Which Business Degree is Right for You?

1. Introduction

Whether you’re interested in marketing, math, or making connections, the business field has a lot of opportunity.

Business remains one of the most popular college majors, offering diverse concentrations including:

• Marketing
• Hospitality Management
• Finance
• Accounting
• Business Management

2. Industry Overview

2.1 Growth Projections

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• 8% growth expected (2014-2024)
• 624,000 new positions anticipated
• Above-average salary potential

2.2 Salary Comparison

• Business/Financial Careers Median: $66,000
• National Median (All Occupations): $37,000

3. Popular Business Majors

3.1 Finance and Accounting

• Focus: Asset tracking and distribution
• Growth Rate: 10-15% (BLS projection)
• Annual Graduates: ~100,000
• Salaries:
  • Starting: Mid-$40,000s
  • Mid-career: $75,000-$80,000

3.2 Business Administration & Management

• Focus: Organization, planning, directing
• Key Areas:
  • Purchasing
  • Logistics
  • Marketing
  • Accounting
  • Human Resources
• Annual Graduates: ~180,000
• Salaries:
  • Starting: Low $40,000s
  • Mid-career: $70,000+

3.3 Hospitality Management

• Focus: Service industry leadership
• Ideal for: People-oriented professionals
• Annual Graduates: ~14,000
• Salaries:
  • Starting: $34,000
  • Mid-career: $62,000

3.4 Human Resource Management

• Focus: Employee relations and development
• Key Responsibilities:
  • Staffing
  • Benefits
  • Employee retention
• Annual Graduates: ~13,000
• Salaries:
  • Starting: $38,000
  • Mid-career: $64,000

3.5 Management Information Systems (MIS)

• Focus: Business systems and analytics
• Key Areas:
  • Systems analysis
  • IT management
  • Database administration
• Annual Graduates: ~8,900
• Salaries:
  • Starting: $50,000
  • Mid-career: $86,000

3.6 Marketing

• Focus: Business promotion and strategy
• Key Skills:
  • Innovation
  • Creativity
  • Strategic planning
• Annual Graduates: ~36,000
• Salaries:
  • Starting: $40,000
  • Mid-career: $75,000

4. Highest-Paying Business Careers

4.1 Top Fields

• Financial Advisors
• Financial Analysts
• MIS Specialists
• Construction Management

4.2 Salary Ranges

• Starting: $40,000-$50,000
• Mid-career: $80,000-$86,000

5. Next Steps

Ready to explore business programs? Try these resources:

• Business School Rankings →
• Major Details →
• Find Your Major →

Note: Rankings may vary by specific concentration within the business field.