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Business in Texas


Texas is a major business hub, with the 10th largest economy in the world and one of the largest in the US, second only to California. Known for its oil and gas industry, Texas also dominates in many other sectors, including manufacturing, which is the second largest in the US. The state leads the nation in mining, quarrying, and oil/gas extraction.

A business professional is anyone working in an organization focused on generating profit and value for investors. This includes roles from clerks to top-level executives, as well as high-tech workers like programmers, supply chain managers, or database managers. Even independent entrepreneurs can be considered business professionals, regardless of work hours or attire.

Business professionals work in various environments, from office settings with scheduled hours to small businesses like independent electricians or mom-and-pop retailers. While they focus on industry-specific tasks, they also manage administrative responsibilities like inventory, payroll, and other matters that affect their bottom line.

Online Business Majors and Education in Texas


A budding business leader in Texas has many options, including sectors like construction, transportation, education, healthcare, and professional services. Business degrees can be tailored to these industries, with HR professionals needing different expertise depending on the field. For example, an HR professional in tech focuses on recruiting IT experts, while in construction, they must specialize in hiring skilled tradespeople like carpenters and electricians.

Most aspiring business professionals in Texas start with a college business degree, choosing from fields like accounting, marketing, management, or information systems. Texas offers a range of community colleges and four-year programs, backed by financial aid and government oversight to ensure quality education.

Texas' online programs strive to hire top business faculty, scouring PhD programs for experts whose research aligns with the school's goals. They also seek local talent, such as area MBAs, who can offer valuable insights into Texas' business climate. This real-world knowledge, like expertise in Houston shipping or Austin tech start-ups, helps inspire and enrich students.

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Online Associate Degree in Business (AS)

A great way to launch a business career is with an online associate business degree. Many community colleges offer majors like marketing, management, and accounting. For those undecided but strong in math, accounting is a solid choice, as businesses rely heavily on spreadsheets. A two-year accounting degree can also lead to bookkeeping roles, a skill in constant demand.

An online associate business degree is also helpful from an even more practical standpoint: finances. Community colleges charge far less for credit hours, so students can complete their first two years of college for a discount. Since community colleges also require that students complete the core college curriculum as part of an associate business degree, students are also prepared to go on to complete their bachelor's business degree, if they choose.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Business (BS)

The most successful business careers start with a bachelor's business degree. A full four-year education includes more in-depth courses that challenge students to arrive at solutions that their less-trained colleagues might not be able to. Most four-year universities also provide more choices in terms of their business degree offerings. Not only can students major in management, but they might choose sports management. Accountants might specialize in forensic accounting or add a minor concentration in computer science or information technology.

These choices may also include experiential learning opportunities. Business students frequently complete internship programs. Many four-year institutions also support students with co-op degree programs. Co-op programs allow students to alternate terms, where one is spent studying and completing their business degree while the next term is spent working full-time. The work portion of a co-op program is always with the same firm, so students are able to build a solid base of experience in the business community.

Online Master's Degree in Business (MS)

Business careers always move into high gear after a master’s degree. Here, students can choose a two-year program that is dedicated to their specific career focus, such as marketing or management. Other students can choose an MBA, which starts with one year of general business courses, albeit at the graduate level, and then a year that focuses on the student's area of specialization. This degree is often considered the brass ring of business education.

While an MS that focuses on only one specialty will be a terrific boon, the MBA is perhaps more highly valued because those who earn an MBA have a more broad-based education. They are able to study not only their field, such as marketing, but they can also inform their work with courses in finance, human resources, investment banking, and more. This way they will have a more informed view when they reach the C-suite level in their firm.

Online PhD Degree in Business (PhD)

The business community doesn't often seek online PhDs for corporate offices, but that may change. As many workers earn their MBA, executives may differentiate themselves with a dual MBA or a doctorate in business administration. Currently, businesses prioritize PhD candidates in fields like data science, computer science, and cryptography, as these technical fields are in high demand. Many PhD candidates even leave their programs before defending their thesis, realizing their research can lead to valuable tech start-ups and higher personal earnings.

A doctorate in business is more often used in an academic career. Since the market is flooded with master's degrees, a PhD in a business area is all the more necessary when it comes to landing a tenure-track position with a college or university.

