Schools of Business Administration: Management and More

Work your way to the top of the career ladder with a degree or certificate program in business administration. A business degree offers a broad base of education that translates to a range of business, from insurance to health care, IT to finance.

Careers Within Business Administration

Business management and administration degrees prepare business students to navigate the corporate ladder in a range of fields. Here is just a sample of the exciting and lucrative careers within business administration:

• Insurance sales agents: These specialized sales agents must manage a list of clients and policies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), agents earned mean annual wages of $60,440 in 2008.
• Real estate brokers: More trained than real estate agents, brokers hold more responsibility and enjoy a higher paycheck. The BLS reports that brokers earned mean annual wages of $77,240 in 2008.
• Sales managers: At the management level, sales is one of the most lucrative careers in business. The BLS notes that sales managers earned mean annual wages of $110,390 in 2008.
• Loan officers: Like insurance sales agents, loan officers combine their math and management skills to satisfy customers. They earned mean annual wages of $63,540 in 2008, the BLS reports.
• Medical and health services managers: This specialized health care management position often requires a master's degree level of training. Managers earned mean annual wages of $88,750 in 2008, according to the BLS.
• Financial analysts: A high level of financial knowledge and math skills combined with management and administrative work for this position. Analysts earned mean annual salaries of $84,780 in 2008, the BLS notes.
• Marketing managers: This management position typically requires an MBA in marketing, though a similar high level degree or years of experience may suffice. Managers earned mean annual wages of $118,160 in 2008, according to the BLS.
• Personal financial advisors: Helping clients make their fortunes makes personal financial advisors a healthy salary of their own--mean annual wages of $92,970 in 2008, reports the BLS.
• Human resource managers: Combining communication and administrative skills means a strong salary in human resources. Managers earned mean annual wages of $103,920 in 2008, the BLS reports.

While no business administration degree program can guarantee a career or salary, the most competitive positions are often awarded to workers with a high level of education and experience.

Top Industries for Business Administration Graduates

Any healthy industry includes strong opportunities for workers trained in business administration. Here are the top industries in business in terms of industry growth, according to Fortune:

1. Real Estate
2. Engineering, Construction
3. Securities
4. Internet Services and Retailing
5. Oil and Gas Equipment, Services

Start your career ladder climb with a degree in business administration and focus your interests towards a strong and growing industry. With the right training, you could find yourself in an administrative position in a field with daily rewards and real growth potential.

Choose Your Online Degree Program in Business Administration

Your interest and career goals can help determine your degree goals. For entry level positions in business, a 2-year associate's degree offers targeted training. A bachelor's degree offers a broader base, while an MBA gives you a high level of education you can use for the most competitive careers.

Regardless of your desired degree level, online degrees are available with the targeted training you've been looking for. Many students in online degree programs choose to keep their full-time jobs as they pursue an education. Your own aspirations should determine how you personalize a degree program in business administration.