A Bachelors in Business Administration is a 4-year long degree designed to give students a strong understanding of management concepts, along with developing their personal leadership skills. Completion of this program can lead to a vast variety of careers in a number of business and management related fields. To learn more about a Bachelors in Business Administration, read the following comprehensive guide that includes information on admission requirements, coursework and potential careers with this degree.
Opportunities with a Bachelors in Business Administration Degree
A Bachelors in Business Administration can open up career opportunities that require analytical thinking, leadership and research skills. This degree enables graduates to work in nearly any private industry, since all kinds of businesses require trained professionals to help them succeed financially.
Potential opportunities with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration can include careers in operations, sales management, healthcare or marketing, among other options. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the business and finance sector is expected to grow by 8% in the years from 2020 to 2030, which will add an approximate 750,800 new jobs.
How long does it take to earn a Bachelors in Business Administration degree?
A Bachelors in Business Administration degree would take 4 years of full-time study to complete. Students enrolled in accelerated programs would be able to finish their degrees sooner and those enrolled in online programs may have a flexible timeline. Part-time options are also available for students who have other personal or professional commitments to tend to, along with their bachelor’s degree.
How to Choose a Bachelors in Business Administration Program?
When looking for a Bachelors in Business Administration degree, there are several factors that students need to consider. For instance, applicants would have to take into account the affordability factor and the overall cost for the program. In addition to that, location can play an important part in the process as well. Some students might prefer to go for an on-campus degree, while others would find online degrees more suited to their needs.
Applicants also need to analyze the program features in complete detail, including the number of semesters, coursework involved, internships and real-world experience opportunities. Other important factors to consider would include admission requirements, faculty credentials, career placement opportunities and accreditation status.
Students are strongly advised to go over the program details comprehensively prior to applying to ensure that the degree components would help them meet their future career goals.
How much does a Bachelors in Business Administration degree cost?
The cost of a bachelor’s in Business Administration would depend on a number of factors, such as the format of the degree, type of college and reputation of the institute. For instance, private colleges would typically cost more than public colleges, while online colleges may be slightly more cost-friendly than their on-campus counterparts.
According to data from US News, the average tuition fees for private colleges in the 2021-2022 academic year was $38,185, while that for public, out-of-state colleges was $22,698 and for public, in-state colleges, the tuition for 2021-2022 was $10,338.
Should I get a Bachelors in Business Administration degree?
A bachelor’s degree in business administration is an increasingly popular educational credential due to its versatility and marketability, among other reasons. When you enroll in a business degree, you are exposed to a multitude of concepts ranging from fundamentals of accounting, operations, finance, marketing and a lot more. This broad educational base can help develop your career in a more wholesome and comprehensive manner.
In addition to that, a bachelor’s in business administration is a practical and current degree that is relevant in nearly all fields of business management. Students get to learn about the latest technologies in today’s fast-paced business world, giving them a competitive advantage and an innovative edge.
A bachelor’s in Business Administration challenges students and prepares them for higher studies as well. Graduates of this program can go on to enroll in MBA degrees as well.
What can I expect from a Bachelors in Business Administration program?
A Bachelors in Business Administration has a variety of learning outcomes that prepare students to assume a number of roles in the business industry. The comprehensive coursework exposes students to principles of business ethics, decision-making, resource management, business law, micro-economics, macroeconomics and finance.
Students can expect to spend 4 years enrolled in this program, and would also have to complete a final year project and internship in most cases.
Coursework in a Bachelor of Business Administration
The course structure of a BBA program would vary from institute to institute. However, in most cases, students can expect to study courses such as Foundations of Business, Principles of Accounting, Introduction to Business Writing, Introduction to Business Law, Introduction to Statistics, Organizational Behavior, Introduction to Leadership, Introduction to Sales Management, Entrepreneurship etc.
Most BBA programs also offer concentration options such as Information Technology, Finance, Human Resource, Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurship, among others. Elective courses in E-commerce, marketing analytics, customer relationship management, social media strategy and digital marketing strategy are also offered by most business colleges.
Accreditation for a Bachelors in Business Administration
Accreditation is perhaps one of the most important factors to consider when shortlisting potential colleges for admission. Business programs in the US are typically accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which is the most sought-after accreditation for business programs. AACSB-accredited programs are considered to have better faculty, better students with overall higher GPAs, a larger number of international students and typically get better employment opportunities as well.
Other accrediting bodies for business programs include the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
How to get into a Bachelors in Business Administration program?
The admission requirements for a Bachelors in Business Administration would vary from institute to institute. Typically, most colleges would require students to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants will be required to submit an application form and admission fee, along with their transcripts, personal essay and recommendation letters.
Students are advised to keep a close check on the application deadlines and potential score requirements for standardized tests such as the SAT or the ACT. It is recommended that students visit the campus once to get an idea of what they would require for admissions.
What can I do with a Bachelors in Business Administration?
A Bachelors in Business Administration can help students develop a vast skill set that can lead to numerous career options. The salary and job outlook for this field is also quite bright, as per data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment in the business and financial operations occupations is expected to grow by 8% in the years from 2020 to 2030, which is nearly as fast as the average for all occupations. Thanks to a growing world economy, globalization and a complicated tax and regulatory environment, the need for accountants, auditors and other business and finance professionals will continue to grow.
In addition to that, with the increase in usage of data and market research to understand customer and product demands, there is expected to be a rise in the demand for market research analysts and related professionals.
Popular Career Paths
Let’s take a quick look at some of the most popular careers students can go for with a Bachelors in Business Administration degree
- Accountants and Auditors: These professionals prepare and evaluate financial records. The median annual pay for this occupation in 2020 was $73,560.
- Budget Analysts: These professionals help businesses plan their finances. The median annual pay for this occupation in 2020 was $78,970.
- Financial Analysts: Professional financial analysts guide businesses about decisions relating to money and profit making. The median annual pay for this occupation in 2020 was $83,660.
- Financial Examiners: These professionals make sure that a company complies with the relevant financial regulations in their area of business. The median annual pay for this occupation in 2020 was $81,430.
- Human Resource Specialists: These professionals are responsible for recruiting, screening, interviewing and hiring workers. They also take care of issues relating to employee management, compensation and training. The median annual pay for this occupation in 2020 was $63,490.
- Management Analysts: These professionals make recommendations to organizations to help them improve overall efficiency. The median annual pay for this occupation in 2020 was $87,660.
- Market Research Analysts: These professionals study the market situation and determine the potential sales and profitability of a product or service. The median annual pay for this occupation in 2020 was $65,810.
How much money can I make with a Bachelors in Business Administration?
The amount of money you earn with a Bachelors in Business Administration depends largely on the industry you work in and the level of seniority you have achieved. As discussed above, the salary potential of BBA degree holders would be different in different job titles. The annual median wage for business and financial occupations was $72,250 in May 2020, which is substantially higher than the annual wage for all occupations of $41,950.