Best Bachelor's Degrees in Business

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

There are plenty of places to get a free online business education and they can be a great resource for learning new skills or trying to decide if a business degree is right for you. However, they are not a replacement for a business degree, especially if you are considering a career in business. Business degrees can be found from the associate to doctoral levels and cover a range of subjects related to starting, running, and maintaining a business, company, or organization. This includes managing employees, calculating finances, and determining the best strategies for growth, among many other topics.

Associate Degrees in Business

Associate degrees in business follow the same pattern as most bachelor's degrees, with degree titles like Associate of Applied Business or Associate of Arts in Business, with major and concentration options in business management, accounting, marketing, and business technology, among others. Depending on the major or concentration, an associate's degree can prepare students for entry-level positions. Most programs offer a general business curriculum that's suitable for transition to a bachelor's program. Associate degrees typically last 2 years and require around 60 credits.

Bachelor's Degrees in Business

Bachelor's degrees in business are broad, varied, and easily customizable. A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) program is the most common, but you'll also see a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at many schools. Either one can prepare students for business careers across many areas such as finance, human resources, marketing, and management.

A BSBA program may come with different concentrations that reflect these career areas, while a BBA program will typically offer these areas of interest as a major in itself. For example, a student may choose between a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting or a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. The type of degree offered depends on the school. In some cases, there may be a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA) but these programs are rarer. Many programs require students to complete a business internship and/or a capstone project toward the end of the program.

Master's Degrees in Business

There are several graduate degrees for business majors but the one that is most common is the Master of Business Administration. MBA programs teach a range of topics relating to business operations but they also incorporate a leadership perspective. Some schools offer concentrations such as accounting, leadership, healthcare management, and public relations. MBA programs can qualify students for advanced management and executive positions. Master's programs typically last 2 years and require around 40 credits.

Doctoral Degrees in Business

Doctoral degrees in business are usually divided between a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Business Administration. Doctoral programs focus more on research and theory rather than concrete skills because they're designed more for careers in academia or advanced research. Students may take courses in ethics, organizational leadership, and strategic thinking, but most of their time will be spent conducting original research for a dissertation. Some programs allow students to choose an area of focus, such as accounting, international business, and decision sciences. The length of a doctoral program depends on how long a student takes to write their dissertation, but they typically last at least 4 years and require around 54 credits.

Certificates in Business

Because the business field is so broad, there's no one business certificate for students to take. Just like with degrees, there are multiple kinds of certificates in business that teach business-related skills. They can include:

• Accounting
• Leadership
• Business Management
• Small Business Management
• Human Resource Management
• Digital Marketing
• Business Statistics

These programs are typically for undergraduate and graduate students or individuals who want to expand their skills. Certificate programs in business usually last no more than a year, and many are just a few months long.

A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration are similar programs and can prepare students for many of the same careers. There are distinct differences between the two, however.

A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration focuses more on mathematics and analytical courses. Students gain knowledge and skills in business and communications but also economics, accounting, finance, and marketing. Graduates of BSBA programs may apply a more specific skill set to their careers. Some careers these graduates may pursue include:

• Accountant
• Data Scientist
• Financial Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Specialist
• Human Resources Management

A Bachelor of Business Administration focuses more on liberal arts courses, with students gaining a broad overview of business. Students also take courses in economics, finance, math, and marketing management, but they learn from an expansive perspective. Graduates of BBA programs can usually apply to a wider range of business-related career fields. Some careers these graduates may pursue include:

• Operations Manager
• Accountant
• Human Resources Manager
• Financial Controller

There are many types of concentrations for business bachelor's degrees. These concentrations allow students to focus their studies on a specific topic that is tailored towards their academic and career interests. This way, they can gain valuable skills that can prepare them for future professional endeavors in a more specialized area. The most common concentrations in business bachelor's degree programs can include:

• Accounting
• Marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Information Systems

The curriculum for a bachelor's degree in business can vary greatly due to the customizability of the program. There are general business courses that all students must take, however, to gain strong knowledge in the core foundational concepts of business. Some of these courses can include:

• Business Law
• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Accounting
• International Business
• Management
• Marketing
• Project Management
• Operations and Supply Chain Management

A bachelor's in business typically requires around 120 credits for graduation. Students who are studying full time can complete their bachelor's degree in 4 years; it will take longer for part-time students. In some cases, if a student is transferring from a community college or a different bachelor's program, they may be able to get enough credits transferred to allow them to complete the program in as little as two years. Many business degrees require an internship and these can last from about a semester up to a year; internships are also counted as credit.

The array of options for business schools and programs can seem overwhelming. The best business major depends on what your personal, academic, and professional goals are. For example, if you love working with numbers, you may want to consider a business program that offers an accounting concentration, or if you want to own a business one day, consider a program that has business management or entrepreneurship as a concentration.

It may help to look at what each school/program offers in terms of concentrations, classes, and other student opportunities such as business clubs, study abroad options, and internship requirements. Student testimonials can also be a great way to see what a program is like from students who've been through it. All of this information can usually be found on the schools' website.

If you're having trouble finding schools, the National Center for Education Statistics' College Navigator can help your search. You can look for schools by degree level, majors offered, location, and institution type. They also list important figures such as tuition, graduation, and retention rates.

