Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Worth It?
Business administration is among the most popular college degrees in the U.S. for a good reason. Earning a business degree provides strong job security as the skills and knowledge gained can be utilized in multiple career paths across various industries. With a degree in business, you will acquire leadership skills that will help advance your career.
What is a Business Administration Bachelor’s Degree?
While the courses for a business administration degree may vary by school, the learning outcomes for most bachelor’s programs include developing communication and leadership skills, understanding various business analysis methods, gaining knowledge of business systems and technologies and cultivating an awareness of the global changes impacting businesses today. A business administration degree will help prepare you for project manager, business analyst, general manager, marketing specialist, office administrator, sales manager, financials analyst and human resource specialist positions.
Why Get a Business Administration Degree?
Business administration is a highly sought-after degree for many reasons, including the career stability it provides. A Bachelor’s in Business Administration provides knowledge and skills in multiple aspects of business, which will qualify you for jobs in many areas and industries. Those who study business administration typically learn skills like negotiation, verbal and written communication, research and analysis and the ability to work in teams, all of which will make you an incredibly versatile employee. If your degree includes concentration areas, you will acquire in-depth knowledge in one or more business disciplines, improving your eligibility for higher-paying positions.
Customizing your Business Administration Degree
Depending on the school, business administration majors may be required to pick a concentration, such as marketing, finance or accounting. At some universities, such as UMass Lowell, business administration students pursue multiple concentrations as part of the curriculum. This allows students to customize the degree to match their personal and professional interests. Combining concentration options such as entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management, management information systems and marketing program allows graduates to distinguish themselves from other job seekers.
Business Administration B.A. vs. B.S.
According to eLearners, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Administration focuses on business as a science. A B.S. in Business Administration is more analytical and has a stronger emphasis on mathematics, while a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Business Administration emphasizes liberal arts courses. Most B.A. programs focus on developing soft skills such as communication and ideation.
What are the requirements to Earn a Business Administration Degree?
Most business administration degrees require you to take at least one or two foundational courses in core business areas such as accounting, finance, management and marketing, followed by additional study in your chosen concentration area(s). You must complete 120 credits to earn a Bachelor’s in Business Administration.
Business Administration Degree Jobs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, business-related jobs will grow 10% through 2026. With a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, you’ll have career opportunities in many different fields, from finance to marketing and human resources. Below is a short list of careers you will be qualified to pursue after completing your degree program.
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Project Manager
Project managers lead teams as they pursue an end goal, establishing project tasks and timelines. This job is great for problem solvers with strong communication and leadership skills.
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Business Analyst
If you have strong data analysis and critical thinking skills, a career as a business analyst may be right for you. Business analysts help companies utilize data to inform decision-making and process improvements.
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Marketing Specialist
A marketing specialist analyzes data and research to help drive marketing strategies. Marketing specialists must understand a target audience’s behaviors and motivations and the communication channels available to reach a specific audience segment.
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Human Resources Specialist
A human resources (HR) specialist supports a company’s employees by assisting with business needs such as payroll, training, benefits, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
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Digital Marketing Manager
Digital marketing managers are responsible for engaging new and current customers in digital environments to help drive inquiries and sales. Valuable skills for this position include analytical thinking, attention to detail, creativity and presentation skills.
Explore UMass Lowell’s Business Administration Programs
