Become a Leader in Business

A business administration degree provides the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in nearly any industry. Graduates can work in healthcare, technology, finance, government, and education. Most institutions offer undergraduate and graduate-level business degrees in various specializations, and some even extend to the doctoral level. Explore UMass Global’s full range of business programs.

A traditional bachelor’s in business can take up to four years, and an MBA up to three.
 

With a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, you can explore diverse career paths. Common options include: 

• Business analyst: Analyzing data, identifying trends, and making informed business recommendations
• Marketing manager: Planning and executing marketing strategies to promote products or services
• Human resources manager: Overseeing employee recruitment, training, performance management, and organizational development
• Financial analyst: Evaluating financial data, conducting investment research, and providing financial guidance
• Operations manager: Optimizing processes, managing resources, and ensuring efficient business operations

The specific career path you choose may depend on your interests, specialization, and additional qualifications you may acquire. Discover more paths with our 9 Different Types of Business Degrees and Career Paths blog post.

Different from a business degree with a leadership emphasis, the UMass Global Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership builds a strong foundation in leadership, management, and organizational dynamics. These qualities make the BA in Organizational Leadership a versatile degree that can fit into various industries. Some of these roles would be more accessible if the person added an MAOL, but these are possible career options.

• Human Resources: HR managers, talent acquisition specialists, organizational development consultants
• Management: Operations managers, project managers, general managers
• Nonprofit and Government: Program managers, development directors, executive directors
• Healthcare: Healthcare administrators, patient care coordinators, quality improvement managers
• Consulting: Organizational consultants, management consultants

Organizational Leadership and Manager are related, yet they are also distinct concepts. The focus of each, while there is some overlap, are different. Here’s how.

Organizational Leadership is primarily about setting a vision, inspiring others, and guiding an organization or team towards achieving long-term goals. Organizational Leadership emphasizes motivation, influence, and the ability to drive change. Organizational Leadership will lead the necessary changes when organizations need to adapt and evolve. Those in these positions play a key role in setting strategic goals and help shape and maintain an organization’s culture and values.

Management is focused on day-to-day operations, ensuring the organization runs smoothly and efficiently. Management helps drive the organization forward toward the strategic goals set by leadership, but managers do this on a more granular level. Managers control resources, and handle planning and organizing to achieve short-term and long-term goals. You could think of managers as being responsible for the day-to-day workings of the organization as it strives to achieve the strategies set by leadership.

Considered the gold standard in business, an MBA can help increase professional opportunities and even earning potential. Adding a specialization can help align curriculum with a certain career path. Example positions for MBA grads include financial analyst, risk solutions architect, health services manager, marketing director, benefits specialists, and more. Explore your options by checking out our resource "MBA specializations and why you should consider pursuing one."