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What is Business?
Business roles include vice presidents, officers in the C-suites (chief operating officer, chief executive officer, etc.), operations managers, accountants, quality control, environmental managers, and plenty of others. Looked at broadly, each role is key in any organization. The environmental manager is responsible for ensuring the organization is in full compliance with federal regulatory agencies. The CEO leads the organization. Cost estimators concern themselves with the data that tells them how much money, material, and time it will take to make a product or provide a service. A budget analyst closely examines the organization’s budget and works to maximize resources and increase profits. No matter where you end up in a business’ structure, you’re going to need to have either education or a great deal of experience in order to succeed. Getting a foundational education could be just what you need to get into the career you are looking for.
Students who are interested in earning a business degree, whether it’s a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), or another business-related degree. Business schools offer some of the most popular degree programs, according to the U.S. News and World Report. Students may be hard-pressed to find the program that is right for their goals and bank accounts, but hopefully we can help you figure it out.
Business programs, MBAs included, aren’t identical. They each offer something different—this includes business specialties or concentrations, such as financial analysis or organizational leadership. Because of this option, students may want to choose a business program based on the specializations offered if they are going for a master’s degree or MBA rather than their bachelor’s.
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Online Business Education in Arizona
Business professionals work at every level of an organization in every possible sector: sales, supervision, daily operations and office management, marketing, executive level directors, etc. They may be managing a single department or the entire company. An attentive business professional also supports their teams; they help them solve issues, meet goals, and carry out organizational plans. They supervise the administrative and clerical personnel, recommending and carrying out changes in procedures or policies.
By the nature of their positions, some administrators may work mostly on information management or organization records. These companies may also be using cloud-based storage for electronic data and require specialists in IT.
Business professionals of all kinds can expect to find work in private companies, healthcare operations, financial organizations, the government, manufacturing, retail, for non-profit organizations, etc. By earning a business degree at the bachelor’s level, new business professionals can get started with a plan for where they want to work or they may choose to work in any industry or business sector where they can find work after graduation.
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Online Associate Degree in Business (AS)
Students earning their associate degrees in business will have received the formal education they need to enter the work force and find employment opportunities in business at the entry level. This is a broad degree but does not require much in the way of hands-on learning, so students who have work or family obligations may be able to find an online business degree.
Business associate degrees equip students with foundational knowledge that can be transferred to four-year universities when you are ready to move on and earn a higher degree level. However, even earning a college degree at this first level makes it more likely that you will receive a job offer. Looking at some numbers, graduates of an associate degree program in business made themselves eligible for 100,000 more career opportunities. Certificate programs may also make you even more attractive to employers if you are considering moving into the IT realm or another certificate-offering sector.
Students at this level learn customer service, principles of finance, the basics of functional and project management, business analysis, and basic human resource management. Get more detailed information on an associate degree in business.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Business (BS)
At the bachelor’s level, students and graduates benefit from rigorous standards in their academic programs. They take credits in areas such as general business administration, organizational behavior, accounting, finance, marketing, leadership training, and more. The variety of degree options are greater at this level, as well. Students may be able to find online degree programs in business administration, marketing, business communication, computer support, etc.
Even with a general business degree, after they graduate, students may be qualified to work in a variety of business fields. They will have learned strategic planning, financial principles, leadership skills, and the how-to of creating organizational value. During their classes, they may also receive opportunities to lead or be a part of projects in several business areas. After gaining their degree, they may consider graduate school as well.
A business program graduate with a bachelor’s degree may work as a business consultant, sales manager, market research analyst, financial analyst, a loan officer, human resources specialist, training and development specialist, or a convention and event planner. The business degree major they took was broad enough that they could either work as a generalist or choose a more specialized role if they are willing to gain some experience.
A business degree program should also teach students how to apply best business practices and develop the skillsets they will need in their future careers. And internships open up even more opportunities for students. Get more detailed information on a bachelor's degree in business.
Online Master's Degree in Business (MS or MA)
Earning an MBA or master’s degree can really open the possibilities for graduates. They may choose to work in a start-up, begin their own business, or gain the opportunity to work in a Fortune 500 organization. No matter their degree or specialization, they should have more options for places to work. All industries and sectors need the knowledge and skills of those with advanced degrees. They may find work in energy, non-profits, manufacturing, consumer products and services, consulting, government, healthcare, finance, technology, accounting, and more options, as you can see below.
- In-House Counsel
- Human Resources
- Logistics/Supply Chain Management
- Accounting or Auditing
- Operations/Production Management
- Research and Product Development
- IT
- Data Analytics
- Business Development
- Marketing
Graduate students who are still be working or have other obligations have even more access to flexible course schedules or hybrid courses. These may relieve a little of the stress of earning this degree or be the main reason why it’s possible. Those who are already employed in a company where they would like to move up may be able to take advantage of tuition assistance and lower their educational costs. Get more detailed information on a master's degree in business.
Online PhD Degree in Business (PhD)
A Doctor of Business Administration offers students the highest levels of training. This allows them to seek a senior management position in their area of business or become a teacher at the college level with a tenured position. Students who enroll in a PhD program learn skills and techniques that are even higher-level than for MBA or master’s graduates. They will be able to specialize in the area for which they feel the greatest affinity. This is also a level which focuses greatly on research and publications.
