Business Administration vs. Marketing Degrees

Earning a business administration or marketing degree prepares individuals for a wide range of careers.

Throughout the degree programs, students are immersed in the knowledge of business and management and learn various business skills that are needed to operate and manage a company.

Although there are similarities between the two degrees, each of the programs offers different learning objectives for its students.

Learn.org discusses the differences between business administration and marketing degree programs and helps to identify potential career opportunities for each degree.

What Is A Business Administration Degree?

A degree in business administration consists of comprehensive knowledge as it pertains to business and leadership.

Throughout the programs, students can expect to be taught how to think critically, manage projects, and lead a team in a business environment.

In addition, students are provided with a general study of business concepts, such as accounting, finance, management, and marketing.

What Will I Learn In A Business Administration Degree Program?

Given that a business administration degree program consists of courses that cover multiple disciplines in business, graduates can work in an array of fields, such as banking, advertising, and manufacturing.

Some of the courses that provide students with such fundamentals are:

• sales
• microeconomics
• business and corporate finance
• marketing principles
• management techniques and theory
• accounting practices

What Are The Benefits Of Earning A Degree In Business Administration?

Pursuing a degree in business administration awards students many different benefits, which in turn allows them to thrive in their future careers.

The following list contains the top benefits of earning a business administration degree.

Career Advancement Opportunities

One of the key advantages of pursuing a business administration degree is the endless opportunities for business career advancement.

A business administration degree is a very broad-based degree that covers many different aspects of business, such as accounting, finance, and management.

With courses in these areas, individuals are more than able to understand how organizations are structured and operated.

This allows them to be an attractive option for employers who are in search of candidates with advanced experience and skills.

Increased Knowledge

An increase in knowledge is another important benefit of pursuing a business administration degree. Throughout the degree programs, students are exposed to courses in economics, communication, marketing, and many others.

With this amount of knowledge, business professionals are more prepared to handle the many challenges that they may come across as well as take advantage of available opportunities.

Business Administration Job Responsibilities

With a degree in business administration, a student will be provided with the competencies to lead within a company or organization.

An individual with this type of degree may have duties that include:

• creating a business plan for a company
• analyzing the financial status of a company
• managing multiple projects
• overseeing marketing and promotions for products and services
• reorganize or hire staff to expand operations

What Careers Can I Pursue With A Business Administration Degree?

A great thing about earning a degree in business administration is the number of careers to which an individual can become exposed.

Some of these careers are:

• business consultant
• financial analyst
• accountant
• project manager
• financial manager
• human resources specialist

What Is A Marketing Degree?

As opposed to a business administration degree, students are taught only how to market and promote a company, product, or service. The programs place a singular focus on teaching students how to help businesses reach and influence their customers.

What Will I Learn In A Marketing Degree Program?

Marketing degree coursework combines theory and practice and equips students to help companies increase profitability and brand recognition.

A sample of courses that a marketing student can expect to take are:

• retail and sales management
• corporations and financing
• product management
• marketing strategy and management
• marketing research
• global marketing techniques

What Are The Benefits Of Earning A Degree In Marketing?

Similar to a business administration degree, marketing degrees have their share of benefits as well.

Career Readiness

Due to the specific knowledge given to the students, marketing graduates gain a number of transferable skills that they can apply to many different industries. Every company or organization is in need of marketing professionals.

With courses in sales and advertising, graduates become more valuable in solving a company's needs.

Versatility

Marketing graduates are at an advantage to have versatility in their careers. The coursework in the marketing programs provides students with the ability to earn multiple income streams.

Throughout the programs, students receive training in:

• oral and written communications
• market analysis
• budget development
• logistics
• financing

Marketing Job Responsibilities

As stated previously, graduates of a marketing degree program will primarily focus on the advertising and promotions of a business.

Other duties might include:

• creating and managing marketing campaigns
• overseeing sales and marketing teams
• planning future marketing campaigns
• coordinating with media channels
• analyzing the effectiveness of marketing materials

What Careers Can I Pursue With A Marketing Degree?

Individuals with a marketing degree are able to utilize their skills in many different careers.

Some of these careers are:

• public relations specialist
• market research analyst
• advertising manager
• sales manager
• content marketer
• social media manager

Should I Choose Business Administration Or Marketing?

Deciding whether to choose business administration or marketing comes down to an individual's goals and interests.

As stated before, a degree in business administration provides students with basic business principles, such as accounting, finance, and management.

This program is better for individuals who are interested in managing employees and overseeing the finances of a company.

Marketing degree programs primarily focus on consumer behavior, market trends, product development, and promotion strategies.

This degree is ideal for individuals with a talent for creativity and market analysis. Marketing graduates are able to work as copywriters, public relations specialists, and brand managers.

Enroll In A Business Administration Or Marketing Program Today

A degree in business administration or marketing can reward individuals with numerous opportunities in the business profession. The amount of knowledge learned is endless and ensures great career advancement.

Although the degree programs are similar, each of these programs offers different learning objectives that can be applied to many different industries.