Business, General

Overview

General business programs teach people many functions of business.

Business programs prepare people to apply business principles and techniques in various fields such as:

Accounting
Human resources
Finance

Graduate programs allow students to specialize in areas such as:

Health administration
Education administration
Public administration

Schools

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in business. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Many schools also offer graduate degrees in business. A Master in Business Administration (MBA) program typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Accounting
Advanced English Composition courses
Business Math
Economics
Introduction to Business

Graduate Admissions

Graduate degrees in general business are not available. In general, those who want additional study in business, enroll in a master's in business administration (MBA) program. You can also do graduate work in an area of business, such as accounting or finance.

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. It is possible to study a business specialization even though your undergraduate major is not business-related. But you should complete courses in accounting, economics, statistics, business law, and management information systems. Another route is to get a master's in business administration (MBA). If you apply for an MBA program, prior business course work may not be as important. But work experience in the business world is very helpful.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
Letters of recommendation
Interview

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

A bachelor's degree program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Business Law
Business Writing
Calculus for Business
Finance
Human Resources Management
Introduction to Accounting
Introduction to Marketing
Organizational Behavior
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Statistics for Business
Writing

Programs that lead to an associate degree cover a more limited selection of the same subjects.

GraduateProgram Courses

MBA programs typically cover many of the subjects listed under program courses in the first year. In the second year, you choose subjects in the area where you want to specialize. Often you do an internship between the first and second years. A thesis also may be required.

Things to Know

Business courses often focus on cases drawn from real life. Students sharpen their analytical and problem-solving skills by examining situations that businesses have encountered. They evaluate the strategies that the businesses have followed.

Business courses in high school can be useful preparation for a career in business. Your high school transcript needs to show that you are preparing for a demanding college-level program.

Good skills in writing, speaking, and critical thinking are needed for advancement in the business world.