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The business world is an increasingly competitive environment and it is important to stand out from the crowd. A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) can be a great starting point for anyone looking to enter and succeed in today’s fast-paced business environment.
This article explores a bachelor’s degree in business administration, including degree requirements and how this credential differs from a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
What is a Bachelor of Business Administration?
This business administration degree is typically offered as a four-year program that gives students a broad overview of the business world. BBA program requirements vary by school. In most cases, you’ll need to complete 120 credits to earn your degree. About half of these credits come from general education courses such as foreign language, history, English, and science.
As a Bachelor of Business Administration student, you can expect to learn about management, marketing, finance, and human resources concepts. You may also be required to choose a concentration. Common offerings include finance, human resources, and marketing.
Many students who pursue a BBA degree plan to attend graduate-level business school and pursue a master’s in business administration (MBA). Others may use this degree to improve their general business skills, which can be useful in almost any career.
How is a BBA degree different from a BS degree?
Whether you earn a Bachelor of Business Administration or a BBA depends on the program offered by the school you choose. While these degrees are similar, there are slight differences between them.
A Bachelor of Business Administration degree provides students with a broad and general understanding of business concepts. Students take courses in marketing, human resources, business skills, accounting, and business law.
On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree in business administration is comprised of about half general education requirements and half business administration courses. Bachelor’s degree programs in business administration tend to be more focused on STEM and/or math. They often require more math courses than bachelor’s degree programs in business administration, and students may have to take classes in statistics, economics, and advanced math to earn the degree.
Admission requirements for the Bachelor of Business Administration
In most cases, a bachelor’s degree in business administration has the same admission requirements as other bachelor’s degree programs. The standard admission requirements for most bachelor’s degree programs are as follows.
- Have completed high school or a GED® program
- Proof of successful completion of courses such as English, foreign language and mathematics.
- A satisfactory score on the SAT or ACT exam
- A completed application form
- Recommendation letters
Be sure to check with the school of your choice for exact admission requirements.
Common Courses for a Bachelor of Business Administration
Each BBA program sets its own curriculum, but some courses are typical across most BBA degrees. Below is a sample of common BBA courses.
Boosting business opportunities
Courses like this challenge students to think critically about business decisions: how they are made, whether they are effective, and how they can impact organizations. Students learn how to make plans that maximize business potential. They also learn how to analyze risk in business decisions.
Managerial economics and business strategy
Microeconomics and macroeconomics are part of almost every business curriculum. Managerial economics builds on these concepts and examines how business decisions can affect different markets and how companies interact with the economy as a whole.
Social entrepreneurship
Through social entrepreneurship, business owners create and fund solutions that meet the needs of a society. This course examines how to make business decisions that work for the common good.
Careers for graduates of Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration
We obtained the following salary data from: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Stock Exchange).
Accountant or Auditor
Average annual salary: $78,000
Projected job growth (2022-2032): +4%
Work description: Auditors thoroughly examine a company’s financial records to look for inconsistencies and discrepancies. They often conclude their examinations with written reports.
Human Resources Specialist
Average annual salary: $64,240
Projected job growth (2022-2032): +6%
Work description: Human resource specialists are responsible for the people aspects of organizations. These professionals recruit, select, and interview potential employees, and hire them for suitable positions. HR professionals also handle issues related to compensation, training, benefits, and conflicts or problems between employees.
Market Research Analyst
Average annual salary: $68,230
Projected job growth (2022-2032): +13%
Work description: Market research analysts are tasked with examining specific markets to determine whether a product or service is likely to be successful in those markets. Individuals occupying this position must have strong mathematical and analytical skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Bachelor of Business Administration
Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Worth It?
For students interested in pursuing a business career, a bachelor’s degree in business administration is a worthwhile investment. Students learn a variety of skills in this degree, which can also serve as preparation for an MBA program.
Is a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration better than a Bachelor’s degree?
Not necessarily. These programs are often similar. It’s just a matter of which program the school you choose offers.
How long does it take to get a bachelor’s degree in business administration?
While some students can complete a bachelor’s degree in less than four years, most students need four years to complete their bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor of Business Administration degree is no exception.
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