What can you do with a business administration degree?

A degree in business administration appeals to students who want a practical education and credentials for their future careers. A high-quality online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program delves deeper into topics such as finance, marketing, management, and human resources. It teaches how businesses work and develops the skills graduates will need to join a big corporation, start a new business, or work for a non-profit organization.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, business administration and management is the most popular degree field in the country.¹ The field is so popular due, in part, to its versatility. Read on to explore the many opportunities available to business administration graduates.

Employers trust that business administration graduates have acquired certain key skills. Through an online MBA program, students can further develop their abilities and apply them to a wide range of professions.

Courses in leadership teach you how to motivate others, set strategic goals, and ensure that goals are met on time. In classes, you will learn team-building tactics and high-level organizational management. You’ll also pursue team projects that allow you to practice leveraging the different personal strengths found in any group.

An online MBA program can significantly boost your managerial skills. By developing strong leadership qualities, you'll gain a competitive advantage in the job market.

Understanding finances is crucial for any business. During an online MBA program, you'll learn to manage budgets, read financial statements, and make informed decisions based on financial data.

A solid foundation in financial management is essential for success in business management. Master of business administration programs equip students with the financial acumen needed to excel in various business programs.

Successful marketing requires a strong foundation in strategy and clear communication. These skills are essential for attracting customers and building a strong brand identity. They are valuable across various roles, from front-line customer service to high-level advertising positions.

MBA programs equip students with advanced marketing analytics and introduce them to the latest digital tools. This knowledge empowers them to develop cohesive brand messaging and expand market reach.

Effective marketing and communication skills are crucial for the success of any business. An MBA degree provides business students with the tools to develop and implement successful marketing campaigns.

Business programs prepare students for roles that require critical thinking and decision-making. MBA programs often use case studies and group projects to simulate real-world challenges, allowing you to practice and refine your problem-solving skills in a collaborative environment. You’ll learn to analyze complex business challenges and develop innovative solutions to them.

Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills are highly valued in the business world. An MBA degree can help you develop these critical thinking skills and become a more effective leader.

Managing people requires you to understand hiring practices, employee training, and conflict resolution. These skills help you create a positive and productive work environment. Your online MBA program will include specialized HR courses and hands-on experience. You’ll learn to motivate and lead peers, and to handle difficult situations with professionalism and empathy.

Human resources is a vital function within any organization. An MBA degree with a focus on human resources can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field.

With an online MBA from the University of Kansas, your career opportunities are diverse. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in business administration have a median starting salary of $53,537, starting their careers above the average annual wage of $48,060.^2,3 With an MBA, the earnings are even higher. The national employment site ZipRecruiter currently positions the median salary for MBA graduates between $125,500 and $200,000.⁴

One likely path for MBA graduates is a corporate career. The degree qualifies graduates for a rich array of positions. Specific titles among them include:

• Product Manager
• Financial Analyst
• Management Consultant
• Marketing Director
• Sales Director
• Business Strategist

Some MBA graduates prefer to forge their own paths by starting businesses. Business planning and strategic management skills help create a strong foundation for a new company and prepare new MBAs to navigate future business challenges.

Other organizations use business principles to achieve charitable goals and improve communities. Effective leaders in the non-profit sector must manage resources strategically, often on tight budgets, to maximize impact. They need proficiency in fundraising, donor relations, networking, and clear communication of their organization’s mission.

Skills such as program development and evaluation, that are further honed during MBA studies, are essential when it comes to aligning initiatives with goals and demonstrating success.

All levels of government need people to research and develop policies and oversee operations, such as budgeting and planning. These roles require expertise in policy analysis, public finance, strategic planning, project management, communication, negotiation, ethical leadership, and transparency.

MBA courses in public policy, governance, and ethics provide the essential knowledge and frameworks to address many challenges in government and public administration effectively.

An MBA with a focus on supply chain management can open doors to a variety of career opportunities. Graduates with a master's degree in this field develop a well-rounded understanding of organizational behavior, quantitative skills, and practical skills needed to optimize supply chain operations.

These working professionals are equipped to tackle complex challenges in existing company settings or within their own entrepreneurial ventures.

An MBA with an emphasis on international business provides students with a competitive edge in today's global marketplace. Graduates develop a diverse range of skills needed to succeed in international business. The program equips students with a strong foundation in supply chain management, organizational behavior, and quantitative skills.

With a well-rounded understanding of different cultures and economies, MBA graduates in international business are prepared to excel in a variety of roles within existing company or by launching their own global ventures.

Those interested in academic or high-level research careers might pursue a Ph.D. in Business Administration. This terminal degree involves extensive research and the development of new business theories. Graduates often become university professors, researchers, or high-level consultants.

MBA graduates can apply their education to various sectors. For example:

• In technology, your business acumen can help streamline operations and manage rapid growth.
• The healthcare sector may rely on your knowledge to increase the efficiency of hospital management.
• Retail businesses use your strategic marketing and financial expertise to attract customers and increase sales.

Tim Barton, a recent recipient of the KU Distinguished Alumni Award, met his first business partners as a Jayhawk.⁵ He later went on to found and sell Freightquote, the largest online freight brokerage.

The benefits of your MBA education depend on more than the skills you acquire in class. The KU online MBA program connects you to a professional network that provides support, guidance, and potential job leads. Your network extends beyond individual classes to an entire body of proud Jayhawk alumni.

Continuing education and certifications keep graduates professionally relevant. By taking classes in specialized areas, you demonstrate your commitment to learning and set yourself apart in the job market.

In addition to conferences and seminars, you can pursue credentials from professional organizations relevant to specific lines of work, such as the Global Association of Risk Professionals or the Association for Supply Chain Management.^6,7

Today’s volatile marketplaces require agile, strategic thinkers with comprehensive knowledge of business competencies. In the online MBA program from the KU School of Business, you will learn the core skills and strategic perspectives to manage an organization in the modern business environment.

Because the program is delivered online, you can study on your own schedule to balance your courses with work, family, and other commitments. You’ll also get opportunities to connect with peers and build a professional network.

Talk to an admissions outreach advisor today to learn more.