It is extremely important to graduate from an accredited school and even more important from an accredited business program. Accreditation ensures that the education students are receiving meets rigorous standards. These standards are decided by member boards who have advanced knowledge in education and whatever industry the program is teaching. It also allows students to receive federal financial aid funds like grants and loans.

A university as a whole can be accredited and this is called institutional accreditation. This accreditation is offered regionally by organizations such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) or the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), all of which are approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

A school or program within a university that teaches skills for a certain industry can be separately accredited and this is called programmatic accreditation. The most respected and recognized accreditation agency in the United States that grants accreditation to business schools and programs is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

There is no singular licensure or certification for business professionals due to the broadness of the field. An owner or operator of a business that runs at a physical location will need a business license, but this is different from licensure. Licensure and certification are typically used to either meet standards or advance one's career. A few types of certifications for professionals in the business field can include:

• The Institute of Management Accountants' (IMA) Certification for Accountants and Professionals in Business' Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Certification is for accountants and other finance professionals. A 2-part exam is required as well as a bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant work experience.
• The Human Resources Certification Institute offers many certifications for entry-level and seasoned HR professionals. These include the Associate Professional in Human Resources, Professional in Human Resources, Senior Professional in Human Resources, and the Global Professional in Human Resources.
• The American Marketing Association (AMA) has several certifications for marketing professionals, including Digital Marketing Pro and Digital Marketing Expert, as well as the Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) program, which has certifications for Marketing Management, Content Marketing, and Sales Management.

Many of these certifications require an exam and/or continuing education. There is plenty of free online continuing education for business professionals but these don't typically give credit and may not count towards certification. They can be a great way to brush up on your skills or see if a field within business is right for you.

From marketing and project management to human resources, finance, and business consulting, there is a vast range of career options with a business degree. These span across virtually every industry so an individual's career is as unique as themselves. A marketing professional could work in the fashion industry or for a toy company. An accountant can work in-house for an organization or branch off on their own. A few careers that can benefit from a business bachelor's degree include:

• Accountant
• Auditor
• Labor Relations Specialist
• Budget Analyst
• Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner
• Training and Development Specialist
• Fundraiser
• Market Research Analyst

Some of these careers are non-desk jobs for business majors, meaning an individual won't be stuck in an office all day. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most of these careers just require a bachelor's degree and have salaries that range from $50,000 to $90,000, as of 2019.

How to Become a Management Analyst

Management analysts, or management consultants, advise managers on how to make their companies run more efficiently and make more profit. Their typical job duties include gathering information about a company's problems that need solving, determining which personnel and equipment are needed, analyzing financial data, and using this information to come up with and implement new plans and strategies. They may also talk to managers after implementation to see how the company is performing under the new system. Analysts may work independently or in teams, depending on the project and size of the company. They can work in many industries from healthcare and telecommunications to different government agencies.

Management analysts need a bachelor's degree at minimum and work experience that is related to the organizations that hire them; for example, a software company may seek a management analyst who has previous experience as a computer systems analyst, or a tax preparation firm may seek a management analyst with experience as an accountant. A master's degree in business administration is an additional requirement for some companies. Voluntary Certified Management Consultant (CMC) certification can be obtained through The Institute of Management Consultants USA. According to the BLS, management analysts have an annual median wage of $85,260 as of 2019. The profession is expected to grow by 11% from 2019-2029.

How to Become a Human Resources Specialist

A human resources specialist is in charge of handling the employees of a company, business, or organization. They don't manage the employees, but they handle things such as staff recruitment, screening, interviewing, and placement. They also handle employee relations, training, and compensation and benefits. Human resources specialists may act as a kind of liaison between the employers and the employees, making sure each individual's needs are being met to the best of the company's abilities. This can include questions about company policies, job duties, and compensation, among other things. Their duties may be divided based on what type of specialist they are; HR generalists deal with all areas of the job while recruitment specialists specifically deal with finding, interviewing, and hiring job applicants.

Human resources specialists typically must have a bachelor's degree in business, human resources, or a related field. Previous work experience in jobs such as human resources assistance and customer service is also a common requirement. Advancement to a management position is possible with HR certification, usually either through the Society for Human Resource Management or the HR Certification Institute. Certification is usually voluntary, but it may be preferred by many employers.

The BLS states that, as of 2019, the annual median wage for human resource specialists is $61,920. The profession is expected to grow by 7% from 2019-2029.

Applying for financial aid starts with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This allows students to see what federal loans, grants, and scholarships they qualify for. A few criteria include being enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution, a social security number, and legal citizenship or non-citizen status.

Aside from federal aid, there are a number of scholarships students can apply to on their own. Some of these are directly for business students. A few include:

• The American Institute of CPAs offers the John L. Carey scholarship to students without previous business education who are pursuing graduate studies in accounting and plan to apply for CPA licensure. A $5,000 award is given to 5 students.
• The Scarlett Family Foundation offers several scholarships to high school students in 40 counties in Tennessee who are pursuing a business or STEM degree at a 4-year, nonprofit college or university. They've awarded over 600 scholarships totaling $15.5 million.
• The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners offers the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship to students enrolled in a business administration, accounting, or finance degree program with a plan to pursue a fraud prevention career. The amounts awarded are $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, and $10,000.