Business administration and business management are two popular undergraduate degrees that prepare students for careers in the business world. While both degrees offer a solid foundation in business principles, they have different focuses and career paths.
Key Facts
- Focus: Business administration primarily deals with the operational aspects of running a business, such as overseeing processes and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. On the other hand, business management focuses on leadership and strategic decision-making, including designing the path and future of the business.
- Skills: Business administration emphasizes technical skills and knowledge related to running a business, such as finance, accounting, and marketing. Business management, on the other hand, emphasizes interpersonal communication skills, team management, and the ability to formulate and communicate a mission and vision for the company.
- Career Paths: Both business administration and management offer various career paths. Business administration graduates may pursue specialized roles such as staff accountant, business analyst, marketing specialist, or human resources administrator. Business management graduates may find opportunities as operations managers, financial reporting managers, or management analysts.
- Salary and Job Outlook: The salary and job outlook can vary depending on the specific roles and industries. Business administrators with a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn close to $100,000 per year, with a projected 9% growth in job opportunities over the next ten years. Business management positions, such as sales managers or financial analysts, can have varying median salaries and growth rates depending on the industry.
Focus
Business administration focuses on the operational aspects of running a business, such as overseeing processes and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Business management, on the other hand, focuses on leadership and strategic decision-making, including designing the path and future of the business.
Skills
Business administration emphasizes technical skills and knowledge related to running a business, such as finance, accounting, and marketing. Business management, on the other hand, emphasizes interpersonal communication skills, team management, and the ability to formulate and communicate a mission and vision for the company.
Career Paths
Both business administration and management offer various career paths. Business administration graduates may pursue specialized roles such as staff accountant, business analyst, marketing specialist, or human resources administrator. Business management graduates may find opportunities as operations managers, financial reporting managers, or management analysts.
Salary and Job Outlook
The salary and job outlook can vary depending on the specific roles and industries. Business administrators with a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn close to $100,000 per year, with a projected 9% growth in job opportunities over the next ten years. Business management positions, such as sales managers or financial analysts, can have varying median salaries and growth rates depending on the industry.
Which Degree is Right for You?
The best way to decide which degree is right for you is to consider your interests and career goals. If you are interested in working in a specialized role in a business, such as finance or marketing, then business administration may be a good fit for you. If you are interested in a leadership position, such as operations manager or CEO, then business management may be a better choice.
Sources:
- https://online.wvu.edu/blog/business/business-administration-vs-business-management-key-differences-to-know
- https://www.husson.edu/online/blog/2022/02/business-administration-vs-business-management
- https://www.pacificoaks.edu/voices/business/business-administration-vs-business-management-whats-the-difference/
FAQs
What is the difference between business administration and business management?
Business administration focuses on the operational aspects of running a business, such as overseeing processes and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Business management, on the other hand, focuses on leadership and strategic decision-making, including designing the path and future of the business.
Which degree is better, business administration or business management?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best degree depends on your interests and career goals. If you are interested in working in a specialized role in a business, such as finance or marketing, then business administration may be a good fit for you. If you are interested in a leadership position, such as operations manager or CEO, then business management may be a better choice.
What are the career paths for business administration and business management graduates?
Business administration graduates may pursue specialized roles such as staff accountant, business analyst, marketing specialist, or human resources administrator. Business management graduates may find opportunities as operations managers, financial reporting managers, or management analysts.
What is the salary and job outlook for business administration and business management graduates?
The salary and job outlook can vary depending on the specific roles and industries. Business administrators with a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn close to $100,000 per year, with a projected 9% growth in job opportunities over the next ten years. Business management positions, such as sales managers or financial analysts, can have varying median salaries and growth rates depending on the industry.
What skills are needed for business administration and business management roles?
Business administration emphasizes technical skills and knowledge related to running a business, such as finance, accounting, and marketing. Business management, on the other hand, emphasizes interpersonal communication skills, team management, and the ability to formulate and communicate a mission and vision for the company.
What are the educational requirements for business administration and business management degrees?
Both business administration and business management degrees typically require four years of study at an accredited college or university. Some programs may offer accelerated or online options.
What are some common industries for business administration and business management graduates?
Business administration and business management graduates can find employment in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and technology.
What are some professional organizations for business administration and business management professionals?
There are a number of professional organizations that cater to business administration and business management professionals, such as the American Management Association (AMA), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).