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Business and management degrees are among the most versatile, as nearly every industry needs individuals with the knowledge and skills a business education provides.

Employment predictions bear this out. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that there will be, on average, 963,500 new job openings annually through 2033 in the business sector.

Students can choose from various business and management degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help prepare them for in-demand, high-paying careers in fields like finance, accounting, business administration, marketing, project management, human resources, and more. Read on to learn more about what you can do with a business and management degree and get answers to frequently asked questions about business and management programs.

What You Can Do With A Business & Management Degree

Business and management are among the most popular degree fields, thanks partly to their versatility. Students in these types of programs learn skills that can be applied to a variety of industries and careers, including marketing, communications, accounting, management, leadership, and more.

The job opportunities that await graduates with business and management degrees largely depend on the student’s specialization. There are many concentration options under the umbrella of business and management, including:

  • Accounting
  • Business administration
  • Business management
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Healthcare management
  • Human resources
  • Logistics and supply chain management
  • Marketing
  • Project management
  • Real estate

Individuals with business education backgrounds, especially those with an MBA, often go on to assume management and leadership positions within companies, like chief executive officer, chief operating officer, or chief financial officer. This can also be an ideal educational path for those wanting to own and operate their business.

Career outlook

  • Financial analysts: Guide businesses and individuals in decisions about expending money to attain profit and assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other types of investments.
    • Median annual salary: $99,010
    • Projected employment growth (through 2033): 9%
    • New jobs projected: 30,700 per year
    • Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in finance
  • Human resources specialists: Recruit, screen, and interview job applicants and place newly hired workers in jobs. They also may handle compensation and benefits, training, and employee relations.
    • Median annual salary: $67,650
    • Projected employment growth (through 2033): 8%
    • New jobs projected: 86,200 per year
    • Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in human resources
  • Project management specialists: Coordinate the budget, schedule, and other details of a project, lead and guide the work of technical staff, and serve as a point of contact for the client or customer.
    • Median annual salary: $98,580
    • Projected employment growth (through 2033): 7%
    • New jobs projected: 77,000 per year
    • Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in project management
  • Management analysts: Recommend ways to improve an organization’s efficiency and advise managers on how to make organizations more profitable through reduced costs and increased revenues.
  • Executives: Plan strategies and policies to ensure an organization meets its goals and coordinate and direct work activities of companies and organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Business & Management

What's the difference between business administration and business management?

Although business management and business administration degree programs typically share some core coursework, they are two distinct areas of study.

A degree in business management focuses on the skills individuals need for leadership and managerial roles within an organization, including decision-making, strategic planning, employee supervision, communication, and budgeting. Because managers are responsible for coordinating all the various departments within an organization, they must understand the function of each department and how they work together to keep operations running smoothly. A business management program will include finance, accounting, marketing, and human resources courses.

A degree in business administration will help students develop the skills they need to accomplish the day-to-day tasks related to keeping a company or organization running smoothly and efficiently. Business administrators ensure that individual departments function correctly and must understand how their role fits into a company’s operations. Therefore, business administration degree programs often include a concentration component, where students can learn more about a specific business function, such as human resources, marketing, accounting, or IT.

What should students consider when choosing a business and management degree program?

With so many business degree programs, it can be difficult to determine which is best for you. Here are a few things for students to consider when selecting a program:

  • Personal interests and career goals: First, it’s helpful to consider what area(s) of business interest you most and what career path you envision for yourself. This will help you narrow your choices to programs that offer majors or concentrations in the specific area of business and management that will help you prepare for the career you want.
  • Networking opportunities: Success in the business and management is as much about who you know as what you know. Seek out programs that offer robust networking opportunities, including faculty and alumni mentoring programs, internships and experiential learning opportunities, student organizations, and more. This is particularly important for students enrolling in online programs, as connecting with classmates and faculty can be harder when learning virtually.
  • Accreditation: Students should always confirm their enrollment at an accredited institution to guarantee access to financial aid and future education opportunities. For business degree programs, several organizations offer specific accreditations. These include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). These accreditations confirm that programs meet industry standards for quality business education.

Should I get a business and management degree online or in person?

Quality business and management programs exist online and in traditional classroom settings. The decision to attend school online or on-campus is a personal one that depends on an individual student’s needs and learning preferences.

Online degree programs can benefit students who need flexibility to make education accessible. Many operate in an asynchronous format, which allows students to complete lessons and assignments according to their own schedule without regular class meetings. However, students should note that these programs require significant motivation, self-discipline, and accountability.

Meanwhile, other students may prefer in-person programs as they provide greater support from faculty and classmates and allow for more hands-on and interactive learning.

Types of Degrees You Can Earn in Business & Management

Associate

Associate degrees require a minimum of 60 credits and can typically be completed in two years of full-time study.

An associate degree in business will prepare students for entry-level positions and further study at the bachelor’s degree level. Coursework in these programs provides students with an introduction to foundational concepts and skills in their area of study. There may also be an internship or experiential learning component to give students real-world experience in their field.

The most common associate degrees available for business and finance are an Associate of Business Administration (ABA) and an Associate of Science (AS).

Bachelor’s

Bachelor’s degrees require a minimum of 120 credits. Full-time students usually complete a bachelor’s degree in four years.

For many business and finance careers, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum level of post-secondary education needed, particularly for entry- and mid-level jobs. The curriculum for bachelor’s degree programs in business and related fields usually includes core coursework covering basic business, management, marketing, finance, accounting, and communication skills. Students then take upper-level courses in their area of interest to help them develop specialized knowledge and skills.

Internships are another key component of bachelor’s degree programs, as they allow students to get hands-on experience in a supervised setting before joining the workforce.

Students earning an undergraduate degree in business can obtain a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BBA), or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

Master’s/MBA

A master’s degree is an advanced degree program designed to deepen a student’s knowledge within a particular area of study, prepare students for career advancement, or be a stepping-stone toward doctoral study. Credit requirements vary by subject and program, with most requiring between 36 and 60 credits. Completion time also differs based on the total number of credits and whether a student enrolls full-time or part-time.

The most common master’s degree in business is a Master of Business Administration (MBA). These programs teach students fundamental management knowledge and a holistic view of business practices in areas like marketing, finance, accounting, economics, and business law. They’re also notable for helping students develop the soft skills they need for advanced management positions, such as leadership, communication, innovation, and problem-solving.

Depending on a student’s particular interests and goals, they can get a general MBA or specialize in an area of study such as finance, marketing, international business, human resources, or information technology.

Other options for master’s degrees in business and finance fields include a Master of Science (MS), a Master of Finance (M.Fin), a Master of Accountancy (MAcc), and a Master of Public Administration (MPA).

Doctorate

A doctorate degree is the terminal degree for most fields within business and finance. The total number of credits required for a doctoral degree varies by subject and program, but most take 3-5 years to complete.

The most common doctorate in business is a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). This professional degree focuses on high-level practical knowledge and business theory and is ideal for those seeking advanced leadership positions that require a strong understanding of business principles and practices.

Another option is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which emphasizes research and scholarship and is a strong option for individuals who want to teach at the post-secondary level.

Alternative educational paths

Many schools offer undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in business fields such as human resources, project management, accounting, finance, and more. Certificate programs typically require 12-24 credits and offer highly focused curriculums designed to help students develop practical skills in a specific area of study.

Students with an undergraduate degree may use certificate programs to help them learn new skills or deepen existing knowledge to prepare for career changes or advancement in their current field.

Online Business & Management Degree Programs

Certificate

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Master of Business Administration

Doctorate

Traditional Business & Management Degree Programs

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Master of Business Administration

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