What can you do with a business degree?
If you're wondering what you can do with a business degree, it's time to explore potential jobs and find those that align with your professional interests and goals. Review some top jobs and graduate degrees you can pursue with a bachelor's in business.
By: Thomas Broderick, Edited by: Mitch Jacobson
Published: June 17, 2025
Jobs you can get with a business degree
A bachelor's in business meets the education requirements for the following careers, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Note that these and related positions may also require professional experience, certification, or state licensure.
Accountant or Auditor
Accountants and auditors provide financial solutions for their clients. They maintain financial records, prepare tax returns, and identify risks. Their job also involves identifying and resolving discrepancies.
Although entry-level positions require only a bachelor's in business, a master's in business can help you become a certified public accountant (CPA). Other requirements to become a CPA vary by state but may include at least one year of experience and passing an examination.
- Median annual salary (May 2024): $81,680
- Projected job growth (2023-33): +6%
Budget Analyst
Companies and organizations hire budget analysts to review spending, develop budgets, and find inaccuracies. They routinely work alongside senior managers and adjust funding levels when necessary. About half of budget analysts work for a federal government agency, an educational services firm, or a state government agency.
Certification can help you advance in this field, specifically if you work for a government agency.
- Median annual salary (May 2024): $87,930
- Projected job growth (2023-33): +4
Fundraiser
Public and private organizations hire fundraisers to raise money and awareness. Their job involves developing relationships with potential donors, creating engaging fundraising campaigns, and training volunteers. Over half of fundraisers work for a religious, civic, or educational services organization.
College students interested in this role can prepare by volunteering with a fundraising organization or completing an internship.
- Median annual salary (May 2024): $66,490
- Projected job growth (2023-33): +6%
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts help employers align their products and services with consumers' preferences. They research sales trends, analyze current marketing programs, and develop opinion polls. These professionals work in nearly every industry, with top employers including management, finance, and insurance firms.
Significant experience or a master's can help analysts advance to marketing manager roles. Managers make twice as much as analysts in median annual wages.
- Median annual salary (May 2024): $76,950
- Projected job growth (2023-33): +8%
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts use their business education to help employers tackle problems and make sound financial decisions. Their work involves surveying employees and reviewing financial records. They turn their findings into detailed reports for managers and other stakeholders.
Operations research analysts can advance their careers further by earning a master's in computer science, engineering, or math.
- Median annual salary (May 2024): $91,290
- Projected job growth (2023-33): +23%
Graduate programs open to business degree students
One thing you can do with a business degree is further your education in graduate school. Options you can complete entirely online include:
- Master's in business administration
- Master's in business
- Master's in management
You can also research graduate certificates. A graduate certificate takes less time to earn than a degree and may still provide you with graduate credit. You may benefit from an entrepreneurship certificate if you want to start a business.
A graduate degree or certificate may open up new job opportunities, qualify you for a promotion, or increase your salary potential. Admissions advisors can help you explore a school's various programs.
Is a business degree right for you?
A business degree is a significant investment of time, money, and other resources. As a result, you need to determine whether the potential return on investment (ROI) is worth the cost. Speaking with former students and consulting your peers can teach you a lot about a degree's impact on career trajectory and salary potential.
If you already hold a bachelor's and work in a business field, determine whether graduate certificates make more sense than a degree. Certificates' emphasis on specialization means that you do not waste time learning things you do not need for career advancement. You may also start your education much sooner than degree-seekers and avoid a lengthy admissions process.
Executive education programs offer many of the same benefits as certificates, with the bonus of conveying in-demand leadership skills. Before starting a graduate degree program, consider whether a mix of experience and certificates/executive education programs could lead to the same career advancement.