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Business Administration Major

Comprehensive study of management principles, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior.

Entry: $55,000
Mid: $85,000
Senior: $140,000
Growth: 8% (above avg)

Overview

Business Administration provides a broad foundation in all aspects of business operations, from finance and marketing to human resources and strategic planning. This versatile degree opens doors to careers across industries and functions.

Students learn critical thinking, leadership, communication, and analytical skills that are highly valued by employers. The curriculum typically covers accounting, economics, statistics, organizational behavior, business ethics, and international business.

Many programs offer concentrations in areas like finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, operations management, or human resources. Business majors often pursue internships, case competitions, and leadership roles in student organizations to gain practical experience.

Career Prospects

Management Consultant
Financial Analyst
Marketing Manager
Operations Manager
Project Manager
Business Analyst
Sales Manager
Human Resources Manager
Entrepreneur
Investment Banking Analyst

Top Universities for Business Administration

1

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • 5.9% acceptance rate
US News
#6
2

MIT

Cambridge, MA • 65.0% acceptance rate
3

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA • 11.7% acceptance rate
4

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • 15.0% acceptance rate
US News
#21
5

New York University

New York, NY • 14.5% acceptance rate
US News
#28
6

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • 10.5% acceptance rate
US News
#24
7

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA • 30.0% acceptance rate
US News
#24
8

Emory University

Atlanta, GA • 11.0% acceptance rate
US News
#25
9

Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, IN • 80.0% acceptance rate
US News
#73
10

Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO • 9.5% acceptance rate
US News
#26

Popular Courses

Principles of Management
Financial Accounting
Marketing Fundamentals
Business Statistics
Organizational Behavior
Business Law
Operations Management
Strategic Management
International Business
Entrepreneurship

Admissions Requirements

  • Strong academic record across all subjects
  • Leadership experience in extracurriculars
  • Demonstrated interest in business (internships, projects)
  • Good communication and writing skills
  • Mathematics proficiency
  • Well-rounded application with diverse experiences
  • Strong letters of recommendation

Essential Skills

LeadershipCommunicationAnalytical thinkingProblem-solvingTeam collaborationStrategic planningFinancial analysisPresentation skills

Work Environments

  • Corporations
  • Consulting firms
  • Financial services
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Government agencies
  • Startups
  • Healthcare organizations
  • Manufacturing companies

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a Business Administration major?

A Business Administration major opens doors to careers in management consultant, financial analyst, marketing manager, and many other fields. The skills you develop in leadership, communication, analytical thinking are highly valued across industries.

What is the job outlook for Business Administration graduates?

The job growth for Business Administration related careers is projected at 8% (above avg), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level salaries typically start around $55,000, with potential to grow to $140,000 or more with experience.

What are the admission requirements for Business Administration programs?

Most Business Administration programs require strong academic record across all subjects and leadership experience in extracurriculars. Additionally, many programs look for demonstrated interest in business (internships, projects) and good communication and writing skills.

Which universities have the best Business Administration programs?

Top universities for Business Administration include University of Pennsylvania, MIT, University of California-Berkeley, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, New York University, among others. These institutions are known for their strong faculty, research opportunities, and career placement rates.