How Many Years Does it Take To Study Business Management?
The amount of time it takes to get a business management degree varies depending on several factors. Taking the time to get your degree can have several benefits, such as learning new skills and becoming eligible for a variety of job opportunities.
Interested in pursuing a business management degree? Perhaps you're wondering how long it's going to take you to finish. If so, you're in the right place.
Business management degrees can take anywhere from one year to several years to complete. It depends on the type and level of the degree along with factors such as transfer credits and whether you study full-time or part-time.
Keep reading for more information.
How Many Years Does It Take to Get a Business Management Degree?
There are different types of business degrees. Let's look at the average timeframes for finishing each type of degree.
Associate Degree
Associate degrees are typically completed at community colleges. Business associate degrees usually transfer to a four-year school, where you will complete a bachelor's degree. They consist of about 60 college credits, and full-time students can complete their degree in about two years.
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degrees are often offered as a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Business Administration. They can lead to various entry-level positions in the business world, and full-time students usually finish the program within four years. Business bachelor's degrees consist of at least 120 college credits.
Master's Degree
Students completing a graduate degree in business typically pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA). There are different types of MBA programs, and they typically range in length from one to three years. Most MBA degrees require 60 college credits.
Doctoral Degree
Students can complete a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). This is the highest degree in the field and may take anywhere from four to seven years to complete on average. DBA programs usually consist of 60 college credits.
What Can Affect How Long It Takes to Finish a Business Management degree?
The time it takes to finish a degree can vary greatly from the numbers given in the above sections. Part-time students, for example, typically take longer to finish their degree because they don't take as many credits at a time.
On the other hand, students with significant transfer credits may graduate much sooner because they won't be required to repeat some courses. A student who already has 60 credits, for example, is halfway to their bachelor's degree and may be able to complete it in as little as a couple of years.
What Are the Core Courses in a Business Management Degree?
Business management degrees can vary from school to school, but they are often broad degrees that teach a range of valuable skills relevant to business. Some business schools offer specializations, allowing learners to focus their education. Common specializations include:
- supply chain management
- human resource management
- entrepreneurship
Courses are diverse and are designed to teach various business skills, along with soft skills such as critical thinking and decision-making. Common coursework includes:
- strategic planning
- business ethics
- business law
- international business
- market research
- business information systems
- bookkeeping
Again, exact courses, specializations, and course content will depend on the school offering the program, as well as the program level.
What Careers Can You Pursue with a Degree in Business Management?
There are a variety of career options for those with business management degrees. Some of the many job titles you could consider include:
- human resources specialist
- project manager
- marketing manager
- business owner
- supply chain manager