Business
The field of business is one of the most diverse academic fields in today's education landscape. Business education could range from general principles to specific preparation to aid in pursuing careers in certain industries.
Business education is available at a variety of levels, from certificate and diploma programs to the advanced Master's of Business Administration (MBA) degree. In between are associate's degree and bachelor's degree programs.
Business degree programs are found at a variety of educational institutions, including colleges and universities, community colleges, private colleges, and other institutions.
A firm grounding in basic business principles could serve you well in pursuing a career in business. Whether at the associate's degree or bachelor's degree level, business education programs could cover the basics of accounting, finance, management, economics, statistics, and marketing. One of the most common types of business degrees is the business administration degree. This is a catch-all term for general business preparation with an emphasis on the basic principles of business.
After general principles are covered, many students choose to focus on a specific area of business. A few of the specific topic areas within the business field include:
International Business
Accounting
Finance
Human Resources
Organizational Management
Marketing and Communications
E-Business/E-Commerce
Operations
The Master's of Business Administration (MBA) degree is an advanced program that could last about two years, depending on school and course load. An MBA could potentially help pursue opportunities for high-level positions in the business world. In MBA programs, along with advanced data and financial analysis, case studies are used to illustrate real-world business principles.
Students looking for programs in the business field to develop specific skills might consider pursuing a certificate or diploma program. These programs could prepare students for possible careers in office administration or other clerical roles. Some certificate programs might offer more focused, advanced preparation in specific areas of business, such as human resources or management.
Whatever level of business education you pursue, you'll want to consider your career aspirations before embarking on your education. Business fields could potentially offer some of the best opportunities in today's economy.
Here are a few common professions in the business field and their average salaries:
Accountants: $59,430*
Marketing Managers: $108,580*
Budget Analysts: $65,320*
Personal Financial Advisors: $69,050*
Management Analysts: $73,570*
Sales Representatives (Wholesale and Manufacturing): $70,200*
Financial Analysts: $73,150*
Salaries in business vary widely based on experience, size of the employer, and personal responsibilities in a given position. Entry-level salaries are usually lower than average salaries, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
*All salary data from U.S. Department of Labor. Salaries shown are median salaries for 2008.
