A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) can be a great option if you’re interested in a business career. This degree can open the door to a variety of lucrative career paths, and specialization options give students the opportunity to mold their education to their personal goals.
A BBA is a four-year undergraduate degree in business administration that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of business theory and practice. Students who earn a BBA degree are equipped with a broad range of skills and knowledge that can be applied to various business careers.
To help you decide if this degree is right for you, here’s a closer look at a BBA, what jobs you can obtain with this degree, and how it differs from other types of business degrees.
What Do You Learn in a BBA Program?
BBA programs typically cover a range of business-related subjects, including accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, and business law. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in these areas and a general understanding of how businesses operate.
You’ll also learn what contributes to a successful business and how to be an effective leader in business settings.
While curriculums vary between programs, you might take courses such as:
- Business Ethics
- Business Finance
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Principles of Management
- Business Communication
Your specific curriculum will also depend on the specialization you choose. Specializations allow students to focus on a specific area of business. This helps students with specific professions in mind better prepare themselves to achieve their career goals.
BBA specializations
BBA degrees often include several foundational courses, with the rest of the curriculum revolving around your chosen specialization.
You can cater your program to your interests and career goals by choosing a specialization. Some of the most common BBA specializations include:
- Accounting: This specialization focuses on the principles and practices of accounting, including financial statement analysis, taxation, auditing, and accounting information systems.
- Finance: Students who specialize in finance learn about financial markets, investment strategies, risk management, and corporate finance.
- Marketing: This area of study covers topics such as consumer behavior, market research, advertising, and branding.
- Management: Management students will learn about leadership, organizational behavior, human resource management, and operations management.
- Entrepreneurship: This specialization focuses on starting and managing new businesses, including topics such as business planning, venture capital, and entrepreneurial finance.
These are just a few of the more common specialization options available for BBA students; however, the specific specializations available to you will depend on the school you choose to attend.
What Jobs Can You Get With a BBA?
One of the great things about earning a BBA degree is that it can prepare you for a wide variety of careers in the business world.
Here are a few examples of jobs you could pursue with a BBA degree, along with median annual salaries according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Financial Analyst: $95,570
- Marketing Manager: $135,030
- Human Resources Specialist: $62,290
- Management Analyst: $93,000
- Accountant: $77,250
Of course, these are just a few examples of the many careers you could pursue with a BBA. Your specific job prospects will depend on your skills, specialization, experience, and interests, as well as the job market in your area.
If you decide to continue your education and pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA), you’ll be qualified for higher-level leadership roles, such as chief executive officer (CEO), financial manager, and chief financial officer (CFO).
BBA vs. BS in Business
While both a BBA and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business provide students with a strong foundation in business theory and practice, there are some key differences between the two degrees.
A BBA degree typically includes a broader range of business courses, with a focus on general business concepts and practices. A BS in business, on the other hand, may be more specialized and have a greater emphasis on quantitative skills and analysis. BBA programs also often only take three years to complete, while it takes students four years to earn a BS in business.
The choice between a BBA and a BS in business will depend on your career goals and interests. If you’re interested in a broad range of business careers, a BBA may be the right choice for you. If you’re interested in a more specialized career, such as finance or accounting, a BS in Business may be a better fit.
Can You Get a BBA Online?
Yes, many colleges and universities offer online BBA programs. Online BBA programs offer the same quality of education as traditional, on-campus programs, but with the added flexibility of online learning.
Online programs are typically available in part-time, full-time, synchronous, and asynchronous formats. These flexible enrollment options make online programs ideal for working adults and other students that have busy schedules outside of school.
When choosing an online BBA program, it’s important to ensure that the program is accredited and recognized by employers. You should also consider factors such as the program’s reputation, faculty qualifications, student support services, and opportunities for networking and internships.
It’s also important to consider your own learning style and preferences when deciding between an online or traditional BBA program. Online programs may be more convenient and flexible, but they also require self-discipline and time-management skills to ensure that you stay on track with your coursework.
BBA Program Admissions Requirements
If you’re considering applying to a BBA program, it’s important to understand the admissions requirements.
While these requirements can vary between schools, here are some of the typical requirements for BBA programs.
Application
Most BBA programs require an online application, which typically includes basic information such as your name, contact information, and academic background. Depending on the schools you’re applying to, you may be able to use the Common App to save time.
Essays
Many BBA programs require one or more essays as part of the application process. These essays may ask you to describe your academic and career goals, discuss your interest in business, or reflect on your personal experiences.
Transcripts
BBA programs typically require official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended. You may need to request transcripts from your high school as well if you have not completed any college coursework.
Test scores
Many BBA programs require standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT. Some programs may also require scores from the GMAT or GRE, especially for more competitive programs or for applicants with lower GPAs.
Letters of recommendation
BBA programs may require one or more letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or other professionals who can speak to your academic abilities, work ethic, and personal qualities.
Find the Right BBA Program For You
A Bachelor of Business Administration can provide you with a solid foundation in business theory and practice, as well as a range of skills and knowledge that can be applied to a variety of business careers. With specializations available in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship, a BBA degree can help you pursue your specific career goals.
Whether you choose to pursue a BBA online or on-campus, it’s important to carefully consider the admissions requirements, program quality, and career prospects before making a decision. With the right education and experience, a BBA degree can help you succeed in the dynamic and exciting world of business.
Interested in a degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.