What is a Business Management Degree?
Business management degree programs focus on how to efficiently run businesses and corporations. Undertaking a business management degree engages you with the planning and execution of strategies for business operations. These degree programs prep you to excel at the personnel, finance, operations, and marketing aspects of business.
Graduating from a business management degree gives you the opportunity to work in a wide variety of business industries, including advertising, hospitality, and manufacturing, to name a few.
The Top 50 Business Management Degrees of 2020
In order to determine the best business management schools, Study.com has collected information on tuition, graduation rates, retention rates, and more from the United States Department of Education. We also scoured information provided by specific schools, like programs offered and services available.
Study.com's rankings are unique in that they emphasize accessibility, affordability, and quality of education, which we considered the most important attributes in our ranking lists. We aimed to provide options at multiple degree levels from associate's to master's as well as options that allow you to earn an online degree versus an on-campus option. Check out our comprehensive list of the top 50 business management schools in the country.
1. Northwood University
Students that attend Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, can enter into an undergraduate management degree program that focuses on teaching students about strategy, behavior, human resource management, and organizational structure. Incredibly, the school boasts that 85% of students that graduated with this degree ended up employed in a management position with an average starting salary of $53,059. Other exceptional undergraduate business management-related programs offered here include Franchising Management, Hospitality Management, and Operations and Supply Chain Management. To complement what students learn in their major programs, this school offers amazing study abroad opportunities, both short-term and semester long.
2. Robert Morris University Illinois
Robert Morris University in Chicago, Illinois, offers an undergraduate business degree in management and a Master in Business Administration in Management. Students that enroll in one of these great programs can take part in an honors program, listen to guest speakers, and take advantage of incredible opportunities to network with Fortune 500 companies. This university understands the importance of experiential learning opportunities, so they make it extremely easy for students to take part in extracurricular and networking activities, with the goal of becoming thriving global citizens upon graduation.
3. Indiana Tech
The Indiana Tech has two management programs available: an Associate of Science in Business Administration - Management program and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Management program. Students enrolled in one of these magnificent majors can also take part in honor societies, professional organizations, study trips, or even academic competitions. Students that have graduated from the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program at the College of Business in Fort Wayne, Indiana, have earned jobs at top companies like Lincoln Financial, Parkview Health, and Frontier Communications.
4. Lakeland University
The Schilcutt School of Business, Science & Technology at Lakeland University in Plymouth, Wisconsin, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management. Within the Organizational Management degree program students can fill coursework specific to areas of desired areas of focus such as accounting, business, and economics. With 25 faculty members wholly devoted to the success of their students, this school more than sufficiently prepare their students for the business careers they will have after they graduate.
5. Bryan College - Dayton
The business programs at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, are accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). The great business management programs offered here are the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management, Bachelor of Arts in Management, and the online Master of Business Administration in General Management that gives students the option to choose a specialization in sports management. Those enrolled in one of these programs can take part in Sigma Beta Delta, an international honor society for students in the fields of business, management, or administration. There are also extremely beneficial business internships available to all students in these programs, and fascinating internships can be completed in different locations all around the world.
6. Thomas More College
Thomas More College, located in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, offers a few business management degree options including an Associate of Management, a Bachelor's in Business Administration with a concentration in Management/Human Resources, and a 4+1 Bachelor and MBA option for those who want to earn the master's degree more efficiently. The associate's degree is available either on-campus or 100% online in an accelerated format with rolling admissions, meaning applicants are accepted anytime. The business administration program at the university is accredited through the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Program which vouches for the program's quality.
7. Louisiana State University - Shreveport
Louisiana State University in Shreveport has a College of Business that has been accredited by the AACSB. The Management Department here offers a Bachelor of Science in Management and Administration degree with the option to choose a concentration in Human Resource Management, Business Law, Management Information Systems, or International Business. This exceptional program is also offered in a convenient online format, with an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of only 25:1.
