Bachelor of Science in Business Management Degree
Degree Overview
People pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Management Degree Program will learn how to manage both employees and resources to contribute to a successful business. Typically a four-year degree, the Bachelor of Science in Business and Management is the precursor degree to the coveted Master of Business Administration. Graduates who earn a B.S. in Business and Management embark upon careers in accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, sales, and more. They may even choose to open their own businesses as entrepreneurs. Online degree programs are also available.
Online Business Management Degrees
Students choosing the Bachelor of Science in Business and Management should expect individual coursework as well as courses requiring team or group projects. Many schools believe that future business leaders must be able to work as part of a team, and assign projects (and grades) on teamwork. Strong quantitative skills are essential. While it may seem obvious that a course such as accounting needs strong mathematical skills, other classes include financial management, macro and microeconomics, and marketing also requires both statistics and calculus. Many students choose a business internship in their senior year of the degree to earn work experience as well as display their talents to prospective employers. Schools with a good counseling and career office may be helpful to students seeking internships.
Many students who earn this degree immediately enter a Online MBA Program once they graduate.
Why a Business Management Degree
Why should you earn a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management? There are many benefit graduates receive from earning this degree. These include:
- Preparation for specific careers in accounting, financial management, economics, marketing and more
- Access to entry-level positions at Fortune 500 firms and global companies who seek graduates with business degrees
- Solid preparation for entry into many business-related fields such as banking, insurance, retail, entrepreneurship, and much more
- Required academic coursework to prepare to enter an MBA program
Business Management Courses & Areas of Study
While each school may offer different courses, the basic program of study for the Bachelor of Science in Business and Management degree will include courses in the following subjects:
- General courses in English, mathematics, science, history, and other subjects
- Accounting Principals
- Financial Management
- Micro and macroeconomics
- Management and Human Resources
- Basic Business Law
- Computer Technology
- Principles of Marketing
- Production Management
- Business Planning
- Entrepreneurship
- International or Global Business
Many courses in this degree program are sequenced so that students take Accounting Principles I, Accounting Principles II, etc. Students may be required to take multiple courses in topics such as marketing, accounting, financial management, human resources and leadership skills.
Career Opportunities
Students who earn this degree find themselves with a wide range of career opportunities. Most people choose one area to specialize in, such as accounting or marketing, and as part of the degree program, take electives or courses centered on these topics to prepare for a career in their chosen field. The following list should serve only as a glimpse into the window of opportunity; many other possible careers exist. Whether students choose domestic or international opportunities, they may begin careers in the following areas once they obtain this degree:
- Accounting
- Financial Management
- Banking
- Insurance
- Retail
- Marketing
- Sales
- Advertising
Admissions & Educational Requirements
Most universities offering this degree require a high school transcript. SAT test scores, ACT scores, or a combination of these two tests and SAT Subject Tests may be required. Students considering this degree program should be relatively confident in their math skills, but writing clear, grammatically correct prose is also essential.
Admission requirements vary from school to school, so consult the admissions information for the school of your choice. Other information may be required as part of your application to the school.
Accreditation
Look for accreditation from one of the major accrediting bodies in the United States for any higher education institution. The college or university you are applying to should list its accreditation on its website or in its program materials. The U.S. Department of Education also provides a free database of accredited programs in the United States. You can begin your search here
http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/
Professional Organizations
Both general and specialized business organizations provide more information about careers, networking opportunities, and internships. Most have state and local chapters. There are many more associations for marketing, sales, accounting, finances and various industries such as insurance, retail and more.
BPA – Business Professionals of America
www.bpa.org
American Accounting Association
www.aaahq.org
Financial Management Association
www.fma.org
United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship
www.usasbe.org