Top 5 Massachusetts Public Colleges for Business Management Degree Programs

General and operations managers; first-line supervisors or managers in manufacturing facilities, food establishments, retail stores; financial managers; management analysts; sales managers; computer and information systems managers; and marketing managers.

These are just a few of the available jobs in Massachusetts for business administration and management degree holders. Indeed, such a degree is among the best paths to take in college because of its strong demand, workplace flexibility, and career advancement opportunities. 

During your college years as a business administration and management student, you will gain an intensive understanding of running a business. While the exact curriculum varies depending on the school and concentration, the coursework includes finance and accounting, marketing, and management subjects. After college, your knowledge and skills will contribute to your marketability during job interviews. 

You will also benefit from the versatility with which your knowledge and skills can be applied across different industries without changing your career path. You can choose to become your boss by establishing your own business and, thus, putting your entrepreneurial skills to the test.

You can also become a career management professional in whatever industry you choose to be in, such as in a multinational retail company or a manufacturing facility. 

Your degree will also be your competitive edge, especially if you earned it at the best public school in Massachusetts. Your skillset includes effective communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, as well as leadership, delegation, and organizational skills. You may well get your first dream job and the jobs after your impressive demonstration of these skills during the interviews. 

But it’s also important to understand the cost and time commitment involved in studying for a business administration and management degree. For example, at the Isenberg School of Management, undergraduate students pay $475 per credit aside from the registration and university fees, among other attendance costs. Each business course is usually three credits. 

Fortunately, the net cost isn’t as high as you’d expect it to be. Public universities offer scholarships, grants, and work-study schemes, such as FAFSA, which significantly decreases attendance costs. 

As for the time commitment, a bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete for a full-time student and longer for a part-time student. But most bachelor’s degree programs take up to four years anyway. There’s also the fact that many public universities offer 4+1 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs wherein a full-time student can earn both degrees in just five years.  

Aside from the cost and time commitment, you must also consider your suitability for the degree program. You should have an aptitude for numbers because of the math-related foundational courses, such as calculus, accounting, and economics. You must also be willing and able to improve your problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills, among other soft skills. 

Once you have considered a degree in business administration and management, your next step is choosing between the two types. Yes, there are significant differences between the two types, although these are often used interchangeably and share many similarities. 

Business administration has more focus on a business’ day-to-day functions and, thus, their practitioners have a more specialized focus like marketing or accounting. Business management has more focus on leadership, organization, and delegation, which means an employee-centric approach. 

If you’re more interested in a human resources career, your better choice is a degree in business management. But if being an entrepreneur is in your sights, then go for a business administration degree. 

Still not decided on which path to take? Take a look at these five public institutions that offer business administration and business management degree programs. Think of this article as your basic guide to a world of possibilities, and then get into more detail afterward.  

Note: The admissions requirements are for incoming first-year students only for the particular school’s undergraduate program. These will be different for transfer students as well as for graduate and post-graduate students.

University of Massachusetts – Amherst

Prominent Program Features:

The University of Massachusetts Amherst, or UMass Amherst, is the alma mater of numerous Nobel Prize laureates, Fulbright, Truman and Churchill Scholars, and Pulitzer Prize, Academy Awards and Emmy Awards winners. As the University of Massachusetts system’s flagship campus, it’s a point of pride for Bay Staters!  

The Isenberg School of Management is a well-known business school with numerous recognitions and accolades, including:

• #1 Public Undergraduate Business Program in the Northeast by U.S. News & World Report (2021),
• #3 Best Online MBA Worldwide by Financial Times (2018),
• and #50 Best Business School Overall by U.S. News & World Report (2020).

Undergraduate students are, indeed, in good hands with the excellent faculty! 

There are seven undergraduate majors offered and an MBA and Ph.D. programs characterized by rigorous curricula and world-class instruction. Students choose between a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with five concentrations and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with two majors. These degree programs are available as on-campus or online degree completion programs, giving students the flexibility to earn their degrees. 

The on-campus program is a four-year residency program at its flagship campus with traditional classroom classes as the norm. Students also benefit from dynamic internships with external employers, on-campus clubs and events, and career advice and support, among other enjoyable on-campus aspects. 

