11 Types of Business Degrees You Can Pursue in 2025

Choosing a business degree can feel overwhelming, given the vast career opportunities it can open up across industries.

What's exciting, though, is that business degrees are incredibly versatile and can be a great fit for various personality types, regardless of your preferences or interests. Whether you're a strategic thinker, a creative problem-solver, or someone who loves working with people, there's a business path that aligns with your strengths. 

Business degrees offer a wealth of specialization options, allowing you to tailor your studies to your career aspirations—whether that's in finance, marketing, human resources, management, or beyond. Let's explore the different types of business degrees available and how each can help you build a successful career.

Key Takeaways

• There are numerous business specializations available—including marketing, finance, HR, supply chain, and entrepreneurship—each tailored to different strengths and career interests.
• Many business careers offer high earning potential and strong job prospects. For example, Marketing Managers earn a median salary of $156,580, and Healthcare Management roles are projected to grow by 29%.
• Business degrees range from associate (2 years) to master’s (1–2 years), allowing flexibility in how quickly students can enter the workforce or pursue advanced roles.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Business Degree?

The time required to earn a business degree varies depending on the level of education you pursue. Whether you are looking for a quick entry into the workforce or an advanced specialization, there are multiple paths to achieving your business career goals.

Associate Degree

An Associate Degree in Business typically takes two years to complete. This program provides a foundation in business principles, covering topics such as accounting, marketing, and management. Graduates can pursue entry-level roles such as administrative assistant, sales associate, or office manager or continue their education toward a bachelor's degree.

Bachelor's Degree

A Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration (BBA) usually takes four years of full-time study. This degree offers a comprehensive understanding of business operations, finance, marketing, and leadership. Graduates are well-positioned for roles such as business analyst, project manager, product manager, or financial advisor.

Master's Degree

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a specialized master's degree typically requires one to two years of full-time study. An MBA enhances leadership and strategic decision-making skills, preparing graduates for high-level positions such as management consultant, operations director, or entrepreneur. Specialized master's programs in fields like finance, marketing, or supply chain management provide in-depth expertise for specific career paths.

Types of Business Degrees Specializations To Consider

When considering a career in business, you need to align your degree choice with your career goals. Whether you're drawn to project management, product management, or launching your own startup, the right degree can provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed. Here are some of the options available:

Marketing Degree Specialization

A marketing degree is ideal for creative, data-driven individuals with strong communication skills. It's well-suited for those interested in promoting products, understanding consumer behavior, and developing strategies that enhance brand presence. People with a passion for digital marketing, market research, and consumer psychology would excel in this field. 

Marketing degrees focus on the strategies and techniques used to promote products and services, build brand awareness, and drive consumer engagement.

Here are the job roles available after pursuing a Marketing degree:

• Marketing manager
• Brand manager
• Digital marketing specialist
• Market research analyst
• Social media manager
• Advertising executive

Median salary: $156,580

Projected growth: 8%, with 36,600 new openings projected each year.

Human Resources Specialization

Human resources degrees prepare students to manage and develop an organization's workforce. Key areas of study include training and development, wage and salary administration, organizational behavior, staffing (recruitment and selection), strategic management, and multinational management. 

Career options for graduates who hold an HR degree include:

• Human resource manager
• Talent acquisition specialist
• Training and development manager
• Employee relations consultant

Median salary: $136,350

Projected growth: 6%, with 17,400 new openings projected each year.

Business Management Degree Specialization

A business management degree provides a broad education in business operations and leadership, covering areas like management principles, strategic planning, organizational behavior, business ethics, and decision-making. This degree is ideal for individuals who are organized, enjoy problem-solving, and aspire to take on leadership roles. 

Students develop key skills in leadership, analysis, and problem-solving, preparing them for a variety of leadership positions, including: 

• General manager
• Operations manager
• Project manager
• Business consultant
• Management analyst
• HR manager

Median salary: $116,880

Projected growth: Faster than the average, with about 1.2 million openings projected each year.

Economics Degree Specialization

Economics is ideal for individuals who enjoy analyzing data, understanding market trends, and exploring how economic systems operate. This degree explores the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, with a focus on how economies function and how economic agents interact. 

Students develop strong analytical, quantitative, and critical thinking skills through courses in macroeconomic theory, data visualization, public finance, economic forecasting, and more.

Here are some career options you can explore after earning a degree in Economics: 

• Economist
• Policy analyst
• Financial analyst
• Data analyst
• Economic consultant
• Risk analyst

Median salary: $115,730

Projected growth: 5%, with about 17,500 openings projected each year.

Healthcare Management Degree Specialization

Healthcare management is ideal for individuals with a passion for healthcare who want to take on leadership and administrative roles within the industry. This degree prepares students to manage healthcare facilities, improve patient care services, and navigate the complexities of healthcare systems. 

Key areas of study include healthcare administration, policy, economics, and organizational management, during which students develop skills in managing operations and budgets and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.

Here are the job roles available after pursuing a Healthcare Management degree:

• Healthcare administrator
• Hospital manager
• Health services manager
• Medical office manager
• Health policy analyst
• Nursing home administrator

Median salary: $110,680

Projected growth: 29%, with about 61,400 openings projected each year.

