A business administration degree never goes out of style. The National Association of Colleges and Employers recently named business administration the most sought-after credential among employers, with 83 percent of respondents recruiting this versatile major. Online MBA degree programs can help established professionals reach the higher rungs of senior management.
What is business administration?
Business administration is the study of business principles, from theory to practice. Coursework may include management, operations, finance, accounting, marketing, sales and human resources. In addition to these areas, industry-specific specialties are available, like health care, e-commerce, international business and hospitality. Online business administration degrees can give career-minded students a start on the corporate ladder.
Business administration: education and training
Business administration programs are available at every level, from undergraduate certificates to online MBA degrees and even a professional doctorate in business administration, or DBA. Bachelor's level studies offer entry into administrative and management-track careers. For advancement into management, the gold standard is the master of business administration. Online MBA degree programs offer graduate training targeted at mid-career professionals, with flexible schedules and a curriculum tailored to today's business priorities. Graduate certificates also give established professionals the opportunity to sharpen their skills, for example, in a specialized area such as leadership.
Career outlook and salary
Here are some specializations available with a bachelor's degree in business, shown with mean salaries for 2010 and job growth projections for the 2008-2018 period, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Accountant or auditor: $68,960, with 22 percent job growth
- Financial analyst: $86,040, with 20 percent growth
- Market research analyst: $66,850, with 28 percent growth
Online MBA degrees can open doors to senior management roles. Management consulting is among the most robust career paths in business, the BLS notes. Management professionals earned the following mean 2010 salaries, shown with growth rates projected by the BLS for 2008-2018:
- Management analyst: $87,260, with 24 percent growth
- Marketing manager: $122,720, with 15 percent growth
- Sales manager: $114,110, with 12 percent growth
Business majors already enjoy low unemployment compared to their peers. With a graduate degree, the unemployment rate is a low 4.4 percent, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. Organizations need savvy managers capable of leading them to growth and profitability, and online business administration degree programs can expand your qualifications for corporate careers.
A business administration degree never goes out of style. The National Association of Colleges and Employers recently named business administration the most sought-after credential among employers, with 83 percent of respondents recruiting this versatile major. Online MBA degree programs can help established professionals reach the higher rungs of senior management.
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