Administration: [noun] The process or activity of running a business. The performance of executive duties.

Management: [noun] The process of dealing with or controlling things and/or people. The conducting or supervising of something or someone.

Confused? You’re not alone. The terms ‘administration’ and ‘management’ are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, especially as they pertain to business. But as you plan your education, it’s crucial to distinguish the two, because some schools offer both degrees. So, let’s unpack the differences between business administration and business management!

Read on to understand the differences between business administration vs. business management. Then, ask the next important question: Which business degree path is right for you?

Business management vs. business administration

The difference between the business administration vs. business management degree paths is subtle.

Both business administration and business management curriculums overlap, covering core subject areas like marketing, accounting, finance, and business ethics. After all, both business administrators and managers need to know how businesses work, manage money, and market their products successfully.

In either program, students can expect to take similar classes such as:

• Human Resources Management
• Medical Office Management
• Nonprofit Management
• Property Management & Acquisitions

At the same time, however, there are distinct differences between business management vs. business administration degree programs.

Business administration is a specialized major that involves learning the day-to-day paperwork and organization behind running a successful business. On the other hand, business management prepares students for a job supervising or managing people. Business management often offers more of a bird’s eye view of general business strategies, whereas business administration focuses on the day-to-day details.

But enough with the basics. Let’s take a deeper look at business administration vs. management.

What is business administration?

A popular area of study, business administration provides a comprehensive overview of all facets of business—preparing you to become a leader and to stand out in today’s business arena. In a business administration degree program, students gain experience in strategic planning, business research and theory, effective forecasting, and entrepreneurship.

Many schools offer options for students within business administration programs, such as choosing to earn a collegiate certificate, an associate degree, or a Bachelor’s degree in business administration. Within these programs, you can tailor your coursework to meet your career goals.

Typically, business administration classes are offered in a standard 15-week format or at an accelerated eight-week pace. For added flexibility, some schools offer business courses online, on-campus, and hybrid formats so that you can work while still working towards your business degree.

Bachelor’s in Business Administration degree curriculum

While business administration degrees are offered at various levels, the Bachelor’s in Business Administration is a great option for those looking to delve into the world of business. This level of degree prepares you to work in corporate, education, nonprofit, government, and manufacturing industry settings. But this is just the beginning. It will also teach you how to succeed in small business or your own start-up.

Business administration programs like this approach coursework similar to Business Management, exposing students to a variety of fundamental subjects such as:

• Accounting electives
• Business Law and Ethics
• Economics electives
• Management
• Marketing

Often, business administration students can direct their coursework to include more specialized areas of interest, such as office management, human resources, or entrepreneurship. The path you choose in your business administration program will help dictate your future career.

Earn your Business Administration degree at Goodwin.

BA Business Administration associate degree curriculum

An associate degree in Business Administration mirrors its bachelor’s degree counterpart, with fewer requirements before graduation. The degree still gives students a strong foundation in essential business concepts through hands-on learning and critical thinking.

Coursework in this program includes:

• Business Law and Ethics
• Customer Relations in a Multicultural World
• Personal Finance and Insurance

Additionally, students can specialize in concentrations such as Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management, Manufacturing Management, or Open Business, allowing opportunities to tailor their education to different interests and career aspirations.

BA Business Administration certificate curriculum

Business Administration certificate programs are a great option for students to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to enter the world of business without as much of a time investment in school. These programs offer the flexibility to choose specialized concentrations like Bookkeeping or a Business Startup Certificate.

Throughout the program, students will take courses that build a strong foundation in specialized areas of business, such as:

• Principles of Accounting
• Managerial Accounting
• Marketing
• Small Business and Entrepreneurship

These courses provide essential skills in analytics, reporting, data management, and strategic decision-making, preparing students for success in various entry-level and entrepreneurial roles.

What is business management?

Business management programs cover a broad scope of programs, including business administration. All business programs offer a foundational marketing, economics, finance, and laws & ethics curriculum. Students in this major, however, will go on to take more focused coursework in business planning and human resource management.

If you choose to pursue a degree in business management, you will be well-qualified to land entry-level management positions in Human Resources, Accounting, Marketing, or Benefits Administration. You will also be equipped to earn a more general management position, perhaps as an assistant manager, office manager, project manager, or supervisor.

Business management curriculum

Business management coursework prepares students to take on managerial roles in an organization – hiring and managing personnel as well as other resources (financial, technological) to ensure maximum output is achieved within the organization.

This may involve coursework in:

• Conflict Resolution
• Employee Recruiting and Retention
• Organizational Behavior
• Performance Management
• Personnel Development

Which business degree is right for you?

Business administration and business management are both excellent choices for those entering college for the first time, as well as those who are coming back to complete or advance their education.

While the difference between business administration vs. management is clear, you need to know that these areas can easily work together. Both are critical facets of a business and are essential for an organization to grow. Now, it’s up to you to decide which degree path aligns most with your passions and talents.

Prospective student? Or looking for opportunities to advance your education in Connecticut? Goodwin University offers online, in-person, and hybrid programs.

Start your business administration journey at Goodwin University to see if business is a good career choice for you.