What You Should Know About This Degree
Most degrees in business administration offer a general overview of business practices and skills, with opportunities for specialization in different sub-fields. This approach prepares graduates for many business-related jobs. However, individuals seeking work in a focused industry, such as healthcare or accounting, might be better served by a bachelor’s in healthcare administration or accounting. When researching programs, consider your ultimate career goal, and which program will offer the most help in getting there.
Earning a bachelor’s degree is essential in landing a job in business, but it’s typically only the first step. Most business-related fields, including accounting, real estate, and human resources, have required or voluntary licenses and certifications that individuals need to work professionally. Factor in the additional commitment of time and money when deciding if a career in business is right for you.
If you want to pursue a career in business, but don’t already have an undergraduate degree, a bachelor’s is the logical place to start. However, if you do have a bachelor’s, even if it’s not in a business-related field, you may want to consider a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) instead. An MBA takes less time to complete, and will make you eligible for higher-paying jobs faster, but will cover all the business-related skills you need to know.
What’s Next?
When selecting an online business administration degree, consider the following:
- Do I want a BA, BS, or BBA? Whether you want a more generalized or specialized experience will guide your decision about the type of business administration degree you want. Some schools offer multiple types of business administration degrees, making it easier to switch if you change your mind after enrolling in a program.
- Does the program offer the specialization that I want? Most schools offer students the option to study general business administration, or focus on a particular area, such as management, finance, or entrepreneurship. Concentrating on a specific business aspect can better prepare you for jobs in that area. When researching programs, find out if they offer a concentration in the area that interests you most.
You can find information about the program’s admissions requirements and application processes online or by contacting the school’s admissions office. You should also consider how you will finance your education. Research scholarship opportunities and financial aid deadlines. If you are currently employed, check with your employer to see if tuition remission/reimbursement benefits are available.