8. Franklin University
Located in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin University's College of Business is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), and they offer a wide selection of business degrees including an Associate of Science in Financial Management, and Bachelor of Science options in Applied Management, Risk Management & Insurance, Management & Leadership, and Operations & Supply Chain Management. Recognizing the importance of flexibility for students today, the school gives them the option to take classes on campus or complete them all online. Those in the College of Business will have access to great resources like individualized advising, an extensive online library database, workshops for writing, and even assistance with research.
9. Thomas College
Students at Thomas College in Waterville, Maine can take part in an array of wonderful degree programs related to business management such as a Bachelor of Science in Management or a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management. Students in these programs will have the chance to take part in amazing opportunities like internships, research experiences, study abroad classes, and community service experiences. Not only do undergraduate students have these great opportunities, but they also have the option to complete their degree program in only 3 years, and to earn their master's degree along with their undergraduate degree in just 4 years.
10. Oakland City University
Oakland City University has a School of Business that is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Programs available here include the Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Operations Management, and a Master of Science in Strategic Management with the option of a focus in Criminal Justice Administration, Logistics & Product Distribution, or Quality Systems. At this school in Oakland City, Indiana, business students wishing to create a fuller experience can join the amazing Business Club where they can interact with their business student peers. Additionally, the student-to-faculty ratio of only 14-to-1, helps to ensure students will have better opportunities to interact with their professors.
11. University of Hawaii - West Oahu
The University of Hawaii in West Oahu offers an exceptional Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)-accredited business administration degree program with concentrations in either management or facilities management. Students in this program can add to their resume by taking part in the Facilities Management Student Chapter, or by taking part in fantastic internship experiences or practicums with companies like Enterprise, Turtle Bay Resort, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii, and Building Industry Association of Hawaii.
12. Philander Smith College
Philander Smith College is located in Little Rock, Arizona, and is home to the Division of Business Administration which offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program with a concentration in Management. This program has impressively been accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The school also boasts that they will constantly monitor their programs and make changes to improve them, which will help them to provide exceptional experiences to students that are as modern as possible.
13. Shorter University
Shorter University's Master of Management is a great option for students that want to earn a business management degree online, while undergraduate-level students who are available to meet on campus could choose to pursue the Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. In addition to these incredible programs, students at this school in Rome, Georgia, have the opportunity to join organizations like the Phi Alpha Theta business and management honor society, which can be used as a great networking resource. Students will also have the opportunity to study abroad in locations like Paris, Rome, Costa Rica, London, or Venice to develop their appreciation for working in business on a global scale.
14. Belhaven University
Those that attend Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi, can take part in programs through the School of Business that are IACBE accredited. In regards to management programs, students can complete a minor in management or a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management, both of which are great options. Just a few of the amazing opportunities presented to students in these programs include internships, an Ethics Symposium, and the option to take part in the Future Business Leaders organization.
15. Malone University
Malone University in Canton, Ohio, has an ACBSP-accredited School of Business & Leadership in which all of their faculty have incredible professional experience and doctorate level education. Programs offered here include a minor in management, Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management, and a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Management. Business students can take part in wonderful study abroad experiences, and there are opportunities to even receive scholarships for these experiences. Additionally, this school is home to the Center for Cross-Cultural Engagement, which offers service learning opportunities in places like China, Italy, Ecuador, India, Denmark, giving students greater experience that will hopefully help with their character development so they can be better business managers.
16. Webster University
Students at Webster University can attend the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology, an ACBSP accredited school that offers students the opportunity to take incredible trips to fascinating international locations like Greece, Brazil, and China. This St. Louis, Missouri school offers a Bachelor of Arts in Management with the option of an emphasis in Sports Entertainment Management, Human Resource Management, International Business, or Marketing. Students interested in a graduate level education can look into the Master of Arts in Business and Organizational Security Management, a program devoted to hands-on learning that boasts that 92% of its graduates find relevant employment shortly after graduation. This school is home to a chapter of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business, and students will have the opportunity to complete internships to gain valuable work experience.
