Choosing the Right Business Administration Program for You

Choosing the right business administration program requires you to understand the different types of business administration programs and take into consideration your current situation.

There are several types of business administration degree programs. Consider programs that are accredited by one of three organizations.

The three business accreditation organizations include:

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
• International Accreditation Council for Business Education

Types of business administration programs include certificates, undergraduate, and graduate programs.

Your personal, career, educational, and financial status, interests, and goals will also help you decide on the right program for you.

Types of Business Administration Programs

There are six types of business administration programs. Learn about the different types of business administration programs below.

Undergraduate Certificate in Business Administration

Undergraduate business administration certificates are designed to introduce you to the business training you would receive through a bachelor's degree program.

Choose an undergraduate certificate in business administration program if you are not ready to commit to an undergraduate degree program but are interested in gaining essential business skills.

A business administration certificate program typically covers business law, marketing, management, and more to build leadership, organizational, and critical thinking skills.

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

Earn a Bachelor of Arts in business administration degree if you are ready to commit to a four-year degree program that prepares you to start or advance your business career.

A BABA degree program may be right for you if you have specific educational interests or a career goal that benefits from training across different business specialties as it provides that flexibility.

General education requirements may concentrate more on liberal arts and social sciences than a Bachelor of Science in business administration degree program.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

A Bachelor of Science in business administration degree program is like a BABA degree program in that it provides training in business fundamentals that prepare you to start or enhance your career.

BSBA degree programs are generally designed to give you knowledge and skills in a specific area of business such as accounting, marketing, or human resources.

General business or business management is often provided as a concentration area as well if you are interested in a more technical degree that also provides some flexibility.

Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

If you are not interested in committing to a graduate degree program, complete a graduate certificate in business administration program if you have at least a bachelor's degree and work experience.

A graduate business administration certificate program can take as little as one year to complete and generally involves 12 to 15 credits of required courses that introduce you to graduate degree studies.

Master of Business Administration

If you have earned a bachelor's degree in business administration, consider advancing your knowledge and skills through a Master of Business Administration degree program.

An MBA degree provides business career advancement opportunities such as a promotion, career change for a higher position, or a new position based on a degree specialization.

Dive deeper into leadership strategies and learn how to foster a culture of innovation in an MBA program. You can typically complete an MBA program in two years or less.

Doctor of Business Administration

Choose a Doctor of Business Administration program if you are ready to complete the highest form of college education in business administration.

Earning a DBA degree demonstrates that you are an expert business professional who is knowledgeable in the highest areas of business studies with the ability to lead, transform, or enhance business operations.

Your Personal Situation

Your personal situation plays an important part in choosing the right business administration program for you. Decide if you want to earn your degree in a traditional on-campus setting or a more flexible setting.

If you are a parent, a working adult, or have demanding responsibilities, consider an online business administration program to earn your certificate or degree.

An online business administration program also gives you a wide range of college choices, including accredited institutions outside of the current state you live in.

Personal Interests and Career Goals

You must think about your personal, educational, and career goals when choosing the right business administration program. Research programs to learn what they have to offer.

See examples of things to search for below:

• admission requirements
• concentrations or specializations offered
• online formats offered
• credit hours required
• program length
• cost of tuition
• financial assistance options offered

Align the information you collect with your personal interests and career goals to help you choose the right business administration program.

Cost of a Business Administration Program

The cost of a business administration program is also an important part of choosing the right business administration program and varies depending on many things.

The cost of tuition for a business administration program can depend on the following:

• the college
• the program
• full-time or part-time enrollment
• your military affiliation
• financial aid awards

Find an affordable business administration program and submit applications for grant and scholarship opportunities to lower the cost of your tuition.

Many business administration programs provided through accredited institutions allow a certain number of approved transfer credits to save time and money on earning your degree.

Choose the Right Business Administration Program

Choosing the right business administration program requires you to find an accredited institution that offers an accredited business program, supports your educational and career goals, and considers your current situation.