Business Degrees: Education and Career Paths

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.

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Browse Business Degrees by Subject Area

There are many types of business degrees you can pursue. These are some of the most popular.

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Economics
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Forensic Accounting
• Healthcare Administration
• Hospitality Management
• Human Resources
• International Business
• Internet Marketing
• Management
• Management Information Systems
• Marketing
• Non-Profit Management
• Project Management
• Retail and Sales Management
• Small Business
• Sports Management
• Supply Chain and Logistics

Accounting

Dealing with the systematic recording, reporting, and analysis of financial transactions, Accounting is the backbone of business finance.

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.

Business Administration

Business Administration is a versatile field that covers the management and operation of businesses and organizations.

An associate degree in business administration provides a solid foundation in business principles, making it a good starting point for various administrative roles. A bachelor’s degree is essential for most managerial positions and offers the chance to specialize in finance, marketing, human resources, and other areas.

A master’s degree or MBA in business administration can put you ahead of others seeking advanced roles, and a doctorate can prepare you for the most advanced executive leadership positions or academic careers.

Economics

Economics explores how societies use resources and make decisions, providing insights into markets, policy, and economic trends.

An associate degree in economics introduces the basics of economic theory and application, leading to entry-level roles in business or government. A bachelor’s degree allows for deeper study and can open the door to careers as an economist, financial analyst, or policy advisor.

A master’s degree in economics can lead to specialized roles in economic research or consulting, while a doctorate is often required for academic or high-level research positions.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is about innovation, risk-taking, and turning ideas into successful businesses.

An associate degree in entrepreneurship offers practical skills for starting and managing small businesses. A bachelor’s degree provides a broader understanding of business operations and strategy and can prepare you to launch and grow your own venture.

If you wish to refine your skills and gain advanced insights, a master’s degree in entrepreneurship or an MBA with an entrepreneurship concentration can be ideal. Though less common, a doctorate can be pursued if you are interested in research, teaching, or contributing to entrepreneurship theory.

Finance

Finance focuses on the management of money, investments, and financial planning.

An associate degree in finance can lead to roles like financial assistant or banking associate. A bachelor’s degree is essential for most finance careers, including financial analyst, investment banker, or financial planner.

Advanced positions, such as financial manager or chief financial officer, often require a master’s degree in finance or an MBA with a finance concentration. A doctorate in finance is suitable for those interested in academic research or high-level consultancy roles.

Forensic Accounting

Forensic Accounting involves investigating financial discrepancies and fraud, often working closely with law enforcement and legal teams.

An associate degree in forensic accounting can provide entry-level opportunities in auditing or financial investigation support roles. A bachelor’s degree is generally required to become a forensic accountant, with further certifications like the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) enhancing job prospects.

A master’s degree or MBA with a concentration in forensic accounting can lead to senior investigative roles, and a doctorate can allow you to pursue a career in research or teaching forensic accounting.

Healthcare Administration

Healthcare Administration involves the management of healthcare systems, hospitals, and other medical facilities.

An associate degree in healthcare administration offers entry into administrative support roles. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for most management positions in healthcare settings.

A master’s degree, such as an MBA in healthcare management or a Master of Health Administration (MHA), is highly valued for leadership roles. A doctorate in healthcare administration or a related field is ideal for pursuing top executive positions or academic careers.

Hospitality Management

Hospitality Management degrees teach how to oversee the operations of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other hospitality-related businesses.

An associate degree in hospitality management can lead to supervisory roles in hotels or restaurants. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for higher-level management positions and allows for specialization in hotel management, event planning, tourism, or other related areas.

A master’s degree in hospitality management or an MBA with a hospitality concentration prepares professionals for executive roles. A doctorate is suited for those interested in academic or high-level consultancy roles in the hospitality industry.

Human Resources

Human Resources (HR) focuses on managing employee relations, recruitment, benefits, and compliance with labor laws.

An associate degree in HR can lead to roles such as HR assistant or recruiter. A bachelor’s degree can provide a comprehensive understanding of HR practices and is required for most HR specialist or generalist roles.

A master’s degree in HR or an MBA with an HR concentration is ideal for those aiming for leadership roles, such as HR manager or director. A doctorate in HR or a related field is valuable for those pursuing academic or top executive positions in large organizations.

International Business

International Business prepares professionals to operate in the global marketplace, dealing with cross-cultural management, international trade, and global finance.

An associate degree in international business offers foundational knowledge and can lead to entry-level roles in global companies. A bachelor’s degree is essential for becoming an international marketing manager, trade analyst, or global supply chain coordinator.

