Posted on March 25th, 2025 in Blog, Business

What Can You Do With a Degree in Business Administration?

A degree in business administration can open doors to a number of compelling and potentially lucrative career options. As business administration skills can be applied in a number of different specialty areas, the degree is a versatile choice for those interested in business, finance, or management.

In addition to the expertise they provide through their relevant coursework, business administration programs help students develop key skills that are valuable across industries. Whether a prospective student is considering pursuing a foundational or advanced degree, they should learn what graduates can do with a degree in business administration and how it can help them achieve their career goals.

What Can You Learn in a Business Administration Program?

Coursework in a business administration degree program, such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, typically focuses on areas such as the following:

Marketing
Economics
Finance
Human resources
Ethics
Global business

Business administration programs train individuals to perform functions such as setting company goals, studying economic trends, overseeing finances, and analyzing employee performance. They also teach students critical thinking, communication, and quantitative analysis skills, and help them develop teamwork and leadership capabilities.

Reasons to Enter a Business Administration Career

Business administration is a good discipline to study for those who want career flexibility. Business administration expertise is applicable in a range of industries worldwide, allowing professionals to align their careers to their interests and talents as they gain experience.

The skills honed in business administration positions, such as communication and leadership skills, are easily transferable between roles, and those interested in starting their own business can apply the knowledge gained from a career in the field to become entrepreneurs.

A career in business administration can also lead to a lucrative salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for management occupations was $116,880 as of May 2023 — significantly higher than the overall median annual salary of $48,060.

Demand for management professionals is high, with the BLS projecting about 1.2 million openings each year between 2023 and 2033 due to employment growth and replacement of those leaving their positions.

4 Careers You Can Pursue With a Business Administration Degree

Because business administration degrees are so versatile, graduates can pursue any of a range of career paths. Consider the following options:

1. Management Analyst

Management analysts help organizations become more efficient. They analyze financial records and other data to identify areas that can be cut, changed, or expanded to help an organization reach its goals. They often work with multiple stakeholders to understand the organization’s issues and communicate their findings through reports or presentations. Many management analysts work as third-party consultants while others work in-house for a specific organization.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for management analysts was $99,410 in 2023. The BLS projects employment in the field will increase by 11% between 2023 and 2033, citing the continuing need for organizations to improve their efficiency, especially smaller companies and government agencies. As markets become more competitive, the BLS expects that demand will increase for analysts who can help companies reduce costs.

To enter the management analyst field, individuals must typically earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field and have several years of work experience. Some management analysts hold an MBA degree.

2. Fundraiser

Fundraisers help organizations plan and implement activities and events to raise money for the organization. They analyze previous donor records and prior campaign involvement to identify prospects for donations. They may also train volunteers. Fundraisers often work with others on campaigns for political candidates or groups, and they need to be well-versed in finance laws and ethics.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for fundraisers was $64,160 in 2023. The BLS projects growth of 6% in this field between 2023 and 2033, citing the continued need in nonprofit organizations for specialists in raising funds, especially those with an understanding of social media. Fundraising professionals typically need to hold a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field.

3. Human Resources Manager

Human resources (HR) managers help organizations plan and implement their administrative functions. They recruit, interview, and hire new employees. They also often collaborate with higher level executives to plan employee benefit programs, and serve as a link between employees and upper management.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for HR managers in 2023 was $136,350. The BLS projects 6% growth in the field between 2023 and 2033, citing organizations’ need for expertise in employee engagement, retention, and both remote and in-office work models.

To enter an HR management position, individuals typically need to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, human resources management, or a related field, as well as several years of experience in the HR field.

4. Chief Executive Officer

Chief executive officers (CEOs) are generally the top executive in a company. They are typically in charge of an organization’s overall direction, overseeing all its departments and setting policies meant to help the organization enhance its growth and meet its goals. They often work closely with other executives, and they need strong leadership and communication skills to ensure everyone is working toward the same organizational vision.

The median annual salary for chief executives was $206,680 in 2023, according to the BLS. Positions are projected to increase 5% between 2023 and 2033 due to the continued need for professionals who can oversee multiple departments and make high-level decisions.

While some individuals advance into top executive positions with a bachelor’s degree and extensive experience, many CEOs have graduate degrees in fields such as business administration or organizational leadership.

Achieve Your Career Goals in Business Administration

Understanding what a graduate can do with a degree in business administration is the first step toward a successful career. For those interested in pursuing a degree in business administration, consider Warner Pacific University Online’s BA in Business Administration program. This program offers students a broad understanding of marketing, finance, and accounting, along with leadership and management principles.

Those who are interested in an advanced degree should consider WPU Online’s Master of Business Administration program. The program focuses on leadership, organization, and change management theories alongside a high-level accounting, finance, and marketing curriculum.

Both programs are available in a 100% asynchronous online format or a HyFlex (hybrid flexible) format, which includes one synchronous class per course, allowing working students to continue working while they earn their degree. Warner Pacific also offers a number of in-person programs — including business degree programs — at its campus in Portland, Oregon.

Learn how WPU Online can help you embark on a career with purpose.

Sources:
Indeed, “Q&A: What Can You Do With a Business Administration Degree?”
Indeed, “What Can You Do With a Business Administration Degree?”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Fundraisers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Human Resources Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Management Analysts
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Management Occupations
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Top Executives