What Is a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration?

Learn what it means to get a bachelor's degree in business administration. Find out what kind of courses and concentrations are involved, what jobs are available, and options for next steps in your education.

What Does a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration Have to Offer?

A bachelor's degree in business administration is a four year degree program aimed at turning students into competent and knowledgeable businessmen and women. These programs will focus on teaching skills important to success, like critical thinking and how to communicate effectively. Various aspects of business, such as logistics, marketing, and human resources are typically covered, providing a solid overview of what the day-to-day running of a business takes. Graduates with this degree are generally well equipped for managerial roles, overseeing other employees and dealing with both customers and third parties like suppliers. While degrees are not a replacement for experience, a bachelor's in business administration provides graduates with a familiarity with situations unique to management and executive positions.

Degree Purpose	Teach skills needed to work in manager roles and knowledge to operate businesses at any size
Common Courses	Accounting, finance, marketing, ethics
Concentration Options	Finance, marketing, management, entrepreneurship
Possible Job Titles	Marketing manager, store manager
Higher Education Options	Master of Business Administration

What Courses Are Required for a Bachelor's in Business Administration?

When majoring in business administration, mathematics is always required, although there may be special math courses specifically designed to deal with issues relevant to business. All business administration programs will heavily feature economics, and include courses on management of groups of people. Accounting or finance are often required for at least one semester, if not more. Basic marketing classes and an overview of ethics and laws governing business are common, as well.

What Concentrations Are Typically Available When Earning a Bachelor's in Business Administration?

Business administration programs are highly flexible at most schools, with a variety of concentrations to choose from within the major. Concentrations can be more generally applicable, such as finance, marketing, or management, or more specific, like information technology (IT), digital marketing, or international business. These specialized concentrations will differ from school to school, so if one of these interests you, be sure to check precisely what is offered before applying.

What Kind of Jobs Are Available to Those With a Bachelor's in Business Administration?

A bachelor's degree in business administration opens a lot of doors with many corporations, serving as proof that you know how to perform the tasks expected of managers and other positions higher up the chain. Your particular concentration may have prepared you for a certain role, such as IT manager. A degree in business administration will also provide you with much of the basic knowledge needed to run your own business, and concentrations in entrepreneurship are sometimes an option if that is your goal.

What Higher Education Options Are There After Obtaining a Bachelor's in Business Administration?

Many universities that offer a bachelor's degree in business administration will offer a master's degree program as well. Programs in business administration at the master's degree level have a more intensive focus on each of the subjects touched on in the bachelor's program, teaching students how to apply what they've learned in real world situations and how to handle complex and often unexpected problems. Master's degree programs will often have similar concentrations as those available at the bachelor's level. A master's degree requires an additional two years of study to obtain, although some schools have accelerated degree program tracks which will result in both a bachelor's and a master's degree being earned in only five years instead of six.