Do you already hold an associate degree or equivalent (at least 60 college credits)? Looking to take your business acumen to the next level?
When it comes to pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Studies online, this flexible program is designed to be completed in just two years. It covers the foundational coursework you need to build practical decision-making, interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills. From there, this versatile knowledge and skill set could prepare you for business, operations, sales, human resources, and other roles across a variety of industries.
So, could a business studies degree be the right choice for you? Learn more about potential career opportunities, salary expectations, and skills developed in this type of degree program at Johnson & Wales University (JWU) Online.
What Is a Business Studies Degree?
Business studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores the different ways in which businesses operate, make decisions, manage people/resources, and deliver value. The purpose of a business studies degree, then, is to help students build a well-rounded, foundational understanding of key business areas that include:
- Management
- Marketing
- Finance/accounting
- Operations
- Strategy
Compared to more specialized majors, a business studies degree offers a great deal of flexibility that empowers graduates to explore fulfilling roles across numerous industries.
What Can You Do With a Business Studies Degree? Industries and Career Options to Consider
No matter which area of business interests you most, part of the appeal of a business studies degree is the breadth and industry flexibility this discipline offers. The sections below offer just a sampling of the possible career paths you may be able to take with a business studies degree, along with some examples of specific job titles in each area.
Management and Leadership Roles
One common path for business studies graduates is to advance into management and leadership roles, which can be found in just about any industry. Keep in mind that the specific roles available to graduates will depend on factors like prior work and internship experience. For those with relevant experience, these professionals are typically responsible for overseeing teams, budgeting, and long-term strategic planning — with common job titles including:
- Operations manager
- Project manager
- Department head
- Assistant manager
- Supervisor or team lead
Marketing and Sales Careers
Meanwhile, business studies professionals may employ their knowledge of marketing and sales to pursue both creative and revenue-driving roles. In such positions, business studies graduates leverage communication, analytics, and branding skills to boost sales and revenue, drive brand awareness, and connect with target audiences.
Common job titles in this area of business studies include:
- Sales associate
- Marketing coordinator
- Search engine optimization (SEO) specialist
- Social media specialist
- Market research analyst
Finance and Accounting Roles
If working with numbers is more your strength, you might consider opportunities in entry-level finance and accounting jobs using the analytical thinking, budgeting, and financial reporting skills gained in a business studies degree program. Examples of specific roles include:
- Staff accountant
- Accounting clerk
- Junior accountant
- Financial analyst
- Payroll specialist
- Finance assistant
Human Resources and Organizational Development
For those who enjoy working with people, careers in human resources (HR) or organizational development may be a logical step forward upon the completion of a business studies degree. Professionals in these types of roles are often tasked with recruiting, employee engagement, and compliance, with potential job titles including:
- HR coordinator
- Employee relations manager
- Talent acquisition specialist
- Organizational development consultant
- Learning and development manager
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Ownership
What if you’re interested in launching your own business venture? A business studies degree could prepare you for the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in today’s market by helping you build the essential business acumen needed to build a company from the ground up.
Industry Versatility: Where Can You Work?
Because a business studies program focuses on the development of versatile, transferable skills valued across industries, this degree is unique in that it offers a high level of cross-industry flexibility. Regardless of where you may envision yourself working down the road, there are likely job opportunities for business studies graduates.
A vast range of functions all rely on strong leaders, marketing professionals, finance experts, and HR teams to keep their businesses running smoothly and efficiently, including:
- Healthcare organizations
- Hospitality businesses
- Technology startups
- Retail stores
- Government agencies
With the broad skills gained in a business studies degree program, then, you could apply your competencies across many potential career paths rather than being committed to just a handful of career options.
What Skills Do You Gain in a Business Studies Program?
While no two business studies programs are identical, an online bachelor’s in business studies program aims to instill a number of career-ready competencies. These encompass skills in critical thinking, communication, financial literacy, leadership, and strategic planning.
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Today’s employers seek individuals with a strong analytical mindset and the ability to think critically. Professionals who hone these skills in a business studies program may be better prepared to make informed decisions while mitigating operational risks and solving organizational problems.
Communication Skills
Regardless of the area of business you plan to go into, strong written and verbal communication skills are essential in many roles. Capable communicators are more effective in collaborating with fellow team members and working with clients. Additionally, clear communication of tasks and responsibilities keeps teams on the same page and working toward shared goals.
Financial Literacy
This skill is especially beneficial for those planning to pursue finance and/or accounting roles. However, it’s also invaluable for anyone in a business-related job because it drives informed decision-making while minimizing potential risks. At the same time, a strong sense of financial literacy can empower leaders to plan strategically, create realistic budgets, and ensure accurate financial forecasting.
Leadership and Management
Even if you don’t plan on pursuing a leadership role right off the bat, the leadership and management skills that you develop in a business studies program may help you carry out the everyday responsibilities of your job with greater confidence. Meanwhile, you may be better prepared to take the lead on larger or more complex projects, applying your leadership skills to align your team members on mutual objectives.
Strategic Planning
In business, strategic planning refers to the ability to make decisions based on a company’s goals, vision, and mission for the next several years — rather than focusing on immediate needs. The ability to plan strategically is critical in business because it enables professionals to make day-to-day decisions that have a positive impact on long-term growth and success.
In a business studies program, students build versatile strategic planning skills they may leverage in their future work to mitigate risks, increase competitive advantage, and anticipate future challenges.
Is a Business Studies Degree Worth It?
Ultimately, whether a business studies degree is worth the time and investment you put into it will depend on your unique situation. For those who are serious about pursuing careers in HR, management, accounting/finance, sales, or marketing, a business studies degree can be a go-to route to unlock diverse career opportunities.
Plus, garnering a median annual wage of $75,000 in 2023, business degree holders earn about $5,000 more per year than the national average for all degree holders in the United States. With this in mind, choosing a reasonably priced business studies program could expedite the return on your investment (ROI) as you begin reaping the financial benefits of this type of degree.
Business Studies vs. Business Administration: What’s the Difference?
A bachelor’s degree in business studies is broader and more flexible than a bachelor’s in business administration — allowing students to explore a number of business-related disciplines without committing to a particular niche. A bachelor’s degree in business administration, on the other hand, tends to center more on core business functions and specific areas of business.
In general, a bachelor’s in business studies is the more suitable choice for those who seek to build a wide-ranging understanding of business concepts or to combine business coursework with other interdisciplinary interests or electives.
How a Bachelor of Science in Business Studies Prepares You
No matter which area of business calls to you, the reality is that companies across industries need knowledgeable and skilled business studies graduates to fill roles in marketing, sales, HR, management, and finance. Equipped with the foundational business principles and knowledge from a business studies program, graduates may position themselves for a variety of entry-level roles and with room for advancement.
At JWU Online, our Bachelor of Science in Business Studies can be completed in as little as two years for those who already have an associate degree or 60 college credits. And with a 100% online format, this degree is well-suited to busy professionals who don’t want to put their lives on hold to advance their education. We’re proud to be among the schools recognized by U.S. News and World Report as offering some of the “Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs.”
For more information about completing your degree online, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected]. You can also take the next step by filling out an application for admission here.