Bachelor's in business management degrees

Business management bachelor's programs can help you start or advance a business career. Discover what courses these programs include and the careers to which they can lead.

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Why pursue a bachelor's in business management degree?

Join versatile, expanding industries

Pursue one of the many careers in the business and financial sector after graduation.

Acquire useful, in-demand skills

Develop business leadership and administration skills that organizations rely on to drive growth and make decisions.

Increase your earning potential

Qualify for jobs in the business sector, which often pay higher-than-average salaries.

Business management has long been one of the most popular disciplines in higher learning because of its applicability and potential for further education. With a business management bachelor's degree, you can pursue entry-level business careers or advance in an existing role.

Explore the bachelor's in business management program in more depth, including the courses, specializations, and career opportunities that could come your way.

Find the right bachelor's in business management program for you

What can you do with a bachelor's in business management degree?

A bachelor's in business management program can help prepare graduates for leadership roles in the business and financial sector. As technology continues to advance and business focuses shift and evolve, organizations will need leaders who can think on their feet and make important decisions.

As a result, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average growth for this industry, along with about 963,500 annual job openings.

Here are some potential career paths to pursue:

Marketing managers

Marketing managers study the market to identify opportunities, develop pricing strategies, and attract customers to their products and services. They create campaigns that promote their product/service in a way that both represents their brand and captures consumer interest.

Median annual salary (May 2023): $157,620
Projected employment growth (2023-33): +8%

Sales managers

Sales managers develop sales and delivery strategies and goals for their organization. They train sales staff, resolve consumer issues, and collaborate with other managers to ensure the messages align across all departments.

Median annual salary (May 2023): $135,160
Projected employment growth (2023-33): +6%

Management analysts

Management analysts help organizations improve their operations and become more efficient. They review financial data, systems, and processes to identify opportunities and areas of improvement and report their findings and suggestions to the management team.

Median annual salary (May 2023): $99,410
Projected employment growth (2023-33): +11%

What can you learn in a bachelor's in business management program?

A business management bachelor's program teaches students the fundamentals of business administration, leadership, and decision-making. Learners study business principles in areas like accounting, finance, and marketing, while also developing skills in communication, critical thinking, and project management.

Most bachelor's programs feature about 120 credits and four years of study. Curricula differ by school, but they may include specialization opportunities, such as human resources, finance, and international business.

BA in business management vs. BS in business management

You typically receive the same level of education and career opportunities from a bachelor of arts (BA) and a bachelor of science (BS) in business management, but there are some differences between these programs. A BA may feature more interdisciplinary focus and liberal arts courses, while a BS may feature more of a practical focus and technical courses.

Here are some example courses you may find in each program type:

BA courses

Organizational communications
Organizational behavior
Business law
Humanities

BS courses

Mathematics for business and finance
Technical writing
Data analytics
Computer applications

Online format

Business management bachelor's programs lend themselves well to the online format. Much of the content, such as marketing, accounting, and human resources, can be completed virtually and doesn't require in-person attendance or lab work.

Some business programs have internships or practicums, which you likely need to complete in person, but can often do at a nearby location.

Admissions requirements for a bachelor's in business management program

Many business management bachelor's programs have a unique admissions process, but here are some of the common requirements you can expect to see:

Application fee
High school diploma or GED certificate
Résumé
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
ACT or SAT scores (if required)

Further education in business management

Master's in business management: A can help you develop more advanced team and project management skills and better prepare you for senior positions.
Master's in business administration: An MBA, whether it's a or specialized like an , equips you with broad management skills. These programs focus on developing strategic thinking and decision-making skills for future business managers.
Doctorate in business administration: A DBA explores advanced topics in business theory and practice. These programs can prepare graduates to help organizations overcome complex issues and challenges.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a BA in business management worth it?

Business is one of the most common paths for students because of its versatility. A BA in business management can help you pursue one of many promising careers in various organizations and industries.

Is a bachelor's degree in business management enough?

Most occupations in the business and financial sector require a bachelor's degree at minimum. While a bachelor's degree is typically enough for entry-level business roles, some employers prefer candidates with experience and/or advanced education for leadership positions.

Is an MBA program harder than a bachelor's in business management program?

Compared to a business management bachelor's program, an MBA program is usually more difficult because it tackles more complex topics and features more rigorous requirements.

Which is better, a BA or a BS in business?

A BA and BS in business are often equal in quality, but they may suit certain goals better. For example, a BS in business may be better for someone pursuing more technical or analytical careers, whereas a BA may be better for someone focused on developing multidisciplinary expertise.