Business degrees are highly versatile and extremely popular among students due to the broad scope of careers students can pursue after graduation and the higher-than-average salaries in those careers.
In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for business and financial occupations is $76,850, with an average of about 911,400 job openings projected each year.
One type of business degree is a Business Administration degree, which focuses on managing an organization’s resources, time, and people.
This article will unpack what students can expect from the business administration field, including the degree itself, the courses and types of degrees available in the Business Administration degree program, and how this type of degree differs from other business degrees.
What is Business Administration?
Business administration involves many different roles, professional settings, and growth opportunities. Professionals in this field ensure that businesses and organizations run effectively, efficiently, and successfully.
Individuals in business administration roles need a variety of quantitative skills, such as a basic understanding of accounting, marketing, and human resources, as well as specific skills depending on their area of practice.
Students should also develop qualitative, “soft skills” such as communication, writing, and speaking skills. Plus, experience with leadership to effectively communicate, provide feedback, and propose solutions to problems within the company or organization.
What is a Business Administration Degree?
A Business Administration degree focuses on the day-to-day operations of businesses to prepare students to guide and lead companies of all shapes and sizes. Some students pursue this degree to further develop the skills mentioned above and understand business processes.
Students in these programs learn from expert faculty to strengthen their collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving skills in classes, networking opportunities, and internships.
What Types of Classes Do Students Take in a Business Administration Degree Program?
To allow candidates to pursue various careers and work in many industries, Business Administration programs offer concentrated courses in strategic planning, analytical skills, business management, critical decision-making, and entrepreneurial skills.
While every college, university, and program will differ, common Bachelor’s in Business Administration courses found in these programs include:
- Accounting
- Business Law
- Statistics
- Computer Concepts
- Macro and Microeconomics
- Operations Management
- Marketing
Additionally, many programs allow students to concentrate in a specific area or take additional elective credits for their degree. For example, at University of Bridgeport, our Bachelor of Business Administration students have eighteen free elective credits (six courses) to choose from additional accounting, economics, finance, international business, management and industrial relations, and marketing courses.
Visit us online to learn more about earning your business degree at University of Bridgeport!
What Types of Business Administration Degrees Are There?
Students pursue Business Administration degrees for many reasons, including the challenge, skill-building opportunities, and flexible degree options available.
Students interested in these degrees should research to ensure their desired school or university offers their desired degree. At University of Bridgeport, we offer an Associate Degree in Business Administration, a traditional and online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration, and even a traditional and online Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).
Associate of Arts (AA) in Business Administration
This two-year degree program enables students to quickly enter business by combining traditional liberal arts coursework with a strong foundation in economics, accounting, and management.
Our program at University of Bridgeport consists of sixty credits, with twenty-seven being program-specific to ensure students are prepared for various careers in the business sector, including sales, management, and more.
Our Associate’s in Business Administration graduates are employed as administrative assistants, sales managers, human resources coordinators, and management analysts.
Traditional and Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration
The Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration can be completed in the traditional four years on campus or three years if taking summer classes, and also through accelerated online Business Administration programs.
Students in these programs have greater flexibility to align their classes with their career goals since it is a more extended degree program with additional credit requirements.
Candidates graduate with a mastery of business principles to work for companies across multiple industries, including:
- Apple
- ESPN
- Pitney Bowes
- Sikorsky Aircraft
Traditional and Online Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
Students looking to advance their knowledge and training and give themselves a unique advantage in the marketplace will often pursue a traditional or online Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree.
These flexible and advanced degree programs prepare individuals for leadership positions in business through courses like organizational behavior, marketing and branding, and advanced financial management and policy. Students can also specialize in healthcare management, human resources management, analytics intelligence, and finance.
How is a Business Administration Degree Different From Other Business Degrees?
While business degrees prepare students to work in the business industry, the purpose and role each degree has will vary depending on the type of business degree.
For example, a Business Management degree includes general leadership skills and an understanding of the bigger economic picture of a business. An Accounting degree focuses on preparing students to work in the financial sector and understand business data. On the other hand, a Business Administration degree concerns itself with the ins and outs, nuts and bolts operations of running a business.
Regardless of the degree type you choose, studying Business Administration at University of Bridgeport prepares graduates for a variety of careers in different industries. Plus, our comprehensive support services, including career planning and strategic internship placement, are there to ensure you begin your career sooner rather than later.
Contact us today to learn more about our School of Business and Business Administration programs. Your future starts today!