Cultivating Future Business Leaders
Business administration and management students, including military servicemembers, public safety professionals, and veteran entrepreneurs, have the chance to gain perspective on the innerworkings of business enterprises and the management of operations and personnel.
Business administration and management degree programs provide the opportunity to develop many important skills that can be used in a variety of professional settings. Graduates are trained to make strategic decisions, influence outcomes, and navigate the complexities of running a successful organization or company.
Whether the goal is to launch a business, grow an existing company, or ascend the corporate ladder, degrees in business administration or management could provide specialty knowledge and equip students with the strategic tools and leadership acumen necessary to potentially make an impact in their field.
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What is the Difference Between Business Administration and Business Management?
Business administration and business management are intertwined yet distinct areas of study. Although they share common ground in fundamental business skills like problem-solving, decision-making, communication, and critical thinking, each field has its unique focus.
Business administration emphasizes the operational aspects and functioning of a business, including finance, marketing, and overall strategy, while business management focuses on the leadership and organizational skills needed to manage people and resources effectively within a company.
Universities may offer associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs in both disciplines: business administration and business management. When researching study options, students must know that these two distinct disciplines are different from one another, despite the overlap in subject areas.
American Military University (AMU) offers degrees from the associate to the master’s level in both disciplines. AMU’s student services have dedicated advisors ready to help students decide which path is best for them and their career goals.
The Value of Business Administration and Management Degrees
A business degree, whether it’s administration or management, is valuable because it reflects and validates one’s commitment to and understanding of the business world.
These degrees also have the potential to facilitate a wide range of roles and career possibilities, across multiple industries. These programs are also designed to prepare graduates for leadership opportunities.
New businesses continue to emerge. In fact, 5.5 million new business applications were filed in 2023 alone. Consequently, many existing businesses and those that have yet to be created will need trained business and management professionals who can make a significant contribution to an operation.
Degrees in business and management also demonstrate the following:
Signal of Expertise
A degree in business or management signifies a comprehensive grasp of business principles, ethical considerations, and strategic planning. It confirms your capability to navigate and enhance the business landscape, a quality that is often sought by employers ranging from startups to multinational corporations.
Broad Career Prospects
The broad nature of these fields provides a comprehensive education that covers aspects of finance, marketing, human resources, supply chain management, and operations management. This helps prepare graduates to effectively contribute to various segments within an organization like HR, operations, and financial and legal departments.
Specialized Training and Professional Growth
These degrees may offer targeted skill development and the chance to build specialized knowledge. Students should gain the strategies, techniques, and tools needed to address complex business issues, driving organizational success and innovation.
What Can You Do with a Business Administration or Business Management Degree?
Graduates of management or business administration programs may have the chance to ascend to executive roles, manage teams, drive strategic initiatives, or venture into entrepreneurship to start or grow their own businesses.
Here are roles that graduates with degrees in business or management may be prepared to pursue:
Business Analysts: Analyze business processes and recommend improvements.
Business Managers: Oversee the day-to-day operations and activities of a business to ensure its success and growth.
Human Resource Manager: Oversee employee relations, benefits, recruitment, and retention.
Marketing Managers: Develop and execute strategies to promote products or services.
Financial Analysts: Assess financial data to guide investment decisions.
Operations Managers: Manage the day-to-day operations of a company to increase efficiency and profitability.
Project Managers: Plan and coordinate projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
Entrepreneurs: Individuals who start and grow their own business venture.
Consultants: Provide expert advice in an area of specialization to improve business performance.
Sales Managers: Direct an organization's sales teams, set sales goals, and develop training programs.
Supply Chain Managers: Oversee and manage the flow of goods and materials in a company.
What You'll Learn in Business Administration and Management Degree Programs
Each curriculum typically covers key subjects like strategic planning, organizational leadership, financial management and analysis, and marketing, among others.
Students have the chance to learn how to apply these concepts in real-world business and management scenarios, developing crucial skills that are necessary for a future business manager to thrive in the professional arena.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
A BBA program typically covers a wide array of fundamental business concepts. American Military University offers an online BBA program that examines:
- Organizational Leadership
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- International business
- Marketing
- Ethics
- Law
- Operations
- Human resources
- Business strategy
- Globalization
AMU’s experienced and knowledgeable faculty of scholar-practitioners guide students through the tactics and strategies that launch companies and disrupt industries. In this bachelor's degree program, students have the chance to be trained to think like an executive.
The program aims to help students achieve the following:
- Utilize fundamental principles of accounting, financial management, and business strategy to enhance the decision-making process in business operations.
- Understand the economic factors affecting markets through the analysis of governmental, business, and consumer sectors.
- Develop organizational problem-solving strategies by understanding the function of operations management, human resources management, and other roles.
- Develop a comprehensive strategic plan that integrates planning and marketing into a cohesive approach.
- Discover how a business's success or failure is influenced by external and internal factors, including competition and environmental forces.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
AMU also offers an online MBA program. Students are prepared for the global business environment by expert faculty who have real-world experience in Fortune 500 companies, government and intelligence agencies, and technology organizations.
The MBA program will develop students’ knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Marketing
- Management and leadership
- Finance
- Legal and ethical issues
- Business analytics
- Human resource management
- Strategy development
This program enables students to do the following:
- Evaluate various managerial strategies to assess their impact on individuals, groups, and the entire organization.
- Examine the legal, regulatory, and compliance challenges that affect managers.
- Assess analytical methods and techniques to meet present and future business requirements.
- Develop the ability to make informed business decisions using financial and analytical tools.
- Study and compare business strategies to attain, retain, and grow customer segments.