The online degree completion program is suitable for students who want to complete their degree at their own pace, anywhere and anytime. Students benefit from an accessible, user-friendly online platform, a collaborative learning environment, and world-class instruction, too – the online faculty also teaches on-campus classes. 

The BBA Accounting program prepares students for a career in accounting, auditing, and tax, whether they want to be independent consultants or salaried employees. The Finance concentration combines a challenging curriculum with insights into international financial institutions through international finance courses, corporate finance, and financial modeling. The Management concentration equips future managers with crucial soft skills, such as creative problem-solving skills, necessary for success.  

The BS Hospitality and Tourism Management concentration is popular among students who want to work in the restaurant, hotel, and entertainment industry. The BS Sport Management program has an experience-based curriculum for future leaders in the sports industry. 

The online certificate programs are ideal for busy professionals who want to advance their careers but can’t commit to an undergraduate program. Plus, the options are exciting, such as Casino Management, Sustainable Business Practice, and Meeting and Event Management.  

Being a successful manager or entrepreneur demands excellent communication skills, and the Isenberg School of Management looks after this aspect in students. The George W. Spiro Business Communication Program provides one-on-one communication training for all undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students. 

The master’s degree programs are also available as on-campus and online programs. Students take their bachelor’s degrees to a higher level, thanks to the advanced classes, competent faculty, and conducive learning environment. 

The Ph.D. program has produced notable scholars, prolific researchers, and outstanding educators. Each of the nine concentrations requires four years of intensive study.  

Campus location: Amherst, Massachusetts

Accreditations:

• New England Commission of Higher Education
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – International 

Acceptance and Graduation Rates:

• Acceptance rate: 64%
• Graduation rate: 74% 

Admission Requirements:

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Undergraduate Admissions Office administers admissions to the Isenberg School of Management. If you’re an incoming first-year and transfer student, you must indicate your intended major on your Common Application. Graduates of Massachusetts community colleges can use the UMass Amherst Community College Connection for admissions purposes. 

The admission application must include these materials: 

• A complete Common Application with the UMass questions answered 
• Official high school transcripts from Grades 9 to 12 
• Official transcripts for all completed coursework, including college coursework, if applicable 
• Letter of recommendation 
• Application fee 

SAT/ACT scores are optional for first-year applicants. But for applicants who choose to send their scores, the optional SAT essay is neither required nor recommended. 

Program Options:

Undergraduate: 

BBA with concentrations in: 

• Accounting
• Finance
• Management
• Marketing
• Operations and Information Management

BS with concentrations in: 

• Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Sport Management

Graduate: 

• MBA
• MF Alternative Investments
• MS Accounting
• MS Business Analytics 
• MS Sport Management 
• MBA/MS Dual Degree
• Business Analytics Certificate
• Forensic Accounting Certificate 

Online: 

• Undergraduate Online 
• Online MBA
• MS Accounting
• MS Business Analytics 
• Business Analytics Certificate
• Forensic Accounting Certificate 

Post-graduate: (Concentrations) 

• Accounting 
• Finance 
• Hospitality & Tourism Management 
• Information Systems 
• Management Science 
• Marketing 
• Organization Studies 
• Sport Management 
• Strategic Management

The Final Result:

According to the school, graduates of the bachelor’s degree programs make a median salary of $53,600 per year, a higher amount than the $40,200 national median salary. The more attractive compensation isn’t surprising considering that Umass Amherst graduates hit the ground running, so to speak, with their top-notch education. This is called the Isenberg Advantage, where students become changed students, develop a strong work ethic, and gain outstanding business intelligence.  

University of Massachusetts – Lowell

Prominent Program Features:

The University of Massachusetts Lowell, or UMass Lowell, is also well-known for its business administration and management degree programs outstanding quality.

The Robert J. Manning School of Business, its business school, delivers affordable education without sacrificing its quality, as evidenced by its influential research and successful alumni. The inclusive learning environment attracts students from around Massachusetts, the United States, and abroad, too, and its students enjoy transformative experiences on and off campus.  

Indeed, Manning graduates also hit the ground running in their careers, a success story made possible by the combination of rigorous instruction, real-world exposure, and innovative business approaches. Their knowledge and skills are their competitive edge, whether they start their businesses or pursue high-powered careers. 

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree program can choose from several concentrations, each with its required coursework and electives. Incoming first-year students should indicate their intended major on their application forms and receive the proper guidance regarding course requirements. 

