Business

5 Types of online business degrees and corresponding careers

different business degrees

“Business” is an extremely broad term that encompasses hundreds of academic and professional specialties. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in business, you probably have more options than you realize. With such a variety to choose from, you’re bound to find a bachelor's degree that aligns with your unique skills and interests.

We compiled this guide to introduce five different online business degree options you may not be aware of. Keep reading to get a taste of what each area of study encompasses and some examples of job titles these degrees may lead to.

First, what do different business degrees have in common?

There are certain skills and subjects that all business students should learn. For example, basic leadership skills, interpersonal communication, ethics, decision-making and strategic planning are all applicable regardless of specific degree. These foundational theories and concepts are essential to being successful in any business profession.

Quality online business schools are led by faculty who have deep professional experience and impressive academic credentials. Examples of core courses included in all business programs at University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) include:

  • Accounting
  • Macroeconomics
  • Microeconomics
  • Statistics
  • Leadership and Ethics
  • Leadership in Diverse and Multicultural Organizations
  • Management

These experts provide hands-on training in specialty topics, in addition to foundational business concepts.

5 online business degrees and potential career paths

One of the great things about majoring in business is you can mix and match subject areas to fit your interests. Whether it’s marketing, computer science, leadership or a combination of all of the above, there are many different disciplines and degrees included under the business school umbrella.

The following examples are just a small sampling of the many online business degree opportunities available:

1. BS in Computing Technology and Project Management

Earning an online Bachelor of Science in Computing Technology with a Project Management Emphasis could set you up for success in a job in nearly every industry. Throughout this program, students build capacity in the latest technologies and gain practical experience that is easily transferable to the workplace.

You’ll learn how to use data to make informed decisions, coordinate complex projects and solve pressing IT problems for your organization. Classes for this program include:

  • Information System Security
  • Project Risk Management
  • Organizational Development and Change
  • Resources Management

The ability to structure and manage projects through the use of technology will make you a valuable addition to any team. This training can prepare you for job titles such as:

  • Network systems administrator
  • Software developer
  • User support specialist
  • Computer network architect

Considering a career in business?

Learn about business degrees, like BBA and MBA, then explore career options that fit your future.

2. BAOL in Supply Chain Management

A online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership (BAOL) with a Supply Chain Management emphasis is another practical combination to consider. The world’s supply chain systems are complex, high-tech and always evolving. Qualified leaders who can help create efficient and sustainable solutions are in high demand.

At UMass Global, the curriculum for this program is designed to give students a strong foundation in leadership, team building and ethical decision-making. Core classes for a BAOL and supply chain management degree include:

  • Theory and Practice of Leadership
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Leadership Skills Development Lab
  • Strategies Across the Supply Chain

The types of skills acquired in this program can help you qualify for job titles such as:

  • Supply chain manager
  • Data warehousing specialist
  • Compliance manager
  • Logistics analyst

Learn more about supply chain management in this handy infographic.

3. BBA in GIS and Data Analytics

If you’re a tech whiz who’s looking to earn a business degree and expand on your existing computer skills, an online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a GIS and Data Analytics emphasis could be a great fit. In this program, you’ll learn how to code, manage projects, interpret data, protect organizational information and apply research and big data to real-life problems.

Not familiar with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)? This emerging field uses software to analyze geographical maps that have been enhanced with different kinds of information. The goal is to discover patterns that show how people are affected by the natural and built environments, and vice versa. As a GIS and Data Analytics student, you’ll take classes like:

  • Intro to Data Management
  • GIS Methods and Ethics
  • Spatial Visualization and Data Analytics
  • Applied Data Wrangling

This degree can be applied to a huge variety of industries and is highly valued by employers. You could pursue jobs including:

  • Business intelligence analyst
  • GIS technician
  • Environmental compliance analyst
  • Climate data specialist

Learn more about how big data is transforming business with these six real-world examples.

4. BBA in Marketing

An online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a Marketing emphasis blends the scientific, technological and psychological aspects of the fields into one comprehensive curriculum. You’ll become fluent in the basics of business, advertising and market research and have the chance to apply your skills to real-world problems while you’re still in school.

This degree focuses on teaching students how to analyze industry trends, implement innovative marketing strategies and communicate effectively with colleagues. The vast majority of jobs in this industry are team-based and collaborative, so knowing how to work well with others is key. BBA in marketing students can expect to take classes like:

  • Advertising and Promotional Strategy
  • Consumer Behavior
  • International Marketing
  • New Product Development

Graduates are often hired by advertising and PR agencies, retail companies, manufacturing companies and corporate marketing departments. You might consider pursuing jobs with titles like:

  • Fundraising manager
  • Market research analyst
  • Public relations specialist
  • Digital marketing strategist

5. BBA in Healthcare Administration

An online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a Healthcare Administration emphasis is an excellent degree choice for anyone looking to level up in the fast-growing medical field. Qualified professionals are needed to manage the business side of healthcare, ensuring that facilities and departments are operating efficiently.

In this program you’ll learn to communicate effectively, navigate cultural differences, evaluate ethical issues and hone the leadership skills needed to be competitive in the workforce. You’ll become proficient in important technical skills like operations management, electronic health records, information system security, finance and more. You can expect to take classes like:

  • Health Information Systems
  • Healthcare Finance
  • US Healthcare System
  • Healthcare Operations Management

Healthcare administration graduates can work in a wide variety of medical settings. Some job titles include:

  • Nursing home administrator
  • Clinical manager
  • Health information specialist
  • Insurance company analyst

Earn a business degree that works for you

You’re now well aware that there are many options for online business degrees that can help you land your ideal career. Perhaps you found your perfect fit in the examples detailed above, or maybe you’re ready to explore more options.

UMass Global offers business degree options for nearly every area of interest. As experts in providing adult students with world-class online education, we have the support you need to launch a successful career in business.

Explore our different business degrees today.

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