07/14/2025
Exploring Your Options for Earning a Business Degree
If you're thinking about earning a business degree, you’re likely wondering where to start or what to study. Whether you're new to college, transferring credits, or returning to complete your degree, this guide will walk you through how to get a business degree—from choosing the right program to understanding what to expect along the way.
Learn about the different types of business degrees, what kinds of classes you’ll take, how online learning works, and what steps to take to get started. This degree offers a structured academic path for those entering the business field or seeking leadership and organizational skills.
What Is a Business Degree?
A business degree is an academic credential that prepares students to understand how organizations operate. It covers areas like marketing, financial management, human resource management, project management, and more. Business degrees are offered at multiple academic levels, including associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees.
These programs are intended to help students build competencies in areas such as critical thinking, leadership, business analytics, and financial accounting. Students can tailor their education by choosing a concentration—common ones include business administration, human resources, business and information technology, and small business marketing.
Types of Business Degree Programs
What Is an Associate Degree in Business?
An associate degree in business typically takes two years to complete and is offered through community colleges and some online programs. This degree is ideal for students seeking an entry point into the business world or looking to transfer to a four-year university.
Courses often include introductions to business law, marketing, and cost accounting. Courses often include business law, marketing, and cost accounting—practical skills that prepare students for entry-level roles or further study.
What to Expect from a Bachelor’s Degree in Business
A bachelor's degree in business is often the most popular path. Typically requiring about 120 credit hours, this undergraduate degree is available both online and on campus. A Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in business can cover general education alongside business-focused courses in:
- Financial management
- Business law
- Marketing courses
- Human resource management
- Financial accounting
- Business data and analytics
Programs may also offer elective courses so students can tailor their business education to their career goals.
Earning a Master’s Degree in Business
A master’s degree in business, such as an MBA, is a graduate-level academic program that expands on foundational knowledge. It typically includes coursework in areas such as leadership, business intelligence, and strategic analysis. The program may take one to two years to complete and is commonly structured for individuals who already have professional or academic experience in business-related fields.
Choosing the Right Business Degree Program
When looking at business administration programs, consider the following:
- Accreditation: Look for programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) or similar bodies.
- Specializations: Many programs allow students to specialize in areas like business intelligence, financial management, public relations, or entrepreneurship.
- Delivery Format: Some students prefer an on-campus experience, while others may benefit from an online business degree program.
- Transfer Credits: If you’ve earned college credits elsewhere or have relevant prior learning, some programs allow you to apply those toward your degree.
If flexibility is key for you, an online degree program can be especially beneficial. These programs often provide options for self-paced learning, and many students are able to maintain employment while pursuing their degree.
Typical Coursework in a Business Degree Program
Business degree programs cover a wide range of subjects. Typical coursework includes:
- Business Law and Ethics
- Financial Accounting and Cost Accounting
- Human Resource Management
- Information Technology Systems
- Marketing Strategy and Consumer Behavior
- Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
- Project Management and Operations Management
Some programs may include real-world projects or internships that give students the chance to apply business strategies to actual business environments. These hands-on opportunities are designed to provide exposure to business-related tasks and scenarios that may reflect real-world settings.
How Online Business Degree Programs Work
An online business degree offers the same curriculum as on-campus programs but allows you to study when and where it’s most convenient. This format is particularly helpful for students balancing work, family, or military responsibilities.
Online programs also make it easier for students to:
- Transfer previously earned college credits
- Access course materials anytime
- Learn at their own pace
- Interact with classmates and professors virtually
This adaptable learning format can be especially appealing to students who need to balance academic goals with personal or professional obligations.
Typical Career Paths with a Business Degree
Graduates with a business degree may explore a variety of career paths, depending on experience, geographic location, and job market conditions. Individuals with academic backgrounds in business may pursue roles in areas such as:
- Business Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Project Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Human Resources Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Operations Manager
- Marketing Coordinator
- Entrepreneur or Small Business Owner
These skills are valued in many professional environments, and roles that leverage them may continue to see demand across various industries.
Next Steps Toward a Business Career
A business degree program offers structured learning in areas such as organizational operations, finance, and marketing. These programs are designed to help students build foundational knowledge that may be applicable in a variety of professional settings.
If you're exploring business as an area of academic interest, accredited programs are available in multiple formats to accommodate different learning preferences and schedules.
