Getting Business Degrees

business degrees handshake
Although the business world is full of career opportunities, the competition for jobs can be fierce. The best way to stay competitive is to further your education and earn a business degree.
 
The business industry has a number of different specializations and associated career paths on which you can focus. From marketing to hospitality to sports management, you can likely find a business program that will suit your passions, interests, schedule and skills.

Types of Business Degrees

Depending on your skill level and background, you can earn different types of degrees and/or certificates. Keep in mind that the further you progress in your educational pursuits, the more likely you are to achieve higher paying jobs.
 
While furthering your education will cost you extra time and money, the long-term benefits of advanced business degrees can pay off significantly in the future. Some of the various education programs available include (in order of least to most difficult to complete):
  • Certificate Programs: These types of programs usually focus on specific types of skills, such as call center operation or global management. If you are already working as a business professional, certificate programs can provide you with the skills you need to move into higher management positions.

    Depending on the program you choose, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete certificate programs.

  • Associate Degrees: Associate degrees typically take two years to complete and will give you basic knowledge about the subject you choose to study. An associate degree will help you get an entry-level job in a field related to your course of study. For example, an associate business administration degree can help you find a job as a hotel manager or an accounting assistant.

    In most cases, students who have already earned an Associate of Arts degree can apply previous coursework towards credits needed to earn more advanced degrees. While many students earn their AA degrees at traditional campuses, online programs are also viable options for earning associate degrees.
  • Bachelor's Degrees: Bachelor's degree programs usually take four years to complete. These types of degrees will give you a more complete and in-depth business education than an associate degree program. Although online classes may be available, for the most part, students will need to attend campus classes when earning Bachelor's degrees.
  • Master's Degrees: A business master degree, which takes one to two years to complete, is for those who would like to continue their education after earning their bachelor's degree. The requirements for completion often include an in-depth thesis paper.

    Some programs may also require you to work in internships or teaching positions before you can earn your Master's degree.
  • Doctoral Degrees: Doctoral degrees are the highest level of education you can pursue. They are ideal for those who would like to conduct extensive business research or teach at a college level.

    Unlike other educational degrees, earning a Doctoral degree will likely take five to six years of graduate school. While the first few years of Doctoral programs involve taking classes, the last few focus on writing your dissertation. Most programs require you to verbally defend your dissertation to a faculty committee before you can earn your Doctoral degree.

Degree Majors and Emphasis

All the types of business degrees offer more specific areas of study and emphasis under the business degree umbrella. For example, an individual can choose to pursue a bachelor of business administration degree (BBA) or a master of business communication degree. Both of these degrees provide a comprehensive education on the respective discipline as it relates to business and are applicable to almost any business career.

Earning an Online Business Degree

Earning business degrees online has become a popular option for those wishing to further their education from the convenience of their home. Some of the benefits of earning online degrees include:
  • being able to fit school work into a busy schedule
  • not having to commute to campus
  • saving money, as online programs tend to be cheaper than traditional business degree programs (mainly because students don't have to pay for classroom facilities).
However, online business degree programs aren't without their drawbacks. Not only will online degree programs limit your teacher-student interaction, but they can also be difficult to complete for those who need more structured learning environments.
 
As a result, online degree programs are usually best suited for those who are motivated, self-managed, independent workers. For most, earning an associate degree online will take less time than earning a bachelor business degree online. Earning specific degrees, such as an online business administration is degree, is easy to do, as online universities offer all of the same majors and disciplines as traditional colleges and universities.
 
Resources
 
All Star Directories, Inc. (2008). Business Degree Doctorate. Retrieved on April 2, 2008, from the AllBusinessSchools.com Web site: http://www.allbusinessschools.com/featured/
doctorate-business-programs/.