The Accounting concentration is a great choice for students who want a general understanding of accounting necessary for entry-level accounting jobs.  Students must have 56 credits in general education courses outside of Manning, but their 67 credit hours must come from the business school; the 67 credit hours include 24 hours of accounting. These include:

• managerial accounting,
• financial accounting,
• cost accounting,
• taxation,
• advanced accounting,
• and auditing. 

The Entrepreneurship concentration involves an interdisciplinary approach where students will develop entrepreneurial skills vital in identifying, launching, and managing new business ventures or innovative products and services. Students will also develop outside-the-box thinking, understand financial management from start-up to ROI, and deal with business challenges. In this line, the curriculum combines classroom lectures and real-life business conceptualization as a capstone experience. 

The Finance concentration equips students with the ability to evaluate investment opportunities for individuals and groups, analyze capital budgeting issues, and determine the best techniques for addressing finance-related problems. Students will also learn not just above-average communication skills, a must-have soft skillset, but also the ability to effectively communicate finance concepts.  

The International Business concentration is an excellent choice for students who want to share the international pie. This is a popular major considering that many of the world’s fastest-growing markets are in foreign countries, and missing the opportunity to make your mark is a shame. Students get an in-depth understanding of the global markets with a multicultural perspective.  

The Management concentration degree program produced graduates who have gone on to become successful managers able to deal with a global economy’s complexities. Students learn effective and efficient strategies in addressing a wide range of issues from human resources to supply management and learn ways of maximizing their leadership potential. 

The Management Information Systems concentration prepares students for careers in database and network administration, I.T. support and help desk, and e-business and enterprise systems support. The coursework includes fundamentals in I.T. systems, including their creation, operation, and maintenance.  

Campus location: Lowell, Massachusetts

Accreditation:

• New England Commission of Higher Education
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – International 

Acceptance and Graduation Rates:

• Acceptance rate: 73%
• Graduation rate: 41% 

Admission Requirements:

Applicants must choose one of these two methods for application to UMass Lowell – Common Application or UMass Lowell Application. The application must contain all of these materials to be considered valid: 

• Completed University of Massachusetts system
• SAT/ACT score (UMass Lowell will only review the critical reading and math sections on the SAT) 
• Official school transcripts 
• Personal essay (250-650 words) with an answer to the Common Application essay option or choose one from a set of questions (e.g., What is the greatest challenge your generation will face?)
• Letter of recommendation 
• Application fee or a fee waiver 

Program Options:

Undergraduate: 

BSBA with concentrations in: 

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• International Business
• Management
• Management Information Systems
• Marketing 
• Analytics and Operations Management

Graduate: 

Master of Business Administration with concentrations in: 

• Accounting
• Business Analytics
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Information Technology
• Healthcare
• International Business
• Managerial Leadership
• Marketing

Master of Science with concentrations in:  

• Accounting
• Business Analytics
• Finance
• Entrepreneurship
• Entrepreneurship with a Healthcare option.

Post-graduate: 

Ph.D. in Business Administration with these concentrations: 

• Entrepreneurship
• Accounting
• Finance
• International Business
• Leadership/Organizational Studies 
• Management Information Systems

The Final Result:

Graduates earn the highest salaries in their mid-careers of alumni from any New England public university. Their education and experience prepared them for career success from their freshman year.  

University of Massachusetts – Boston

Prominent Program Features:

The University of Massachusetts Boston, or UMass Boston, is the third-largest campus of the University of Massachusetts system and, coincidentally, the third most diverse university in the country.

Most of its students are Bay State residents, but there are plenty of students from other states and international students, too. Indeed, UMass Boston has a vibrant student body that makes it among the state’s best public universities.  

Its College of Management is also a top-ranking school with accolades from industry publications, such as The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report. Many of its graduate programs, such as the M.S. in Finance, MS in Accounting, and MBA, are recognized for their excellent quality of education by CEO Magazine and The Financial Engineer Times. 

Such accolades are well-deserved, too, considering that the College of Management has numerous things going for it and, by extension, its students. The college ensures small class sizes – fewer than 40 students in each class – to ensure that students can maximize their learning time, and the faculty can deliver quality instruction. The faculty members are known for their frequent interactions with students as part of quality instruction in and out of the classroom. 

