Business Administration and Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Business Administration and Management equips students with the strategic and operational expertise needed to lead and optimize organizational performance across diverse industries. This comprehensive curriculum emphasizes the integration of core business functions to drive efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth in dynamic market environments.
- Management Theory: Explores foundational principles of leadership, organizational structure, and strategic planning to guide effective decision-making at all levels of an enterprise.
- Human Resources Management and Behavior: Focuses on talent acquisition, employee development, performance evaluation, and organizational culture to foster a motivated and productive workforce.
- Accounting and Quantitative Methods: Develops proficiency in financial reporting, cost analysis, budgeting, and data-driven modeling to support informed business decisions.
- Purchasing and Logistics: Covers supply chain coordination, inventory control, vendor relations, and distribution strategies to ensure seamless operational flow and cost efficiency.
- Organization and Production: Examines workflow design, process optimization, quality management, and operational scalability to enhance productivity and service delivery.
- Marketing Strategy: Integrates market research, consumer behavior analysis, branding, and digital promotion to develop compelling value propositions and drive customer engagement.
- Business Decision-Making: Emphasizes critical thinking, risk assessment, and scenario planning using analytical tools to navigate complex challenges and seize strategic opportunities.
Business Administration and Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Business Administration and Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Business Administration and Management degrees, including Chief Executives, Compensation and Benefits Managers and Human Resources Managers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 11,330,170 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives 11-1011 | $206,420 | $73,710 - $239,200 | 211,850 | $99.24 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers 11-3111 | $140,360 | $81,660 - $239,200 | 20,070 | $67.48 |
| Human Resources Managers 11-3121 | $140,030 | $83,790 - $239,200 | 215,520 | $67.32 |
| Sales Managers 11-2022 | $138,060 | $66,910 - $239,200 | 603,710 | $66.38 |
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Training and Development Managers 11-3131 | $127,090 | $75,810 - $219,990 | 44,960 | $61.10 |
| Industrial Production Managers 11-3051 | $121,440 | $74,900 - $197,310 | 234,380 | $58.39 |
| Administrative Services Managers 11-3012 | $108,390 | $64,740 - $200,010 | 254,140 | $52.11 |
| Construction Managers 11-9021 | $106,980 | $65,160 - $176,990 | 348,330 | $51.43 |
| Facilities Managers 11-3013 | $104,690 | $62,550 - $173,080 | 141,090 | $50.33 |
| General and Operations Managers 11-1021 | $102,950 | $47,420 - $239,200 | 3,584,420 | $49.50 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers 11-3071 | $102,010 | $61,200 - $180,590 | 213,000 | $49.05 |
| Management Analysts 13-1111 | $101,190 | $59,720 - $174,140 | 893,900 | $48.65 |
| Project Management Specialists 13-1082 | $100,750 | $59,830 - $165,790 | 1,006,160 | $48.44 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1011 | $97,270 | $46,460 - $210,530 | 81,780 | N/A |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other 13-1199 | $81,270 | $46,230 - $147,830 | 1,128,200 | $39.07 |
| Logisticians 13-1081 | $80,880 | $49,260 - $132,110 | 235,640 | $38.89 |
| Social and Community Service Managers 11-9151 | $78,240 | $50,020 - $129,820 | 195,490 | $37.61 |
| Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling 11-9072 | $77,180 | $45,320 - $134,680 | 36,700 | $37.11 |
| Cost Estimators 13-1051 | $77,070 | $46,330 - $128,640 | 219,530 | $37.05 |
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists 13-1141 | $77,020 | $48,300 - $128,830 | 102,370 | $37.03 |
| Human Resources Specialists 13-1071 | $72,910 | $45,440 - $126,540 | 917,460 | $35.05 |
| Personal Service Managers, All Other 11-9179 | $61,340 | $36,880 - $111,130 | 10,490 | $29.49 |
Business Administration and Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $81,755 in Arkansas to $133,414 in District of Columbia—a 63% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Washington, and Delaware. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 11,330,170 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Business Administration and Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 98 institutions offering Business Administration and Management programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Business Administration and Management is found at University of Phoenix (UOPX), Arizona (11,340 graduates), Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) (10,462 graduates), Western Governors University (WGU) (5,919 graduates), Colorado Technical University (CTU), Colorado Springs (4,226 graduates), and Purdue University Global (4,151 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 144,433 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Phoenix (UOPX) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Other Award
|
11,340 | Phoenix, Arizona | Private | phoenix.edu |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
10,462 | Manchester, New Hampshire | Private | snhu.edu |
| Western Governors University (WGU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
5,919 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Private | wgu.edu |
| Colorado Technical University (CTU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
4,226 | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Private | coloradotech.edu |
| Purdue University Global |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Residency
Other Award
|
4,151 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdueglobal.edu |
| Liberty University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Other Award
|
3,436 | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
3,084 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| American Public University System (APUS) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
3,017 | Charles Town, West Virginia | Private | apus.edu |
| University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
2,992 | Adelphi, Maryland | Public | umgc.edu |
| Valencia College |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
2,932 | Orlando, Florida | Public | valenciacollege.edu |
| Grand Canyon University (GCU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
2,889 | Phoenix, Arizona | Private | gcu.edu |
| Miami Dade College (MDC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
2,586 | Miami, Florida | Public | mdc.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU–I) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
2,504 | Rexburg, Idaho | Private | byui.edu |
| San Diego State University (SDSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
