Breaking Down 6 Types of Business Degrees
Learn more about six popular types of business degrees and the courses, job titles and salaries they could lead to. Which path will you pursue?
Pursuing an education in business is one of the most versatile options out there for new and experienced professionals alike. Not only can you apply the competencies gained from a general business degree to a range of different career paths, but you also have a variety of opportunities to specialize within the field of business.
Whether you’re interested in finance, analytics, health care, or management, there is undoubtedly a program that can help you achieve your career goals. Join us as we outline some common types of business degrees and where they could lead you.
6 Business degree paths to consider
The most effective way to narrow down between the different types of business degrees is to analyze your career goals and choose the degree path that most closely aligns. If you don’t have a specific job title in mind, however, it can help to review your options.
Below, we’ve provided a brief summary of six distinct business degree paths, including a sampling of courses you can expect to take, along with corresponding job titles you could pursue after graduation.
1. Accounting
A degree in accounting equips professionals with the skills needed to provide a range of valuable services to businesses across industries. Graduates from high-quality accounting programs learn to prepare and examine an organization’s financial records, identify areas of risk and opportunity, ensure taxes are paid properly, and provide business solutions related to corporate finances. Graduate accounting programs can prepare students for more advanced roles, in addition to specialization opportunities in areas such as forensic accounting, public accounting, or tax accounting.
Accounting courses to expect:
- Accounting Theory & Practice
- Management Accounting
- Corporate Tax
Common accounting job titles & median annual salaries:
- Financial analyst: $66,8291
- Accounting officer: $78,0001
- Financial manager: $139,790 1
2. Business administration
Programs in business administration are designed to prepare professionals to produce, communicate, and interpret financial statements, market research data, marketing strategies, and a host of other important facets of operating a successful business enterprise. Graduates gain the knowledge needed to adapt to the complex and constantly changing business environment, enabling them for success in a variety of career pursuits. Professionals looking to earn more advanced roles often pursue master’s degrees in business administration.
Business administration courses to expect:
- Data Application for Business
- Strategic Management & Leadership
- Principles of Marketing
Common business administration job titles & median annual salaries*:
- Market research analyst: $68,2301
- Financial examiner: $82,2101
- Management analyst: $95,2901
3. Data science
Professionals with a degree in data science possess an invaluable skill set amidst today’s data-driven business landscape. Graduates from data science programs gain in-demand competencies related to data analysis, enabling them to gather valuable insights and develop innovative solutions in a variety of industries.
Data science courses to expect:
- Statistical Methods
- Machine Learning
- Data Visualization
Common data science job titles & median annual salaries:
- Operations research analyst: $85,7201
- Cybersecurity analyst: $112,0001
- Computer and information research scientist: $136,6201
4. Economics
While many different business specializations deal with money, professionals who are skilled in the field of economics possess a unique understanding of the production, development, distribution, and management of wealth. A quality economics program also helps graduates gain an acute understanding of the dynamics of economic interactions between individuals and groups, making them an asset to organizations of all kinds.
Economics courses to expect:
- Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
- Business and Economics Forecasting
- Money and Banking
Common economics job titles & median annual salaries:
- Quantitative analyst: $73,8101
- Actuary: $113,9901
- Compensation manager - $131,2801
5. Finance
Most business degrees in finance provide graduates with a solid foundation in the functional areas of business, while also teaching the skills necessary to apply advanced financial concepts to corporate and personal investment decisions. From working with large organizations to small businesses, real estate firms to individuals, the services provided by finance professionals are valuable in a multitude of career environments.
Finance courses to expect:
- Financial Management
- Investments
- Managerial Economics
Common finance job titles & median annual salaries:
- Loan officer: $65,7401
- Budget analyst: $82,2601
- Personal financial advisor: $95,3901
6. Health care management
The knowledge and skills gained from a reputable health care administration program can enable professionals to pursue new and exciting advancement opportunities in a variety of health care organizations. From health care accounting, finance, and data analysis to legal and ethical principles related to health care policy, degree-holders learn to lead health care organizations by executing effective organizational change.
Health care administration courses to expect:
- Health Care Financial Management
- Marketing and Strategic Planning in the Service Sector
- Health Care Information Systems
Common health care administration job titles & median annual salaries:
- Clinical project manager: $107,1022
- Nursing home administrator: $120,2853
- Ancillary services director: $130,0194
Find the right business degree path for you
As you work to determine which higher education option will be the best fit for your career pursuits, this breakdown of different types of business degrees can help narrow your options. It’s also important to find a school that fits your top criteria when it comes to factors like cost, program offerings, and student resources.
Utica University offers a dynamic variety of on-campus, hybrid, and online business programs, ranging from undergraduate certificates to post-baccalaureate degrees. Based on factors related to affordability, student engagement, and financial aid availability, Utica University is considered one of America’s Best Value Colleges.
Learn more about how you can launch or advance your business career at Utica University by browsing our Online Business Programs.
1 National Center for O*NET Development. O*NET Online. Retrieved December 2023, from https://www.onetonline.org/
2 Clinical Project Manager Salaries. (2023). Glassdoor. Retrieved December 2023, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Career/clinical-project-manager-career_KO0,24.htm
3 Nursing Home Administrator Salaries. (2023). Glassdoor. Retrieved December 2023, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Career/nursing-home-administrator-career_KO0,26.htm
4 Director of Ancillary Services Salaries. (2023). Glassdoor. Retrieved December 2023, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/ancillary-services-director-salary-SRCH_KO0,27.htm
