What Can You Do With a Business Administration Degree?

Published on: February 4, 2022

a business executive giving a presentation to a group of people

At both the master’s and bachelor’s degree levels, a business administration degree is one of the most versatile programs available — applicable to careers across virtually every industry and sector. This broad-based education equips students with essential skills in management, finance, marketing and operations that employers actively seek. Unlike specialized degrees that limit career options to specific fields, business administration provides a comprehensive foundation that allows graduates to pivot between industries, climb corporate ladders or launch their own ventures. The key lies in understanding how to leverage this educational foundation and align it with your personal interests and career aspirations.

So, what can you do with a business administration degree? Below, we cover job opportunities for business administration majors and more about this area of study.

Get Your Business Degree

What Is Business Administration?

Business administration is an interdisciplinary field of study that encompasses the fundamental principles of running and managing organizations effectively. Through both theoretical coursework and practical applications, students learn core business functions including:

Accounting Finance
Marketing
Human resources (HR)
Operations management
Strategic planning

Curricula typically combine analytical skills with leadership development, teaching students how to make data-driven decisions while managing teams and resources. This well-rounded approach illustrates how different departments within an organization work together to achieve common goals and drive business success.

Skills You'll Build in a Business Administration Program

A business administration program goes beyond textbook knowledge to develop practical skills that employers seek in today's competitive job market. The curriculum is designed to balance theoretical understanding with real-world application, ensuring graduates are workplace-ready from day one.

Core Business Functions

First and foremost, students gain holistic knowledge across essential business areas like:

Accounting principles
Financial analysis
Marketing strategies
Operations management
HR
Supply chain logistics

In addition, the curriculum covers specific core competencies, including:

Business analytics
Business acumen
Business communication
Business management
Business development

Data and Digital Literacy

Modern business administration programs emphasize data-driven decision-making skills essential in the current technology-driven business environment. Students learn to collect, analyze and interpret business data using various software tools and platforms to identify trends, measure performance and forecast outcomes. Aside from basic computer proficiency, true digital literacy encompasses a solid grasp of business intelligence systems, customer relationship management software and emerging technologies that impact business operations.

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

Some of the most in-demand leadership skills in the modern business landscape that students learn include effective:

Delegation and negotiation
Team management
Conflict resolution
Cross-departmental communication
Professional relationship-building

Business administration programs develop these capabilities through group projects, presentations and case study analysis that mirror real workplace scenarios.

Hands-on Experience

Most business administration programs incorporate practical learning opportunities that bridge academic theory with professional practice. Through internships, cooperative education programs and capstone projects, students might:

Conduct market research
Analyze financial statements
Create marketing campaigns
Manage social media accounts

Business Administration Concentrations

Business administration concentrations are specialized realms of study within a broader business degree program that enable students to develop expertise in an area of interest. Focused coverage of the following types of topics enables students to tailor their education to specific career goals while maintaining the broad foundation that makes business administration careers so versatile.

Finance concentrations explore general accounting and financial principles, skills and analysis used in the workplace, including how to write and analyze financial statements while exploring principles of financial services and investments. Students learn about corporate finance, investment analysis, risk management and banking operations.

Marketing focuses on understanding consumer behavior, market research, brand management and promotional strategies across traditional and digital channels. Students learn to develop marketing campaigns, analyze market trends, manage social media presence and measure campaign effectiveness. The curriculum covers topics like advertising, public relations (PR), sales management and customer relationship management. This specialization prepares graduates for careers in brand management, digital marketing, market research, advertising and sales.

Accounting concentrations in business administration degrees extend beyond general business courses to focus on concrete competencies in financial reporting, taxation and auditing. Accounting may encompass tax accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting and auditing. Students learn to prepare financial statements, understand tax regulations, conduct audits and use accounting software.

Law in a business context entails accounting and tax laws, along with the confidence to use those skills in advising businesses toward financial success. This concentration covers contract law, employment law, intellectual property (IP), business ethics and regulatory compliance.

Economics concentrations enable students to integrate quantitative analysis, statistical modeling and sound economic theory in addressing industry and public policy's most engaging problems. Students also study employment problems and pricing strategies while gaining insight into economics on a global scale through math, business and finance communication courses.

Communication concentrations focus on vision, strategy, leadership and overarching communication skills — teaching students about managerial techniques and functions, overseeing employees and communicating effectively in the workplace. Students develop skills in business writing, presentation delivery, interpersonal communication and digital media management.

At Husson University, more specifically, our Master of Business Administration (MBA) concentration options include:

Popular Jobs for Business Administration Majors

The versatility of a business administration degree translates into job opportunities across numerous industries and job functions. Below are some of the most popular jobs for business administration majors, each leveraging different aspects of a comprehensive business education.

Accountant

Accountants prepare and examine financial records, ensure taxes are paid properly and help organizations manage their finances effectively. They work with individuals, small businesses and large corporations to maintain accurate financial records and prepare tax returns as well as provide financial advice.

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers develop strategies to promote products or services. This often entails overseeing advertising campaigns and analyzing market trends to identify opportunities for growth. They coordinate with creative teams, manage budgets and measure campaign effectiveness across various channels (including digital media, traditional advertising and even public relations).

Compliance Officer

In order to ensure organizations follow industry regulations, internal policies and legal requirements, compliance officers develop compliance programs, conduct audits, investigate violations and train employees on regulatory standards. This role requires strong analytical skills and attention to detail, plus the ability to communicate complex regulations clearly.

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts evaluate investment opportunities and financial performance, then provide recommendations to help organizations make informed business decisions. They analyze market trends, create financial models and prepare reports for management or clients. The quantitative skills, financial knowledge and analytical thinking developed in business administration programs provide a solid foundation for this career.

Human Resource Specialist

Human resource specialists manage employee relations, oversee recruitment and hiring processes, administer benefits programs and ensure compliance with employment laws. They serve as liaisons between management and employees, helping resolve workplace issues and implement HR policies.

Personal Financial Advisor

Personal financial advisors help individuals and families plan for their financial futures by providing guidance on investment opportunities, insurance, taxes and retirement planning. They assess clients' financial situations, then develop comprehensive financial plans and monitor progress toward financial goals.

Health Services Manager

Health services managers oversee the business operations of healthcare facilities to deliver medical services efficiently while managing budgets, staff and compliance with healthcare regulations. They coordinate between medical staff and administrative departments to improve patient care and operational efficiency.

Market Research Analyst

Helping companies understand what products people want and how much they are willing to pay, market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of products or services. They collect and analyze data on consumers and competitors, prepare reports and present findings to management teams.

Project Manager (PM)

Project managers plan, execute and oversee projects from initiation to completion — ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget while meeting quality standards. PMs coordinate teams, manage resources, communicate with stakeholders and adapt to changing project requirements.

Is a Career in Business Right for You?

Are you naturally curious about how companies operate, motivated by achieving measurable results and comfortable with adapting to changing market conditions? Business could be a great fit.

In general, a career in business is ideal for people who enjoy problem-solving, working with diverse teams and making decisions that impact organizational success. The field rewards those who can think both strategically and practically, balancing big-picture vision with attention to operational details.

Consider whether you're energized by challenges like:

Analyzing data
Managing budgets
Leading projects
Building relationships with clients and colleagues