17. Southern Wesleyan University
Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina is home to the spectacular Benson School of Business that offers programs like the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management, Master of Science in Management and Leadership (MSML) in Management. This School of Business is ACBSP accredited with professors who have great professional experience and have internships available that give students hands-on experience in business before graduation.
18. Limestone College
Students interested in business management programs may choose Limestone College's Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management program. This program is offered at the school's campus in Gaffney, South Carolina, but classes may be offered online or in the evenings, adding great flexibility to this program. An impressive 95% of students at this institution receive financial aid of some sort, and military students can receive upwards of an astounding 50% discount on their tuition. This school also has many corporate partners including Dish Network, Nestle, Michelin, and Denny's, that offer grants to any of its employees who choose to pursue a business education here.
19. Baker University
Baker University, located in Baldwin City, Kansas, has a spectacular success rate of 98.6% for business students within the 6 months after they graduate, with alumni who are the CEOs of big firms, entrepreneurs, and business administrators. The school also offers exceptional scholarships to business students like the Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Business and Economics. This school offers a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Management program both on campus and online.
20. Tusculum University
Greenville, Tennessee, is home to Tusculum University's ACBSP-accredited College of Business that offers an excellent Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and also a minor in management. The College of Business has over 15 top-notch faculty and staff members dedicated to helping its students succeed in their academic journey. Incredibly, 97% of students enrolled at this school receive financial aid, and the average class size is only 14 students. Students will also have the opportunity to take part in internships and participate in service projects that will help them to build an impressive resume.
21. Tennessee Wesleyan University
Students at Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens, TN, can work to earn a MBA with a concentration in Management or a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in General Management, Industrial Management, or International Management. Some of the magnificent student organizations offered here include the Alpha Chi Honor Society and the Phi Beta Lambda Business Society, with membership in either looking fantastic on resumes and providing beneficial networking opportunities.
22. Eastern Oregon University
La Grande, Oregon, is the location of Eastern Oregon University's College of Business which has small classes, affordable tuition, and experiential learning opportunities. The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership, Organization, and Management program can be completed online or on-campus, which gives students great flexibility in their academic careers. This school also offers an incredibly low tuition cost of around $18,800, which is impressively $5,000 under the average cost for state universities.
23. Belmont Abbey College
Students that attend Belmont Abbey College can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management or a minor in business management, both of which place an emphasis on integrity and ethics in the business world. This school in Belmont, North Carolina, offers an incredible study abroad program where students can complete an internship experience internationally to get the chance to better understand foreign business culture.
24. Goldey-Beacom College
A great selection of business management-related degrees are offered at Goldey-Beacom College including a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in International Management, Financial Management, Marketing Management, Health Care Management, or Human Resource Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Management, Financial Management, Marketing Management, and more. This school in Wilmington, Delaware, offers students the opportunity to take part in fantastic student groups like the Alpha Chi honor society. Goldey-Beacom College has an incredible job placement rate of over 90% for its graduates.
25. Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and offers degree programs like a management minor, Bachelor of Science in Management, Master of Science in Management, and a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Management. Students here can choose to enter into a 4+1 MBA program in which they can earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in only 5 years. Those that excel in their coursework can join one of the many great honor societies offered by this school like the Alpha Chi Ohio Delta, Phi Delta Lambda, or the Delta Mu Delta business honor society. To make tuition more affordable, in the 2018-2019 school year, the school gave out nearly $42 million in financial aid, which averaged to almost $23,000 per undergraduate and $13,000 per graduate student.
