A business degree has been a popular undergraduate degree for many decades because it allows for a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates with business degrees typically work as accountants, auditors, budget analysts, financial analysts, HR specialists, logicians, or market research analysts to name a few. Students with a bachelor's degree can qualify to apply for MBA programs.
Business occupations are growing faster than average compared to non-business careers. According to BLS.gov, business and financial operations occupations is projected 7% growth from 2018 to 2028. This rapid growth is due to the fact that most industries are increasingly using business related professions, such as market research analysts, to evaluate and develop marketing and business strategies.
If you know which area of study you are generally interested in, next up would be to choose a degree focus, also known as a “program”. There are many different programs to choose from depending on your main area of interest. Although many online colleges offer similar degrees, not all schools offer similar programs.
Because programs are more specific, it is a great way for narrowing your search when comparing online colleges choices. To assist you on your online college search journey, we have compiled a list of popular online business degree programs.
Learn about theories and applications of accounting in areas including corporate accounting, taxation, governmental and not-for-profit accounting, and auditing.
You can study foundational business skills from industry professionals who link industry concepts with practical applications.
Dive deep into psychological theories, data, motivation, and success factors of individuals. This program is great for those who excel at creating and maintaining businesses.
Explore how data analysis is used to make informed business decisions. By Focusing on how to classify data and applying data analysis to risk opportunities.
Along with exploring business fundamentals, this programs focuses on proficiency in financial accounting, investments, and risk assessment.
This program includes specializations in employment law, staffing, hiring, compensation, benefits, workforce development, and performance improvement.
Pursing a more specialized degree program may help you to stand out amongst. Below we have compiled a list of popular business career occupations where a business degree is typically required for an entry level job. Although it is not always the case, a program with requirements similar to a career can help!
Often referred to as an HR specialist, people employed in this position help an employer find and screen applicants that are best suited for a company at that point in time. Human Resource Specialists are an indispensable position in big companies that perform background checks, screen candidates, review their resumes and recruit applicants that meet the cut. In some cases are not limited to just recruiting but bringing new applicants up to speed with an organization’s policies.
The median annual wage for human resources specialists was $62,290 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,680, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $108,160.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Human Resources Specialists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/human-resources-specialists.htm (visited May 16, 2022).
Being an accountant is more than preparing tax returns. A company’s accountant is an important position to fill as this person is tasked with an advisory role on ways to reduce costs and maximize revenue streams. The account is also charged with computing the company’s taxes, assessing financial operations, ensuring that the company’s statements are in compliance with the law, preparing and maintaining accurate records.
The median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $77,250 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $47,970, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $128,970.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditors, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (visited May 16, 2022). (visited May 16, 2022).
Training and development managers plan, coordinate, and direct skills and knowledge enhancement programs for an organization’s staff. Training and development managers work in nearly every industry. They typically work full time, spending much of their day with people. Training and development managers typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree and related work experience.
The median annual wage for training and development managers was $120,130 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $64,370, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $207,420.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Human Resources Specialists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/human-resources-specialists.htm (visited May 16, 2022).
A financial analyst in any firm is responsible for planning the company’s financial future. An analyst is tasked with interpreting financial procedures, forecasting revenue streams, and figuring out the budget for projects the company intends to undergo.
The median annual wage for financial analysts was $81,410 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,740, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $163,640.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Financial Analysts, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm (visited May 16, 2022).
Market Research Analysts help a company assess consumer preferences by targeting markets through study of the market conditions, trends, and consumer behavior. Properly understanding market metrics allow a company to strategize the right ways and means to identify target customers with the use of market analysis, questionnaires and interviews. Analysts are most times hired to work as part of a marketing team or hired on contract at consulting firms.
The median annual wage for market research analysts was $63,920 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,570, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $128,320.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Market Research Analysts, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm (visited May 16, 2022).
Advertising and marketing managers help a firm to coordinate the affairs of both the advertising and marketing departments. This is typically a hybrid position to ensure that a product or service being offered is correctly advertised and marketed to a target audience.
The median annual wage for advertising and promotions managers was $127,150 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,250, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $208,000.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm (visited May 16, 2022).
Question: What degree level is best for me if I have a high school diploma or GED, and I am interested in Business Careers?
Answer: The first step to choosing a degree level to start with should be based on your highest level of education. If you have a high school diploma or a general education diploma (GED), you have a few options depending on what your overall career goal is. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), most entry level jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. An associate's degrees can be a great stepping stone to a bachelor's degree, but to get ahead of the pack, we would recommend pursing a bachelor's degree.
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