Business administration degrees can open up a myriad of career opportunities for business-minded individuals. Across industries and organizations, business professionals play a critical role in helping individual employees and whole companies thrive. Learn what your future could look like after earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
What Is a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree?
A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) is an undergraduate degree focused on fundamental skills related to managing and overseeing various aspects of business operations. This is a highly marketable degree that equips business professionals to think, communicate and make strategic decisions, leading to positive business outcomes.
A BSBA can help you launch a business career or serve as a solid foundation for further education through a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
What Can I Do with a Business Administration Degree?
With a business administration degree, you can explore an array of career options. The well-rounded curriculum in this program can prepare you to take on roles in a variety of areas, including:
- Sales
- Customer service
- Management
- Finance
- Marketing
- Human resources
- Consulting
- Entrepreneurship
You also have a variety of options when it comes to where you apply your skills. With a business administration degree, you may be able to work independently as an entrepreneur or consultant, or you could work in:
- Small businesses
- Enterprise businesses
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
With a BSBA, you’re in the driver’s seat, so choose the type of business or organization you’re passionate about and see your skills impact your company’s success.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Business Administration Degree?
What specific jobs are out there for BSBA graduates? There are many positions to explore. Let’s look at some of the most common career positions BSBA graduates choose to pursue.
People Manager
Managers lead and oversee employees within their purview. For instance, they may head up a whole department or a smaller team. People managers are focused on empowering employees to succeed and evaluating performance — enduring needs in the business world.
People management is a broad category that spans industries and organizations, so salaries can vary considerably. However, you can expect to earn more than the employees you supervise. According to current estimates from Glassdoor, middle managers earn around $91,000 on average, with some earning six-figure salaries.
Project Manager
Project managers — also called project management specialists — head up projects of all kinds, working with others to create clear objectives, plan to achieve them and stay on time and on budget. Project managers will always have a role to play in helping companies succeed. As a project manager, you could enjoy an engaging career in the industry that suits you best, from construction to healthcare to IT and beyond.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a project management specialist was $95,370 as of 2022. You can maximize your earning potential by earning a relevant professional certification to go with your degree, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification.
Marketing Specialist
As long as there are products and services to sell, there will be marketers. Marketing specialists or managers can work for marketing agencies, in-house for a company or as freelancers. They strategize the best ways to gain exposure, convert interested customers and execute marketing campaigns to achieve those goals.
The median pay for advertising, promotions and marketing managers is $138,730 per year, according to the BLS. That’s incredibly impressive for a career with a bachelor’s degree as the typical entry-level education.
Human Resources Manager
Human resources (HR) managers — sometimes called people operations managers — oversee the strategic and administrative aspects of the employee lifecycle. This includes everything from recruiting and onboarding to adhering to employment laws and promoting a positive employee experience.
According to the BLS, HR managers earn a median annual salary of $130,000, with only a bachelor’s degree required to enter the profession.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts use their analytical skills to solve complex problems and make strategic recommendations or decisions that move a company forward. These analysts can work in various industries, but they have an especially strong presence in the professional, scientific, technical, financial and insurance industries.
According to the BLS, the median annual pay for operations research analysts is $85,720. Perhaps even more significant to note is that this career has an exceptional job outlook, with available positions projected to grow by 23 percent from 2022 to 2032!
Entrepreneur
You can also use your business administration degree to prepare for a career as an entrepreneur or small business owner. Ideas for a product or service — no matter how promising or innovative — aren’t enough to ensure a profitable business.
You need fundamental business knowledge and skills to bring those ideas to fruition and create a successful business. You can gain that expertise through a BSBA program, giving you a leg up as you make strategic decisions and increasing your credibility for outside stakeholders and funding partners.
The Path to Success: Navigating Your Career with a Business Administration Degree
If you’re interested in a career in the business world, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration can serve as the foundation you need to get started. This is an exceptionally marketable degree that is sure to open up exciting new opportunities.
Want to learn more and plan your future as a business leader? Check out our “Business and Leadership Career Planner”!
