Business Major

A Business Major equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a variety of professional fields. Whether you’re interested in management, marketing, finance, accounting, or entrepreneurship, this major provides a solid foundation for a successful career in the business world. With a Business degree, you can enter diverse industries and take on leadership roles that drive organizational success.

Key Facts & Statistics

Popularity: Business is the most popular major, with around 19% of all undergraduate degrees conferred in the U.S. being in business-related fields.

Job Growth: Employment in management, business, and financial occupations is projected to grow by 5% from 2021 to 2031.

Earning Potential: The median annual wage for business and financial occupations is $76,570 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022).

Popular Sub-majors in Business

A Business major can branch into specialized areas. Here are some of the most popular sub-majors:

Business Administration

Business Administration covers the essentials of running a company, including operations, strategy, and leadership. You will learn to manage resources, employees, and finances, with a focus on general management skills.

Careers: General Manager, Operations Manager, Project Manager
Average Salary: $75,000 per year
Skills: Leadership, problem-solving, time management
Length of Study: Typically 4 years (Bachelor’s Degree)

Accounting

Accounting involves tracking, managing, and auditing financial transactions for businesses and organizations. It’s a critical function for business sustainability.

Careers: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Auditor, Financial Controller
Average Salary: $73,000 per year
Skills: Attention to detail, financial reporting, analytical thinking
Length of Study: Typically 4-5 years (Bachelor’s and possible CPA certification)

Finance

Finance focuses on managing money, including investing, budgeting, and financial planning. It’s crucial for businesses and individuals who want to maximize their financial potential.

Careers: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Personal Financial Advisor
Average Salary: $95,000 per year
Skills: Financial analysis, decision-making, quantitative analysis
Length of Study: Typically 4 years (Bachelor’s Degree)

Marketing

Marketing involves promoting products or services, analyzing consumer behavior, and developing effective strategies to increase sales and brand awareness.

Careers: Marketing Manager, Brand Strategist, Market Research Analyst
Average Salary: $135,900 per year
Skills: Creativity, communication, market analysis
Length of Study: Typically 4 years (Bachelor’s Degree)

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship focuses on starting and managing your own business. It teaches the skills needed to launch a successful startup, from creating business plans to securing funding.

Careers: Entrepreneur, Small Business Owner, Startup Founder
Average Salary: Varies widely, depending on business success
Skills: Innovation, risk management, leadership
Length of Study: Typically 4 years (Bachelor’s Degree)

Human Resources (HR)

HR is focused on recruiting, training, and retaining employees while ensuring compliance with labor laws. HR professionals build the foundation of a productive and ethical workforce.

Careers: HR Manager, Recruitment Specialist, Compensation Analyst
Average Salary: $63,490 per year
Skills: Communication, conflict resolution, organizational skills
Length of Study: Typically 4 years (Bachelor’s Degree)

Careers and Salaries in Business

A Business degree opens doors to many career paths, offering diverse opportunities and strong earning potential. Here are some of the top careers for Business majors:

Marketing Manager

Develops marketing strategies and manages teams.

Salary: $135,900 per year
Skills: Market research, team management, strategic thinking

Financial Analyst

Analyzes financial data to advise companies on investments and financial decisions.

Salary: $95,570 per year
Skills: Data analysis, financial forecasting, attention to detail

Operations Manager

Ensures business processes run smoothly and efficiently.

Salary: $100,780 per year
Skills: Logistics management, problem-solving, leadership

Human Resources Specialist

Handles recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development.

Salary: $63,490 per year
Skills: Conflict resolution, organizational behavior, negotiation

Sales Manager

Leads sales teams, develops sales strategies, and monitors performance.

Salary: $126,640 per year
Skills: Leadership, customer relationship management, sales strategies

Skills You’ll Gain with a Business Major

Whether you choose to specialize in finance, marketing, management, or entrepreneurship, a Business degree will equip you with valuable skills, including:

Strategic Planning: Learn how to set clear, long-term goals for businesses or projects.
Leadership: Gain the ability to lead teams, make decisions, and motivate others.
Critical Thinking: Develop analytical skills to solve business problems and make data-driven decisions.
Financial Management: Understand budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
Marketing and Sales: Learn how to drive customer engagement and increase sales through effective marketing strategies.
Communication: Enhance your ability to present ideas clearly, negotiate deals, and persuade clients or stakeholders.

Why Choose a Business Major?

A Business degree offers endless career opportunities in nearly every sector, making it one of the most versatile majors available. Whether you want to manage a company, lead innovative marketing campaigns, or analyze financial markets, a Business degree gives you the tools to succeed. Additionally, many of the skills learned in a Business program are transferable to other industries and sectors, providing flexibility as you progress in your career.

Flexibility: Work in nearly any industry, from healthcare and technology to finance and marketing.
High Earning Potential: Business graduates enjoy above-average salaries with significant earning potential in leadership roles.
Global Opportunities: Business is a global field, offering international career opportunities and the ability to work anywhere in the world.
Job Stability: With the demand for business professionals growing, jobs in management, finance, and marketing are expected to remain strong.