Different types of business degrees and salaries

Different types of business degrees provide a solid foundation in business fundamentals that can help professionals throughout their careers. They might also offer an opportunity for specialization. That’s why it’s essential to select the right online business degree when making career plans. What are the various business degrees and what jobs and salaries are associated with each one?

How to choose from the many types of business degrees

How can students decide which of the many types of business degrees might be the best for them? A business-related degree should match career goals. This can be more challenging than students may think because a lot of the initial coursework in different programs overlaps. It’s necessary to assess the entire curriculum and see if it will help prepare them for their desired career path.

While a business degree may prepare students to apply for jobs in the business world, graduating does not guarantee they will get such a job right away or command a high salary. It also does not ensure success in starting a business.

Choosing a specific business degree can, however, provide fundamental skills necessary to succeed and knowledge to specialize in a chosen area.

Determining whether an undergraduate or graduate degree is necessary for a job is also critical. Some jobs require employees to possess a master’s degree, which would require earning both a relevant bachelor’s and master’s degree.

Marketing and communication 

A marketing degree is a traditional four-year program that teaches students marketing principles and strategies and how to apply them to both conventional and digital media. These programs also develop public relations and promotional skills that give students the knowledge to assess campaign performance and research a target audience.

Entry-level jobs, such as a content strategist, marketing specialist, public relations associate or sales associate, often require a degree with a marketing focus. With experience, opportunities for further employment include marketing manager, public relations specialist, or advertising and promotions manager.

As of May 2024, marketing managers earned between $81,900 and $239,200 , with a median wage of  $161,030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

A Bachelor of Science in Communication program includes similar content areas such as communication technology; social media communication; storytelling; mass communication and media; and journalism.

Marketing degrees and certificates can prepare students for the following opportunities:

• Advertising manager
• Marketing manager
• Brand manager

Salaries for these roles, like many others, can vary. As of May 2024, advertising, marketing and promotions managers earned between $63,000 and $239,200 a year, with a median wage of $126,960 , according to BLS.

A Bachelor of Science in Communication, among the different types of business degrees, may prepare graduates for roles such as an editor, copywriter, communication specialist or media relations specialist.

As of May 2024, editors earned between $36,200 and $140,840 a year, with a median wage of $75,260 , according to BLS.

Accounting 

Among all the types of business degrees, accounting degrees can prepare you for several types of accounting jobs, including accounting manager, auditor, cost accountant examiner, tax examiner and examining officer.

Each of those roles has its own focus. Accounting managers, for example, may oversee an organization’s accounting department to ensure accuracy of financial records and compliance with governmental regulations. Tax examiners, meanwhile, work for the government to ensure individuals and organizations pay correct amounts.

As of May 2024, accountants and auditors earned between $52,780 and $141,420 year, with a median wage of $81,680 , according to BLS. Accountants’ earning potential can vary based on where they work and their specialization.

Business management/Business administration 

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in management and a bachelor’s degree in business, other graduate degree programs allow professionals to expand their business skills and prepare for a variety of business careers . These degrees include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Business Administration and Doctor of Management.

Careers with an MBA , Master of Management,  DBA or Doctor of Management include:

• Business manager 
• General manager
• Operations manager  or director
• Administrative manager or director

Salaries for these roles can vary based on many factors, such as location, experience and level of education. As of May 2023, general and operations managers earned between $46,340 and $232,110 a year, with a median wage of $101,280,  according to BLS.

Human resources 

Human resources (HR) professionals help ensure companies comply with legal matters regarding their employees. Knowing how to properly navigate the often complex nature of state and federal labor laws is vital.

HR degrees and certificates can prepare students for different roles in organizations, including as human resources managers and employee relations managers. Graduate certificates can help prepare students for roles as an HR director and training director.

As of May 2024, BLS reports that human resources managers earned between $83,790 and $239,200 a year , with a median wage of $140,030.

Finance

Finance is another key aspect of organizational operations, and stands out among the types of business degrees that teach students how to work with investments. A master’s in finance accordingly focuses on such aspects as financial analysis and advanced topics in economics and investing.

Before starting master’s-level studies, students need an undergraduate degree. Bachelor’s programs in math, accounting, finance, business or economics offer suitable preparation for a master’s degree in finance.

A master’s degree can help prepare for work as a financial analyst, investment manager or financial advisor. 

As of May 2024, financial and investment analysts earned between $62,410 and $180,550 annually, with a median wage of $101,350 , according to BLS. Also, as of May 2024, financial managers earned between $86,490 and $239,200, with a median wage of $161, 700 , according to BLS.

Business analytics 

Business analytics professionals collect, integrate and analyze data to help businesses make smart decisions. One of the leading ways to grow that knowledge is to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business with a Business Analytics Certificate or — in the case of current professionals who want to upskill — a Business Analytics Certificate  on its own.

This type of certificate or degree can prepare you for careers such as:

• Business systems analyst
• Computer systems analyst
• Systems analyst

Earning potential for each of the roles above varies based on factors like experience, location, education and more. As of May 2023, BLS reports that operations research analysts earned between $60,030 and $175,840 a year , with a median wage of $99,010. As of May 2024, management analysts earned between $59,720 and $174,140  annually, with a median wage of $101,190.