Should I Earn a Business Administration Degree

The term business administration refers to the management of business operations, including the organization of people, resources, business goals, and decisions. Every industry needs individuals with a solid business administration education. What Is a Business Administration Degree? A business administration degree is a type of business degree awarded to students who have completed a college, university, or business school program with a focus business administration. Types of Business Administration Degrees Business administration degrees can be earned at every education level. Associate  Degree in Business Administration - An Associate of Business Administration degree is an entry-level degree option for business majors. It will take you two years to earn an associates degree at most schools.Bachelor Degree in Business Administration - A Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) degree is the most popular postsecondary degree choice for undergraduate students. Most degree programs are of the four-year variety. However, there are accelerated programs that can be completed in only three years.Master Degree in Business Administration  - A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an intense, graduate-level degree option for business majors. A traditional MBA program takes two years to complete. However, accelerated MBA programs are becoming increasingly common and popular among business students.Executive MBA Degree - An executive MBA, or EMBA, is a type of MBA degree. Designed mainly for working executives, the executive MBA program offers a flexible sc hedule, a rigorous curriculum, and a teamwork emphasis. Program length can vary, but most programs require a 15- to 20-hour commitment from students.Joint JD/MBA Degree -  A Joint JD/MBA degree is a dual degree program that results in two degrees: a Juris Doctor and an MBA. Most programs can be completed in four years.Ph.D. in Business Administration - A Ph.D. in Business Administration is the highest degree that can be earned in this field. Most programs take an average of four to six years to complete. Do I Need a Business Administration Degree? You can obtain some entry-level positions in business and management without a business administration degree. Some individuals earn a high school diploma, get an entry-level position, and work their way up from there. However, there is a limit to the number of promotions you can get without a business administration degree. For example, it is very rare to see an executive without a degree (unless the executive also started the business.) A bachelors degree is the most common path to a career in business administration. This degree will help you get a job and prepare for a graduate-level education if you decide to pursue one. (In most cases, you need a bachelors degree to earn a graduate-level degree) Advanced positions and promotions often require an MBA or higher. A graduate-level degree makes you more marketable and employable. For research or postsecondary teaching positions, you almost always need a Ph.D. in Business Administration. See more business degree options. What Can I Do With a Business Administration Degree? Business administration graduates can work in a variety of industries. Almost every organization places heavy importance on administration duties and operations  management. Companies need qualified personnel to direct their efforts and teams on a daily basis. The exact job you can get is often dependent on your education and specialization. Many schools allow business administration managers to specialize in a particular area. For example, you can earn an MBA in accounting or an MBA in supply chain management. The specialization options are almost endless, particularly when you consider the fact that some schools allow you to customize your business program and create your own specialization using a series of electives. Obviously, a graduate with an MBA in accounting would qualify for significantly different positions than a graduate with an MBA in supply chain management or an MBA in another field of study. Read more about business specializations. Learn More about Business Administration Click on the links below to read more about business administration education and careers. BBA Programs - Learn more about the application steps in a bachelor of business administration program and get tips on how you can get accepted.MBA Candidates - Do you have what it takes to earn an MBA? See what makes a good MBA candidate.MBA Jobs - Learn more about the different types of jobs you can get and the type of salary you might make with an MBA degree.