Students also enjoy a suite of student support services through its Management Achievement Program (MAP), a well-regarded co-curricular program considered as among the best undergraduate business professional development programs.

The Center for Collaborative Leadership sponsors the Emerging Leadership Program to produce the next generation of leaders in the Greater Boston area and beyond. The Entrepreneurship Center offers students a wide range of mentorship projects and workshops that increase their hands-on experience in entrepreneurship. 

The College of Management offers a Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM) degree program with several concentrations to choose from. The program is designed to have a robust foundation in the arts and humanities and general education, which will be strengthened with a specialized curriculum. The college also has a partnership with UMass Boston’s College of Science and Mathematics for its Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree.  

Students are trained not just in the general understanding of business management and specialized knowledge of their concentration but also in their communication and presentation skills. This is of crucial importance, considering that business leaders and managers must work with a wide variety of people in their careers. 

There are eight undergraduate concentrations to choose from at the College of Management. Students in the Accounting concentration program learn accounting theory and practice to prepare for their careers in the public and private sectors.

Future entrepreneurs will find the Entrepreneurship concentration the best fit for their dreams in business, thanks to the combination of theoretical knowledge, hands-on experience, and mentoring from successful business people. 

Students in the Finance concentration have a challenging yet rewarding time studying corporate finance, financial institutions and markets, investment and portfolio management, and financial policy. Graduates have plenty of career paths to choose from, such as:

• controllers,
• financial analysts,
• and insurance adjusters.  

For students in the International Management concentration, the challenge lies in understanding the complex workings of international business, but the rewards lie in the abundance of job opportunities. Students enrolled in the Leadership and Organizational Change concentration can choose between human resource management and managerial effectiveness if they so wish.  

Students whose interests are in information and data analytics technologies are usually enrolled in the Information Systems and Business Analytics concentration program. Their career paths are either in information analytics or business analytics, depending on their sub-specialization. 

While the Supply Chain and Service Management concentration isn’t a familiar one, it’s becoming more popular because of its high potential as a stepping stone toward a successful career. Students know about business management and about doing business bigger and better, a set of skills that will attract employers more than any other.  

Campus Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Accreditation:

• New England Commission of Higher Education
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – International

Acceptance and Graduation Rates:

• Acceptance rate: 76%
• Graduation rate: 24%

Admission Requirements:

Applications will only be accepted for consideration if and when these have the following materials: 

• Completed Common Application with essay or UMass Boston Web application (Choose one only)
• Official high school transcripts showing graduation date, if applicable 
• SAT/ACT score, unless applying under the No Test Option 
• Letter of recommendation 

As with other UMass campuses, non-native speakers of English must submit proof of passing an English language proficiency test. 

Program Options:

Undergraduate: 

BSM with concentrations in: 

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• International Management
• Leadership and Organizational Change
• Management Information Systems
• Marketing
• Supply Chain and Service Management

Graduate: 

• MBA
• MS Accounting 
• MS Finance 
• MS Business Analytics
• MS Information Technology 

Certificate: 

• Business Analytics 
• Clean Energy and Sustainability 
• Contemporary Marketing 
• Cybersecurity Management 
• Investment Management Quantitative Finance 

Post-graduate: 

Ph.D. in Business Administration with these concentrations: 

• Organizations and Social Change (OSC)
• Finance 
• Information Systems for Data Science—Management Information Systems

The Final Result:

Graduates of UMass Boston’s College of Management find jobs soon after graduation because they possess the eight key competencies that employers look for in applicants. These include critical thinking, communication, multicultural fluency, professionalism, and competency in digital technology. 

University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth

Prominent Program Features:

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, or UMass Dartmouth, was established as Southeastern Massachusetts University before merging with the Umass system in 1991. Since then, it has become a well-respected institution for higher learning, and its Charlton College of Business is widely recognized as among the nation’s top business schools. 

This is partly due to its AACSB accreditation, which recognizes its excellent quality of education, more research opportunities, and better degree outcomes. Charlton is the only public business school with the prestigious AACSB accreditation in Massachusetts’ southeastern region! It’s also a nationally recognized business school with high rankings in the U.S. News and World Report for its undergraduate and graduate programs, among other recognitions. 

Charlton offers two Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs – B.S. in General Business Administration and B.S. in Management. Both these programs prepare students for exciting and rewarding careers in business administration and management in the public and private sectors. 

