When it comes to the business world, two popular options often come to mind: Business Administration and Business Management. While both fields are rooted in business, they have distinct features that lead to different career paths.
Knowing more about each degree program, coursework, and career outlook will help you choose the right academic path for a successful career.
Comparing Business Management vs Business Administration
Here’s a comparison table to highlight key aspects of both programs:
| Business Management | Business Administration | |
| Starting Pay | $68,305/year | $48,395/year |
| Average Pay | $87,846/year | $62,331/year |
| Job Responsibilities | ● Leadership and team management ● Decision-making ● Set sales goals ● Evaluate employee performance ● Create business policies and processes | ● Oversee daily operations ● Supervise marketing initiatives ● Interview and hire staff members ● Negotiate business contracts ● Manage business registration requirements |
| Focus Areas | ● Finance Leadership ● Communication ● Entrepreneurship | ● Accounting ● Marketing ● Human Resource Management ● Computer Information Systems |
What is Business Management?
Business Management is centered on overseeing and organizing business operations, making sure everything runs smoothly. Perfect for managerial roles, this involves coordinating the company’s resources, setting business goals, establishing parameters, and creating effective management strategies.
Here, you’ll work on handling important business areas such as Finance, human resources, marketing, and supply chain management. A Business Management curriculum involves strategic planning, organizational behavior, and project management. Graduates are expected to be capable of leading teams and guiding their companies across different industries to reach their objectives.
Educational Path and Career Options in Business Management
If you like being the person in charge who’s making decisions, Business Management is the way to go. Typically, you will take on project management or team leadership roles with a Business Management degree.
Business Management programs are offered at the associate and bachelor’s level, which gain you entry into the industry. Upon earning your Master of Business Management degree, You can then work your way up to an education or special certificate.
A similar program is a graduate degree in Business Analytics and Intelligence that promotes high-level expertise in management theory and practices.
Certificate programs and diplomas, which last from a few weeks to several months, offer a flexible and efficient way for business professionals to acquire new skills and credentials without the time commitment of a traditional degree program.
A Business Management background provides professionals with an opportunity to transition into leadership roles. They take on roles that entail team coordination and the effective execution of business strategies. Career paths may include project management, team leadership, and executive decision-making positions.
Business Management is for you if:
- You enjoy taking charge and leading teams toward common goals.
- You excel at making decisions and solving problems.
- You want to specialize in leadership and team dynamics.
A Business Management career is not a great fit if:
- You prefer a broader understanding of various business functions.
- Your interests lean towards exploring different fields of the business world.
- You are not interested in exclusively focusing on leadership roles.
What is Business Administration?
Business Administration often deals with a broad range of business functions, from data analysis to design thinking and decision-making. Like a strategic compass, business administrators work on setting goals, refining processes, and implementing strategies.
Business Administration programs explore different areas like Marketing, Human Resources, and Operations. This degree is ideal for those interested in getting a comprehensive business education without specializing in one particular area. Students gain a better understanding of how organizations function, preparing them for diverse roles in the business world.
Educational Path and Career Options in Business Administration
If you like understanding how parts of a business work, Business Administration might be right for you. It opens doors to jobs in areas like marketing, operations, or even starting your own business.
With a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA), students gain a well-rounded academic background in all aspects of business operations.
MBA holders are typically favored by businesses. They are expected to have gained a holistic education in Administration. Specialized MBAs are also offered to business professionals seeking to focus on a niche area.
The DBA program focuses on business research, data analysis, and methodologies for evidence-based business decisions.
There are also Executive MBA (EMBA) programs designed for mid to senior-level professionals and executives who have plenty of experience.
Having a background in Business Administration allows you to be versatile and well-rounded in various business areas. This lets you excel in the fields of operations management, marketing, consulting, and entrepreneurship.
Graduates often find opportunities in roles like business analysts, marketing coordinators, or general management positions, providing them with the flexibility to navigate through different business functions.
Business Administration is for you if:
- You have a special interest in various aspects of the business world, from Finance to marketing.
- You’re versatile and can adapt to changes.
- You see yourself in roles that require a holistic understanding of organizational functions.
A Business Administration career is not a great fit if:
- You are interested in leadership roles.
- You prefer a more focused and in-depth approach to a particular business function.
- You are not comfortable navigating various business domains.
Summary
Ultimately, both Business Management and Business Administration programs provide strong foundations for success in the business world. Whether you’re a freshman or a working professional, both fields offer valuable opportunities for growth and development!
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