Cost: $350
Dates: August 3 – August 31
Application Deadline: July 1
Eligibility: Open to high school students with strong academic performance and an interest in business
EPS 1110 – Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Experience (Babson Summer Study)
Offered by Babson College, this 3+ week online course helps you develop an entrepreneurial mindset through practical experience. EPS 1110 introduces you to the basics of creating a venture while focusing on solving complex global issues aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
You'll learn key skills in business communication, leadership, marketing, and financial modeling, all taught by Babson faculty. Beyond the lectures, you’ll collaborate on a social impact project, work with international teams, and get mentorship from Babson students. The program ends with a venture plan submission and awards 4 college credits upon successful completion.
Cost: $6,295 (plus $95 application fee) for the online mode
Dates: July 7–28 (online)
Application Deadline: Rolling, early application encouraged for aid consideration
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors and seniors (must be 16+ by program start)
In this self-paced online course from USC’s Marshall School of Business, you'll explore the Business Model Canvas. You'll learn how to identify your target customers, structure finances, create value, and manage operations. The course includes input from USC faculty and industry experts. You'll work through interactive modules and real-world case studies.
You'll also participate in business simulations to test your ideas. At the end, you’ll take on the role of an investor. You'll assess business models for feasibility, growth potential, and profitability.
Cost: $1,990 (plus $35 application fee)
Dates: Multiple start dates between April 14 – August 18
Application Deadline: 5 days before each session start date
Eligibility: Open to students aged 14+ enrolled in high school
Essentials of Leadership (Wharton Global Youth Online)
This two-week program gives you a solid foundation in business leadership through Wharton’s approach. You'll focus on communication, teamwork, and self-awareness. Each day includes live lectures and recitations that cover topics like team dynamics, emotional intelligence, and ethical decision-making. You'll also engage in business simulations and work on a team project, applying what you’ve learned. The course is designed to improve your decision-making, build interpersonal skills, and give you hands-on experience leading in a fast-paced environment.
Cost: $4,099 (plus $100 non-refundable application fee)
Dates: Session 1: June 16–June 27; Session 2: July 7–July 18
Application Deadline: Priority: April 2; Final: May 1
Eligibility: Open to students currently in grades 9–12 with demonstrated leadership ability
Becoming an Entrepreneur: An Inside Look at Innovation (Georgetown University)
This self-paced program guides you through the process of identifying a market gap, defining your target customer, and creating a unique value proposition. You’ll work with Georgetown faculty and mentors while building your own business pitch and capstone project. The course combines leadership skills, networking strategies, and financial planning, all with a focus on real-world application. For the final project, you’ll present your business idea in a creative way of your choice, bringing your entrepreneurial vision to life.
Cost: $1,795
Dates: Multiple 2-week and 4-week start dates throughout the year (e.g., May 4–June 1, May 18–June 15)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; visit the website for detailed information on individual cohorts
Eligibility: Open to students aged 13 and up
Entrepreneurship: From Ideas to Impact in Fintech – Rice University
This self-paced online program takes you through the world of digital disruption in finance and how entrepreneurs are using fintech to change payment systems, lending, investment, and wealth management. You’ll learn about key technologies like blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and robo-advisors that are reshaping the financial industry. With case studies on PayPal, Robinhood, and Square, you’ll see how these innovations are applied in real businesses.
You’ll also work on a capstone project where you create your business plan. The course includes interactive simulations, video lectures, and mentorship to help you build a strong understanding of entrepreneurship and the challenges fintech startups face. By the end, you’ll have the tools to evaluate business ideas and navigate the fast-evolving fintech space.
Cost: $1,495
Dates: Multiple cohorts available year-round (next sessions begin May 4, May 18, and June 1)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (typically one week before the start date)
Eligibility: Open to high school students ages 13 and up.
If you’re looking for an incubator program that helps you build a startup in high school, consider the Young Founders Lab!The Young Founders Lab is a start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
You can access the application link here!