The BS in General Business Administration program is a degree completion program, and, as such, it’s targeted toward students who have completed certain courses outside of UMass Dartmouth. Students enjoy flexibility in their schedules while still getting quality higher education, a stepping stone to career advancement. Their lessons include the functional business areas and their effective management, the critical analysis of business processes, and strategic plan implementation.  

The BS Management program enables students to become consummate professionals in the business world, initiate projects, work with a team, and assume leadership roles. Graduates are known for their leadership skills that translate well to diverse workplaces. 

Students choose from two concentrations within the B.S. Management program. First, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship concentration focuses on identifying, conceptualizing, and introducing new business ventures or new initiatives within existing businesses. Entrepreneurs who like to launch start-ups will find it the best fit for their needs. 

Second, the Leadership concentration trains the general managers of tomorrow. The coursework includes three core management courses and elective courses covering diverse topics like budgeting, customer relations, and personnel decisions. Students also learn the challenges of business management through hands-on work.  

Charlton also offers a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration (JD/MBA) degree program, a partnership with UMass Law, the only public law school in the Bay State. Students can choose to be part-time or full-time students; classes are conducted during the day and evening hours and weekends, thus, allowing students more scheduling flexibility. Full-time students can complete the double degree program in about three years, while part-time students may take five years.  

Their college also offers Accelerated Degree Programs as well as online and continuing education business courses.  

Campus location: Dartmouth, Massachusetts 

Accreditation:

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges 
• Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

Acceptance and Graduation Rates:

• Acceptance rate: 75%
• Graduation rate: 37% 

Admission Requirements:

The application package must contain: 

• Official academic transcripts 
• Personal statement with a demonstration of leadership, work experiences, community service, and significant interests (It may be part of the Common Application) 

A letter of recommendation and SAT/ACT score are optional. UMass Dartmouth is 100% test-optional, too. 

Program Options:

Undergraduate: 

Bachelor of Science in General Business AdministrationBachelor of Science in Management with these concentrations: 

• Small Business and Entrepreneurship
• Organizational Leadership

Graduate: 

Juris Doctor & Master of Business Administration (JD/MBA)MBA with concentrations in: 

• Accounting
• Business Analytics (Stem Approved)
• Environmental Policy (Interdisciplinary)
• Finance
• Health Systems Management
• International Business
• Marketing
• Organizational Leadership
• Public Management (Interdisciplinary)
• Supply Chain Management and Information Systems

The Final Result:

Graduates typically find gainful employment soon after graduation because of their quality education, not to mention that the UMass Dartmouth reputation is well-known in the state. 

Worcester State University

Prominent Program Features:

Did you know that the in-state tuition at Worcester State University for the academic year 2020-2021 was just $970? But don’t even think for a second that its quality of education is compromised!

The Princeton Review named it the Best Northeastern College (2018), A Most Environmentally Responsible College for several years, and America’s Best Value Colleges (2007, 2013, and 2014). Indeed, it’s the classic “little university that made it big.” 

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences houses the Business Administration and Economics Department, Worcester’s business school if you will. Here, students are provided with excellent opportunities to build a strong educational foundation, particularly in business and economics principles and practices. Their exceptional college education is such that they are competitive as soon as they enter the job market. 

This is made possible partly because of the credentialed faculty members with extensive economics and business administration experience. Their comprehensive knowledge of the human, financial, and technological aspects of organizations is transferred to their students, thanks to their effective instruction methods. Their students also benefit from their realistic understanding of the complexities of economies and their effects on industries. 

Students don’t just learn within the four walls of the classroom, and Worcester professors know it! Thus, students are provided with numerous hands-on learning opportunities for leadership, social responsibility, and career success. 

They can volunteer their services with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, join the Enactus student organization, and become a Sigma Beta Delta member of the Sigma Beta Delta. They can then render community service by assisting residents in preparing their tax returns, teaching local adult English-language learners financial literacy skills, and learning to be leaders, respectively. The two Greek-letter student organizations are international honor societies for business and economics majors.  

Students can choose from several concentrations, such as accounting, small business management, and international business. Each of these concentrations has a rigorous curriculum, so hard work must complete the program within the recommended four-year period. 

