Business Degree Options – Associates through PhD

Considering a career in business? Browse your options

Depending on your current level of training and education, you have several different choices of business degrees. Any business degree will provide practical skills in business as well as some real world experience, but there are vast difference in the depth of instruction from Associates Degrees all the way up to PhDs. Your decision will be based on your interests, qualifications and goals.

On Campus vs. Online Study

The first decision you might make is whether to pursue a traditional course of study on a physical campus or to get your degree in the ever more popular online arena. Regardless of which you choose, a business degree program will typically include courses in accounting, finance, management, marketing, analysis, and computer applications. You may also study organizational behavior, ethics, social interaction, and research methods.

Types of College Business Degrees

Associate’s Degrees in Business

The Associate’s degree in business is a great option for those not prepared to commit to a full bachelor’s degree. An Associate’s degree program is typically a two-year course of study in many of the areas of business stated above. It gives students some business skills in demand by many employers. It also lays the groundwork to continue business education at a later time.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Business

The Bachelor’s degree in business (sometimes called business  administration) is considered to be a requirement for entry into professional business careers. This is usually a four-year program. As a graduate of a Bachelor’s degree program, you will be qualified for entry-level positions in fields like accounting, financial services, economics, human resources, sales, and marketing. Although you could probably break into any of these fields with a lesser education, you may have to work harder to be taken seriously for career advancement without a Bachelor’s degree.

If you’re already working in business and running up against obstacles because you lack a formal degree, consider getting that credential through an online outlet. Most online business degree programs are designed with the needs of working adults in mind.

Master’s Degrees in Business

Many people with Bachelor’s degrees in business (or another area) find it advantageous at some point in their careers to undertake a Master’s degree in business (MBA) program. While an MBA is not required for career advancement and won’t necessarily garner you a huge salary increase, candidates for higher level executive positions may be preferred if they have an MBA. Most MBA programs can be tailored somewhat to include the types of courses that are most applicable to your current position or one you aspire to.

MBAs used to be a two-year course of study, but today there are many options for completing a program. Many are designed to fit the needs and scheduling of working professionals. Part-time, evening, or online courses are offered. In addition to enhancing a student’s technical skills in areas like accounting, finance, and sales, MBA programs teach students to be leaders of larger organizations. MBA programs are available in a selection of industry-specific concentrations.

Doctorate Degrees in Business

Academically, a Doctorate degree (or PhD) is the highest you can go. Doctorate degrees in business are built on electives you select to achieve the type of self-directed learning you choose. Students complete personalized research on a specific topic in the areas of finance, marketing, operations, or any other business field.

Doctorate degrees often require students to teach Bachelor’s or Master’s degree students. Therefore most programs are not offered in a correspondence or online format. Even if offered online, most doctoral programs will usually require students to complete at least a brief residency to confer with professors and other doctoral students. A PhD in business is generally preparation to teach at the university level. Many professors also provide consultation to companies for additional income.

Once you’ve decided to get a business education, there is almost no end to the possibilities. In addition to the degrees listed there are many professional licenses and certifications that business professionals hold, many with annual educational requirements.

A career in business is one of lifelong learning. Enjoy!