What Degree Is Best To Go into Management?

1. Business Management

A business management major teaches students how to manage people and streamline their operations. Common course topics include:

• cross-cultural management
• leading organizations
• management and leadership principles
• organizational behavior

Business management degrees usually cover general business and not necessarily a specific industry. This can be great for those who aren't sure exactly what industry they want to work in yet.

2. Finance Management

Finance management degrees teach students how to manage money as well as manage people. These degrees usually cover concepts like:

• financial planning
• investments
• management and organization principles
• risk management

With a finance management degree, you'll be prepared for various careers in financial management, including leadership roles within the finance sector. For example, you can work in the finance department of a business or for a finance corporation.

3. Healthcare Management

A healthcare management major prepares students for roles in leading the administrative, non-clinical side of healthcare organizations. Common course topics include:

• healthcare finance
• healthcare law
• medical terminology
• supervision and leadership

Many healthcare settings need administrative managers. You can find work in places like clinics, doctors' offices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and more.

4. Sales Management

Sales management degrees train students to lead sales-focused teams in both business and retail environments. These degrees usually cover concepts such as:

• consumer behavior
• marketing research
• personal selling
• retail management

These degrees focus on both the marketing and selling aspects of sales. You'll be ready to work in a variety of sales roles in business-to-business and business-to-consumer settings.

5. Marketing Management

A marketing management focuses on both marketing and management concepts. Common course topics in marketing management include:

• brand marketing
• consumer behavior
• marketing communication
• marketing management

Marketing management is sometimes offered as its own degree and sometimes offered as a concentration within a marketing degree. With this degree, you can work your way toward a leadership role within a marketing department.

6. Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Supply chain and logistics management degrees teach students how to oversee and manage all aspects of the supply chain. These degrees often cover concepts like:

• global supply chain management
• planning and control systems
• research and negotiation
• supply chain strategy

Understanding the supply chain will allow you to work in multiple departments. These include procurement, purchasing, logistics, and more.

7. Human Resource Management

Human resources is about managing the relationship between a business and its employees. Common course topics in human resource management programs include:

• compensation management
• employee benefits management
• employee development and training
• staffing

A degree in HR management will prepare you for leadership in HR departments. You may be able to find roles like HR manager, benefits manager, and payroll manager.

8. Operations Management

Operations management bachelor degrees train students to manage employees and streamline operations within organizations. These degrees usually cover concepts such as:

• enterprise leadership
• enterprise operations
• enterprise strategy
• innovation management

A degree in operations management can prepare you to work in many settings. These include distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and more.

9. Project Management

A project management degree focuses on organizing and managing projects throughout multiple industries. Common course topics include:

• diversity and organizations
• project cost management
• project leadership
• project schedule management

Project managers are needed in a variety of industries. You can work in sectors like construction, manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and others.

10. Hospitality Management

Hospitality management programs prepare students to run hospitality operations efficiently. These degrees usually cover concepts like:

• food and beverage management
• hospitality finance
• hospitality marketing
• risk management in hospitality

There are multiple areas of hospitality you could work in with a hospitality management degree. These include hotels, resorts, and cruise ships.

Colleges and Universities Offering Online Management Degrees

Several colleges and universities across the United States offer online management degree programs. We've listed a few top online management programs below.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a non-profit online college based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. It offers multiple management degrees, including:

• business management
• health information management
• human resources management
• supply chain and operations management

WGU offers self-paced online programs. This means that once you've proven you know the material for one course, you move on to the next. This format can allow you to finish more quickly.

Florida International University

Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university in Miami, Florida. It offers degrees on campus and online.

Online management degrees available at FIU include:

• business management
• hospitality management (multiple concentrations)
• human resource management
• logistics and supply chain management
• sport and recreation management

Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university in Tempe, Arizona. It offers degrees on campus but also has a wide variety of online programs.

Management degrees available online from ASU include:

• business management
• global management
• operations management
• project management
• supply chain management

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota (UND) is a public research university in Grand Forks, North Dakota. It offers degrees on campus and online.

Online management degrees available at UND include:

• airport management
• business management
• human resource management
• operations and supply chain management

Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is the online campus of the public Colorado State University. It offers a variety of degree programs online.

Management degrees available at CSU include:

• business management
• healthcare administration and management
• human resource management
• project management

FAQs About Management Degrees

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions concerning management degrees.

Is a Management Degree Worth It?

For students who are interested in management roles, a degree in management can be worth it. It gives you the skills necessary to effectively lead people in a variety of industries.

What Skills Do You Gain From a Management Degree?

Management degrees provide students with many skills, such as:

• communication skills
• critical thinking skills
• decision-making skills
• interpersonal skills
• problem-solving skills

Would It Be Beneficial for Me To Get a Master's Degree in Business Management?

Whether or not it's beneficial to get a master's degree in business depends strongly on the industry you're working in and your location. Some roles may hire those with a bachelor's degree and sufficient experience, while others may require a master's degree.

Are Management Positions in Demand?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for management positions is generally set to increase over the next decade. However, some types of management positions are more in-demand than others.

For example, demand for financial managers is expected to increase 16% by 2032. On the other hand, demand for sales managers is expected to increase by only 4% by 2032.