The department acknowledges that non-traditional students will likely have continuing challenges with full-time studies or daytime classes. As such, it offers evening classes and online courses so that non-traditional students can earn their bachelor’s degrees at their own time and pace. The quality of education is the same as the regular classes, too, and the diploma doesn’t distinguish between traditional and non-traditional programs. 

For high-achieving students who want to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in management through an accelerated program, Worcester has a 4+1 program. To be qualified for admission to the M.S. in Management program in their junior year, students must have earned a 3.0 GPA at the minimum. The graduate instructor and graduate program coordinator’s written permission must be secured for enrollment in any graduate class for undergraduate students.  

Students may also choose a minor in business administration and economics, an option also available for students majoring in non-business and economics degrees. 

Campus location: Worcester, Massachusetts 

Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education, Inc.

Acceptance and Graduation Rates:

• Acceptance rate: 81% 
• Graduation rate: 41% 

Admission Requirements:

The Admissions Committee evaluates applications based on the following information: 

• High school academic record, particularly the quality and difficulty of courses, the GPA, and the grade trends 
• Personal essay with a recommended topic or any chosen subject (This is recommended but not required) 
• SAT/ACT score submission is optional. The university doesn’t have a preference between the two, but it will take the best combined scores. 
• Resumes and letters of recommendation are also recommended but aren’t required. The Admissions Committee uses them to evaluate extracurricular activities, work experience, and life experiences, which may boost your chances of admission. 

Non-native English speakers are required to submit their TOEFL or IELTS Score Report.  

The Admissions Committee also determines freshmen student admission eligibility based on the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education’s published standards. These standards are intended to ensure that incoming first-year college students are prepared to succeed in a Massachusetts university. But take note that meeting these standards doesn’t guarantee admission into Worcester State. 

Program Options:

Undergraduate: 

Bachelor of Science degree with concentrations in: 

• Management
• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• International Business
• Entrepreneurial Studies
• Small Business Management

Graduate: 

M.S. in Management

The Final Result:

Worcester State graduates are empowered and educated business administration and management professionals with exemplary knowledge, skills, and work ethics. They have the potential to become business leaders, thought leaders, and change-makers who, in the process, will bring honor to themselves, their communities, and their alma mater.  

---

You may want to take the time to consider these factors before choosing your business major, such as accounting or entrepreneurship, particularly as it can set your career path. Many public universities also require undergraduate students to choose their business major upon enrollment, so it’s best to decide early on. 

Your first consideration should be your interests since these will make your studies more enjoyable, even during challenging times. If you’re into information technology, you may want to consider a major in operations and information management. You should also consider your current strengths and skills, such as pursuing an accounting or finance major if you have a high aptitude for math. 

Of course, you must consider your career goals and your desired compensation package. Your career trajectory will be different if you choose to pursue an entrepreneurial path instead of a management career.  

The degree and concentration will largely determine your career path, such as becoming a Chief Financial Officer with an accounting concentration. But there’s also the possibility that you can become a Chief Executive Officer, proof that a degree in business administration and management allows for versatility in choosing a career path. 

• Accounting – Accountant, tax intern, and financial analyst 
• Marketing – Media director, accounts assistant, social media specialist, marketing communications manager, copywriter, and marketing specialist 
• Finance – Investment analyst, financial analyst, and private equity associate 
• International business – Business development manager, compliance officer, and logistics specialist 
• Human resources – Human resources generalist, associate, and manager 
• Management information systems – Database administrator, data analyst, and information technology specialist 

Don’t dismiss an associate degree in business administration and management because it’s also a competitive advantage! Besides, there are plenty of good reasons to aim for it instead of a bachelor’s degree – well, at least, for the time being.  

• Your current job doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree for career advancements, such as in information technology or cybersecurity. You can work your way up, get a bachelor’s degree, and put your career on a greater trajectory. 

• You may want to work as soon as possible and beef up your resume. Getting an associate degree is the fastest way to achieve it after high school. 

• You haven’t decided on a career path yet, but you’re drawn to business administration or management, perhaps because of your entrepreneurial spirit. 

• You may also think that a 4-year college education isn’t for you, such as if you already have a family or work. 

• Your budget doesn’t allow for a bachelor’s degree, which takes longer to complete, even with scholarships and grants. 

With an associate degree, you will find great job opportunities, too. But if you’re aiming for better positions, you should seriously consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree. You will spend two more years in college, but it should be worth it.