What to expect from a business bachelor's degree

You may not have your entire undergraduate path mapped out quite yet, but it's no wonder you're drawn to the prospect of earning a degree. Employers continue to report — including as recently as a 2020 study from the Association of American Colleges and Universities — that they have confidence in higher education and the value of a degree when it comes to their hiring considerations.

If you're looking for a college education that offers graduates a versatile skill set that can pave the way to a range of different career opportunities, a business bachelor's degree could be just what you need to make those goals a reality.

But before you make that leap, you'll want to get a better idea of what to expect from studying business. Join us as we explore the details of earning a business bachelor's degree.

Why study business?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), business continues to top the list of the most popular undergraduate majors. It's not surprising, considering the robust range of skills business graduates gain in their studies — and employers recognize that.

Before you even reach the interview stage, a business degree can signify to recruiters and hiring managers that you have a number of sought-after skills, such as problem-solving abilities, financial aptitude, and an instinct for figuring out what an organization needs in order to thrive.

With a trained business professional, employers know they're getting someone who knows how to formulate compelling strategies and smart budgets, while also possessing the ability to lead and motivate colleagues. Business majors are taught how to do things like quantify a set of data, evaluate the financial impact of organizational decisions, and utilize figures to back up business proposals. At the same time, they learn how to communicate clearly, to work within a team dynamic, and to operate within a strict set of ethics.

And on top of it all, business bachelor's degree holders leave their programs having sharpened their critical thinking and analytical skills, making them strong candidates for positions in just about any industry.

What is a business bachelor's degree program like?

Graduates from programs like the one at Bellevue University are well-equipped to communicate, think, and perform like business professionals. But what does that type of business training actually look like?

The Bachelor of Science in Business arms graduates with the tools needed to excel in any business setting, with practical learning in marketing, economics, finance and accounting, systems and information management, change management, and human resources. This assortment of valuable skills is why a business bachelor's degree can serve as the foundation for a career (or graduate study) in many different industries.

In addition to teaching the basics of business, the Bellevue program places particular emphasis on equipping students to apply the key industry fundamentals they're learning in true-to-life business scenarios. By the time students reach graduation, they should be prepared to do the following:

• Communicate in a positive and productive manner to support an organization.
• Make decisions to solve problems that eliminate inefficiencies and decrease costs.
• Develop and implement initiatives that enable an organization to succeed.
• Interpret financial statements and concepts to improve business performance.

Business programs are also valuable because they can be a catalyst for students to expand their professional networks. This can include learning how to establish your social media presence as a professional, taking career assessments to evaluate the skills that make you marketable, and learning about potential employers who can have an impact on the trajectory of your career.

Curious about the types of courses you can expect in a business bachelor's degree program? Here is a taste of what's offered at Bellevue University:

• Foundations of Business
• Management
• Communications in Business
• Human Resources
• Marketing
• Economics Principles
• Finance and Accounting Principles

What can you do with a business bachelor's degree?

It's long been clear that educational attainment matters. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a person's earning potential increases and their chances of unemployment decrease as their educational level rises — and business is a particularly versatile field.

The variety of skills you can gain by earning a business degree can be of use in many different industries, as organizations of all kinds have a need for savvy business professionals who can ensure their operations function effectively and profitably. U.S. News and World Report has found that business degree holders are sought after for corporate positions, at startups, within nonprofit organizations, in supply chain management positions, and even in government and public service roles.

Make yourself more marketable

By enrolling in an undergraduate business program, you're making an investment in yourself and in the success of your future career. And if you're looking for a flexible program that will work for your life and goals, the 100% online, accelerated option at Bellevue University is hard to beat.

The mission of the College of Business at Bellevue University is to develop high performing, lifelong learners who are equipped to innovate and lead in a competitive international business environment. If you're ready to count yourself among them and begin training for your own professional success, learn more about our Bachelor of Science in Business degree.

For more information about the business programs at Bellevue University, check out our business resources.