What Can You Do With A College Degree In Business

man in a suit sitting reading a business newspaper

A business degree is one of the most popular majors. Earning a college degree is an investment, therefore, knowing what you can do with this degree is crucial when deciding if you want to major in it. Students who major in business have a lot of job opportunities. They can pursue a variety of career paths in multinational companies, small business shops, entrepreneurial ventures, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations.

I majored in business and earned 3 degrees. I received my Associate degree in Business Administration (AS), a Bachelor’s degree in Business Entrepreneurship (BS), and a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Global Business (MBA). My business classes have given me an abundance of skills and experiences that have been very beneficial to my career.

What Can You Do With A Business Degree

As I mentioned above, careers in business are available in a plethora of different industries. Almost all companies and corporations, both large and small, need employees who have experience and expertise in specific fields of business. Whether it be management, finances, marketing, economics, administration, human resources, or logistics, businesses will need employees who specialize in these areas in order to grow and succeed.

There Are Many Types Of Business Degrees

Many majors fall under the label “business degree”. Each degree program will have its own set of requirements for credits, courses, cost, and other graduation requirements. The type of business degree and program you choose will greatly depend on your interests, the career you’d like to pursue, and your academic goals.

Below are 10 of the top business majors. Any of these majors will provide a student with a solid business foundation and will give graduates considerable job opportunities.

1. Business Administration:

Business Administration gives students a broad understanding of how organizations and businesses work. Students will study business practices, management, ethics, theory, and finance. In addition, students will learn and develop skills that are needed in the business world, including critical thinking and problem-solving, data analysis, communication, negotiation, team building, and research.

2. Finance:

Finance majors learn to do a variety of jobs, including corporate finance, investment banking, financial services, wealth management, and law and government. Financial analysts guide businesses and individuals in decisions about spending money to attain a profit. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other types of investments.

3. Entrepreneurship:

An entrepreneurship degree is not just for those who want to own their own business. The degree is an excellent choice because it focuses heavily on business development and growth. Students learn to transform ideas into functional business operations. Studying entrepreneurship allows students to be creative and innovative while applying basic business principles to the challenges of starting a new business, growing a business, or managing an existing business.

4. Marketing:

Marketers plan programs to generate interest in products or services. They can do this through advertising and promotions, brand building, digital marketing, and developing marketing strategies. They may help with choosing inventory and pricing products. Marketers also focus on attracting new clients to a business.

5. International Business:

International business students learn the skills to do business all around the world. Students who major in international business may work for international or multinational organizations, governmental agencies, non-profits, or banks.

6. Economics:

Economists study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services by collecting and analyzing data, researching trends, and evaluating economic issues. Economists may pursue a career as a stockbroker, pricing analyst, statistician, financial analyst, loan officer, etc.

7. Accounting:

Accountants prepare and examine financial records, identify potential areas of opportunity and risk, and provide solutions for businesses and individuals. They ensure that financial records are accurate, that financial and data risks are evaluated, and that taxes are paid properly. They also assess financial operations and work to help ensure that organizations run efficiently. A graduate with a degree in Accountancy might pursue many career paths.

8. Logistics And Supply Chain Management:

Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain—the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer. They manage the entire life cycle of a product, which includes how a product is acquired, allocated, and delivered.

9. Healthcare Management:

Medical and health managers, also called healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They may manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians. Healthcare managers must adapt to changes in healthcare laws, regulations, and technology.

10. Human Resources:

Human resources managers plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff; consult with top executives on strategic planning; and serve as a link between an organization’s management and its employees.

A group of college business degree graduates sitting around a large table having a meeting. There are computers and coffee cups in from of them.

Core Business Degree Classes

Whatever area of business a student chooses to study there will be some core classes that almost all business majors will be required to take. These courses will create a strong foundation of skills that will allow you to pivot in whatever direction you would like in the business world. Below are some core business courses that you might have to take.

  • Business Administration
  • Accounting Fundamentals
  • Finance
  • Economics
  • Business Math
  • Introduction to Marketing
  • Introduction to Management
  • Principles of Macroeconomics
  • Principles of Microeconomics

Whether you’re interested in having a career in the business field or you are considering starting your own company, getting a degree in business is worth the effort.  The wide range of jobs to choose from, the skills you learn and develop, the excellent job outlook, and the highly competitive salaries make this a top degree.

—Sensei