What is Business Management?
Pennsylvania is home to a wealth of business management colleges and degree programs. Students have their choice of traditional four-year universities, specialized business schools, or online programs. Whether they are looking for a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of business or want to focus on one particular area, such as marketing or accounting, Pennsylvania offers something for everyone.
Business management colleges provide an intense academic environment that allows their students to learn from real-world professionals who have succeeded in their field. These programs also include opportunities for internships and practicums that allow students to gain experience before entering the workforce. Students can often receive scholarships, financial aid, and grants based upon merit.
In addition to learning about the various aspects of running a successful company, students will develop analytical and problem solving abilities by taking classes in business law, economics, statistics, and more. They may also choose to specialize in one area of study such as information technology, human resource management, or supply chain management.
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Online Business Management Education in Pennsylvania
The science and art of running a business is called management. A business manager oversees the resources of the company. Whether they are people, materials, or processes, management professionals must know how to handle them effectively. This is a good career choice for many people because of the increasing importance of the field and the good pay that often comes along with it.
A business manager oversees the work of employees to make sure projects are completed before a deadline and within budget. They also work closely with employees to identify areas for improvement and recruit new team members. A business manager is responsible for hiring and training new employees, establishing policies, revising them, and overseeing their department.
Advancement in business management careers depends on a person's work experience and education. In the early stages, a professional may find their growth potential capped at mid-level positions. To overcome this, many practicing professionals opt to return to school to pursue an advanced degree. By gaining this advanced degree, they are positioned for more lucrative positions and responsibilities. But, if you don't want to be left behind, an MBA is the best path to success.
Online Associate Degree in Business Management (AS)
An in-person or online associate degree in business management can prepare students for a variety of business-related careers in nearly any industry. While taking courses in the field of business, students will begin to develop critical thinking skills, learn how to oversee teams, and gain the ability to develop business solutions. Typical coursework in these programs include Strategic Management, Project Management, Business Ethics, Principles of Macroeconomics and Microeconomics, Accounting I and II, and International Business.
A career in business can be quite rewarding, and an associate degree in business management is a great way to begin. Earning an associate degree can open doors to more opportunities and higher salaries. Associate degree recipients earn 25% more than high school graduates. According to College Board, associate degrees in business administration prepare students for entry-level positions in business, but some people choose this program as a steppingstone to a bachelor's degree program.
National rankings - best 25 online associatesOnline Bachelors Degree in Business Management (BS)
If you're considering an online bachelor's degree in business management, you're on the right path. These degrees can lead to a successful career in the business world, in a wide range of supervisory or managerial positions. A bachelor's degree focuses on teaching the student how to drive profit for a business, retain an edge over the competition, and create practical solutions to business problems.
The length of a business administration degree program varies, but most bachelor’s degree options take around four years to complete, requiring that students complete around 120 credits. Full-time study will take four years, although some online or accelerated programs allow students to graduate within 18 months. The degree includes general education courses and core coursework in accounting, management, and communications. The prerequisites for bachelor's degree in business management are the same as those for any other degree: high school diploma/transcripts, a letter of recommendation, application, etc.
National rankings - best 25 online bachelorsOnline Masters Degree in Business Management (MS)
A master's degree in business management is an excellent way to learn how to run a business or improve your professional opportunities. You'll also learn more about how to plan and execute business plans. An MBA can lead to a better salary, a management position if you haven’t yet earned one, or even the freedom to run your own business.
No matter how you earn it, a master's degree in business management will prepare you to be a change agent within your company. Graduates of these programs should be able to adapt to changes and lead organizations in an increasingly global environment. Online programs are often more flexible than traditional on-campus programs, making them ideal for busy working professionals.
An master’s or MBA degree typically requires students to complete around 60 credit hours. Because of this, a full-time student will take approximately two years to complete the degree, though, if you find an accelerated program you may finish within one year. The time taken to complete the program will depend on the specific program and your enrollment status, as well as any previously earned credits you may have that apply.
National rankings - best 25 online mastersOnline PhD Degree in Business Management (PhD)
Though PhDs in business are generally not required for a business professional, they do exist. If you want to earn your PhD in business management, you can pursue much of these programs entirely online, though you may still need to complete a residency and you’ll spend a good deal of time communicating with your advisor. This option is ideal for those with full-time jobs, as it allows you to balance your education and career. The program's convenient delivery also allows students with busy schedules to maintain their work-life balance. You can choose a focus that aligns with your professional goals. A PhD in business management can prepare you for further leadership, consulting, or a teaching position.
Online Business Management Certifications
If you're looking for a way to learn more about business management, online certifications from business management colleges and degree programs, or even professional associations, are a great option. These short courses can be a cost-effective way to improve your resume and gain specific knowledge in leadership, project management, and more. They can even qualify you for continuing education credits if you are looking to maintain a credential. Not only do these courses provide business managers with the knowledge they need, but they also give them a framework to further develop their own leadership styles and professional development.
Business management certificate programs often focus on a narrow set of topics. While the curriculum of a degree program is much more comprehensive, a certificate program can be a great way to add specific skills to your resume. Business administration certificates focus on areas like finance, accounting, and risk management. They are ideal for entrepreneurs and business managers who want to develop skills and become more effective at their jobs. Additionally, many executives rely on data analysis and statistics to make smart decisions, and certification programs teach business analytics can help you learn more about business practices.
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Become an Business Management in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a great place to become a business management professional as there are many schools that offer great programs in the field. The jobs in this field are plentiful, and the salaries are excellent. Pennsylvania is also home to many businesses, so there is always an opportunity to put your skills to use.
