Business Degrees: Education and Career Paths

By Joy Miller Edited by Tania Staley
Updated on November 15, 2024
smartypal-best-colleges-ranking

Find Your School Today

Take our college quiz

Pick the school for you

Request information

What Is Business Administration?

Business administration encompasses a range of activities within companies and organizations, focusing on overseeing operations, leading teams, and driving strategic initiatives. Professionals in this field may work for small businesses, large corporations, non-profits, or governmental agencies, managing everything from day-to-day operations to long-term growth strategies.

With a degree in business administration, you can pursue careers across numerous industries, from finance and marketing to healthcare and technology. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business and financial occupations are projected to grow faster than average over the next 10 years.

Business administration degrees are available at multiple levels, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate, each providing a different depth of knowledge and expertise.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Browse Business Degrees by Subject Area

If you’re looking to pursue a career in business, there are many specialized degrees to consider. Each degree offers unique coursework and prepares you for specific roles in the field. Browse through the different business degree options below to find the one that aligns with your career goals. These are some of the most popular.

Accounting

An Accounting degree equips you with the skills to manage financial records, analyze data, and ensure compliance with tax laws. Common courses include financial accounting, auditing, and taxation.

An associate degree in accounting can prepare you for entry-level roles, such as bookkeeping or accounting assistant. A bachelor’s degree is typically required to become an accountant or auditor, and it can also pave the way to becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). A master’s degree or MBA with a concentration in accounting is often pursued by those looking to specialize further or advance into leadership roles. A doctorate in accounting offers the highest expertise and can be used to pursue research or academic positions.

Administrative Assistant

An Administrative Assistant degree provides training in office management, communication, and technology skills. Courses may include office procedures, keyboarding, and business communication.

A certificate or an associate degree in administrative assistant can lead to entry-level roles, such as office assistant or secretary. As you gain experience, you may move into more advanced positions, such as executive assistant. Administrative professionals with advanced skills in office management, business communication, and technology often find opportunities to take on leadership roles in corporate environments.

Business Administration

A Business Administration degree offers a comprehensive understanding of business operations, covering areas like finance, marketing, and management. Core classes include organizational behavior, economics, and strategic management.

With an associate degree, you can secure entry-level positions like administrative assistant or sales representative. A bachelor’s degree opens doors to roles such as business analyst, operations manager, or marketing coordinator. Professionals pursuing an MBA and DBA often aim for executive or leadership positions, with specializations available in various business sectors to advance their careers.

Business Analytics

A Business Analytics degree teaches you to interpret data to drive business decisions. You’ll take courses in data mining, predictive analytics, and business intelligence.

With a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue roles as a business analyst, helping organizations make informed decisions using data analysis. For more advanced positions, such as data scientist or analytics manager, a master’s in business analytics is often required. Business Analytics professionals with expertise in predictive modeling, data mining, and statistical analysis can thrive in finance, marketing, and technology sectors.

Entrepreneurship

With an Entrepreneurship degree, you’ll learn how to launch and manage new ventures. Coursework covers business planning, venture capital, and innovation.

With a bachelor’s degree, you will learn the fundamentals of business planning, innovation, and venture capital. Aspiring entrepreneurs can use these skills to launch their own startups or help drive growth in existing companies. Advanced degrees, such as a master’s or an MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship, offer deeper knowledge in areas like business law, strategy, and funding, preparing graduates for leadership roles or consulting.

Finance

A Finance degree focuses on financial management, investments, and banking. Courses may include corporate finance, portfolio management, and financial markets.

An associate degree in finance can lead to positions like financial clerk or banking assistant, while a bachelor’s degree opens the door to roles such as financial analyst, investment banker, or wealth manager. Finance professionals seeking leadership roles, such as financial managers or CFOs, often pursue a master’s degree or an MBA with a concentration in finance. Expertise in financial markets, risk management, and investment strategy is crucial for career advancement in this field.

Hospitality Management

A Hospitality Management degree teaches you the ins and outs of managing hotels, resorts, and restaurants. You’ll study customer service, event planning, and hospitality law.

