In today's competitive professional landscape, having a business degree can put you ahead of the curve. A business degree is highly versatile, providing students with a broad range of skills applicable to various industries. From understanding the intricacies of financial management to acquiring skills in strategic planning, a business degree can equip you with competencies that are in high demand in today's job market.

In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and financial roles are expected to grow faster than all other occupations between 2022 and 2032. On average, there are 911,400 new job openings each year for business roles. For those who do choose to major in business, there are also financial benefits. As of February 2024, the average business salary is $80,369. Depending on where you live the average salary is upwards of $100,000, with California and the District of Columbia having the highest salaries.

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 nine 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.

1. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Project Management
2. Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
3. Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Supply Chain Systems
4. Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources
5. Bachelor of Business Administration in GIS and Data Analytics
6. Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
7. Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
8. Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration
9. Master of Business Administration

9 Types of Business Degrees and 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. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Project Management

Earning an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, particularly 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:

• IT Project Manager
• Project Management Specialist
• Cybersecurity Project Manager

2. Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

An online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting focuses on the systematic recording, reporting, and analysis of financial transactions. Accounting is a necessary function of every business offering graduates high job security. However, many accounting roles require a certified public accounting (CPA) license, which requires 30 additional college credits. These credits can be earned through elective courses.

Accounting degree programs prepare you for a variety of role responsibilities including budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting during quarter ends and fiscal years. Some of the classes that you will take include:

• Advanced Accounting
• Income Taxation
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Accounting Information Systems

Accounting is also incredibly lucrative. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of an accountant and auditor in 2022 reached $78,000. While salary can depend on your location and experience, the knowledge gained during your degree program can position you for roles such as:

• Accounting clerk
• Management analyst
• Personal financial advisor
• Operations research analyst

3. Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Supply Chain Systems

An online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership (BAOL) with a Supply Chain Systems emphasis is another practical combination to consider for those working towards a supply chain leadership role. The world’s supply chain systems are complex, high-tech, and always evolving. Individuals who can help create efficient and sustainable solutions are in high demand with an 18% growth in logistics related roles projected between 2022 and 2032.

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

• Theory and Practice of Leadership
• Organizational Communication
• Project Management and Supply Chain Leadership
• Strategies Across the Supply Chain

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

• Supply chain manager
• Industrial production manager
• Logistician

4. Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources

A BBA in Human Resources provides you with the knowledge and skills to successfully manage people within an organization. As a critical business function, HR degree programs help individuals learn the foundational responsibilities of the role such as recruiting, staffing, and management of benefits and employee relations. Additionally, you will gain exposure to other aspects of a business including accounting, economics, and business law. While understanding the nature of business is important, HR specific courses will best prepare you for your future role. Some of the most common courses you will be enrolled in include:

• Legal Issues in Human Resources
• Workforce Planning and Employment
• Conflict Resolution
• Performance Improvement

While human resources plays a specific function in business, there are still a variety of areas within HR where you can focus. Popular HR roles include:

• Compensation and Benefits Manager
• Human Resources Specialist
• Labor Relations Specialists
• Training and Development Managers

5. Bachelor of Business Administration 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 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. Although the GIS field is relatively new, there is high-earning potential. As of February 2024, the average salary of a technician is $89,302. However, you’re not limited to becoming a GIS technician, you could pursue jobs including:

• Geographic information systems technologist
• Cartographer
• Data scientist
• Surveying and mapping technician

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

6. Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance

A BBA in Finance is a valuable educational path that provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and oversee financial matters in business settings. What separates a finance degree from economics and accounting is the specific focus on financial management.

While economics explores broader economic principles and theories, and accounting focuses on financial record-keeping and reporting, a finance degree delves into topics such as risk management, financial analysis, and portfolio management. Some of the classes you’ll take as you advance in your degree program include:

• Financial Institutions
• Financing the Small Business
• International Finance
• Investments

A finance degree can help you remain competitive in the job market, preparing you for roles across industries. Similar to that of accounting, finance is particularly lucrative with the average salary of a financial analyst in 2022 reaching $96,220. Some of the finance career paths you can work towards include:

• Controller
• Budget analyst
• Tax preparer
• Financial risk specialist

7. Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing

An online Bachelor of Business Administration with a Marketing emphasis blends the scientific, technological and psychological aspects of the field 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 scenarios 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 majority of jobs in this industry are team-based and collaborative, so knowing how to work well with others is key. 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
• Advertising and promotions manager

8. Bachelor of Business Administration 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 in a non-clinical capacity. 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 drive healthcare business growth. 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 including health systems, nursing homes, and medical centers. Some healthcare administrator job titles include:

• Medical and health services manager
• Health informatics specialist
• Health education specialist
• Clinical nurse specialist

9. Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership

For those interested in management and executive level roles, a Bachelor of Arts in Organization Leadership (BAOL) can help you build the foundational skills. Leaders are in high demand as companies are looking to gain trust from employees during times of uncertainty and invest in growth-driven innovation.

This degree program focuses on developing leadership abilities while understanding organizational dynamics. You’ll learn how to identify organizational issues, uncover solutions, and effectively communicate vision. Some of the courses you can expect in your BAOL degree program include:

• Organizational Behavior
• Theory and Practice of Leadership
• Leadership in Diverse and Multicultural Organizations
• Organizational Development and Change

As you would assume, the higher up in an organization you are the higher the earning potential. In May 2022 the average salary of an executive was $246,440. Having a BAOL is an asset for career advancement across industries as skills like communication, strategic planning, and team building are highly sought after. Some of the roles you can get with a BAOL are:

• Chief Executive
• Management Analyst
• General or Operations Manager

Earn a Business Degree that Works for You

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.