A List of the Most Common Business Degrees

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There are many different types of business degrees. Earning one of these degrees can help you to improve your general business knowledge as well as your leadership skills. The most popular business degrees can help you advance your career and secure positions that you cannot get with a high school diploma.

Business degrees can be earned at every level of education. An entry-level degree is an associate's degree in business. Another entry-level option is a bachelor's degree. The most popular advanced degree option for business majors is a master's degree.

Let's explore some of the most common business degrees earned from colleges, universities, and business schools.

Accounting Degree

An accounting degree can lead to many positions in the accounting and finance fields. A bachelor's degree is the most common requirement for accountants who want to work in private and public firms. An accounting degree is one of the most popular business degrees. Read more about accounting degrees.

Actuarial Science Degree

An actuarial science degree program teaches students to analyze and assess financial risk. Individuals with this degree often go on to work as actuaries.

Advertising Degree

An advertising degree is a good option for students who are interested in careers in advertising, marketing, and public relations. A two-year advertising degree may be enough to break into the field, but many employers prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree.

Economics Degree

Many individuals who earn an economics degree go on to work as an economist. However, it is possible for graduates to work in other areas of finance. Economists who want to work for the federal government will need a bachelor's degree at minimum; a master's degree may be even more beneficial for advancement.

Entrepreneurship Degree

Although an entrepreneurship degree isn't absolutely necessary for entrepreneurs, completing a degree program can help individuals learn the ins and outs of business management. People who earn this degree often start their own company or help to manage a start-up business.

Finance Degree

A finance degree is a very broad business degree and can lead to many different jobs in a variety of industries. Every company relies on someone with financial knowledge.

General Business Degree

A general business degree is an excellent choice for students who know they want to work in business, but aren't sure what types of positions they want to pursue after graduation. A business degree could lead to a job in management, finance, marketing, human resources, or a number of other areas.

Global Business Degree

The study of global business, or international business, is important with increasing globalization. Degree programs in this area teach students about international business and management, trade, and growth strategies for international organizations.

Healthcare Management Degree

A health care management degree almost always leads to a management career in the health care field. Graduates may supervise employees, operations, or administrative tasks at hospitals, senior care facilities, physician's offices, or community health centers. Careers are also available in consulting, sales, or education.

Hospitality Management Degree

Students who earn a hospitality management degree could work as the general manager of an establishment or specialize in a specific area, such as lodging management, food service management, or casino management. Positions are also available in travel, tourism, and event planning.

Human Resources Degree

A human resources degree usually leads to work as a human resources assistant, generalist, or manager, depending on level of degree completion. Graduates may choose to specialize in a particular area of human resources management, such as recruiting, labor relations, or benefits administration.

Information Technology Management Degree

Students who earn an information technology management degree often go on to work as IT managers. They may specialize in project management, security management, or another related area.

International Business Degree

Graduates with an international business degree are most welcome in our global business economy. With this type of degree, you can work in a variety of businesses in a number of different industries. Popular positions include market researcher, management analyst, business manager, international sales representative, or interpreter.

Management Degree

A management degree is also among the most popular business degrees. Students who earn a management degree usually go on to supervise operations or people. Depending on their level of degree completion, they may work as an assistant manager, mid-level manager, business executive, or CEO.

Marketing Degree

People who work in the marketing field usually have at least an associate's degree. A bachelor's degree, or even a master's degree, is not uncommon and is often required for more advanced positions. Graduates with a marketing degree typically work in marketing, advertising, public relations, or product development.

Nonprofit Management Degree

A nonprofit management degree is an excellent choice for students who are interested in working in supervisory positions in the nonprofit arena. Some of the most common job titles include fundraiser, program director, and outreach coordinator.

Operations Management Degree

An operations management degree almost always leads to a career as an operations manager or top executive. Individuals in this position are responsible for overseeing almost every aspect of a business. They may be in charge of people, products, and supply chains.

Project Management Degree

Project management is a growing field, which is why many schools are beginning to offer project management degrees. A person who earns this degree can work as a project manager. In this job title, you would be responsible for overseeing a project from conception to end.

Public Relations Degree

A bachelor's degree in public relations is usually the minimum requirement for someone who wants to work as a public relations specialist or public relations manager. A public relations degree can also lead to careers in advertising or marketing.

Real Estate Degree

There are some positions in the real estate field that do not require a degree. However, individuals who would like to work as an assessor, appraiser, agent, or broker often complete some type of schooling or degree program.

Social Media Degree

Social media skills are in high demand. A social media degree program will teach you how to use social media and will also educate you about brand strategy, digital strategy, and related topics. Grads commonly go on to work as social media strategists, digital strategists, marketing professionals, and social media consultants.

Supply Chain Management Degree

After graduating with a supply chain management degree, students usually find a position overseeing some aspect of a supply chain. They may supervise the procurement of the product, production, distribution, allocation, delivery, or all of these things at once.

Taxation Degree

A taxation degree prepares a student to do taxes for individuals and businesses. It is not always necessary to have a degree to work in this field, but formal education can help you earn certifications and give you the academic knowledge needed for most advanced positions in accounting and taxation.

More Business Degree Options

Of course, these are not the only degrees available to you as a business major. There are many other business degrees worth considering. However, the above list will give you somewhere to start.

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Schweitzer, Karen. "A List of the Most Common Business Degrees." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/list-of-business-degrees-466394. Schweitzer, Karen. (2023, April 5). A List of the Most Common Business Degrees. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/list-of-business-degrees-466394 Schweitzer, Karen. "A List of the Most Common Business Degrees." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/list-of-business-degrees-466394 (accessed March 29, 2024).