Bachelor of Arts in Management (BA)
A bachelor's degree program in management typically analyzes management concepts and strategies that promote organization, motivation, and high performance in the workforce.
AMU offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Management program that covers these core areas:
- Management theories, concepts, and practices
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Human resources
- Leadership
- Data interpretation
- Decision-making
- Critical-thinking skills
- Entrepreneurship
- Project management
The program is designed to help students:
- Assess a company's organizational structure to make sure its setup, workflows, and staffing match what it needs now and in the future to stay competitive.
- Learn talent acquisition strategies.
- Examine how global legal, political, and economic factors affect personal growth, team development, and the performance of organizations and departments.
- Study strategies for maintaining ethical behavior, corporate social responsibility, and effective communication in the international business arena.
- Show the critical thinking, analysis, and decision-making abilities required to manage people effectively and achieve organizational goals.
Master of Arts in Management (MA)
A master's in management program usually covers essential and advanced managerial concepts and methods needed for leadership in today's global markets. It is ideal for those looking to manage organizational change and enhance their ability to see the big picture.
AMU has an online MA in management that covers:
- Organizational behavior
- Human resource management
- Ethics
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Nonprofit management
The program prepares students to undertake the following:
- Carry out research on a business management issue, gather and analyze data, and report the results using both qualitative and quantitative techniques.
- Prepare a business plan.
- Assess management problems by examining ethical, technological, organizational, cultural, human, and environmental factors.
- Leverage leadership and management theories and practices to tackle the challenges faced by a global organization.
The Benefit of an Online Format
Flexibility
Many online degree programs give students the flexibility to tailor their study schedules according to their needs. Programs that do not require logging in for scheduled lectures or activities enable students to choose the most convenient times to study and complete assignments. This provides the flexibility to balance education with personal and professional commitments. This flexibility enables students to access course materials, participate in discussions, and submit assignments at times that align with their schedule, whether it be early mornings or late evenings.
Accessibility
Many online degree programs, such as those offered by AMU, provide a virtual library accessible from any internet-connected location, with 24/7 access to digital textbooks and essential study resources. Typically, these programs employ a multimedia approach to deliver educational content, utilizing formats like videos, slideshows, and podcasts. This diverse approach accommodates various learning styles, potentially enhancing comprehension and retention of vital course information.
Diverse Learning Opportunities
Students are not restricted by geography, residing perhaps near or far apart. They represent varied backgrounds and may hold mixed viewpoints. This inclusive learning environment reflects the multifaceted nature of business administration and management, enhancing students' understanding and appreciation for diversity, which is vital for effectively navigating and leveraging today's global business landscape.
Affordability
Online degree programs may have lower tuition and may save on expenses associated with commuting, campus housing, and textbooks. This makes higher education more affordable and accessible to a wider range of students.
High-Quality and Accredited Education
An online degree program is held to the same rigorous standards of educational quality as traditional in-person classes. Students pursuing a business administration or management degree often must manage a challenging curriculum as they gain access to experienced faculty and the latest industry insights. They utilize interactive tools and collaborative platforms to enhance their educational experience.
AMU’s business administration and management degree programs are all accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. This means that the curricula and educational standards of these programs are respected and recognized by the accrediting body, which evaluates the rigor and outcomes of the program and its graduates.
Why Military Personnel Continue to Choose AMU
Many former and active military members and affinity groups, like law enforcement personnel and public safety professionals, often choose AMU because of its commitment to understanding and accommodating the needs of servicemembers.
Here are some of the reasons why military personnel choose AMU:
Support Network for Military Affiliates
Through our team of experienced professionals, including academic advisors, career services, and peer support, we foster growth and inclusivity, understanding the unique complexities and demands of military life. Our dedicated team is here to ensure you have the resources you need to thrive in your academic pursuits.
Connect with Like-Minded Peers
Join a community of individuals who share similar values, experiences, and aspirations, offering opportunities to forge meaningful connections and build professional networks for future endeavors.
Credit for Military Training
AMU values military training and experience, offering the opportunity for servicemembers to earn academic credit based on their military background, potentially accelerating their educational journey.
Potential Career Opportunities
Pursuing a business administration or business management degree may present the chance to pursue roles in management and leadership within military organizations. Both degrees can also prepare you for a civilian career in various business sectors post-service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Getting a business administration degree can be challenging, but it's achievable with dedication and hard work. Like any major, it requires a commitment to studying and staying organized, especially since you'll be covering a wide range of topics from finance and accounting to marketing and management.
Many students find the material applicable to real-world situations, which can make the learning process engaging and rewarding. Plus, resources such as tutoring, study groups, and academic support services are often available to help you succeed. With determination and support, earning a degree in business administration is achievable.
Business administration or business management can be great majors for many students. These programs offer a broad foundation of skills and knowledge that can be applied to the business world. With these majors, essential skills in areas such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making are cultivated for application across various industries and sectors.
Degrees in business administration or business management are designed to support diverse professional interests, from entrepreneurship and corporate management to consulting and marketing.
A business administrator plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of organizations. They oversee various aspects of business operations, including financial management, human resources, marketing, and administrative tasks. Their responsibilities often include strategic planning, decision-making, resource allocation, and policy development to help the organization achieve its goals.
The terms "Management Degrees" and "Business Management Degrees" are often used interchangeably, but there can be slight differences in focus depending on the specific program and institution. Generally, both types of degrees encompass the study of management principles and practices within the context of business organizations.
American Military University uses the two terms interchangeably and offers several other specialty management degree programs as well, such as:
- Hospitality Management
- Human Resource Management
- Retail Management
- Reverse Logistics Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Technical Management
- Transportation and Logistics Management
