(Newswire.net — December 12, 2019) — Do a search for degrees in business management and you’re bound to get a dizzying array of options. So many, in fact, that it can be downright daunting to figure out which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together a beginner’s guide to some of the most common, including what you can expect to study and what careers they work for the best.
Associate of Science in Business Management
An Associate of Science in Business Management typically takes around 2 years to complete (around 60 credit hours) and will offer coursework in topics like business communications, basic accounting, and fundamental human resources management. An associate’s degree in business management is ideal for positions like:
- Retail sales associate
- Assistant store manager
- Sales consultant
- Executive assistant
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with an associate’s degree earn a median weekly wage of $862 compared to $730 for those with a high school diploma.
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
A Bachelor of Science in Business Management is a 4-year degree that usually includes around 120 credit hours. This is a fairly general degree, so coursework will offer a broad overview of subjects like supply chain management, organizational behavior and management, business law and policy, and quantitative analysis. A B.S. in Business Management is ideal for business management careers like:
- Office manager
- Bookkeeper
- Marketing director
- Administrative supervisor
People with a bachelor’s degree brought home a median weekly wage of $1,198 in 2018, as reported by the BLS.
Master of Business in Management
While a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is typically designed for people with several years of experience in the field, a Master of Business in Management (MBM) can be completed right after graduating with a bachelor’s degree. MBM programs offer advanced coursework in organizational theory, professional evaluation and managerial communication. Those with a master’s degree in business management can apply for some of the highest-level jobs in the field, including:
- Director of operations
- Chief financial officer
- Human resources manager
- Financial managers
The BLS reports that grads with master’s degrees made a median weekly salary of $1,434 in 2018.
Master of Science in Entrepreneurship
If you’d rather get into business management by forging your own path (rather than working for someone else), a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship is an ideal choice. Degrees like this focus on developing ideas for products and services, creating sustainable business models, finding customers and growing the business. Classes might cover topics like finance for entrepreneurs, decision-making, leadership and competitive strategy. Entrepreneurs with graduate degrees can typically take on these roles:
- Chief executive officer
- Chief financial officer
- Operations manager
- Financial analyst
Master of Project Management
A Master of Project Management (MPM) helps students oversee the logistics of a big business project. This might be the launch of a new product or the opening of a new branch. MPM programs focus their coursework on resource management, team-building, cost control tactics and organizational theory as it relates to project management. Careers for MPM graduates include:
- Project analyst
- Master scheduler
- Senior project manager
Master of Science in Healthcare Management
A Master of Science in Healthcare Management covers much of the same ground as business management degrees but offers special training in managing healthcare facilities. Classes in these programs will focus on topics like healthcare leadership, patient care and healthcare ethics. This degree is a natural fit for careers like these:
- Hospital administrator
- Clinic manager
- Health services consultant
There is also a wide range of concentration options in these and other business degrees. Here are just a few:
- Leadership
- Economics
- eCommerce
- International business
- Marketing
- Computer information systems
Some see this glut of options as intimidating. It’s better to look at it as an opportunity. If you’re having trouble deciding, try talking to someone in the profession, joining student organizations within the program, talking to advisors or trying some introductory classes.