Advanced roles in international business, such as global strategy consultant or international finance director, often require a master’s degree or MBA with an international business concentration. A doctorate can allow you to pursue research, teaching, or high-level strategic roles.

Internet Marketing

Internet Marketing, or digital marketing, involves promoting products and services through online channels.

An associate degree in internet marketing can lead to roles such as digital marketing assistant or social media coordinator. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for positions like SEO specialist, digital marketer, or content strategist.

For those aiming for leadership roles in digital marketing, a master’s degree or MBA with a concentration in internet marketing is highly valuable. A doctorate may be pursued by those interested in advanced research or teaching in the field of digital marketing.

Management

Management is the art of coordinating and overseeing the work of others to achieve organizational goals.

An associate degree in management provides basic skills for supervisory roles. A bachelor’s degree is essential for most managerial positions, allowing specialization in operations, strategic management, project management, and similar fields.

A master’s degree in management or an MBA is ideal for those seeking senior leadership roles. A doctorate in management is suitable for those interested in academic careers or high-level consultancy.

Management Information Systems

Management Information Systems (MIS) combines business and technology to manage an organization’s information systems.

An associate degree in MIS can lead to roles such as IT support specialist or database administrator. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for systems analyst, IT manager, or business analyst positions.

Advanced positions in IT management, such as chief information officer (CIO), often require a master’s degree in MIS or an MBA with a technology management concentration. A doctorate in MIS is ideal for those pursuing research, teaching, or high-level consultancy careers.

Marketing

Marketing involves promoting and selling products or services, including market research, advertising, and sales strategies.

An associate degree in marketing can lead to roles like marketing assistant or sales representative. A bachelor’s degree is required for most marketing positions, such as marketing manager, brand manager, or market research analyst.

For leadership roles or specialized marketing positions, a master’s degree or MBA with a marketing concentration is valuable. A doctorate in marketing is suitable for academic careers or advanced research roles in the field.

Non-Profit Management

Non-Profit Management focuses on leading organizations that operate for social causes rather than profit.

An associate degree in non-profit management can lead to entry-level roles, such as program coordinator or fundraising assistant. Providing skills in fundraising, grant writing, and volunteer management, a bachelor’s degree is essential for most management positions within non-profits.

A master’s degree in non-profit management or an MBA with a non-profit concentration is ideal for those aspiring to executive roles. A doctorate is suited for those interested in academic or high-level consultancy roles within the non-profit sector.

Project Management

Project Management involves planning, executing, and closing projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and on budget.

An associate degree in project management can lead to project coordinator or assistant project manager roles. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for project manager or project analyst positions.

For advanced roles, such as program manager or project director, a master’s degree in project management or an MBA with a project management concentration is valuable. A doctorate in project management is ideal for those interested in academic careers or high-level consultancy.

Retail & Sales Management

Retail and Sales Management focuses on the day-to-day operations of retail businesses and sales teams.

An associate degree in retail management can lead to assistant store manager or sales supervisor roles. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for retail, sales, or district manager positions.

For those aiming for regional or executive-level positions, a master’s degree in retail management or an MBA with a retail concentration is beneficial. A doctorate in this field is rare but can be pursued by those interested in academic careers or high-level research roles.

Small Business

Small Business management focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities of running a small enterprise.

An associate degree in small business management can prepare you for a career as a small business owner or manager of a family-owned business. A bachelor’s degree provides a broader understanding of business operations, finance, and marketing, equipping you to grow and sustain a small business.

A master’s degree in entrepreneurship or an MBA with a concentration in small business management can further enhance your entrepreneurial skills. While less common, you can earn a doctorate to help you pursue a research or teaching position in small business strategy and development.

Sports Management

Sports Management is the business side of sports and recreation, covering sports marketing, event management, team administration, and related fields.

An associate degree in sports management can lead to sports coordinator or event assistant roles. A bachelor’s degree is typically required to become a sports marketer, athletic director, or team manager.

For leadership roles in the sports industry, a master’s degree in sports management or an MBA with a sports management concentration is ideal. A doctorate in sports management can prepare you for academic careers or high-level consultancy within the sports industry.

Supply Chain & Logistics

Supply Chain and Logistics careers involve managing the flow of goods and services, from raw materials to the end consumer.

An associate degree in supply chain management can lead to entry-level roles, such as logistics coordinator or warehouse manager. A bachelor’s degree is essential for becoming a supply chain analyst, logistics manager, or operations manager.

For advanced roles, such as supply chain director or chief operations officer, a master’s degree in supply chain management or an MBA with a logistics concentration is highly valuable. A doctorate in supply chain management is suited for those interested in academic research or consultancy in global logistics and supply chain strategies.

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.