Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Graphic Design
Business Majors & Degree Programs
Business Majors & Degree Programs
Overview
What Are Business Degrees?
Business degrees can prepare students for careers in management, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, accounting and analytics through bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs available online or on campus.
The curriculum varies depending on the specific degree program, but key focus areas will generally include business communications, leadership, project management and business statistics. The curriculum for an undergraduate degree will typically teach broad, foundational competencies, while graduate degrees often focus on a more specialized area within your field of study. Business programs at GCU emphasize professional ethics and servant leadership.
Areas of Study
What Are the Different Types of Business Majors and Degrees?
You can choose from numerous types of business degrees in areas such as business administration, business management, marketing and business analytics. Each business degree offers a different academic focus, helping you build knowledge in your specialized areas of interest.
Business Administration & Management
Business administration and management is a broad area of study that focuses on the processes of planning, directing and coordinating the daily operations and activities of an organization. You may consider organizational goal-setting, strategic planning and departmental alignment in achieving objectives.
Marketing & Advertising
Organizations can achieve their objectives in part through marketing and advertising campaigns. This field aims to increase sales and other growth objectives by conducting campaigns that raise brand awareness and elevate consumers’ desire for a product or service. As a marketing student, you can study how to develop strategic marketing and advertising campaigns.
Business Analytics & Business Information Systems
Economics is a broad field that explores the use of resources and economic trends, including inflation and supply and demand. As a branch of economics, finance focuses on how money can be managed and increased strategically by individuals and companies. You may decide to major in finance and economics if you’re fascinated by how the markets work.
Economics & Finance
Economics is a broad field that explores the use of resources and economic trends, including inflation and supply and demand. As a branch of economics, finance focuses on how money can be managed and increased strategically by individuals and companies. You may decide to major in finance and economics if you’re fascinated by how the markets work.
Entrepreneurial Studies
If you feel driven to start your own company, you may wish to major in entrepreneurial studies. This field of study explores the theory and processes of developing, launching and managing new business ventures. Study funding options, legal issues and more.
Programs
What Business Degree Programs Does GCU Offer?
Bachelor's Degrees
Bachelor’s degrees in business are designed for individuals who have earned a high school diploma or GED and want to build foundational knowledge in a chosen field. These undergraduate programs can prepare you for entry-level career opportunities or continued study at the graduate level.
Master’s Degrees
After earning a bachelor’s degree and gaining work experience, you may return to school for a Master of Science (MS) business degree. There are also specialized master’s degrees available for business professionals, such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA). You may choose from concentrations in a specific area, such as emphases in nonprofit management or project management.
Doctoral Degrees
A doctoral degree is the highest level of academic achievement. Known as a terminal degree, a doctoral degree often requires the completion of original research and a dissertation that expands the body of knowledge in the field. This enables you to make a contribution to their field while also advancing your own education.
Graduate Certificates
If you wish to advance your education without committing to a full degree program, you may choose from a varied range of graduate certificates. Compared to degrees, graduate certificates focus on a narrower area of interest, such as servant leadership or communication. A certificate can add to your credentials while facilitating work-school-life balance.
Explore All Business Degrees at GCU
140 Matching Degrees
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with an Emphasis in Worship Leadership
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with an Emphasis in Broadcasting and New Media
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with an Emphasis in Interpersonal Communication and Human Relationships
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with an Emphasis in Public Administration
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How To Choose
How To Choose the Best Business Major for You
Choose an on-campus or online(See disclaimer 1) business degree based on your intended career pathway, as well as your personal strengths and interests. When planning your career, consider whether graduate education may be needed or desired. Then, take a look at the possible career outcomes of different degree options to find the right fit for you.
Business Major
Accounting
What You'll Study
Financial reporting, auditing, taxation and compliance
Common Careers
Accountant, auditor, tax examiner or financial risk specialist
Best For Students Who Enjoy
Working with numbers, solving problems and conducting financial analysis
Business Major
Finance
What You'll Study
Investments, corporate finance, risk management and financial planning
Common Careers
Financial manager, financial risk specialist, loan officer, budget analyst or appraiser
Best For Students Who Enjoy
Markets, investing, economic trends and strategizing
Business Major
Marketing
What You'll Study
Consumer behavior, digital marketing, advertising and branding
Common Careers
Marketing manager, sales manager, advertising and promotions manager, marketing specialist or market research analyst
Best For Students Who Enjoy
Studying consumer psychology and using communication platforms to spread messages
Business Major
Business Administration & Management
What You'll Study
Leadership, operations, organizational strategy and project management
Common Careers
Facilities manager, general and operations manager, training and development manager or human resources manager
Best For Students Who Enjoy
Leading teams, solving business challenges and organizational planning
Business Major
Business Analytics
What You'll Study
Data analysis, business intelligence, forecasting and visualization
Common Careers
Data scientist, operations research analyst or management analyst
Best For Students Who Enjoy
Data, technology and using insights to drive decisions
Business Major
Economics
What You'll Study
Economic theory, market analysis, policy and forecasting
Common Careers
Survey researcher, economist, social science research assistant or manager
Best For Students Who Enjoy
Understanding market forces by conducting research
Business Major
Entrepreneurship
What You'll Study
Business creation, innovation, venture development and leadership
Common Careers
General and operations manager or chief executive
Best For Students Who Enjoy
Autonomy and creating new business ventures
Business Major
Business Information Systems