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Become a Business Professional in Texas


Texas means business. The state has long dominated the oil and gas exploration market and it is also strong in agriculture, technology, and more. The short answer is that there are as many ways to approach a business career as there are businesspeople. 

Becoming a business professional in Texas can open up a wealth of opportunities, thanks to the state's robust economy and diverse industries. Whether you're interested in management, finance, marketing, or entrepreneurship, Texas offers a wide array of pathways to enter the business world. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

  1. STEP 1: Earn a Relevant Degree

    Most business professionals begin their careers by earning a degree. Depending on your career goals, you might pursue an associate, bachelor’s, or even a master’s degree. Common business degrees include areas like accounting, management, marketing, or business administration. Texas is home to many top universities and community colleges that offer quality business programs, both online and in person, to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need.

  2. STEP 2: Gain Hands-on Experience

    Practical experience is crucial for business professionals. Internships, part-time jobs, or entry-level positions are great ways to gain experience while you're still in school. These roles allow you to apply what you're learning and network with other professionals in the field. Texas has a thriving business community, so take advantage of internships with local companies or even larger corporations headquartered in the state.

  3. STEP 3: Develop Key Skills

    Successful business professionals possess a mix of soft and hard skills. Communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities are just as important as technical skills like accounting, data analysis, and project management. Take the time to develop these skills both in and outside the classroom. In Texas, many professional organizations offer training and workshops that can enhance your skill set.

  4. STEP 4: Consider Certification or Specialization

    Depending on the industry, you may want to earn certifications that demonstrate your expertise. For example, certifications in project management, human resources, or accounting can make you a more attractive candidate. Many businesses in Texas value specialized knowledge, especially in growing sectors like technology and energy.

  5. STEP 5: Network and Stay Current

    Building a professional network is essential for advancing your career. Attend local business events, seminars, and conferences to meet industry leaders and peers. In Texas, the business landscape is constantly evolving, so staying current on trends, regulations, and best practices is vital. Many professional organizations in the state also offer resources for career advancement.

By following these steps, you can successfully navigate the path to becoming a business professional in Texas. The state’s diverse economy and thriving business environment offer plenty of opportunities to grow and thrive in your chosen career.



Careers for Business Graduates


  • Business Development Director:
    This upper-level position requires a good deal of insight into coming trends and then the business knowledge to understand how one's firm needs to proceed in order to successfully exploit the new trend. Business development directors also need strong accounting skills to help the firm manage budgets, among other financial needs.
  • Human Resources Specialist:
    This position is vital to the success of any firm. After all, no business can succeed without a strong body of workers. HR specialists need to know how to recruit, compensate, and maintain employees over a long time period. HR specialists may also need strong communication skills and the ability to mediate inter-employee conflicts. They may conduct trainings on matters related to employment law, among other matters pertinent to the firm's well-being.
  • Team Leader:
    Workers who are interested in a career in management often start out as team leaders. This is can help their leadership abilities shine through and help them rise to the top of a department. Team leaders may have a variety of duties, but they are more often called to be added leadership and motivation for their team. After a period of success, many team leaders rise into a higher management position.
  • Administrative Assistant:
    This job title can mean many different things. Many administrative assistants are receptionists who answer phones and prepare meeting rooms. Others are the right-hand person for a CEO and thus they need to have strong business skills to help their firm succeed. C-suite assistants are often quite well paid. They not only need strong typing and communication skills, but they may also need to help plan and manage corporate events including training sessions, golf outings, and year-end parties.
  • Financial Analyst:
    This position is often the entry-level job of budding corporate financiers. Investment banks hire fresh business degree graduates for a two-year intensive position as a financial analyst. After the two-year program ends, analysts then return for an MBA before returning for a career in investment banking. Then there are bankers who make their career as business analysts. They may assess businesses to see whether they are a good credit risk for their bank.
  • Account Manager:
    This job title is found in many offices. Account managers essentially work with a client company to ensure that they are receiving what they need. Account managers may also serve a sales role in that they may seek to entice their clients to try new features or products they have on offer. In many situations, an account manager is also an intermediary who communicates the client's needs to the production team.
  • IT Director:
    This position is often earned after several years in IT. An IT director may have a specialty area, such as database management, but also general knowledge of other matters such as networking, cyber security, or hardware solutions. IT Directors are more likely to be found in larger corporate entities where they oversee multiple IT departments.

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