It seems almost redundant for someone to consider a career in “business.” After all, isn’t every money-earning career part of business in some sort of way? Well, yes and no.

Sure, most money-making enterprises are businesses of some sort. But not every salary-pulling position requires you to understand a company’s business aspects. This is where a Business Administration degree comes into play.

The most common and accessible way for students to enter the business world is to pursue a Business Administration degree. This can lead to nearly infinite outcomes after graduation, as the skills are transferable across most, if not all, business organizations. But how much do you need to know? Where can you learn it? And, what is a Business Administration degree in the first place?

We’ll unpack and answer all these questions below, positioning this degree among the other options you face when deciding to go to business school.

What is a Business Administration degree?

A long-standing area of study, business administration provides a comprehensive overview of all facets of business, helping students stand out in the modern business arena.

Business Administration degree programs offer students knowledge and training in the topics needed to oversee and run a business: business management, finance, marketing, customer relations, strategic planning, business law and ethics, human resources, and entrepreneurship are just a few.

Within a Business Administration program, there are also various pathways for students to choose. Will you start with a collegiate certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree? After which, will you work professionally to develop your skills further, or hop right into a master’s level program to specialize your knowledge?

In practice, in the modern age of study, business administration classes are usually offered either in a standard 15-week format or at an accelerated 8-week pace. For added flexibility, some schools offer business courses online, on campus, and in hybrid formats so that you can continue working while in school.

Study Business Administration at Goodwin University

How is Business Administration different from other business degree programs?

Business Administration degrees focus primarily on the organizational and administrative systems necessary to operate a business. These principles apply widely across industries, making Business Administration a popular choice for those looking to enter the world of business after graduation.

Business Administration is, however, only one traditional way to study the world of business. Higher education also offers business management and organizational leadership as additional lenses through which to consider this field.

Business Management

Business management programs cover an even broader scope, including business administration. All business programs offer a foundational curriculum in marketing, economics, finance, law, and ethics. Students in this major also complete coursework in business planning and human resource management.

If you choose to pursue a degree in business management, you will be well-qualified to land entry-level management positions in Human Resources, Accounting, Marketing, or Benefits Administration. You will also be equipped to earn a more general management position, perhaps as an assistant manager, office manager, project manager, or supervisor.

Organizational Leadership

Another program you might come across in your search for business training is an Organizational Leadership degree. Often compared to the MBA by prospective students, this master’s degree is best for those who are looking to lead large teams and organizations, rather than to contribute to business more generally.

Programs like Goodwin’s MSOL, for example, fill out the curriculum with resources such as the GRIT scale, the Enneagram test, and more to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, so graduates are prepared to tackle obstacles such as imposter syndrome and conflict resolution, and to cultivate a community-driven future.

What jobs are available with a Business Administration degree?

Well, this depends heavily on which degree you choose. An associate degree in Business Administration, for example, prepares graduates for entry-level positions in business. These two-year programs typically cover core topics in management, business law and ethics, customer relations, finance, accounting, marketing, and business planning.

Although in some programs, such as Goodwin’s, you can also tailor your classes to align with your interests and goals. Graduates of our associate degree in Business Administration often find positions in companies they love, serving as:

• Administrative assistants
• Bookkeepers
• Executive assistants
• Sales managers

If you’re thinking long-term, most business careers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, require a bachelor’s degree. Business degrees at this level can range from broader business administration programs to specialized areas (such as marketing or accounting).

A bachelor’s in Business Administration, like the one offered at Goodwin University, is a safe bet for those looking to become business leaders. Fresh off graduation, you’re eligible for upper-management positions or prepared to start your own business. Below are common career outcomes of our bachelor’s in Business Administration degree:

• Administrative services managers
• Business owner
• Financial and budget analysts
• Human resource (HR) specialists and managers
• Marketing managers

Ready to explore these and other possible career paths further? If you are looking to jumpstart or advance your career in business, get started today.

Learn more about the business programs offered at Goodwin University. Call 1-800-889-3282 or visit us online to request more information.