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By University HQ Staff Writers
Edited by Evelyn Keener
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What is Business Administration?

Business administration degrees are a highly popular choice among students studying in the United States and throughout the rest of the world. Due to the field’s versatility and vastness, those enrolled often develop a wide range of transferrable skills related to business, management, finance, leadership, and marketing. Because knowledge in these areas is highly valuable in almost any workplace, graduates are often qualified to work in a variety of careers.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in business and financial operations occupations is expected to increase by 5% from 2019 to 2029. This is faster than the average for all occupations and will add approximately 476,200 new jobs to the market nationwide. Projected growth is primarily due to globalization and an ever-developing economy, as well as an increased usage of and dependency on business data and market research to understand clients, customers, and product demand.

Professional and business services are the third largest industry in Connecticut. It accounts for $33.7 billion in revenue each year. Notably, finance and insurance, which is closely related business administration, is the second largest industry in the state and it accounts for $37.7 billion in revenue each year. According to the BLS, business and financial operations occupations are prominent in the state. This one sector accounted for 95,440 jobs in May 2020. The annual mean wage for local professionals in this field was $88,170, which is significantly higher than the national median wage of $41,950 as reported for all occupations.

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Business Administration Education in Connecticut

A degree in business administration can prepare graduates for a wide variety of employment opportunities. Expertise in business, management, finance, leadership, and marketing is valuable to companies and organizations of every type, making it possible to find employment in nearly any industry. As a result, business administration professionals are generally able to choose professions that align well with their personal interests and/or passions.

There are a wide range of companies and organizations that benefit from hiring graduates with expertise in business administration, which makes demand for qualified individuals high within Connecticut. To account for this, the state has numerous notable academic programs available, both on-campus and online. Those seeking professional work in Connecticut should strongly consider enrolling in one of these programs, as local colleges and universities tend to offer the most geographically relevant educations.

The daily tasks and responsibilities of business administration professionals can vary significantly, depending on the type of work performed and the industry that employs them. Job duties are also likely to differ as a result of company/organization size and owner preference.

To ensure graduates have the skills necessary to thrive in almost any working environment, most academic programs in business administration are designed to teach students easily applicable and transferrable skills in analytics, leadership, and research. The ability to adapt to change is also essential, as companies and organizations tend to adjust goals over time.

Business administration jobs are usually best suited for individuals who enjoy completing tasks and solving problems. The most successful professionals in the field are also likely to possess great organizational, managerial, communication, and mathematical skills. They are also often motivated learners who seek out and pursue various development opportunities throughout their entire careers.

The majority of business administration professionals have some form of advanced education. While most choose to earn bachelor’s degrees, an associate degree may be sufficient to find some entry-level employment opportunities in the field. A master’s degree, however, leads to more job prospects and higher salaries. Ultimately, there are programs available at every academic level. As every degree option has benefits and drawbacks, it’s important to identify your personal academic and career goals prior to enrollment.

It’s worth noting that many degrees offer students opportunities to specialize in a particular aspect of business. While not necessary, it can be beneficial to identify one or two primary areas of interest before enrolling in an academic program. The most popular career areas include accounting, computer information systems, finance, and marketing. Selecting one of these now will make it easier to narrow down your degree program options.

Online Associates (AS)

An associate degree in business administration is a good option for individuals interested in acquiring basic management and administration roles at private, public, and non-profit organizations. Graduates are generally considered qualified for entry-level employment opportunities as management trainers, project assistants, office managers, sales representatives, and technology specialists.

Most associate degrees in business administration consist of 60 credit hours of coursework and take full-time students approximately two years to complete. Program specifics vary, but most are designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to important management principles and business-oriented theories. They also allow students to gauge their overall interest in the field without committing to a four-year degree plan.

After completing an associate degree in business administration, graduates can choose to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program instead of pursuing entry-level employment. Credits from accredited institutions can be transferred and often drastically decrease the number of classes needed. Assuming all previous semester hours are accepted, a subsequent bachelor’s degree could be completed with only two additional years of education.

