Business Administration vs. Business Management

Business degrees are highly in demand these days and for so many good reasons. As per the reports of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and financial jobs are expected to grow 10% between 2016 and 2026.

Like any other aspirant, you might also have several questions in mind – which business course is the best for me? Should I study abroad? If yes, then which country? To give answers to all your queries we have come up with this post.

Here, we will discuss the two topmost business degrees – business administration and business management. We will compare them to determine the differences and similarities. Let us get started!

What is Business Administration?

Business administration is the field that includes general business operations like management, accounting, economics, marketing, human resources, and other important business functions.

Business Administration Courses

A degree in this field generally exposes students to several courses that cover business subjects like business laws and ethics, management, economics, finance, marketing, and accounting. Other subjects of the degree may include management information, strategic management, organizational behaviour, decision support systems, and operation research.

Students opting for a business administration degree program often study these subjects and then choose one specific subject as a focal area or point of specialization such as finance, accounting, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, business economics, or business computer applications. Students can also go for additional coursework to develop a high level of expertise in their area of interest.

Various Career Options Available for Business Administration Professionals

A degree in business administration provides the foundation for several career paths. While the job profile completely depends on the level of degree earned, some business administration job profiles include the following:

• Marketing Manager
• Financial Analyst
• Benefits Administrator
• Budget Analyst

No matter which industry you choose to work in, having a business administration degree and knowledge will help you get the best and suitable opportunities.

What is Business Management?

This degree is one of the most popular business programs. It is more focused on management, personnel operations, leadership, and human resources. The topics taught in this program are more focused on the business, analysis, and planning of other important operations.

Business Management Courses

Students in this business field often study many of the same subjects as business administration. However, they may also take the courses in other areas like logistics, communications, administrative practices, and purchasing. Additionally, they may go for the coursework focused on topics such as personnel development, conflict resolution, retention and recruiting, performance management, and organizational behaviour.

Various Career Options Available for Business Management Professionals

A degree in business management allows students to employ different management roles in developing the goals of an organization and aligning teams and other resources to reach those goals.

A student who earns a business management degree is usually qualified for different entry-level management jobs in any functional area or business enterprise including finance, accounting, marketing, benefits administration, or human resources. Students can also choose to pursue a specific interest area or simply a general management career. Some possible job titles may include the following:

• Sales Manager
• Purchasing Manager
• Management Analyst
• Office Manager

Business Administration vs. Business Management

Some people use the terms ‘business administration’ and ‘business management’ interchangeably, especially when referring to higher education programs. Even though these are different programs, they share some similarities in the core curriculum with courses covering a wider range of business and related topics. These core curriculums provide the students with a well-formed education along with various skills despite the intended area of specialization of the student.

Both degrees teach students how to plan essential business activities, manage employees and departments, run departments, and handle a firm. Students will also get to know about the different yet important elements of running a business like business communications, logistics, and leadership skills.

Regardless of these similarities, there are some key differences between the two. At a higher level of education, a business management degree focuses on the authoritative aspects of business whereas a degree in business administration is usually broader in scope and may include management functions.

A solid education in business can offer a range of career opportunities for students irrespective of whether they choose to study management or administration. By completely understanding the similarities and differences between these two areas, students will be in a better position to choose the career path that best suits their interests, skills, previous education, and career objectives.

What is Next?

If you are interested in a business degree, you can opt for one of the options explained above. In case, you do not know where to start your journey from, you can get in touch with AEC. We have a team of highly dedicated professionals. They will help you find the right options available in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Singapore, and so on.

Our team will also assist you to shortlist the right options i.e. country and university and guide you through the admission and student visa process. We will also provide our students with pre-departure and post-arrival assistance. For further details, give us a call today.