With an associate degree in hospitality management, you can work as a front desk supervisor or assistant event manager. A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management prepares you for more advanced roles, such as hotel manager, event planner, or food and beverage director. For those seeking leadership positions in large hospitality corporations, a master’s degree in hospitality management can offer specialized knowledge in tourism, marketing, and operational strategy.

Human Resources (HR)

A Human Resources degree prepares you to manage employee relations, recruitment, and training programs. You’ll take classes in labor laws, organizational development, and performance management.

A bachelor’s degree in human resources equips you with the skills needed for roles like HR coordinator or recruiter. As you advance, pursuing a master’s in human resources or an MBA with an HR concentration can help you become an HR manager or director. Specializing in areas like talent development, compensation management, or labor relations can lead to high-level consulting or corporate leadership roles.

International Business

An International Business degree focuses on global markets and cross-cultural management. Core courses include international marketing, global economics, and export management.

With a bachelor’s degree in international business, you can work in roles such as international trade specialist or global supply chain analyst. For leadership positions in multinational corporations or roles like international marketing manager, an MBA with a focus on international business is often pursued. Specialized knowledge in global economics, international law, and cultural negotiations is crucial for success in this field.

Management

A Management degree gives you the skills to lead teams and manage operations effectively. Classes may include leadership, business strategy, and operations management.

With a bachelor’s degree in management, you can pursue roles like department manager or operations supervisor. Those looking to advance into executive leadership roles often pursue an MBA with a management focus. In addition to leading teams and managing projects, managers play a key role in driving organizational success through strategic decision-making, operational efficiency, and talent management.

Marketing

A Marketing degree helps you understand consumer behavior and develop strategies to promote products or services. You’ll study digital marketing, branding, and market research.

A bachelor’s degree in marketing prepares you for roles such as marketing coordinator, brand strategist, or digital marketing specialist. For higher-level positions, like marketing director or VP of marketing, professionals often pursue an MBA with a marketing concentration. Expertise in areas like advertising, market research, and digital marketing is crucial for career growth in this field.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

An MBA program is designed for professionals looking to advance their careers. The program covers advanced topics in finance, management, and strategy.

Graduates with an MBA often pursue executive positions, such as CEO, COO, or financial controller, in industries ranging from technology to healthcare. Specializations within the MBA, such as entrepreneurship or marketing, can tailor your education to match specific career goals.

Non-profit Management

A Non-profit Management degree teaches you how to run non-profit organizations effectively. Coursework may cover fundraising, program evaluation, and volunteer management.

A bachelor’s degree in this field prepares you for roles such as program director or development coordinator. For those aiming to become executive directors or policy analysts, a master’s degree offers advanced knowledge in fundraising, program evaluation, and volunteer management. Non-profit leaders play a vital role in shaping community-driven initiatives and social impact strategies.

Organizational Leadership

An Organizational Leadership degree helps you develop the skills to lead teams and drive change in organizations. Classes focus on leadership theories, change management, and team dynamics.

With a bachelor’s degree, you can work as a team leader or department manager. A master’s degree in organizational leadership, or an MBA with a leadership focus, helps prepare you for executive roles like operations director or leadership consultant. Effective leaders must navigate team dynamics, foster innovation, and implement strategic plans to achieve organizational success.

Project Management

A Project Management degree prepares you to oversee projects from initiation to completion. Courses include project planning, risk management, and budgeting.

With a bachelor’s degree, you can work as a project coordinator or junior project manager. More advanced roles, such as senior project manager or program director, often require a master’s degree or PMP certification. Mastery in scheduling, risk management, and budgeting is critical for success in industries such as construction, IT, and marketing.

Public Relations

A Public Relations degree focuses on managing an organization’s image and communications. You’ll study media relations, crisis communication, and public speaking.

A bachelor’s degree in PR can lead to roles like media relations specialist or communications coordinator. As you gain experience, pursuing leadership positions such as PR manager or communications director may require additional training or certifications. Expertise in media relations, crisis management, and corporate communication is essential for success in this dynamic field.

Real Estate

A Real Estate degree teaches you the skills needed to buy, sell, and manage property. Courses include real estate law, property management, and finance.