National online rankings for associate degrees in business administration

Online Bachelors (BS)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most business and financial operations occupations require professionals to have a bachelor’s degree. Applicants with this level of education are perceived to have more knowledge and skills, making them better qualified for most positions. As a result, professionals with bachelor’s degrees tend to have an easier time finding employment than those with only associate degrees.

Most bachelor degree programs in business administration consist of 120 credit hours of coursework and take full-time students approximately four years to complete. Curriculums can vary, but generally include instruction pertaining to the fundamental knowledge and tools necessary to be successful in the career field. Coursework is generally designed to help students develop and hone skills in finance, technology, healthcare, and many other fields.

Some of the most popular employment opportunities available to graduates include accountant, auditor, budget analyst, cost estimator, and human resource specialist. Some jobs, however, may require further education. Those who choose to pursue advanced degrees in business administration will need a minimum grade point average and GRE scores in order to apply to graduate programs.

National online rankings for bachelor's degrees in business administration

Online Masters (MS)

A master’s in business administration (MBA) is one of the most popular graduate degrees sought in the United States, likely because it can help new and current professionals significantly advance their careers. Graduates generally qualify for supervisory roles and take on more responsibilities. As a result, they tend to be promoted faster and earn higher salaries.

Most master’s degrees in business administration range from 30 to 60 credit hours of coursework and take full-time students approximately two years to complete, although some programs may take less time. Part-time students will require longer, however. While classes may be similar to those offered at the undergraduate level, instructors tend to explore various business fundamentals at a much deeper level to ensure students develop a comprehensive understanding of how businesses and organizations operate.

Graduates will be prepared for management roles across many industries, but some of the most common employment opportunities include information technology manager, financial manager, industrial production manager, and management analyst.

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Online Doctorate (PhD)

A PhD in business administration is best suited for individuals who want to conduct research and/or become academic professors in the field. Programs typically consist of between 90 and 120 credit hours and take full-time students four to seven years to complete. Prior to graduations, students are often expected to conduct independent studies, as well as write dissertations.

A doctorate in business administration (DBA) may also be appropriate for professionals seeking advanced positions in the field. This degree is not required for most entry and mid-level jobs, but can be beneficial when applying to upper management and executive positions. DBAs enhance students’ theoretical knowledge of business and business management. They can usually be completed within six years.

Graduates from either degree will have advanced mastery over business theory and practice. As a result, they will have access to some of the best employment opportunities available in the field. The most common career paths include top executive, postsecondary business professor, postsecondary, education administrator, and economist.

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Become a Business Administrator in Connecticut

The first step in becoming a business administration professional in Connecticut is identifying your personal career goals. Because the field is so vast, it’s important to consider which areas and/or industries you are most interested in. Knowing your aspirations will help direct your search for the most appropriate academic programs.

It is not necessary, however, to pinpoint your exact objectives prior to enrolling in a business administration program. This degree is unique because it encompasses many different elements, which means the curriculum often overlaps with other majors. If you discover an interest somewhere else, it’s generally fairly easy to adjust your academic plan and transfer the skills already obtained.

Most college and university programs also give students the opportunity to select a concentration as part of their degree. This allows you to tailor a portion of the curriculum to a specific subsection or field so you can explore an area of interest at a much deeper level.

Some of the most common options include:

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Marketing

Once you have earned the necessary degree(s), it may also be helpful to pursue various certifications and/or licensures. While there are no general business credentialing requirements for all job types, choosing to pursue additional certifications can lead to more employment opportunities, higher salaries, and increased competitiveness during the hiring process.

In most cases, business administration professionals can simply choose which optional certifications are most interesting and/or appropriate to advance their careers. Some employers do, however, require candidates to have specific certifications prior to applying. As a result, it’s important to always check job postings carefully.

