Bachelor's in Business Administration | Learn.org
A bachelor's degree in business administration equips students with essential business skills, covering management, finance, marketing, and more for diverse career paths.
A bachelor's degree in business administration is a versatile and valuable qualification that opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities. You'll learn how to run a business, how to manage employees, and other skills.
Below, we explain more in-depth what you will learn if you earn this degree and how you can be successful once you graduate.
What Is a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration?
A bachelor's degree in business administration ensures students understand business operations and management principles. This degree covers various business disciplines, including finance, marketing, human resources, and operations management.
Students engage in a mix of theoretical and practical learning that prepares them for real-world business challenges and strategies. The curriculum often includes case studies, group projects, and internships to ensure graduates can either start working on a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or enter the workforce confidently.
Many business administration majors choose a specialization. Some business administration specializations include accounting, entrepreneurship, and marketing. Students can choose whatever interests them to help them pursue careers as entrepreneurs, managers, or analysts.
Business Administration Degree Core Curriculum
The core curriculum of a business administration degree program encompasses a variety of subjects designed to provide a well-rounded business education. Typical course topics include:
- principles of management
- financial accounting
- marketing fundamentals
- business law
- economics (micro and macro)
- organizational behavior
- business ethics
- operations management
- strategic management
- human resource management
- information systems
- quantitative analysis
Earning Your Business Administration Degree
Earning a bachelor's degree in business administration involves several key steps. We've outlined how you can earn your business administration degree below.
Select the Best Program
First, you'll need to research several colleges' and universities' business administration programs. Do you want to earn your degree online or on campus? Do you meet the admission requirements?
Once you find a few that you think you'd be a great fit for, be sure to apply early to avoid any fees. Don't forget to double-check what you need to include with your application.
Complete Your Program
Once you're enrolled, focus on doing your best in every course. These courses are meant to help you be the best at whichever business career you choose. You'll want to make sure you take your general education courses seriously as well so that you don't cause your GPA to be low.
Be sure to pick a specialization or a concentration to stand out once you start applying to jobs. It's best to find internships that are within your specialization so that your resume will stand out to future employers.
Consider a Graduate Program
Many highly sought-after business jobs require a Master of Business Administration. MBA graduates have better leadership, management, and communication skills than those with only a bachelor's degree.
According to the Harvard Business Review, earning an MBA will benefit you for the following reasons:
- provides the experience needed for many business jobs
- can help you shift career focus in the future
- will help you enter leadership positions more quickly
- provides opportunities for networking
Enter the Workforce
Once you graduate, you'll need to start applying for jobs. A good place to start is where you completed your internships or what connections you made while networking.
Be sure to clean up your resume and tailor it for each job you apply to, highlighting what you've learned while earning your degree. Plus, you can also attend career fairs to gain exposure to many opportunities at once.
Once you have a job, you still need to continue to learn. Take advantage of professional development that your employer provides and consider completing online courses as well.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Degree in Business Administration?
Earning a bachelor's degree in business administration will take you four years of full-time study. You'll have to take general education, business, and specialized courses to meet the 120-credit-hour requirement for a bachelor's degree.
If you want to graduate quicker, you can research which university offer accelerated business administration degrees. If you need to work while earning your degree, you could choose to be a part-time student which will cause you to earn your degree a bit more slowly.
Career Opportunities for a Business Administration Major
Graduates with a bachelor's degree in business administration have access to a wide range of career opportunities, especially with certain specializations. We've listed some of the best options below.
- financial analyst
- marketing manager
- human resources manager
- operations manager
- management consultant
- sales manager
- project manager
- business analyst
- entrepreneur
- supply chain manager
How To Choose the Right Degree Program
Choosing the right business administration degree program will help you be successful in your career. Make sure your program checks off all the points on the list below.
- accredited degree
- alumni network
- available specializations
- experienced faculty
- financial aid options
- reasonable cost
- student support options
FAQs About Earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration
If you still have more questions about a bachelor's in business, review the following questions and answers.
Is a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor's degree in business administration is worth it for those who want to start their career in business. It provides essential skills and knowledge that are in high demand.
Is a Business Administration Major Hard?
The difficulty of a business administration major depends on your aptitude for subjects like math, economics, and management. With dedication and effective study habits, it is manageable for most students.
How Much Does a Business Administration Degree Cost?
The cost of a business administration degree varies widely. On average, tuition can range from $20,000 to $100,000 for the entire program, including additional fees and expenses.
Are There Any Free or Affordable Business Administration Degree Programs?
Yes, some institutions offer affordable or even free business administration programs through scholarships, grants, or online platforms. Research and apply for financial aid opportunities to reduce costs.
What Skills Will I Gain in a Business Administration Degree Program?
You will gain skills in management, financial analysis, marketing, strategic planning, problem-solving, communication, and leadership. These skills are applicable across various industries and roles.
What Can I Do With a Business Administration Degree?
With a business administration degree, you can pursue careers in finance, marketing, human resources, operations, consulting, and management, among others. The degree offers versatility and numerous opportunities for advancement.