Business Degrees
What Are Business Degrees?
Business degrees are academic programs that teach foundational and advanced concepts in management, finance, marketing, operations and organizational leadership. Business degrees are offered at the bachelor’s, master’s (MBA) and doctoral levels and may be completed in a traditional campus setting, online or through a combination of both formats depending on the program offering.
Graduates may pursue careers in corporate management, financial services, marketing, healthcare administration, consulting, entrepreneurship and executive leadership.
Median annual wage for management occupations in May 2024(See disclaimer 1)
You may receive a 22% off tuition scholarship if you start an online undergraduate degree program. See if you qualify!(See disclaimer £)
Business Degree Specializations
Many business programs offer concentrations that allow students to tailor their education to a specific career path or industry focus. In addition to foundational coursework in areas such as management, accounting and marketing, a specialization can provide deeper knowledge and skill development within a targeted discipline. Selecting a concentration can help align academic preparation with professional goals.
Common business degree specializations include:
Business Degree Programs at GCU
Whether you’re looking to gain a business foundation or take your education to the next level, we offer multiple degree levels of management and leadership degrees both on campus and online. As a student of GCU’s Colangelo College of Business, you’ll experience a combination of collaborative community and specialized knowledge while embracing the student-centric culture and faith-integrated education.
Explore GCU’s Business Degrees
149 Matching Degrees
What Can You Do With a Business Degree?
A business degree can lead to careers in a wide range of industries. Graduates may pursue positions in corporate organizations, financial institutions, healthcare systems, nonprofit agencies and government entities.
Career growth may depend on specialization, experience, certifications and continued education.
Depending on your degree focus, business graduates may pursue professional roles, such as:
Accountant or auditor
Business analyst or manager
Project management specialist
Management analyst
Operations research analyst
Financial analyst or manager
Medical records specialist
Health service manager
Human resources specialist or manager
Marketing research analyst or manager
Information systems manager
Database administrator
Number of new jobs estimated to open for business and financial occupations from 2024 to 2034.(See disclaimer 2)
A study by Statista reported that 91% of employers hired MBA graduates in 2022.(See disclaimer 3)
Skills You Can Develop With a Business Degree
Degrees in business at the bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral level, can give you the opportunity to fine tune your business skills, gain leadership experiences and strengthen your critical thinking abilities.
By pursuing a business master’s, doctorate or a certificate program, you will have the opportunity to gain an advanced education and position yourself for potential career growth. These skills apply across industries and may support long-term career mobility.
Business degree programs emphasize practical and transferable skills, including:
Recognized Accreditation Standards for Business Degree Programs
Grand Canyon University has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. Institutional accreditation affirms that the university meets established standards for academic quality, governance, integrity and student support.
In addition, many business degree programs within the Colangelo College of Business are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). ACBSP provides programmatic accreditation after evaluating factors such as teaching excellence, curriculum quality, continuous improvement and student outcomes.
Together, these accreditations reflect GCU’s commitment to maintaining rigorous academic standards across its business programs.
Why Choose GCU for Your Business Degree?
Grand Canyon University offers business programs designed to integrate strategic thinking, ethical leadership and practical application.
Our business degrees can help prepare graduates for the complex and evolving business environment. With experienced faculty and flexible learning options, business students are equipped with practical skills and values that can support their career.
When exploring business degree options, consider the following features and benefits that distinguish GCU’s programs:
Faith-integrated education
Our faith-integrated approach encourages students to explore their field of study through a Christian worldview. Courses are designed to support academic excellence while fostering ethical leadership and purpose-driven careers.
Accredited university and select programs
GCU is institutionally accredited and offers select programs with specialized accreditations. This commitment to quality helps ensure rigorous academic standards and respected credentials.
Campus and online learning options
Students can choose from traditional on-campus programs or flexible online program formats. Whether learning in person or remotely, you’ll receive structured support and engaging instruction.
Industry-experienced faculty
Courses are taught by faculty members who bring practical industry experience into the classroom. Their insights help connect theory to today’s workplace expectations.
Career-focused curriculum
Programs are designed to align with current industry needs and an evolving workforce. Students are taught practical skills to help prepare them for careers in business.
Networking opportunities
GCU provides opportunities to connect with peers, faculty and professionals through campus events, student organizations and collaborative projects. These relationships can help support long-term professional growth.
In scholarships for non-traditional students in 2025
In scholarships for traditional students in 2025
Choose Your Learning Format
To meet the needs of our students who all have unique lifestyles and different schedules, GCU offers on-campus, evening and online business degree programs. All three modalities can provide you with practical applications and a commitment to excellence by using powerful platforms.
From the learning environment of your preference, GCU’s knowledgeable faculty focuses on servant leadership and strive to prepare their business degree students to become independent learners.
Explore GCU’s on-campus degree programs and experience a vibrant learning community in Phoenix, AZ. Students can choose from a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs while benefiting from in-person instruction, hands-on learning opportunities and campus resources designed to support academic and professional growth.
Discover GCU’s online degree programs designed to provide flexibility and convenience for working professionals and busy students. Choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees delivered through an interactive digital platform, with access to faculty support, academic resources and a structured learning experience built to help you reach your goals.
Explore GCU’s evening degree programs designed for working professionals seeking a flexible path to advance their education. Attend classes in the evening while balancing career and personal responsibilities, and earn an undergraduate or graduate degree through structured, in-person instruction on campus.