26. Wright State University - Lake Campus
Those looking to earn a degree in business management may consider one of the magnificent programs offered at Wright State University - Lake Campus including the Bachelor of Science in Business in Management, Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Management, Innovation, and Change, and a management minor. This university in Dayton, Ohio, provides students with the chance to take part in extracurricular activities like the International Business Club and the Management Club. The school also hosts an Organizational Effectiveness Lecture Series that students can attend to gain more insight into their future career fields.
27. Mid-America Christian University
Mid-America Christian University is situated in Oklahoma City and offers a vast number of business management degrees including a traditional Bachelor of Arts in Management and Ethics, an online Bachelor of Science in Management and Ethics and a Master of Arts in Leadership with an emphasis in Business Management, offered with online availability. This school has a fantastic Student Success Center designed to help with an array of areas from finding internships to determining if a student is heading toward the right career. Students here can also take advantage of the institution's Life Experience Credit option and earn up to 30 credits for their experiences through volunteering, previous coursework, or in the work environment.
28. King University
Students that enroll at King University in Bristol, Tennessee, can take part in exceptional programs like the Bachelor of Arts in Business with a track in Management, Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in Management, or a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Management. The school offers study abroad opportunities with locations in Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, among others, where business management students can complete internships, earn college credits, and learn how to cultivate intercultural relationships that can be essential in the business field.
29. University of Sioux Falls
An astonishing 99% of students that graduate from the University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota end up employed in their desired field within six months of graduation. Students here can pursue a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in General Management. Those enrolled in this program can enter into excellent interim trips or travel experiences over the summer semester, with some of the places available to travel including Spain, France, Italy, Hawaii, and Kenya.
30. Park University
Students at Park University in Parkville, Missouri, can take part in a variety of business management programs including a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. To enhance their educational experience, students can take part in any of the many remarkable business-related organizations available like the Delta Mu Delta business honor society, American Business Women's Association, International Business Club, Park Business and Investment Club, Society of Human Resource Managers, or the Sigma Alpha Pi National Society for Leadership and Success.
31. University of Saint Mary
The University of Saint Mary offers an incredible 99% of its students some type of financial aid, and they award around $7 million in scholarships alone every year. Some of the fantastic degree programs offered here include an undergraduate major in Business Administration with a concentration on Management and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in General Management or Marketing & Advertising Management. Students in these programs can rest assured that they're receiving a quality education, as they're both accredited by the IACBE.
32. Warner University
Students that attend Warner University can enter into an undergraduate major in business administration with a concentration in management. The school in Lake Wales, Florida, also offers great graduate degree programs including a Master of Science in Management. This school is perfect for students who don't want to accrue a ton of debt, as an incredible 100% of first-time undergraduate students receive some type of financial aid, and all students can benefit from the fantastic student-to-teacher ratio of only 13:1.
33. Anderson University
All traditional undergraduate students receive some sort of financial aid at this school in Anderson, Indiana. Anderson University offers an exceptional business management program, the undergraduate major in management. This program can amazingly be completed in three short years, where a degree of this kind typically takes at least four years to complete.
34. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Those that attend Harrisburg University of Science and Technology can earn a Bachelor of Science in Management, Entrepreneurship, and Business Administration degree. Students at this school in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, can take advantage of the impressive, top-quality $73 million Academic Center, and can benefit from the amazing fact that the school has not raised their tuition costs for the past seven years. Additionally, 92% of their students have ended up in careers in their field within six months after they graduate.
35. Cornerstone University
Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has a fantastic success rate of 96% when it comes to students finding jobs in their field or furthering their education within six months of graduating from this school. Programs here include a Master of Science in Business Management and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management. The School of Business is accredited by the Accredited Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and students have the opportunity to talk with a great enrollment counselor to discuss their personal academic options.
36. Southern Nazarene University
Bethany, Oklahoma, is the home of Southern Nazarene University's amazing ACBSP-accredited Bachelor of Science in Management program. This program allows students to take part in mock interviews, international internships during the summer, and team development opportunities. There is also a great graduate option available, the Master of Science in Management program, which offers online or evening class options geared specifically toward adult learners. This university provides financial aid to an impressive 85% of its students.
