Business administration Is the process of managing a business

or non-profit organization, so that it

remains stable and continues to grow.

The administration of a business

includes the performance or

management of business

operations and decision making as well

as the efficient organization of people

and other resources to direct activities

toward common goals and objectives.

There are four different types of business administration degrees. An associate's degree in business administration (ABA) usually takes two years to earn, and prepares you for entry-level managerial and administrative positions. A bachelor's degree in business administration (BBA) is a four-year degree that offers more advanced study compared to an associate's degree. The BBA is usually completed as preparation for further study in a master's program, but many managerial and administrative jobs are open to BBA degree holders. A master of business administration (MBA) is generally a two-year program that prepares you for the most common (and more advanced) careers in business management. Doctorate degrees in business administration prepare you to teach in colleges and universities or work in business research and consulting.

Business administration degree coursework focuses on

broad managerial principles and skills. Common classes

include accounting, business ethics, communication, data

analysis, economics, marketing, operations management

and project planning. In addition to a general business

administration degree, you can also choose an area of

emphasis. Common degree specializations include

advertising, arts management, brand management,

corporate finance, health care, human resource

,market research, operations management, real estate, risk

management, strategic planning, supply chain

management and technology management.

A business administration degree prepares you for

work in such fields as banking, finance, health care,

insurance, real estate, retail business and technology.

You could become an accountant, administrative

executive, banker, consultant, executive director,

project manager, retail manager or strategic planner.

The managerial skills of business administration

program graduates are also highly sought after in

government (from a small city manager to a finance

manager at the World Trade Organization (WTO)) and

non-governmental organizations (from accountant of a

local nonprofit to a strategic planning manager for the

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)).

If you do not currently have a college degree, you should consider

your career goals before choosing the type of business administration

degree to pursue. For entry-level positions or jobs in smaller

companies, an associate's degree may be all you need. If you already

have a degree, you may be able to pursue an MBA. Most MBA

programs require you to take and pass the Graduate Management

Admission Test (GMAT) to be admitted. Online business degree

programs are also available, and allow more flexibility than traditional

college or university programs. However, online degrees sometimes

take longer to complete. Whether choosing an online or traditional

program, look for an accredited institution; the two major accrediting

agencies for business schools are the Association of Collegiate

Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the Association to

Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Since the first business school opened in Paris in

1819, business graduates have been popular with

companies and organizations looking for strong

leadership. Traditionally, business administration

graduates have an advantage in an economic

downturn because their creative thinking skills and

managerial training help businesses make it through

the worst financial times. While keeping a job in a

down market may be easier for business

administration graduates, finding a job may be harder

in the currently overcrowded field. According to the

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, business

administration graduates can expect keen competition

for top-level positions, while entry-level jobs will see

fewer applicants.

Finance MajorEquips business students with the primary

concepts and skills necessary to understand the problems involved in providing funds for a business and controlling, planning, and evaluating the flow of funds through the enterprise.

Provides advanced education in business finance for those seeking employment in corporate finance, banking, securities exchanges, or personal financial planning.

Human Resource Management Major

An education in the fundamentals of

management

Professional and technical

competence in the management of

human resources

The attitudes and motivational skills

necessary for developing employees.

Marketing Major The marketing curriculum demonstrates the role that

marketing plays in the management process provides a

comprehensive understanding of marketing concepts and

practices. By program end, you will be able to develop the

essentials of a marketing program.

Marketing management has a major role in all aspects

of the business firm. As Peter Drucker, a leader in

management thought, said: "Any business enterprise has

two, and only these two, basic functions: marketing and

innovation. Marketing is the distinguishing, the unique,

function of business."