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Step 1: Obtain a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field
In order to have a successful career, it is commonly understood that you need to obtain at least a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field. This is because business administration degrees offer students a well-rounded education that covers all aspects of running a business. In addition, having a business administration degree can help you stand out from the competition and may increase your chances of obtaining a promotion or earning a higher salary.
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Step 2: Gain experience by working in different fields of business:
If you want to gain experience in the business world, you should work in different fields of business. This will give you a broad understanding of how businesses operate and what it takes to be successful. You'll also learn about the different functions within a company, which can help you determine the best career path for you. By gaining experience in different fields, you'll be better prepared to start your own business or work in a field that you're passionate about.
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Step 3: Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in business management
As a business professional, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in your field. This will help you to make informed decisions and keep your business competitive. In addition, it’s important to be aware of the latest research in your field so that you can continue to improve your skills. There are a number of ways to stay up to date on these trends and developments including reading articles and journals, attending conferences and seminars, and subscribing to newsletters.
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Step 4: Build your network by affiliating with other professionals in the field
In order to build a successful business career, it's important to affiliate yourself with other professionals in the field. By networking with like-minded individuals, you can learn from their experiences and gain access to valuable resources. Additionally, you'll be able to develop strong relationships that can help you or your business grow.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Business Management?
Bachelor's degrees in business management can be used in a variety of industries and positions. Some common career paths for someone with this degree include becoming a project manager, human resources manager, or marketing manager. A business management degree can also be the starting point for someone who wants to own their own business. The skills learned in this program such as critical thinking, problem solving, and communication, can be used in a number of different careers.
Potential Careers for Business Management Graduates
- Financial Analyst:
A financial analyst is responsible for providing financial analysis and support to help decision making in an organization. They prepare reports, monitor financial performance, and identify trends. Financial analysts need to be able to understand and analyze financial statements and have strong problem-solving skills.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in finance or a related field
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to understand and analyze financial statements
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for financial analysts in the US in 2021 was $81,410
- The mean annual wage for financial and investment analysts in Pennsylvania is $92,810
- Operations Manager:
An operations manager is responsible for the overall operation of the company. They make sure that all departments are running smoothly and efficiently and also work closely with the CEO to develop and implement company strategies.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in business or a related field
- 5 years of experience in management or a related field
- Strong leadership and communication skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for general and operations managers in the US in 2021 was $97,970
- The mean annual wage for general and operations managers in Pennsylvania is $113,840
- Director of Operations:
A director of operations is responsible for the overall management and operation of the company. They develop and implement operational policies and procedures and oversee the day-to-day operations of the company and also develop and manage budgets and ensure that the company meets its financial goals.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field
- 5+ years of experience in management or operations
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for general and operations managers in the US in 2021 was $115,250 and chief executives earned $179,520
- The mean annual wage for general and operations managers in Pennsylvania is $113,840 and chief executives earned $232,630
- Accounting Supervisor:
An accounting supervisor is responsible for the daily operations of the accounting department and supervising the accounting staff. They will oversee the preparation of financial statements, journal entries, and account reconciliations and will also be responsible for assisting with the monthly close process and ensuring that all deadlines are met.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field
- 5+ years of accounting experience
- 2+ years of supervisory experience
- Strong knowledge of GAAP
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for accountants and auditors in the US in 2021 was $77,250
- The mean annual wage for accountants and auditors in Pennsylvania is $79,200
- Management Information System Specialist:
A management information system specialist is responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of the organization's management information system. They work closely with managers and staff to ensure that the system meets the needs of the organization and provides accurate and timely information.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field
- Experience with management information systems
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for computer and information systems managers in the US in 2021 was $159,010
- The mean annual wage for computer and information systems managers in Pennsylvania is $146,970
- HR Manager:
An HR manager is responsible for the overall management of the human resources function in the company. This includes managing the recruitment, selection, induction, training and development, performance management, and employee relations processes. They also ensure that the company complies with all relevant employment legislation.
Necessary Requirements:
- Degree in human resources or a related field
- Proven experience as an HR Manager or similar role
- Thorough knowledge of employment law and HR best practices
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Ability to lead and motivate a team
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for human resources managers in the US in 2021 was $126,230
- The mean annual wage for human resources managers in Pennsylvania is $128,530
- Non-Profit Manager:
A non-profit manager is responsible for the overall management and operations of a non-profit organization, which differs legally and functionally from a private company. They will develop and implement strategies to achieve the organization's goals and objectives and will also be responsible for fundraising, financial management, and human resources.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in business or related field
- 5+ years of management experience
- Experience in a non-profit organization
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for public relations and fundraising managers in the US in 2021 was $119,860 and general and operations managers earned $97,970
- The mean annual wage for public relations managers in Pennsylvania is $124,420 and general and operations managers earn $113,840
- Business Analyst:
A business analyst is responsible for analyzing an organization's business processes and identifying areas where improvement is needed. They work with stakeholders to understand the needs of the business and recommend solutions that will improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, computer science, or a related field
- Experience conducting business process analysis and identifying process improvements
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for management analysts in the US in 2021 was $93,000 and budget analysts earned $79,940
- The mean annual wage for management analysts in Pennsylvania is $91,170 and budget analysts earn $76,140
- Marketing Manager:
A marketing manager is responsible for planning, developing, and executing marketing strategies for the company. They will oversee all aspects of marketing including advertising, public relations, product development, and market research. The marketing manager will also be responsible for managing the marketing budget and ensuring that all campaigns are within budget.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field
- 5+ years of marketing experience
- Strong project management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for marketing managers in the US in 2021 was $135,030
- The mean annual wage for marketing managers in Pennsylvania is $139,350