37. Chadron State College
With an impressively small average class sizes of 14, Chadron State College employs exceptional full-time faculty, 83% of whom have the highest degree that they can get in their field. Located in Chadron, Nebraska, this college has a Business Academy that is ACBSP accredited and offers a major in Business Administration with a concentration option in management. The Business Academy offers wonderful opportunities for its students, like the chance to join Phi Beta Lambda or the Delta Mu Delta honor society in business. This school also offers a study abroad option where students can take an international business class while traveling to beautiful locations like Ireland and England.
38. Morehouse College
Morehouse College, which is located in Atlanta, Georgia, offers an amazing Bachelor of Business Administration program with a concentration in Management. This program has been accredited by the AACSB International, and the school gave out over 20 million dollars in institutional awards in the 2015-2016 academic year. This program aims to create leaders in the field, help students to become individuals of good character, and also become professionals that have the ability to think like entrepreneurs.
39. University of South Carolina - Aiken
Students that want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management can do so from the excellent University of South Carolina in Aiken. The School of Business here has been accredited by the AACSB, and they offer quite a few fantastic student organizations like the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society, and the Enactus USC Aiken. During their time in the program, students will also be able to take part in internships with employers that are both local and global.
40. Judson University
Judson University is located in Elgin, Illinois, and has a Business Department that offers programs like the Bachelor of Arts in Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Media Business Management. This Business Department's experiential learning programs impressively include field trips, projects, academic programs, study abroad opportunities, networking connections, and internships in places like Chicago. These students can round out their educational endeavors by taking part in wonderful organizations like the Judson Business Society or the Alpha Lambda Delta Society for freshman students.
41. University of the Incarnate Word
The H-E-B School of Business & Administration at the University of the Incarnate World is accredited by the ACBSP and they are members of the AACSB International. This school in San Antonio, Texas, offers students the chance to earn an exceptional degree like the Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. The H-E-B School of Business has a variety of student organizations available to students like the Business Club, Delta Mu Delta honor society for business, or the ISACA Student Group, which is designed to help students network.
42. Wisconsin Lutheran College
Wisconsin Lutheran College, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, provides small classes which makes it easier for students to access their professors and receive mentoring in an individualized manner. Students here can earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Leadership, and there is even an option to complete that program in an accelerated format to get students out into the workforce even faster. An amazing 99% of traditional undergraduate students enrolled at full-time status receive some sort of financial aid, and the student-to-faculty ratio is only 12:1 according to the school's website.
43. McKendree University
Students that attend McKendree University have had an incredible success rate of 97% when it comes to finding a relevant job or continuing their education. This School of Business at this university in Lebanon, Illinois is IACBE accredited and offers programs including a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. Students in this program can take part in wonderful organizations like the Sigma Beta Delta, Phi Beta Lambda, or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
44. Peru State College
With an impressive 96% of freshmen given financial aid and a small on-campus class size of around 19 students, Peru State College is a great option for students looking to earn a business management degree. Located in Peru, Nebraska, this school offers a Master of Science in Organizational Management, Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management, Bachelor of Applied Science in Management, and three management related minors. These business students have the freedom to take excellent classes online, and they can also enter into the Phi Beta Lambda organization to network and develop relationships with their peers.
45. North Park University
North Park University in Chicago, IL, is home to the School of Business & Nonprofit Management which offers fantastic programs like the Bachelor of Science in Business in Management, the bachelor's in organizational management and leadership, and the Master of Organizational Management. This school gives students the chance to attend the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management where students can receive extra training, network with professionals, and take part in events. North Park University's impressive 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 88% employment rate for graduates prove this school is devoted to its students' success.
