General Commerce

<h2 id="section---IsGeneralCommerceForMe">Is General Commerce for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>If you're interested in general commerce, you may want to consider pursuing a degree program in business, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Economics_Bachelors_Degree_Program.html">economics</a> or marketing. Courses in consumer behavior and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Psychology%3A_Online_Bachelor%27s_Degree.html">psychology</a> may also enhance your understanding of commerce. Learning outcomes include the opportunity to develop your communication and decision-making skills. You'll also acquire a global business perspective and become more aware of the ethical and legal aspects of trade and commerce. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOptions">Career Options</h3> <p>Career options for qualified graduates with a background in commerce include <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Accounting_Bachelors_Degree.html">accounting</a>, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Finance_Bachelors_Degree_Program.html">finance</a>, marketing and management. You could also become an <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Can_I_Do_with_a_Bachelors_Degree_in_Entrepreneurship.html">entrepreneur</a>. </p> <h3 id="section---SalaryInformation">Salary Information</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in May 2013, accountants and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Auditor_Job_Duties_Employment_Outlook_and_Educational_Requirements.html">auditors</a> earned a mean annual salary of $72,500. That same year, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Financial_Analyst_5_Steps_to_Becoming_a_Financial_Analyst.html">financial analysts</a> averaged $91,620, while marketing managers earned an average of $133,700 per year. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Do_I_Become_a_Management_Analyst.html">Management analysts</a> enjoyed an average yearly income of $89,990 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInGeneralCommerce">How Can I Work in General Commerce?</h2> <h3 id="section---UndergraduatePrograms">Undergraduate Programs</h3> <p>Undergraduate programs can lead to a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Business_Administration_BSBA_Bachelors_Degree.html">Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)</a> or a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. Areas of concentration might include accounting, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/E-Business_Bachelor%27s_Degree.html">e-business</a>, economics, finance or marketing. Core coursework may cover topics in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Business_Law_Courses_Online_Course_FAQs.html">business law</a> or strategy, entrepreneurship, management or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Hospitality_Management_Bachelors_Degree.html">hospitality</a>. In order to gain a global perspective, you might also study European economic history, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/International_Trade_Classes_and_Training_Programs_FAQs.html">international trade</a>, global marketing and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Masters_Degrees_in_International_Finance_Program_FAQs.html">international finance</a>. Additional courses in money and banking, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Bachelors_Degree_in_Technical_Writing_Online_Degree.html">technical writing</a> and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Communication_Arts_Bachelors_Degree.html">communication</a> may also be part of your program. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduatePrograms">Graduate Programs</h3> <p>If you wish to earn an advanced degree, you could pursue a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Master_of_Business_Administration_MBA_Online_Degree_in_Business_Management.html">Master of Business Administration (MBA)</a>. Admission requirements include a satisfactory score on the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_the_GMAT_Test.html">Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)</a>. Once you're enrolled in an MBA program, you'll complete core coursework in finance, marketing, technology and leadership. You may also have the opportunity to pursue electives in commerce. </p> <h3 id="section---Certifications">Certifications</h3> <p>Many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Does_an_Accountant_Do.html">accountants</a> pursue the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Certified_Public_Accountant_Become_a_CPA_in_5_Steps.html">Certified Public Accountant (CPA)</a> designation, which may be required to obtain a position. Certification requirements include 150 college credits and a passing score on an exam; in lieu of a degree, prior experience in public accounting may serve as a substitute.</p>