Develop Industry Ready Skills
"We have 12 Bloomberg terminals on campus. The Bloomberg terminal is basically the brain behind the operations in finance, it’s what they use on Wall Street."
"We have 12 Bloomberg terminals on campus. The Bloomberg terminal is basically the brain behind the operations in finance, it’s what they use on Wall Street."
Business Degree Resources
Explore additional resources to help you learn more about business education, career paths and industry trends. These articles and blogs offer insights into business specializations, leadership development, emerging market demands and professional growth strategies.
An MBA degree is a Master of Business Administration. This is a graduate-level degree that teaches skills in leadership, finance, marketing and strategic management. It’s broadly applicable to all industries.
A business management degree can open doors to careers in leadership, finance, marketing, HR and entrepreneurship. It builds skills in strategy, organization and decision-making, helping prepare graduates to manage teams and drive business success.
A BSBA degree is a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration that teaches students versatile skills for careers across industries like healthcare, finance and manufacturing. This guide breaks down the curriculum, career paths and how a BSBA can help you prepare for today’s business world.
Business Degree FAQs
Explore the most common questions from prospective business students and discover the various career paths available to you.
How much does a business degree cost?
The cost of a business degree varies, but GCU is committed to keeping its business programs affordable to as many students as possible by not increasing campus tuition since 2009. This tuition freeze stems from our belief in the importance of a quality, attainable education for all.
We understand financing your education is a big investment in your future, which is why GCU offers several tools to help you estimate the cost of financing your business degree.
The cost of a business degree varies by degree level and program structure. Tuition is commonly calculated per credit hour.
Total program cost may depend on:
GCU offers a variety of scholarships, grants and financial aid options to support affordability.
Why earn business degrees online?
Earning business degrees online can prepare you for careers across industries while offering flexibility and convenience. Online programs allow you to access coursework, engage with learning materials and complete assignments online, which can make it easier to continue working while advancing your education.
Online business programs still focus on developing foundational business knowledge and practical skills that apply across many industries.
Throughout your program, you may explore topics such as:
Are business degrees respected?
Business degrees from accredited universities are generally recognized by employers across industries. Accreditation ensures academic programs meet established quality standards. Coursework commonly explores areas such as leadership, financial management, strategic planning, marketing and organizational decision-making, which are relevant to a wide range of professional roles.
Business programs also emphasize transferable competencies such as communication, problem-solving and data-informed decision-making. These skills can apply to many types of organizations and industries, so employers often value graduates who have studied business.(See disclaimer 4)
Business degree vs. MBA: What's the difference?
A bachelor’s degree in business provides foundational knowledge across core business disciplines. A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate-level program focused on executive leadership, advanced strategy and organizational management.
Students typically complete a bachelor’s degree before pursuing an MBA.
What is the best business degree?
The best business degree depends on career goals. Finance and accounting may align with analytical roles, while marketing and management may align with leadership and strategy-focused careers. Learn more about the different types of business degrees.
What business degree pays the most?
The business degrees that pay the most are typically roles such as personal financial advisor, financial analyst and management analyst.(See disclaimer 5) These often report higher median wages, though compensation varies by industry and experience.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024):
• Financial managers median annual wage: $161,700(See disclaimer 6)
• Management occupations median annual wage: $122,090(See disclaimer 1)
Employment growth varies by occupation, but many business-related roles are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034, due to organizational expansion, globalization and technological advancement.(See disclaimer 4)
Is a business degree worth it?
A business degree may provide long-term value for individuals seeking leadership roles, career mobility and earning potential above the national median wage.(See disclaimer 7) Because business skills apply across industries, graduates may have diverse employment opportunities.
Return on investment varies depending on career path, industry and level of education.
Does GCU offer business degrees online?
Grand Canyon University offers business degree programs in flexible learning formats, including fully online options. Students may choose from a range of online business degrees at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, depending on their academic and career goals. Program availability and format options may vary by degree and emphasis.
Explore available business degree programs, compare specializations and take the next step toward advancing your education and career goals with a university counselor.
(See disclaimer £) MOU 10420: The New Undergraduate Student Scholarship is only valid for admissible applicants who submit a complete application, meet all requirements for acceptance and start an online undergraduate program. If you enroll in a bachelor’s degree, bridge or undergraduate certificate program (excluding the RN to BSN, accelerated BSN, Associate Degree in Pre-Nursing or MSN bridge programs), we will award you 22% off the tuition per course for your program. This scholarship will be applied at the same time the tuition charges occur. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship/awards. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only, and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.
Excluding residencies, practicums, internships and field experience.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Management Occupations, as of May 2024, retrieved March 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as management occupations, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Business and Financial Occupations, retrieved March 2026.
- Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). (2020, September). The Impact of COVID-19 on the Hiring of Business School Graduates: Corporate Recruiters Survey 2020. Retrieved May 2021.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Field of Degree: Business. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved March 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28.). Business and Financial Occupations. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved April 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Financial Managers, as of May 2024, retrieved October 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as financial managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- Indeed Editorial Team. (2024, July 30). Are Business Degrees Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide. Indeed. Retrieved August 2024.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Business and Financial Occupations, as of May 2024, retrieved October 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as business and financial occupations, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.