Types of Business Degrees

Business degrees include options in accounting, finance, marketing, management and entrepreneurship. Each focuses on different skills—from analyzing data and managing money to leading teams, creating strategies and building successful organizations.

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GCE Editorial Team

Published on Aug 6, 2025

Earning a business degree provides opportunities for students to develop leadership skills to support the pursuit of a career in business. There is a range of programs with many different specialties that students can choose to pursue, such as accounting, leadership, marketing, technology and human resources. Before applying to a program, reflect carefully upon your career interests and goals, and then explore all the types of business degrees available to you.

What Is a Business Degree?

A business degree is an academic program that teaches students various skills and knowledge applicable to business settings and specific roles within business settings. The curriculum can cover topics ranging from business administration to business law to human resources. It can teach both hard and soft skills — from data analysis to leadership and more.

Importance of Business Literacy in Today’s Economy

To stay competitive in today’s economy, it’s important to possess skills and knowledge that transfer across industries and roles. Business education, which teaches transferable business skills and knowledge, can prepare individuals for a changing world. In particular, it can teach skills such as:

Communications
Leadership
Critical thinking
Problem-solving
Cultural competence

Business students, regardless of their specific major or emphasis, can examine the process of making strategic decisions, adapting to changing circumstances and managing resources efficiently. These skills are applicable to a wide range of potential roles across industries.

Types of Business Degrees Explained

At Grand Canyon University, the Colangelo College of Business offers numerous types of business majors, all of which emphasize servant leadership and professional ethics. Our business college also aims to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset in students. Many of our business degrees are available online, which provides greater flexibility for working professionals who are interested in furthering their academic credentials.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Business

At GCU, you’ll find business degrees at every level, including bachelor’s. What are the main differences between a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business? A business bachelor’s degree emphasizes a business curriculum but also includes general education courses to provide for a well-rounded liberal arts education. Students begin at the introductory level and then gradually prepare for more advanced curriculum.

Master’s Degrees in Business

Following a bachelor’s degree, you may decide to earn a master’s degree in business. A master’s degree may have a narrower focus on a specialization compared to a bachelor’s degree, and it doesn’t include general education courses. A master’s degree can help you build a stronger network and adapt in multiple industries in your main area of interest.

Doctoral Degrees in Business

A doctoral degree in business is a terminal degree, which represents the highest level of academic achievement in a field. One example is the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). You can choose a doctoral degree in an area of specialization, such as data analytics.

A doctoral degree requires students to not only take classes but also conduct their own original research on a chosen topic. Students will then complete and present a dissertation based on their research, findings and analysis.

Specializations in Business Degrees

Business bachelor’s programs cover an assortment of topics and industries and are designed to teach students critical thinking, leadership and other skills. There are many types of business majors to consider, including the following:

Accounting

With a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, students can explore a variety of skills that may lead to numerous career paths. Accounting is a way to communicate the financial health of a business or an organization by evaluating the assets, liabilities and cash flow, or the future of an entity for all current and future investors.

Accounting is crucial for any business. Some of the skills taught in an accounting degree program include:

Auditing standards
Budgeting
Ethical issues faced by auditors
Financial statement preparation
Job order costing systems
Theories and practices regarding income tax preparation

Related Article: What Can You Do With an Accounting Degree?

Business Administration

Students who are interested in business operations may benefit from earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Some topics explored in this program include:

Finances
Business planning and development
Production systems
Socially responsible business practices
Profit maximization
Business regulation and deregulation
Labor markets
Strategizing for best business outcomes

Business Management

A Bachelor of Science in Business Management is similar to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, but there are some differences that set the two degrees apart from each other. A business manager may have to look at the bigger picture in a company and be able to lead a team effectively, while a business administration graduate may be involved with daily operations.

A degree in business management teaches both technical and soft skills. Some of these include:

Organizational behavior
Servant leadership
Human resources management
Accounting
Finance and marketing

Cybersecurity

Most industries, if not all, rely on information technology (IT) to some degree, which is why cybersecurity is such an important field. A cybersecurity degree program offers a link between the IT department and the boardroom. During their time in this program, students will examine topics such as:

Financial forecasting
Cyberwarfare and applications
Strategic management
Enterprise security infrastructure design
Security solutions that align with business plans

Related Article: Types of Cybersecurity Jobs

Data Analytics

A data analytics degree program provides opportunities for students to enhance their leadership skills and analytical reasoning skills. Learners in this program will take courses and examine skills such as:

Using business analytics
Data analysis
Business decision-making
Economics

Related Article: What Is Business Analytics

Finance

Students who are interested in working in the financial world can benefit from earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance. This degree focuses on economics, investments, trade, securities and risks, portfolio management and banking and financial markets. With a finance degree, students practice analyzing data and information related to money and finances. Graduates are expected to understand how to evaluate investments and recognize beneficial alternatives.

With a degree in finance, you will examine skills such as:

Modern monetary systems
Capital markets
Budget and accounting report analysis
Creating financial proposals
Credit reporting and money lending
Risks and mitigation strategies
Real estate proposals and financing options

Related Article: What Can You Do With a Finance Degree?

