The business world continues to evolve. As technology advances, our economy continues to put focus on e-commerce and online marketing. On top of that, business skills like accounting, budgeting, and strategic planning are invaluable among job candidates. Whether you are looking to start your own small business or see yourself climbing the corporate ladder, you will want to have a business degree. A postsecondary education in the field will prepare you for the ever-growing industry and set you up for success.

Of course, before pursuing a degree, it is important to understand what type of degree will best suit your needs. There are many different paths to take, depending on your career goals and timeline. Read on, as we explore some of the options you have as a prospective student.

1. Associate Degree in Business Administration

An associate degree in Business Administration can help you jumpstart your career on a relatively short timeline. This is a great option for those who want to earn a business degree without the standard four-year investment. At Goodwin University, graduates of this program become proficient in the following areas:

• Business law and ethics
• Corporate social responsibility
• Business Planning and development
• Effective leadership
• Fundamentals of accounting
• Budgeting
• Marketing principles

You will also gain skills that will help you analyze and solve problems within corporations, small businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. You will gain the knowledge needed to be successful in the industry. Some of the courses you will take include:

• Introduction to Management
• Business Law and Ethics
• Budgeting and Planning

What can you do with an associate degree in Business Administration? Graduates of the program at Goodwin go on to pursue the following careers:

• Administrative Assistant
• Relationship Banker
• Store Manager
• Sales Consultant
• Sales Supervisor

Students at Goodwin University can tailor their associate degree to meet their specific needs. This means having flexibility in class schedule.

You can opt to take classes on-campus, online, or in a hybrid format of the two. For added convenience, you can choose to take accelerated 7 ½ – week classes or standard 15-week classes. This way, you can finish your degree at a pace that works for you.

Upon completion of your associate degree, you can jumpstart your career in business, or you may decide that you want to continue your education and start a bachelor’s degree program.

2. Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration

Whether you have an entrepreneurial spirit and are ready to become your own boss or want to climb the ranks of a major corporation, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration is a great step towards a bright future. Students at Goodwin University learn how to be successful in start-ups, small businesses, and nonprofits alike – encouraging critical and creative thinking in a fast-paced, tech-focused world.

This program at Goodwin is focused on the concept of entrepreneurship and supporting the development of small business. Students are connected with a network of knowledgeable and experienced professionals, who will offer support, guidance, and mentorship throughout the educational career. This program integrates the following:

• Analysis of theory
• Case studies
• Research that is applicable to real-life scenarios in the business world
• Business law and ethics
• Management
• Customer relations in a multicultural world
• Targeted marketing
• Social media

In addition to the classes offered at the associate level, some of the courses in the upper-level bachelor’s degree program include the following:

• Economics
• Marketing
• E-Business
• Small Business and Entrepreneurship
• Theory and Practice of Business Research

What kinds of jobs are available to bachelor’s degree graduates upon completion of the Business Administration program? You may consider the following roles:

• Accountant
• Financial Analyst
• Human Resources Specialist
• Marketing Manager
• Small Business Owner

Much like the associate degree at Goodwin, the bachelor’s degree offers flexibility for students, so it is possible to balance both schoolwork, work, and personal obligations. On-campus courses are offered during the day, evening, and weekends, too. You can tailor build your curriculum to include in-person classes, online classes, or in a hybrid of the two. There is also the option to take accelerated 7 ½ – week classes or standard 15-week classes. At Goodwin University, we are all about flexibility.

3. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Undergraduates looking to advance their career may consider continuing their education after graduation with a master’s degree. A Master’s in Business Administration – commonly referred to as an MBA – is a popular steppingstone for those looking for the corner office of a large corporation. It can also serve as an asset for ambitious, aspiring entrepreneurs.

A full-time MBA program typically takes about two years to complete, though there are some accelerated programs that may be completed in one year. The length of completion time will depend on your schedule and personal time restraints.

MBA programs typically require applicants to submit standardized test scores, resumes, academic transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters for consideration. With a reputable undergraduate degree from an accredited college, you can build your foundation before attending graduate school.

According to U.S. News, there are several types of MBA programs from which to choose, including full-time, part-time, and executive MBA programs. Each type is depending on the student and their career goals. There are also alternatives to the traditional MBA, such as the Master’s of Organizational Leadership (MSOL) that places a focus on organizational strategy and change-making in the business world. Compare MBA vs. MSOL programs here.

While many prominent business executives hold an MBA, it is not a must-have for a great career.

4. Certificate Programs

If you know that you want a career in bookkeeping, or you would like to start your own small business with a fast-track program to get you started, you may want to consider a certificate program. Goodwin University offers two different types of certificate programs within the Business Administration program: Bookkeeping and Business Startup.

Bookkeeping students learn the basics to get themselves started in the bookkeeping and accounting world, with courses in the following areas:

• Principles of Accounting
• Principles of Taxation
• Managerial Accounting

While Business Startup students study classes such as:

• Introduction to Management
• Introduction to Property Management
• Marketing
• Accounting Information Systems
• Business Law and Ethics
• Small Business and Entrepreneurship

With a total of 18-19 credits each, these business certificate programs may be completed in just two semesters.

Are you ready to reach your business career goals? If you are ready to jumpstart or advance your career in business, get started today. Learn more about the programs offered at Goodwin University by calling 1-800-889-3282 or visiting us online to learn more.