Looking at compensation, DBA graduates may earn handsome benefits packages, given that they bring a long-term value to their employer. Some of the career specialties doctoral business students can fill include business administration and management analysts (high-level consultants). They advise management about making improvements to their business on a fundamental level. They may also have a solid shot at getting into the C-suites.
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Become a Business Professional in Arizona
Students in the best business schools in Arizona will work on a broad foundation of knowledge when they are in community college and their bachelor’s degree program. As they progress into their master’s program and above, they are getting closer to their goals, whether that’s to become a business consultant in Arizona or make it to the C-suites of their favorite company. To begin the successful career they want, students need to focus on completion of their classes; schools with high academic standards give students what they need.
If you want to become a business professional in Arizona, the difficulty of your task really depends on where you want to end up in your career. If you’re looking to get into marketing, there are no certifications required, but experience will count for a lot. If you are looking to get into IT or database management, however, it’s a completely different story. Arizona itself does not require that you have certification of any kind, but certification is vital to your success in this area of business.
Then, there are some careers where certification will be required by the state, such as real estate. If you are hoping to get into real estate, as an agent or broker, then you will need to become licensed by the state of Arizona. The same is true for careers in business law and other similar sectors. It’s important that students who are looking to get an associate degree in business start researching and figuring out their interests in business now. If they decide to get into a field that requires certification, then the rest of their academic career will need to be focused on gaining the required education and certification required.
Students who want to earn a business degree in Arizona have a wide range of schools in the state where they can take the steps needed to achieve their goals, and an associate degree is just the beginning.
Top College Programs in Arizona for Business
- Arizona State University:
Located in Tempe, Arizona State University, a large four-year public school awarded 4,715 business graduates with their degrees. These degrees ranged from bachelor’s to doctoral, including certificates. - Northern Arizona University:
This public, four-year university offers 29 business degree programs. Located in Flagstaff, it offers educational opportunities to students who want to begin a rewarding career. At the end of the 2019 semester, NAU awarded 76 bachelor’s degrees, 135 master’s degrees and 166 certificates in Business. - Grand Canyon University:
This private (Christian) for-profit university offers 24 business degrees to its students. Located in Phoenix, one of the largest cities in the state, this university educates students in several disciplines. At the end of the 2019 school year, 1,097 undergraduate business students, 1,855 graduate students and eight PhD students were awarded their business degrees-for a total of 3,077 degrees in business. - University of Arizona:
Located in Tucson, this university offers 40 business degree programs to its students. As a large, four-year public school, it attracts high-quality faculty and courses. During the 2019 commencement ceremony, 1,416 bachelor’s degrees, 399 master’s degrees, 18 doctoral degrees and 38 certificates were awarded to students who majored in business.
Careers for Business Graduates
- Financial/Business Analyst:
The professional financial analyst in this position researches, analyzes, and gives an interpretation to financial and accounting information. A business analyst focuses more on information technology (IT). The only similarity is that both roles are analytical, though they focus on different subject areas. - HR Specialist/Manager:
An HR specialist works on one specific area within the human resources field. These include compensation and benefits, risk management, training and development, employment, recruitment, placement, and ongoing job training or cross training. An HR manager supervises all aspects of the department, rolling all of these areas into their scope of work. They also oversee workplace safety and compliance, and they compose personnel policies and procedures. - Project Manager:
The activities of any professional in this role include taking a broad look at the bigger picture. Project managers plan, organize, and direct specific projects. They are responsible for ensuring they stay on budget, within the defined scope, and come in on time. By limiting themselves to specific project assignments, they are able to shape the direction of their organization. - Supply Chain Specialist/Manager:
Specialists in this field ensure that the supply chain functions correctly, ensuring that an order is routed correctly from its time of order and billing to the time the customer receives it. This is also a supervisory position, and they may oversee several employees or entire departments. The manager oversees the equipment, hardware, and logistical details of the division or company. They supervise every step in purchasing raw materials, delivering them ensuring the company makes enough product for customer demand and ensures delivery to the right destinations in a timely manner.Search Programs Offering Business Majors
- Public Administration Specialist/Manager:
Public relations specialists are tasked with creating and maintaining a good public image for their organization. Given that they publish public relations material, a bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, or English may also benefit them, along with their degree in business. PR managers direct the creation of materials to enhance the public image of the organization. Several years of related work experience are usually required for anyone wanting to hold this position; a master’s degree is also helpful. - Marketing Specialist/Manager:
Marketing specialists should be ready to design, maintain, and lead marketing campaigns. They also make use of all types of content creation, depending on what their company needs. Degrees in marketing, journalism, English, communications, or public relations may be recommended or required. A content marketing manager is in charge of the success of various marketing initiatives. They manage daily content creation, edit, promote, and report on the results of each initiative. - Entrepreneur:
An entrepreneur starts their own business. That means that they tend to carry most of the risks and, as things begin to happen for the business, they enjoy the rewards. An entrepreneur must have an innovative spirit, the ability to generate new ideas, and they should also be knowledgeable about producing goods or services in whichever sector they choose to enter. - CEO and other C-suite Positions:
This individual has worked through the ranks, eventually being brought into the C-suites as a top executive within the organization; they are elected by the board and the company shareholders. They manage the operations of the entire company and its resources. The CEO should be prepared to be the focal point of communication, positioned between the board of directors and corporate operations.
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