Healthcare Management

Healthcare management involves all the functions necessary for the daily operations of a healthcare organization, including strategic planning, staffing, delivery of care and financial planning. A healthcare business degree teaches students about growing and operating an organization within the healthcare industry.

Topics covered in this program include:

Healthcare policies and economics
Legal and ethical principles in health care
Managerial decision-making
Healthcare accounting and billing practices
Healthcare communication techniques

Related Article: Why Pursue a Career in Healthcare Management?

Human Resources

A human resources degree teaches students to achieve long-term business objectives and meet organizational challenges through recruiting, hiring and professional development procedures. Human resource management can also promote a positive and efficient company culture that embraces innovation.

Students who earn this degree may become familiar with:

Designing HR for competitive advantage
Acquiring, developing and leveraging human capital
Strategic management
Leadership
Operations management

Related Article: Is Human Resources a Good Career for You?

Marketing

Students who are interested in marketing and the role it plays in the business world can take a closer look at important competencies with a business degree in marketing and advertising. The curriculum will explore how organizations can achieve their revenue and growth objectives through marketing and advertising campaigns that raise brand awareness and promote products or services.

Some of the skills taught in this program include:

Understanding the complexity of marketing
Financial management
Decision-making in management
Application of microeconomic principles
Market research

Project Management

Project management is the act of initiating, planning, executing and overseeing the work of a team to achieve specific goals and meet specific criteria. Project managers must also work closely with involved stakeholders, including clients, to ensure that the project meets the specified parameters and is completed on time and within budget.

An MBA in Project Management will allow you to explore the following concepts:

Strategic management
Traditional, agile and hybrid project management
Organizational leadership
Operations management
Methods for organizing, managing, closing and evaluating projects

Related Article: Master’s in Project Management vs MBA

Sports and Entertainment Management

For students who are interested in starting or working for a sports business, a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Entertainment Management degree may be a good fit. This degree applies business concepts to the sports field.

Topics explored in this program can range from business concepts to sports-specific courses. Some skills that are taught in this program include:

Sports event planning
Marketing
Sales
Management
Finance
Economics
Accounting

Related Article: Explore Top Sports Management Careers

Beginner’s Guide to Choosing a Business Degree

Not sure which type of business degree is the right fit for you? The process of narrowing down the possibilities begins with evaluating your career goals and interests.

Assessing Your Career Goals and Interests

If you’re not quite sure about your career interests, consider which subjects and types of assignments you enjoyed in high school. If you want to pursue further education and are already a working professional, also consider what type of work you enjoy and gravitate toward. Then, note how those topics might translate to a business degree or to a career. For example, if you enjoyed math in high school, perhaps you might want to enroll in an accounting degree program. If you are already in the workforce and prefer the more creative assignments of the ones you are given, perhaps a degree in marketing might suit you.

What are some career paths associated with different business degrees, and how do specialized degrees affect career prospects? There is a diverse spectrum of business degree types in industries as diverse as manufacturing, telecommunications, aerospace, retail and healthcare. Because of this, career outcomes can vary widely.

Furthermore, business degrees, including specialized degrees with an emphasis or concentration, teach many transferable skills. These skills include leadership, communication, teamwork and emotional intelligence. These transferable skills are generally useful in every industry.

Curriculum Insights: What To Expect From a Business Degree

The curriculum will depend on the specific business degree you choose. In general, however, business degrees focus on the competencies that are helpful for the strategic planning of business objectives and the organization’s daily operations. These can include:

Accounting, economics and finance
Human resources management
Strategic planning
Organizational behavior and leadership
Operations management

Comparison of Online vs. Traditional Business Degrees

Can you pursue a business degree online, and what should you consider when choosing a program? You can absolutely pursue a business degree online. Some degrees may be offered entirely online, while others may require a partial in-person presence. It’s important to know the requirements of the degree program you choose.

When selecting an online program, ensure that the school is accredited. Grand Canyon University, for example, is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. You should also consider whether student support resources are available and whether you’ll be able to connect with fellow students and instructors through features such as classroom discussion forums or direct messages.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started

Ready to pursue higher education? Follow these steps:

Step 1: Research Potential Schools and Programs

First, you’ll want to research schools and programs. Create a list of all the schools you might want to attend, as well as the degree programs that interest you at each school. Research the school, learn what students can expect and take a deep dive into the curriculum and classes for each degree program.

Step 2: Prepare Necessary Application Materials

When you’ve narrowed down your list to a handful of schools or fewer, research the application process for each school. At GCU, you can connect with a university counselor to discuss the application process. You’ll need to gather together all necessary application materials for each school you’re applying to, such as personal statements or essays.

Step 3: Apply to Selected Programs

Complete the application process to submit your applications to each school you’ve selected. You can generally do this online through an application portal. While you finalize your applications, you should also ensure that you’ve had your official transcripts sent directly to the admissions offices.

Find the Right Business Degree for You at GCU

Grand Canyon University’s Colangelo College of Business offers a diverse range of business degrees at the baccalaureate and graduate levels. GCU also offers Online Business Certificates that allow you to sharpen specific business skills and enhance your professional development. Choose a degree program today and begin preparing to pursue a career in your chosen industry. Fill out the form on this page to connect with a university counselor.

Explore Possibilities With a Business Degree

Choose a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral business degree. Apply online at GCU today!

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