Is a degree in business management worth it?
By: Susan Maphis, Edited by: Jenny Kiesewetter
Published: February 14, 2025
Studying business management can give you skills and knowledge to apply in every area of your life. Planning, analyzing, influencing, organizing, and networking are all competencies that a bachelor's degree in business management can help you develop. Explore program curricula, career opportunities, potential salaries, and job market outlook to discover if earning a degree in business management is worth it for you.
What is a bachelor's degree in business management?
A bachelor's degree in business management is an undergraduate degree program that provides students with a strong foundation in business operations and practicalities. It typically takes four years to complete a bachelor's in business management. Courses that you will likely encounter include:
- Accounting
- Management
- Marketing
- Business ethics
- Business law
- Economics
Concentrations may be available in supply chain management, management information systems, entrepreneurship, and business analytics.
Benefits of a bachelor's degree in business management
Earning a bachelor's degree in business management could:
- Increase your career opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the top occupational groups for bachelor's in business management degree holders work in management, business and financial operations, sales, office and administrative support, and computer and mathematical occupations.
- Provide you with stable, growing job roles. The BLS notes that the top two most popular jobs for bachelor's in business management degree holders are financial managers, with a projected growth rate of 17% from 2023 to 2033, and management analysts, with a projected growth rate of 11% during the same period.
- Help you qualify for business management certifications, such as Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute and Certified Business Analysis Professional of the International Institute of Business Analysis. Certifications like these may help increase your earning potential.
How much money can you make with a bachelor's degree in business management?
A bachelor's degree in business management could help you land a well-paying job in many different industries, such as finance and insurance; professional, scientific, and technical services; government; and manufacturing. Your earning potential depends on your location, industry, experience, and credentials.
Bachelor's in business management degree holders are qualified to fill various job roles. The BLS reports that as of 2023, the following job roles, along with their corresponding median annual salaries, were often held by those with a bachelor's in business management degree:
| Job | Median annual salary |
|---|---|
| Financial Managers | $156,100 |
| Human Resources Managers | $136,350 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $136,380 |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Managers | $104,900 |
If you enjoy working with others in a leadership role, making decisions, analyzing data, understanding financial concepts, and being adaptable to changing situations, a bachelor's in business management degree could be worth it for you.