Business Education

A business education degree is a general degree that may include subjects such as:
The skills and information taught in a business program have a wide scope, making a business degree an excellent choice for those pursuing almost any professional field.

Careers in Business

Pursuing business education programs puts you in a good position to progress within your chosen business field. The careers open are almost limitless. Just a few of the possible industries include:
Individuals with advanced degrees in business can also pursue a career as a business education teacher. Professors in business and enterprise education use their unique knowledge and experience in the field to develop engaging business education lesson plans and help shape the industry by educating future leaders.
 
A degree in business education is especially helpful for those who would like to become a business manager or start their own business. The business industry is constantly changing and a business education can teach students key elements about the economy and how to run or manage a business.
 
Even for those who are not interested in becoming managers or entrepreneurs, having a business education can give you the knowledge and skill set you need to succeed in any job as well as in your personal life. A business education will teach you a variety of applicable skills from how to effectively communicate with others to how to manage your own personal finances.

Types of Business Education Programs

Business education is available at a range of levels, from certificate courses to doctoral programs. The type of education best suited for you depends on how much time and money you are willing to invest, as well as the kind of job you hope to land.
 
Online business education is also readily available through many schools and universities that are now offering degree programs on the Web. There are many degrees you can complete through distance education: Doctor of Business, Master of Business, Bachelor of Business and associate degrees in business are all available through the Web. With new online courses and distance education, business school has never been easier to attend.

Associate Degrees in Business

An associate degree is useful if you want a basic business education. This type of program, which takes two years and includes 48 to 60 semester hours, forms a good foundation for further study. You can also apply the credits to another program if you want to continue your studies later.

Bachelor's in Business

A bachelor's degree in business or business administration will prepare you for a career in business. These degrees may be called Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Business, Bachelor of Business Administration or similar titles. Whatever the title, this course will prepare you for work in:
  • accounting
  • economics
  • financial services
  • marketing
  • personnel
  • sales.
These programs typically last four years and include both theoretical and practical training.

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are for those already working in the field. If you need to improve your skills in a particular area, then a certificate program in business might suit you. They are usually short courses (sometimes as little as 16 hours) and generally deal with a particular specialty.

Master's Degrees and Doctorates in Business

If you are planning to be a leader in your career, then it's worth thinking about postgraduate business education. Options include:
  • Doctorate degree programs
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Management.
Master's programs will help you progress higher in the management structure of your company.
 
Doctoral programs, on the other hand, differ from master's programs because they are most useful for those planning to teach. They usually take at least four years to complete.
 
In general, you will need to have practical experience and an undergraduate qualification to get into these programs.

Costs of Business Education

The cost of a business education program depends both on the level and the type of institution.
 
Recent figures from the College Board suggested that, at public universities, the cost of tuition, fees, room and board for a four-year undergraduate program was almost $13,000. The cost of that same program in a private university was more than $30,000.
 
For full-time graduate students, the estimated cost was just over $22,000 in a public institution and just over $32,000 in a private one.
 
Resources
 
Glater, J. (2006). Price of a University Degree Rises. Retrieved March 27, 2008, from the IHT.com Web site: http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/10/25/business/tuition.php.
 
MBA Schools (2008). Paying For Your Advanced Business Degree. Retrieved March 27, 2008, from the MBA Schools Web site: http://www.mbaschools.com/paying-for-your-advanced-business-degree.
 
World Wide Learn (n.d.) What Can You Do With A College Degree In Business? Retrieved March 27, 2008, from the World Wide Learn Web site: http://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/business/business-major.htm.