Business degrees are some of the most popular, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and for good reason.
Business expertise is in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)*, business and financial occupations are projected to grow 7% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.
But which business degree is right for you? We compare business administration vs. business management to determine the similarities and differences.
Business Administration
What is Business Administration?
Business administration includes general business operations such as accounting, economics, human resources, management, marketing and other business functions.
Business Administration Courses
A degree in business administration typically exposes students to a selection of courses that cover core business subjects, such as business law and ethics, marketing, management, finance, economics and accounting. Other subjects may include strategic management, management information or decision support systems, organizational behavior and operations research.
In Florida Tech’s MBA program, Organizational Behavior is commonly highlighted by students because it covers real-world topics. Wade Phipps, MBA, says, “Organizational Behavior was my favorite class because it showed me how to navigate the business world, specifically working with employees and making sure they have what they need to be successful. That ultimately helps you as a leader and as an administrator become the best that you can be by providing that and being that support for them. I was able to see firsthand how some of the things that I was learning about, such as how to best take care of your employees, could be applied in my job.”
Students often complete core courses across these various subject areas and then choose a particular subject as a focal point or area of specialization, such as accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, business computer applications or business economics. Students then go on to complete additional coursework in this area of study, developing a high level of expertise in the subject.
According to Dr. Christian Sonnenberg, Associate Dean of Online and Off-Campus Programs at Florida Tech, an MBA with a specialization allows students to tailor their MBA towards a specific industry:
“Each specialization is unique and has its own track of elective courses tailored to that field. For example, the MBA in Healthcare Management includes courses on policy, IT, legal issues, planning, and marketing within the healthcare space. Once they graduate, their diploma reflects this specialization allowing employers to easily identify and appreciate that student’s commitment to the field.”
Business Administration Degree Programs
Business administration degrees are offered at the undergraduate and graduate level. The depth and variety of business topics covered depend on the degree. Here are a few examples of business administration degrees:
- Associate of Arts in Business Administration: the AA in Business Administration typically provides an overview of core business concepts combined with liberal arts coursework.
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration: the BA in Business Administration is more comprehensive, offering introductory and advanced courses in business topics such as accounting, management, economics, marketing and organizational behavior. Students may also have the opportunity to specialize in an area like management or marketing depending on what the university offers.
- Master of Business Administration: the MBA is one of the most popular graduate degree programs, according to the NCES. The core business topics of a bachelor’s degree are covered in a more advanced format. In addition, entrepreneurship, leadership and management courses are often part of an MBA program. An MBA program might also have the opportunity for students to specialize in their industry, such as healthcare or project management.
- Doctor of Business Administration: the most advanced business administration, the DBA can either be more research-focused or professional-focused depending on the program. Advanced, specialized topics such as corporate finance, quantitative research methods and strategic management are often part of DBA programs.
What Can I Do With a Business Administration Degree?
A business administration program provides the foundation for a variety of career paths. While the jobs available depend on the level of degree earned, a few business administration jobs include:
Business administration has led to a variety of career paths for Florida Tech grads. Kim Blais, who earned her business administration degrees online from Florida Tech, used her education to advance in a global hospitality company.
“I not only worked full-time while pursuing both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Florida Tech, but I was able to secure three promotions over the seven-year process of finishing both degrees online.”
Whatever industry you work in, having business administration knowledge can help position you for success.
Business Management
What is Business Management?
Business management degree programs have more of a focus on management, leadership, human resources and personnel operations. Topics are more focused on the organization, analysis and planning of business operations.
Business Management Degree Programs
Similar to business administration, there are business management degrees available at the undergraduate and graduate level.
- Associate of Arts in Business Management: the AA in Business Management provides an introduction to management topics, including business ethics, project management, economics and human resources.
- Bachelor of Arts Business Management: the BA in Business Management has more depth and scope than the AA, with courses in business law, entrepreneurship, business research and leadership.
- Master of Arts Business Management: providing even more depth into business management topics, the MA in Business Management is more focused on strictly management topics compared to the MBA. Negotiation, leadership, teamwork, project management and research are all potential topics covered in this degree program.
Business Management Courses
Students in business management programs often take many of the same core business courses as business administration students, but they may also take courses in other subjects such as communications, logistics, purchasing and administrative practices. In addition, they may take additional coursework focused on topics like:
- Conflict resolution
- Personnel development
- Recruiting and retention strategies
- Organizational behavior
- Performance management
Strategic Management is another Florida Tech course often favored by students due to its applicability to the business world. According to Mark Mussell, MBA in Project Management, the course was really the “capstone to top the pyramid of knowledge acquired” in his program:
“We were able to put our knowledge to practical use in several ways, including our class discussions, developing realistic strategic management plans and the business strategy simulation game. I also really liked how the course instructor pushed everyone to search and think above and beyond the minimum required.”
What Can I Do With a Business Management Degree?
A degree in business management prepares students to take on a management role in developing an organization’s goals and aligning personnel and other resources to achieve those goals. Students who earn a business management degree are usually qualified for entry-level management positions in virtually any business enterprise or functional area, including accounting, finance, human resources, marketing or benefits administration. Students can choose to pursue a particular area of interest or a general management career. Job titles might include:
- Management analyst
- Sales manager
- Office manager
- Purchasing manager
Business Administration vs. Business Management
Many people use the terms “business administration” and “business management” interchangeably, particularly when referring to higher education degree programs. Although the two programs are different, they share a similar core curriculum with courses covering a broad range of business-related topics. This core curriculum provides students with a well-rounded education and a wide range of skills, regardless of the student’s intended area of specialization.
Both degrees will teach students how to plan business activities, organize departments and employees, run departments and generally manage an organization. Students also learn about the various important elements of running a business, such as logistics, business communications and leadership skills.
What’s the Difference Between Business Administration and Business Management?
Despite these similarities, there are key distinctions between the two degrees. At a high level, a degree in business management typically focuses on the more authoritative aspects of business while business administration degree programs are usually broader in scope than business management degree programs and may encompass management functions.
A solid business education can open an array of career prospects for students, regardless of whether they pursue a degree in administration or management. By fully understanding the differences and similarities between business administration and business management, individuals can select the educational path that best matches their skills, interests and career goals.
Florida Tech’s Business Degree Programs, 100% Online
Are you interested in earning your degree in business administration or business management? Florida Tech offers business degrees 100% online to meet the needs of working professionals. Featuring an interactive, engaging classroom environment and a rigorous curriculum, students can choose from undergraduate and graduate business programs with many specializations. Click here to explore online business degree programs.
Related Reading:
Guide to Majors in Business Management
What to Expect With an Online MBA
Career Paths With a Business Degree
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Business and Financial Occupations, on the internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/home.htm (visited July 15, 2019).
National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth. Degree and/or certificate program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research for specific employment information.