According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all professions by 2032, resulting in an average of about 911,400 openings yearly.
So, it comes as no surprise that many students interested in business and aspiring entrepreneurs pursue business degree programs such as an associate or bachelor’s in Business Administration.
Business Administration programs prepare students for a wide range of high-paying career opportunities where candidates manage organizations’ resources, time, and people. Yet, how do students know how to choose the best program for them, their needs, and their larger career goals?
Let’s discuss all the essential factors students should look for in a Business Administration program, including accreditation, program length, cost, and essential support services like academic advising and career services.
What is an associate and bachelor’s in Business Administration degree?
The field of business administration involves many roles that all work to ensure businesses and organizations run effectively, efficiently, and successfully. Popular jobs in this field include market research analysts, advertising and promotions managers, marketing managers, financial managers, and human resource managers.
Students interested in these positions and more turn to Business Administration degrees to understand and develop the skills required to run, oversee, guide, and lead the day-to-day operations of businesses of all shapes and sizes.
Students should look for programs that help them gain the following quantitative and qualitative skills:
- Accounting, marketing, and human resources
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Writing
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Networking opportunities and internships
Many colleges and universities offer in-person and online associate in Business Administration and bachelor’s in Business Administration degrees, both highly versatile, challenging, and well-rounded.
An Associate of Arts (AA) in Business Administration is typically a two-year undergraduate degree that allows students to quickly enter business by combining traditional liberal arts coursework with a strong foundation with courses in economics, accounting, management, and project planning.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration degrees are usually completed in three to four years by taking summer classes, with more varied and in-depth coursework in accounting, economics, and international business.
Online Business Administration bachelor’s programs additionally offer students maximum flexibility to fulfill their personal and professional goals based on their needs and schedule. Students complete these accelerated, 120-credit hour degrees entirely online.
What factors should students look for in Business Administration programs?
Business Administration degrees can be a transformative step for students looking to develop the practical and personal skills needed to succeed in business. However, with so many programs and program options available, students should consider many important factors when choosing a Business Administration program.
1. Accreditation
Accredited universities and programs maintain certain educational levels and standards that inform and assure students that the institution and program provide the highest quality education possible. Graduating from accredited Business Administration programs also shows employers that candidates are trained and prepared for their careers, giving them an edge over other applicants.
University of Bridgeport is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the Connecticut Office of Higher Education. Furthermore, our Ernst C. Trefz School of Business undergraduate programs are professionally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
2. Program Length
Program length for both associate and bachelor’s Business Administration programs ranges from two to four years, depending on the institution, program, and student. Applicants should do their research to understand what will be expected of them.
Our two-year associate in Business Administration program consists of 33 credit hours in general education courses and 24 credit hours of program requirements. Courses include:
- Principles of Accounting
- Statistics
- Business Law 1
- Computer Concepts
- Principles of Macro and Micro Economics
- Academic and Professional Writing
Our three to four-year bachelor’s in Business Administration program consists of 33 credit hours in general education courses, 72 credit hours in program requirements, and 15 credit hours of free electives selected from accounting, economics, finance, international business, management and industrial relations, and marketing. In addition to the above courses, students also take:
- Introduction to Business
- Business Communications
- Managerial Finance
- Business Planning
- Business Policy and Strategy
Lastly, our bachelor’s in Business Administration online program consists of 24 credits in business administration courses, 42 credits of University core curriculum, and 33 credits of general elective courses.
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3. Cost and financial aid
The financial cost of earning any degree, including Business Administration degrees, is essential for students to consider. Be sure to evaluate the tuition and fees, additional costs like housing, books, and other required programs, and the financial aid available at the institution.
In addition to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other federal, state, and private financial aid programs, University of Bridgeport offers merit-based academic scholarships that students can receive for the duration of their academic program, including:
- Trustee Scholarship: $25,000
- Presidential Scholarship: $20,000
- Provost’s Scholarship: $17,500
- Dean’s Achievement Scholarship: $15,000
Students should strongly consider programs with various financial aid options that can reduce stress and offset the cost of college tuition.
4. Comprehensive support services
Lastly, the top universities and bachelor’s in Business Administration programs support students in becoming skilled, engaged, and responsible leaders in the business world.
Students should look for caring staff and faculty to guide them through their journey, as well as expert business professionals with significant business and industry experience. Program connections are also equally important to ensure students can find internship and career opportunities with firms such as:
- Fidelity Investments
- Merril Lynch Pierce
- Deloitte & Touche LLP
- Apple
- ESPN
- Microsoft
The Heckman Center and the career development counseling and resource center at University of Bridgeport pride themselves on providing holistic resources and opportunities that foster academic, personal, social, and professional growth.
Pursuing a Business Administration degree is a worthwhile and rewarding decision. That said, students need to look closely at these factors to find the program that best suits their needs. Thankfully, at University of Bridgeport, students don’t need to do this alone.
Contact us to learn more about our Business Administration degrees and the support services to get you through college and into a great career.
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