Business Administration vs. Business Management Degree

Academically reviewed by Leila Sopko, Ph.D., MBA

Business degrees are valuable in today’s constantly changing job market and offer a roadmap for personal growth and career advancement. If you’re considering furthering your education in business, you might be deciding between two well-regarded options: Business Administration (BA) and Business Management (BAM) degrees. While both degrees lead to rewarding careers in business, they each cater to different professional interests and career paths, offering you the opportunity to excel and advance in your chosen field.

This guide aims to clarify any confusion about the “Business Administration vs. Business Management Degree” debate, helping you understand what sets each one apart so you can make a choice that fits your career goals.

What is a Business Administration Degree (BA)?

A Business Administration degree (BA) opens up the wider business world, giving you a look into all the major areas that keep companies running. In a BA program, you’ll dive into key business pillars like finance, marketing, accounting, and operations. The focus is on building a broad skill set that includes strategic planning, adept problem-solving, and sharp financial analysis.

You’ll learn how to piece together the big picture of how businesses function and how different departments interact, preparing you to make well-rounded decisions that impact an organization’s overall success.

What is a Business Management Degree?

A Management degree (BAM) is all about taking charge and making things happen at the heart of daily business operations. This degree centers on essential management skills in areas like strategic decisions, visionary insights, leadership, communication, human resources, and project management.

You’ll focus on mastering the art of delegation, enhancing team communication, and steering projects to a successful end. By developing strong leadership and decision-making skills, you’ll be prepared to lead teams effectively, optimize workflow, and directly contribute to your company’s goals.

BBA vs. BAM: Key Differences

To understand the fundamental distinctions between a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Bachelor of Arts in Management (BAM), here’s a concise table that highlights their differences:

Now, let’s dig in a bit deeper.

BBA vs. Business Management Coursework

• BBA: The coursework for a BBA actively covers all key aspects of business operations, providing a broad and comprehensive education. Students engage in learning fundamental and advanced topics in accounting, financial management, and business law, among others.
• BAM: Management coursework focuses on leadership dynamics, change management, and strategic decision-making to prepare students for direct leadership roles.

BBA vs. Business Management Skills

• A BBA develops a solid foundation in business theory, enhancing analytical and strategic skills critical for high-level business decisions.
• BAM emphasizes interpersonal and leadership skills, preparing students for direct oversight of operations and team management.

Career Paths for BBA Grads

• BBA graduates can pursue varied roles such as financial analyst, marketing manager, or business consultant, where they can apply a broad knowledge base to drive business success.

Career Paths for Business Management Grads

•  BAM grads typically find opportunities to manage teams directly, such as in roles like operations manager, project manager, or human resources director, where practical management skills are crucial.

Graduate Programs for Business Administration and Business Management

• BBA Grads often pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or specialized master’s degrees that deepen their expertise in particular business functions.
• BAM graduates might consider an MBA, but focus on programs that are heavy on leadership and organizational management skills. Others might choose a specialized master’s program to get a real-world edge in management.

Business Certifications

• For BBA and BAM Grads: Certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Financial Analyst (CFA), and Certified Human Resources Manager (CHRM) can significantly enhance a resume. These credentials broaden expertise and improve job prospects by showcasing a commitment to maintaining and expanding professional skills.

Should You Pursue a BBA or Business Management Degree?

Choosing between a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Business Management (BAM) degree is not about making a rigid decision; it’s about choosing a route that supports your career goals and work preferences. Both degrees offer a level of flexibility and adaptability that allows you to shape your educational and career journey. This is your opportunity to take the reins and steer your future in the direction that best suits you.

Consider a BBA if:

• You’re curious about many aspects of business: A BBA gives you a solid overview of everything from marketing and finance to accounting and operations. It’s perfect if you’re still exploring which business area sparks your passion or if you like the idea of having the flexibility to shift between different sectors in your career.
• You see yourself in a strategic role: If you dream of being in a position where you need to make big-picture decisions—like a business consultant, financial analyst, or corporate executive—a BBA could set you up for success. It teaches you how business operations connect and how to think strategically.
• You want a wide range of options for grad school: The broad foundation a BBA provides can smoothly lead you into varied graduate programs, including specialized master’s degrees or an MBA, to further boost your qualifications.

Consider a Management Degree if:

• You’re eager to lead and manage: If your goal is to manage teams and projects, a degree in Business Management focuses on the skills you need to effectively lead and handle day-to-day operations. It’s ideal if you’re excited about guiding teams and managing business workflows.
• You have a specific industry in mind: Business Management degrees often allow you to specialize in areas like healthcare, technology, or retail. If you already know the industry you want to dive into, this degree can offer more tailored skills and knowledge.
• Interpersonal skills are your strong suit: This degree is great if you thrive in collaborative environments and want to improve your leadership, communication, and team-building skills.

Both degrees can open doors to exciting and rewarding careers. The most important factor is choosing an option that blends with your individual passions and career aspirations. This way, you’ll be well on your way to building the future you dream of.

Pursuing a Business Degree with National University

Choosing between a BBA and a Management BAM degree is all about matching your educational path with your future career goals. A BBA gives you a broad look at all the important business areas, preparing you for various roles that require an understanding of multiple business functions. On the other hand, a Business Management degree zeroes in on developing strong leadership skills, perfect for managing organizations, teams, and day-to-day operations.

As you weigh your options, consider which aspects of business genuinely excite you and where you naturally excel. Also, consider where you want to see yourself in five or ten years. Which degree will help you get there? Doing a bit of research on specific programs offered by universities can really help clarify things for you.

Ready to take the next step? Dive into the programs available and choose one that fits your ambitions, ensuring it prepares you for the exciting business career you envision.