What You'll Study
Information technology, databases, cybersecurity and systems management
Common Careers
Computer and information systems manager, computer systems analyst, database administrator or computer and information research scientist
Best For Students Who Enjoy
Technology, business processes and digital transformation
Business Major
What You'll Study
Common Careers
Best For Students Who Enjoy
Accounting
Financial reporting, auditing, taxation and compliance
Accountant, auditor, tax examiner or financial risk specialist
Working with numbers, solving problems and conducting financial analysis
Finance
Investments, corporate finance, risk management and financial planning
Financial manager, financial risk specialist, loan officer, budget analyst or appraiser
Markets, investing, economic trends and strategizing
Marketing
Consumer behavior, digital marketing, advertising and branding
Marketing manager, sales manager, advertising and promotions manager, marketing specialist or market research analyst
Studying consumer psychology and using communication platforms to spread messages
Business Administration & Management
Leadership, operations, organizational strategy and project management
Facilities manager, general and operations manager, training and development manager or human resources manager
Leading teams, solving business challenges and organizational planning
Business Analytics
Data analysis, business intelligence, forecasting and visualization
Data scientist, operations research analyst or management analyst
Data, technology and using insights to drive decisions
Economics
Economic theory, market analysis, policy and forecasting
Survey researcher, economist, social science research assistant or manager
Understanding market forces by conducting research
Entrepreneurship
Business creation, innovation, venture development and leadership
General and operations manager or chief executive
Autonomy and creating new business ventures
Business Information Systems
Information technology, databases, cybersecurity and systems management
Computer and information systems manager, computer systems analyst, database administrator or computer and information research scientist
Technology, business processes and digital transformation
Hear From Our Students
"GCU is the best place for me to earn my finance degree because of the knowledge and expertise of the staff. GCU deans, professors, faculty, most of them have a large amount of outside experience. They’re here because of the love that they have for business and finance. "
Scout Sneller
Bachelor of Science in Finance
"GCU is the best place for me to earn my finance degree because of the knowledge and expertise of the staff. GCU deans, professors, faculty, most of them have a large amount of outside experience. They’re here because of the love that they have for business and finance. "
Scout Sneller
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Careers
What Can You Do With a Business Degree?
A business degree can lead to careers in leadership, finance, marketing and operations, including roles like general manager, financial manager and marketing manager. There is considerable diversity among business careers. Career outcomes may include auditor, general and operations manager, sales manager and financial manager depending on your major. After earning an undergraduate business degree, graduates may wish to further their education with an MS, MBA or doctoral degree.
Some careers to consider after earning a business degree include:
Loan officer
Evaluate, process and recommend loan applications for approval or denial.
Marketing manager
Plan, direct and oversee marketing and advertising campaigns.
Human resources manager
Plan and direct HR functions for an organization, and oversee a team of HR specialists.
Financial risk specialist
Analyze financial data to identify potential risks for organizations and ways of mitigating risk.
942,500
Number of new jobs estimated to open for business and financial occupations from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 2)
2,843
Number of Fall 2025 students enrolled in a GCU Master of Business Administration program(See disclaimer 3)
Format
Earn Your Business Degree Online or On Campus
We offer many business degree programs in flexible learning formats. Depending on the program, you may be able to earn your degree through online coursework, on-campus classes or a combination of both. Online learning can provide added flexibility for working professionals and students balancing other commitments, while campus programs offer opportunities to collaborate with classmates, connect with faculty and participate in campus events.
Online Learning
Campus Life
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Degrees
Explore the most common questions from prospective business majors and discover the various career paths available to you.
Is a business degree worth it?
What are the most common business majors?
Is a business degree a BA or a BS?
What do business majors do?
Can I get a business degree online?
What jobs can you get with a business degree?
What To Expect
What’s It Like Studying Business at GCU?
At our private Christian university, you can focus on your faith while preparing for a career. We provide faith-integrated courses in all degree programs.
Degrees are available online(See disclaimer 1) and on campus. Our online students benefit from interactive discussion boards and technical support, while our on-campus students can choose from a broad range of clubs and activities. All business students are encouraged to explore internship opportunities with career services personnel.
Cost & Savings
Find Ways To Save on Your Business Degree
There are multiple ways to reduce your expenditures while earning your degree. Our university counselors can help you navigate your options and provide personalized guidance on the estimated cost of attendance.
Discover Your Financial Options
Connect with a university counselor to discuss tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
Transfer Your Credits
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
Scholarships & Grants
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
Admission
What Are the Admission Requirements for Business Degrees?
Our university does not require a personal statement or essay, and there is no application fee. High school students may meet the admission requirements with either a minimum GPA or SAT or ACT exam scores. Graduate program applicants may meet the admission requirements with either a minimum GPA or GRE/GMAT scores. Specific requirements can vary, depending on the degree or program.
How To Apply to GCU
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Explore More Business Topics
Find the Right Business Degree for Your Goals
Explore bachelor's, master's and doctoral business degrees at GCU and discover programs designed to help prepare you for today's business careers.
Excluding residencies, practicums, internships and field experience.
- 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 July 2026.
- Includes students who participated in a campus evening class in August or September of 2025 and students who have participated in an online class in August or September of 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Field of Degree: Business. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 2026.
Approved and verified accurate by the Executive Director of Academic Operations of the Colangelo College of Business on Aug. 7, 2026.