Those planning to open their own companies in Connecticut will also need to register their business with the state and apply for a Tax Registration Number. It may also be necessary to obtain a tax clearance if buying an existing business. The Connecticut State Department of Revenue Services oversees the process, and all pertinent information can be found on their website.

Careers for Business Administration Graduates

After earning a business administration degree and acquiring the necessary or preferred certifications, you will be qualified to apply for a wide variety of positions in Connecticut.

Salaries and daily duties will vary, but some of the most common career options include:

  • Administrative Coordinator
  • Marketing Manager
  • Maintenance Manager
  • Digital Marketing Manager / Director
  • Product Director
  • Project Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager
  • Non-Profit Director
  • Bookkeeper
  • Public Services / Works Director
  • International Business
  • Certified Public Accountant
  • Financial Advisor
  • Financial Analyst
  • Accounting Associate
  • Loan Officer
  • Human Resource Manager
  • Banking Branch Manager
  • Call Center Team Supervisor
  • Chief Marketing Manager
  • Economist
  • Project Manager
    Project managers are responsible for overseeing company and organization projects. They often generate goals and timelines, as well as dispense important information to team members and manage associated budgets. These professionals may also handle any problems that arise and coordinate, document, and assign tasks to others as necessary. According to PayScale, project managers for non-profit organizations make an average base salary of $75,000 per year.
  • Administrative Coordinator
    Administrative coordinators are responsible for providing support to company and organization employees, as well as managing budgets. They often hire new employees and help organize, supervise, and facilitate work assignments. These professionals perform various clerical duties such as maintaining databases, creating reports, and composing letters. According to PayScale, administrative coordinators make an average base hourly rate of $18.56, or approximately $46,200 per year.
  • Supply Chain Manager
    Supply chain managers are responsible for company and organization franchise supply chain oversight and coordination. They often develop and maintain logistical and procedural policies, as well as mediate between sales and customer service teams. These professionals may also manage inventories based on customer demand. According to PayScale, supply chain managers make an average base salary of $83,950 per year.
  • Digital Marketing Manager / Director
    Digital marketing managers and directors are responsible for the development of new marketing projects for companies and organizations. They ensure advertising efforts are efficient and effective in order to increase sales and brand loyalty among customers. These professionals also utilize new media and digital marketing strategies to implement and coordinate social and digital media campaigns. According to PayScale, digital marketing managers make an average base salary of $67,800 per year.
  • Financial Advisor
    Financial advisors are responsible for assessing the financial needs of their clients, as well as helping them to achieve established financial goals. They often assist clients in establishing short and long-term objectives. These professionals work for financial institutions that deal with various investment types. According to PayScale, financial advisors make an average base salary of $60,100 per year.
  • Accounting Associate
    Accounting associates are responsible for providing bookkeeping assistance to accountants, auditors, and other financial experts. They regularly input data, prepare reports, and reconcile accounts. These professionals often ensure financial information for clients is appropriately tracked. According to PayScale, accounting associates make an average base salary of $48,800 per year.
  • Bank Branch Manager
    Bank branch managers are responsible for overseeing a team of employees at a particular bank branch. They ensure clients’ financial needs are met, as well as facilitate good relationships among staff members. These professionals also manage branch budgets and monitor expenses. According to PayScale, bank branch managers make an average base salary of $60,200 per year.s
  • Bookkeeper
    Bookkeepers are responsible for keeping company and organization financial records accurate. They utilize various accounting software to track and record transactions, as well as to verify financial decisions are viable and safe. These professionals also calculate, record, and balance payroll reports. According to PayScale, bookkeepers make an average base salary of $43,900 per year.
  • Certified Professional Accountant (CPA)
    Certified Professional Accountants (CPAs) are responsible for handling important financial processes for the individual clients, corporations, and governments they work for. They regularly assist with taxation, reporting, and auditing services. These professionals also review financial information, prepare documentation, and ensure government regulations are followed correctly. According to PayScale, CPAs make an average base salary of $51,700 per year.

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