If you’ve thought about working toward a bachelor’s degree in business administration, you may be wondering how this degree can help you in your career, what you’ll learn, how long it will take, and what kind of jobs and salaries you can expect.
What is a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (BSBA)?
Typically, a BSBA provides graduates with general business knowledge while preparing them for roles in management, operations, finance, business development or other related jobs within an organization. A BSBA is a versatile degree, opening the door for many different career paths.
What Skills Will I Learn in a Business Administration Bachelor’s Degree Program?
A BSBA offers fundamental business administration skills you can apply in almost any job or workplace scenario. You’ll learn hard and soft skills, plus how to problem-solve, communicate with others, and think critically. Some degree programs offer the ability for students to specialize in certain areas of business, such as project management or business analytics. The UW Flexible Option Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree offers two concentrations to choose from (General Business and Business Analytics) in addition to an Agile Project Management Certificate or Business Analytics Certificate that you can pursue while in the degree program or in lieu of a degree.
What Jobs Could I Get With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2032. About 911,400 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business?
You will have an opportunity to make a higher salary compared with other fields. The median annual wage for this group was $79,050 in May 2023, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $48,060.
How Long Will It Take Me to Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Business?
It depends on the program and whether you’ve completed any past college-level coursework. With UW Flexible Option, students with at least 10 hours of college coursework can transfer into the BSBA program. Those who do not can enroll in the associate’s degree program through UW Flexible Option to prepare for the BSBA.
With UW Flexible Option, you will take courses that are 100% online and complete them at your own pace. Unlike traditional business degree programs that require in-person, on-campus instruction, you can fit our competency-based education into your life in a way that works for you. Many UW Flexible Option students work full-time while taking courses.
Is a Business Degree Worth It?
Financially, a business degree can help you earn more money throughout the course of your career. For example, men with bachelor’s degrees can expect to earn $900,000 more in median lifetime earnings than high school graduates, according to the Social Security Administration, and women with bachelor’s degrees earn $630,000 more over the course of their lifetimes.
According to a recent report by the Wisconsin Policy Forum, among higher-paying jobs expected to open each year in Wisconsin through 2030, more than half (54,802, or 58.1%) will be in occupations that typically require a bachelor’s or advanced degree for entry.
In addition to financial stability, business degree graduates also will have the skills and knowledge they need to work more confidently on the job and position themselves for future leadership roles. In today’s competitive job market, employers are looking for professionals who can communicate effectively, work with others to innovate and solve problems, and think strategically. With a BSBA, you will demonstrate to hiring managers that you have these abilities and are committed to learning and growing your skills. You’ll also set yourself up for a variety of career opportunities.
Ready to take the leap? Explore the UW Flexible Option Bachelor of Science in Business Administration curriculum, tuition, and admissions process today.