Do you have a strong interest in the nuances of running a business, including operations and development? Can you see yourself working in business – or even owning your own business? Then a business management degree may be right up your alley. You could even pursue a bachelor’s degree in business management from the convenience of your own computer with an online business management program.
With a bachelor’s degree in business management, you’ll be prepared for any number of rewarding careers, ranging from business development manager and business analyst to financial planner, account manager, and more. Likewise, many people who obtain bachelor’s degrees in this field go on to pursue more advanced degree, like a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Regardless of your path, an online business management degree can help you take the first steps toward a successful career.
Understanding the Core of a Business Management Degree
While no two business management programs are identical, there are a few foundational subjects you can generally expect to be covered. Some examples of these include economics, organizational behavior, marketing, finance, and operations.
The idea behind these core subjects is that by learning about them in depth, you’ll eventually be able to adapt and apply these concepts to your own business practices and skills. For example, it’s important to understand the basics of economics to make confident business decisions based on national and even global economic trends.
Understanding the basics of foundational business methods and organizational behavior can help you understand how to plan and follow the right business strategies based on your own industry, audience, and other factors.
Key Components of a Bachelor’s Degree in Management
If you decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business management, the exact courses and electives you take will vary depending on the program you select. Likewise, your opportunities to partake in various hands-on experiences will depend on your program. With this in mind, choosing a reputable program that will set you up for success is crucial. This involves taking the time to research core course requirements as well as available electives and other opportunities (such as internships and research projects).
Core Courses
You can always browse the program catalog for the business management degree at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to learn more about the core courses required for this program. Some of these include:
- Statistics for Business
- Principles of Accounting
- Management Information Systems
- Principles of Marketing
- Strategic Management
- Project Management
In addition to core business classes, you can expect to take some general education courses that will count toward your degree, including in areas of:
- Writing and Communication
- Natural Science
- Humanities and Fine Arts
With a solid selection of core classes, electives, and general education credits, you can receive a well-rounded education that will prepare you for your future career.
Electives and Specializations
Along with your core classes and general education credits, your program may also offer some specializations and electives to help you dive further into business topics that interest you most. This can be a great opportunity to hone your skills and knowledge in a specific area of business, such as human resources, entrepreneurship, marketing, or even organizational leadership.
When considering a specialization for your business management program, think about your own talents and future career goals as well as your natural leadership style. With these factors in mind, you’ll be able to make elective choices that best suit your strengths and interests.
Hands-On Experiences
Ideally, you’ll also choose a degree program that will set you up for career success with opportunities for internships, capstone projects, research projects, and other unique experiences that will empower you to put your skills into practice.
With The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s online business degree, you’ll find that internships are highly valued through the Gary W. Rollins College of Business. We encourage all students enrolled in our program who have at least 60 earned credit hours and a minimum GPA 2.75 to get in touch with our internship manager to explore available internship opportunities.
Often, internship openings are shared through our Handshake career platform, emails, public job boards, and even directly from faculty members. If you complete an internship while enrolled in a business management degree program, you’ll also be able to present about your experience at the annual internship symposium—which can provide a great opportunity to practice and sharpen your public speaking skills.
Skills Developed in a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management
Business management degrees can prepare students for success in a wide range of managerial, leadership, and similar positions. In fact, there are a number of both hard and soft skills that you can expect to develop while in a business management degree program.
Hard Skills
Hard skills refer to more technical and narrow skills that you can apply to a job in your field. In business management, this may include financial literacy, project management, strategic planning, and human resources.
Throughout your program, you will also need to acquire some basic computing and software skills, learning how to use platforms such as QuickBooks, enterprise systems, various business databases, and even social media. For those focusing on project management, you may be expected to learn strategic management skills, Agile software, budgeting tools, and scrum management.
Some other hard skills that business management degree holders could acquire as part of their formal education include:
- Salary administration
- Knowledge of employment law
- Proficiency in legal compliance
- Use of project collaboration software
- Accounting and finance knowledge
Soft Skills
Having the right hard skills is undoubtedly vital if you plan to enter any facet of business management. However, even with all the right hard skills under your belt, you’ll still need basic soft skills to find success and thrive in your field.
Soft skills refer more to personal attributes or characteristics that can benefit a person in their line of work. In the field of business management, some soft skills to focus on include:
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Critical thinking
These are not always skills that come naturally but rather are ones to hone and improve upon over time. This is especially true when it comes to written and verbal communication, which is why taking a course in professional communication or business writing is so highly recommended, if not required, by certain programs. The right coursework can help you improve these soft skills to make you a more versatile and capable business leader down the road.
Management Career Opportunities After Graduation
After you complete your degree in business management, you’ll be prepared to begin working in your field or pursue a more advanced degree. Ultimately, the option that’s right for you boils down to your long-term career aspirations.
Potential Jobs for Degree Holders
There’s a lot you can do with a business management degree, with some popular career paths involving human resources, sales, project management, consulting, and operations.
One of the most in-demand jobs for those with bachelor’s degrees in business management is that of a business account manager or financial manager. Someone in this type of role is responsible for planning for a company’s long-term financial goals and growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this position is projected to grow by a whopping 17% between 2021 and 2031 alone.
Some other positions you can consider with a degree in business management include:
- Marketing manager
- Business analyst
- Business development manager
No matter what industry you’re interested in, the good news is that every business needs management professionals—so you can truly find a career path that allows you to pursue your passions.
Continued Educational Paths
Another option after completing your undergraduate degree in business management is to pursue a more advanced degree and further establish your skills. Many people who have graduated with a business management degree will go on to pursue their Master of Business Administration.
With an MBA or similar graduate program, you can build upon your knowledge and skills while differentiating yourself even more in your chosen career path. Many people decide to go this route to continue their learning while pursuing additional certifications or specializations.
UTC’s 100% Online Business Management Degree
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to pursuing a business management degree. Ultimately, if you see yourself working in some sort of consulting, human resources, finance, or other managerial leadership position, this could be a great starting point for your future career. Of course, you always have the option to pursue a master’s degree or other advanced degree after you graduate if you really want to elevate your skills.
If you’re looking for an online business management degree you can trust to deliver a quality education, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Gary W. Rollins College of Business is here for you. With our bachelor’s degree in business management program, you’ll have access to the tools and resources you need for success—including assistance finding and applying for internship opportunities.Want to learn more? Get in touch today to request more information about our online degree programs, internships, faculty and staff, or any other details about our campus. Ready to get started? Start your online application today!