46. University of Wisconsin - Parkside
The AACSB and Higher Learning Commission accredited University of Wisconsin - Parkside offers students the chance to earn a Bachelor of Science or a minor in Business Management. Students enrolled in one of these fantastic programs at this school in Kenosha, Wisconsin, can work on projects for real businesses at the Small Business Development Center and gain experience that will transfer to their future careers. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to complete internships, study abroad, listen to guest speakers, and so much more.
47. Trevecca Nazarene University
Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee, offers an array of excellent degree programs including a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management, a BBA in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, a Master of Business Administration with a track in management and leadership, and a Doctor of Business Administration with a track in leading and managing. Impressively, 99% of students enrolled here will receive some type of financial aid or scholarship, and students can benefit from a student-to-teacher ratio of only 20:1. Of the faculty here, 92% have the highest degree that they could earn in their field.
48. Wilmington College
Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio, boasts that they provide financial aid to 99% of students, and that their students have completed over 8,000 service hours in the 2018-2019 school year, showing how well-rounded and dedicated their students are to the community around them. Students here can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Concentration in Management. Of those that have earned this degree, 85% ended up with a job in their field and 38% are earning a yearly wage of at least $60,000.
49. John Brown University
Students at John Brown University have the opportunity to earn an excellent Bachelor of Business Administration in Management degree. This school's College of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP). The school's knowledgeable business management faculty have experience working in the real world, so students can be certain they're learning more than just what appears in a textbook. To further develop their studies, students can opt to join the Enactus business club.
50. Cal Poly - Pomona
Offering students the chance to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Management and Leadership, Cal Poly Pomona is a great option for students looking to get into the area of business management. The College of Business Administration has earned an impressive accreditation from the AACSB, and there are an astounding 43,000 people that are a part of the alumni network. Some of the fantastic student organizations that management students may be interested in include the National Society of Leadership and Success, United Business Student Senate, Beta Alpha Psi society, Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization, and many others.
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
Types of Business Management Degrees
Business management concentrations can be found at every degree level, and at each level, all business management degree coursework includes business model, finance, accounting, and economics topics. Although many careers in business management and operations prefer candidates with at least a bachelor's degree, it's important to note that educational requirements vary with position seniority and employer, so you should choose a degree path that's right for your professional goals.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Example Career & Median Salary* |
|---|---|---|
| Associate's | 1-2 years | Bookkeeper; $39,240 |
| Bachelor's | 4 years | Financial Analyst; $84,300 |
| Master's or MBA | 2-3 years | Operations Manager; $100,410 |
Associate's Degree in Business Management
Business management associate's degree programs focus on proving you with a general education about business leadership and business practices. You'll gain an introductory understanding of marketing, purchasing, finance, sales, and more. Programs may also emphasize common processes and tools used for data processing, bookkeeping, and office management.
If you wish to continue your studies, you could choose to obtain a bachelor's degree in business, which provides you more thorough insight into the business world, as well as open doors to mid or upper-level career positions.
Some common careers for graduates of a business management associate degree program include:
- Administrative assistant
- Office manager
- Sales manager
- Bookkeeper
Bachelor's Degree in Business Management
A bachelor's of business management degree program prepares you for business roles within a wide variety of industries. You'll learn the ins and outs of business operations, and you may be able to choose a specialization such as public administration, marketing, healthcare management, real estate, or human resources. Bachelor's degrees typically take four years, though part-time and accelerated programs are available.
Bachelor's degree graduates who wish to attain management or senior-level positions within the business industry may find that a master's degree in business management or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree makes them a more competitive candidate. Certifications, such as the Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP) credential, are also options for those who want to boost their business knowledge.
With a business management bachelor's degree, you may pursue careers such as:
- Marketing manager
- Financial analyst
- Operations analyst
- Human resources personnel
Master's Degree in Business Management
Master's degrees in business management can take between two and three years to complete. These programs give you insight into business practices and leadership, and you can often tailor the curriculum to fit a specific concentration you want to specialize in, such as communications, international business management, or organizational development.