Finance Degree Specialization

Finance degrees concentrate on the management of money, investments, and financial institutions. At UND, the finance degree program encompasses courses such as student investment fund, capital market financing and investment strategies, principles of management, financial statement analysis, investment analysis and portfolio management, and real estate finance and investment. This way, students gain skills in financial modeling, quantitative analysis, and strategic financial planning, among others.

A finance degree opens up opportunities in various careers, including:

• Financial analyst
• Financial manager
• Investment banker
• Financial advisor
• Risk manager

Median salary: $99,890

Projected growth: 9%, with 30,700 new openings every year.

Accounting Degree Specialization

Accounting degrees focus on the systematic process of recording, reporting, and analyzing financial transactions of a business or organization. Students in accounting programs learn various accounting principles, including auditing, taxation, financial reporting, and budgeting. They develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in accounting software.

Graduates with an accounting degree can pursue careers as:

• Certified public accountants (CPAs)
• Financial managers
• Budget analysts
• Certified financial planners

Median salary: $79,880

Projected growth: 6%, with 130,800 new openings every year.

Supply Chain Management Degree Specialization

Supply chain management is ideal for individuals interested in logistics, operations, and optimizing the flow of goods and services. This degree focuses on the efficient movement and storage of goods from origin to consumption and suits those who enjoy solving problems, managing inventory, and ensuring smooth production and distribution networks. 

Students learn about logistics, procurement, operations management, inventory control, and strategic sourcing while developing skills in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and supply chain optimization.

Here are the job roles available after pursuing a Supply Chain Management degree:

• Supply chain manager
• Logistics analyst
• Operations manager
• Procurement specialist
• Inventory manager
• Distribution manager

Median salary: $79,400

Projected growth: 19%, with about 26,100 openings projected each year.

Business Administration Degree Specialization

Business administration is ideal for individuals who want a broad understanding of business functions and enjoy managing resources and processes. It's suited for those looking to oversee daily operations, improve business strategies, and contribute to an organization's growth across areas like finance, marketing, and human resources. 

A business administration degree covers key topics such as organizational behavior, financial management, marketing principles, strategic planning, and business ethics. 

As students develop skills in management, problem-solving, and communication, they become well-prepared for roles that involve overseeing business functions and ensuring smooth operations.

Here are the job roles you can pursue with a Business Administration degree:

• Business analyst
• Operations manager
• Financial manager
• Project manager
• Management consultant
• Sales manager

Median salary: $79,050

Projected growth: Faster than the average, with about 963,500 openings projected each year.

Public Relations Specialization

Public relations degrees focus on managing communication between an organization and its various publics, including customers, employees, investors, and the media. 

Students learn skills in media relations, crisis communication, public speaking, and strategic communication planning. They develop the ability to craft compelling messages, manage reputations, and handle public perception.

Career paths for public relations graduates include:

• Public relations specialist
• Communications manager
• Media relations coordinator
• Corporate communications director

Median salary: $66,750

Projected growth: 6%, with 27,100 new openings every year.

Entrepreneurship Degree Specialization

An entrepreneurship degree is perfect for individuals with a passion for creating and running businesses. This degree is designed for those who are innovative, risk-tolerant, and thrive in problem-solving situations. It's ideal for individuals looking to start their own ventures or work in dynamic startup environments. 

Students gain knowledge in areas like business planning, venture financing, product development, and marketing strategies. They also develop skills in identifying opportunities, managing risks, and driving growth in new businesses.

Career options for entrepreneurship graduates include roles such as:

• Self-employed owner/operator
• Representative
• Risk manager
• Sales manager
• Social entrepreneur
• Start-up manager

What Do You Learn in a Business Degree Program?

A business degree provides a well-rounded education in key areas of business operations. Students gain knowledge in:

• Finance & accounting – Managing budgets, financial reporting, and investment strategies.
• Marketing & market research – Understanding consumer behavior and developing branding strategies.
• Business law & ethics – Learning about legal regulations and ethical decision-making in business.
• Leadership & management – Developing skills in team leadership, decision-making, and organizational behavior.
• Entrepreneurship & innovation – Exploring how to start, scale, and sustain successful businesses.

How to Choose the Best Business Major for You

The right business major isn't just a degree—it's a launchpad for your passions, strengths, and future success. The best choice will challenge and inspire you, sharpen your skill set, and open doors to exciting career opportunities.

Here's how to navigate your decision:

• Follow your interests – What excites you most? Analyzing financial data, crafting compelling marketing campaigns, or leading dynamic teams? Pinpointing your passion will guide you toward the right specialization.
• Explore the curriculum – Dive into the coursework for majors like accounting, finance, marketing, management, or entrepreneurship to see which aligns with your strengths and career vision.
• Connect with experts – Speak with professors, alumni, and current students to gain first-hand insights into each field and what to expect post-graduation.
• Assess career potential – Research job prospects, salary trends, and career growth opportunities for different business fields to ensure your major aligns with your long-term goals.
• Stay curious – Enrich your learning by exploring electives and interdisciplinary courses that expand your perspective and skill set.

Ready To Discover the Business Degree That's Right For You?

Your journey to a thriving career starts with the right business degree—one that aligns with your passions and propels you toward success. At the University of North Dakota (UND), we offer dynamic programs designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and experience to stand out in today's competitive business world. 

At UND, you can find a variety of business degree programs designed to suit your interests and prepare you for a successful career in today's business world. Explore your future with a degree that fits your aspirations—visit UND.edu today!

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