An associate degree can help you start as a real estate agent or property manager, while a bachelor’s degree opens opportunities to work as a real estate broker or appraiser. For leadership roles, such as real estate developer or property investment manager, a master’s degree in real estate or business administration is often beneficial. Real estate professionals must have a solid understanding of property law, market trends, and investment strategies.

Risk Management

A Risk Management degree focuses on identifying and managing risks in business operations. You’ll study insurance, risk assessment, and business continuity planning.

A bachelor’s degree can lead to positions like risk analyst or insurance specialist. For senior roles, such as risk manager or compliance officer, many professionals pursue a master’s degree in risk management or business administration. In this field, expertise in risk analysis, insurance, and business continuity is critical to ensuring organizational stability and minimizing financial losses.

Small Business

A Small Business degree helps you learn how to manage and grow a small business.

With an associate or bachelor’s degree, you can gain the foundational knowledge needed to start your own business or work as a small business manager. Courses typically cover business planning, financial management, and marketing strategies. Entrepreneurs often pursue further education, such as an MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship, to hone their skills in leadership and operations. Small business owners are responsible for all aspects of their venture, making expertise in finance, management, and customer service essential for success.

Sports Management

A Sports Management degree prepares you for a career in the sports industry, focusing on business operations within sports organizations. Classes include sports marketing, event management, and facility management.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in sports management can pursue roles such as event coordinator, athletic director, or sports marketing specialist. Courses often include sports law, facility management, and marketing. For advanced roles, such as team manager or sports executive, a master’s degree can provide deeper knowledge in leadership, finance, and sports analytics. This field offers opportunities in professional sports teams, college athletics, and sports event management companies.

Supply Chain and Logistics

A Supply Chain and Logistics degree teaches you to manage the flow of goods and services in business. You’ll take courses in logistics, procurement, and inventory management.

A bachelor’s degree can lead to roles such as logistics coordinator or supply chain analyst, where you’ll manage inventory, shipping, and procurement. With further education, such as a master’s degree or specialized certification, you can advance to positions like supply chain manager or director of operations. This field requires strong problem-solving skills, as well as an understanding of supply chain optimization, global logistics, and vendor management.

Taxation

A Taxation degree focuses on tax laws and regulations affecting individuals and businesses. Courses may include corporate taxation, tax policy, and financial accounting.

A bachelor’s degree in taxation or accounting is often the first step to becoming a tax advisor or accountant. For specialized tax roles, such as tax consultant or tax manager, professionals often pursue a master’s degree in taxation. Advanced knowledge in tax law and strategy is critical for helping organizations navigate complex tax issues and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Training and Development

A Training and Development degree helps you design and implement employee training programs. Classes cover adult learning theories, instructional design, and talent development.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in training and development can work as a corporate trainer or learning and development specialist. Advanced roles, such as director of training or talent development consultant, often require a master’s degree. This field emphasizes adult learning theories, instructional design, and leadership, ensuring that businesses can foster employee growth and maintain competitive advantage through continuous learning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Degrees

What Is an MBA?

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a highly regarded graduate degree designed for professionals aiming to elevate their careers. Enrolling in an MBA program can provide you with advanced skills in leadership, strategic thinking, and management.

Graduates with an MBA often command higher salaries and have greater opportunities for career advancement compared to those holding only a bachelor’s degree.

MBAs are particularly popular because they offer the flexibility to specialize in areas that align with specific career goals. Common specializations include:

  • Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing
  • International Business

Obtaining an MBA can also provide professionals with more career mobility, enabling them to transition into new roles more easily or negotiate for higher compensation.

What Can You Do with a Business Degree?

Business degrees are versatile and can open many career opportunities in diverse industries. Graduates can pursue management, finance, marketing, human resources, and operations roles. They often become business analysts, marketing managers, financial advisors, or operations managers.

Business degrees also provide the foundational skills needed to start a business or advance into leadership positions within existing organizations.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Business Degree?

The time it takes to earn a business degree depends on the level of education you pursue. An associate degree typically takes about 2 years, while a bachelor’s degree usually requires 4 years of full-time study.

If you wish to earn an MBA or other master’s degree, expect an additional 1 to 2 years. A doctoral degree in business can take 3 to 5 years beyond the master’s level.

Accelerated programs and part-time study options can alter these timelines.

Turn Your Dreams Into Reality

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.