What is a bachelor's degree in business?
By Brian Fairbanks
Reviewed by Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP, Dean, College of Business and IT
When it’s time to make a big career change and learn new skills, look no further than a Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) degree.  Let’s look at how this versatile degree can help prepare students for a wide range of management roles in a variety of organizations.
Why should you get a bachelor's degree in business?
A bachelor’s degree in business can help future business professionals prepare for career growth and new opportunities. With a  BSB, professionals can enhance their careers, find a new role or gain practical skills to apply on the job.
The skills learned in a BSB degree program can be used across a number of industries. They can also supplement the expertise gained over time.
With a bachelor’s degree in business, students can expect to gain a solid foundation of core business concepts to solve business problems and help organizations grow. In this program, students learn skills that can be directly applied on the job, such as finance and accounting, business law and ethics, and leadership and management.
A BSB degree program provides the foundational skills needed to meet a variety of global business challenges. These skills can include project management, finance, marketing, accounting principles and entrepreneurship. These skills can be used to solve complex business problems, analyze operational workflows for improvement, lead teams and help grow an organization.
What can you expect in a bachelor's degree in business program?
Bachelor's degree in business program coursework can vary. In general, within a Bachelor of Science in Business degree, students can expect to learn how to operate a business at scale, help an organization grow and analyze how to help areas within an organization work better together.
Classes may help to develop decision-making and management skills that can be used in a business setting. These can include logistics, global business operations, leadership, entrepreneurship, project management, accounting and marketing.
Students may learn how to integrate business concepts to advance organizational goals. They can also learn how to analyze interrelationships among functional areas of an organization.
Some programs also offer certificate or concentration options. In some programs, students can take additional classes in things like project management, marketing, human resources management, or financial planning.
The program length for a BSB degree is approximately four years. A typical course schedule may be shorter due to transferable credits or credits earned through work experience, military service or work certifications.
Many universities offer in-person and online bachelor's degree in business programs. Students looking for a program that works with their schedules can consider an online program.
What is the difference between a Bachelor of Science in Business degree and a Bachelor of Arts in Business?
A Bachelor of Science in business is more focused on a tactical education, while a Bachelor of Arts in Business is focused on a broader, more theoretical education. A BSB degree program focuses on more science or math courses, with a concentrated focus on developing practical skills. A B.A. degree program, on the other hand, focuses on humanities courses, including philosophy, history, or social sciences.
For students thinking about gaining specific skills related to their careers or businesses, a Bachelor of Science in business may be the best fit. A BSB degree program prepares for administrative roles by providing a foundational education in business concepts. It can also help candidates apply this knowledge within a leadership or management position.
What can you do with a Bachelor of Science degree?
With a bachelor's degree in business, career possibilities include:
- Operations Manager
- Store Manager
- Business Manager
Employment in business administration and management occupations is projected to grow, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Overall employment in management occupations is projected to . About 1.2 million openings are projected each year, on average.
For example, as of May 2024, general and operations managers , according to BLS.
Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of °®ÎÛ´«Ã½. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.Â
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ students or graduates.
Where to get a bachelor's degree in business online?
Many universities offer a bachelor's degree in business either fully or partly online. When choosing the right degree program, consider whether the coursework and schedule are flexible enough to fit into your life, especially if you’re working. Some students prefer in-person classes, but a fully online program allows you to learn whenever and wherever you want.
°®ÎÛ´«Ã½ offers online business programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Business.
Contact °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ for more information.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brian Fairbanks is a freelance writer with a background in SEO content creation and blog article development
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology, Kathryn Uhles has served °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining °®ÎÛ´«Ã½, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in °®ÎÛ´«Ã½.
This article has been vetted by °®ÎÛ´«Ã½'s editorial advisory committee.Â
Read more about our editorial process.