If you want to pursue an MBA degree, you can find a program with a business management focus. These programs generally take two years to complete, though part-time, accelerated, and executive MBA programs designed for working professionals can impact this timeline. To apply to an MBA program, you often need to have a few years of professional working experience in addition to previous schooling, and many MBA programs allow you to partially design your own curriculum to focus on your desired business concentration.
Master's or MBA degrees prepare you for a wide variety of management and executive positions, including:
- Operations manager
- Project manager
- Management analyst
- Senior project leader
- Retail or Wholesale chain manager
Online Business Management Degree
Online degrees are an excellent option if you need a program with flexibility due to family obligations, work, or really any reason. These programs allow you to complete your courses remotely on your own time while giving you the same quality education you'd receive in a traditional classroom environment.
Many options for online business management degrees exist at every level in colleges across the U.S. Some programs are fully online, but there are also hybrid programs, which allow you to take some coursework remotely online and some courses on campus, as well as self-paced programs, where you can set your own course schedule. If you choose to pursue an online degree, you will have fewer hands-on learning opportunities, so you may need to proactively seek out opportunities for practical application.
Online degree programs typically require you to have regular access to course materials and may still require you to engage with your instructors and student peers frequently. Students may communicate through web applications, email, chat, or some proprietary system the school uses.
Business Management Courses
Coursework that you'll encounter in a business management degree program varies depending on the degree you're seeking. Classes for business management programs involve core curriculum that give you a basic understanding of business functions and practices. Additionally, you could take courses related to various business specializations, such as human resources or entrepreneurship. At the graduate level, many of these courses discuss the role of management and leadership in more depth.
Common coursework includes:
- Business Fundamentals Courses: In introductory business courses, you'll learn about the history and theory behind established business practices. These courses introduce you to business terminology and basic business administration. Often, these courses include case studies, which show you how principles apply to real-world business scenarios.
- Finance and Accounting Courses: Finance and accounting courses introduce you to budgetary, investment, and asset concerns of businesses. You might also learn about different financial systems, as well as interact with accounting software.
- Marketing and Advertising Courses: Marketing and advertising courses explore consumer behavior and trends and describe strategies that businesses employ to attract these consumers. These courses explain business actions in the global consumer marketplace, and often explore ramifications of marketing and advertising decisions.
- Business Law Courses: Business law courses introduce you to the basics of business ethics and the legal elements that impact businesses in the global economy.
- Information Systems Courses: Information systems courses explain how business organizations manage their assets securely and discuss security and ethics concerns of various systems. You'll explore how information systems contribute to successful management of business operations.
- Macroeconomics and Microeconomics Courses: Macroeconomics courses discuss behavior and decision-making that occurs within economies and the factors that contribute to these behaviors. These courses often discuss markets at the global scale. Microeconomics, on the other hand, discusses individual decisions. Both courses cover the effect of supply and demand, competition, and regulatory restrictions.
- Organizational Behavior Courses: Organizational behavior courses introduce you to human behaviors in a work environment, and explain how different work structures impact employee performance, motivation, and more. You'll study behaviors of both groups and individuals within businesses.
- Communications Courses: Communications courses focus on effective dissemination of information between people, individuals and organizations, and among multiple organizations. These courses can be focused around public speaking, mass media, groups, and more.
What Can I Do with a Business Management Degree?
A degree in business management opens the door for a wide variety of business management careers. You could go on to work in business roles within industries as varied as healthcare, hospitality, retail, and construction. Completing a graduate level degree may make you better suited for management and teaching roles, but generally, with a business management degree, you can be assured that many positions pay mid-to-high-range median salaries.
Business Management Skills
Earning your degree will help you develop and practice important skills that will serve you throughout your career in business management. Here are a few of the most important qualities you'll refine as you progress through your degree program:
- Written and verbal communication
- Strategic thinking
- Ability to motivate and grow employees
- Leadership
- Decision making