2,399 | San Diego, California | Public | sdsu.edu |
| California State University (CSUF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
2,397 | Fullerton, California | Public | fullerton.edu |
| Louisiana State University (LSUS) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
2,235 | Shreveport, Louisiana | Public | lsus.edu |
| Cerritos College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
1,870 | Norwalk, California | Public | cerritos.edu |
| American InterContinental University System (AIUS) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Doctorate (Professional)
|
1,848 | Chandler, Arizona | Private | aius.education |
| Columbia Southern University (CSU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Other Award
|
1,847 | Orange Beach, Alabama | Private | columbiasouthern.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
1,778 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| San Jose State University (SJSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
1,694 | San Jose, California | Public | sjsu.edu |
| California State University (CSULB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
1,681 | Long Beach, California | Public | csulb.edu |
| Lee College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
1,518 | Baytown, Texas | Public | lee.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
1,499 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
1,490 | Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| California State Polytechnic University (CPP) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
1,422 | Pomona, California | Public | cpp.edu |
| Ashford University (UAGC) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
1,393 | San Diego, California | Private | uagc.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
1,318 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
1,290 | Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| California State University (CSUN) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
1,280 | Northridge, California | Public | csun.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
1,256 | Sacramento, California | Public | csus.edu |
| Utah Valley University (UVU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
1,162 | Orem, Utah | Public | uvu.edu |
| Babson College |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
1,154 | Wellesley, Massachusetts | Private | babson.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
1,086 | Lowell, Massachusetts | Public | uml.edu |
| San Francisco State University (SFSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
1,043 | San Francisco, California | Public | sfsu.edu |
| Walden University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
1,026 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | waldenu.edu |
| DeVry University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
1,026 | Lisle, Illinois | Private | devry.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
1,004 | Los Angeles, California | Public | calstatela.edu |
| Capella University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
997 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | capella.edu |
| Pasadena City College (PCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
969 | Pasadena, California | Public | pasadena.edu |
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
961 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| University of California (UCR) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
932 | Riverside, California | Public | ucr.edu |
| Houston Community College (HCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
905 | Houston, Texas | Public | hccs.edu |
| Franklin University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
901 | Columbus, Ohio | Private | franklin.edu |
| Texas A & M University (TAMU‑CC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
888 | Corpus Christi, Texas | Public | tamucc.edu |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
874 | Fayetteville, North Carolina | Public | faytechcc.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
849 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| California State University (CSUSB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
837 | San Bernardino, California | Public | csusb.edu |
| California State University (CSUEB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
827 | Hayward, California | Public | csueastbay.edu |
| Strayer University (SU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
807 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | strayer.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Other Award
|
803 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
788 | Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
781 | Fresno, California | Public | fresnostate.edu |
| California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
777 | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | calpoly.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
775 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| Broward College (BC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
758 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Public | broward.edu |
| Montclair State University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
755 | Montclair, New Jersey | Public | montclair.edu |
| Palomar College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
750 | San Marcos, California | Public | www2.palomar.edu |
| University of Southern Indiana (USI) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
749 | Evansville, Indiana | Public | usi.edu |
| Florida Atlantic University (FAU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
733 | Boca Raton, Florida | Public | fau.edu |
| Florida International University (FIU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
733 | Miami, Florida | Public | fiu.edu |
| Clemson University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Other Award
|
725 | Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) |
Associate's
|
724 | Annandale, Virginia | Public | nvcc.edu |
| Keiser University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
715 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Private | keiseruniversity.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
709 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Lone Star College System (LSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
689 | The Woodlands, Texas | Public | lonestar.edu |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
680 | Wilmington, North Carolina | Public | uncw.edu |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
678 | Denver, Colorado | Public | ucdenver.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Other Award
|
678 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| Fitchburg State University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
659 | Fitchburg, Massachusetts | Public | fitchburgstate.edu |
| Mt San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
642 | Walnut, California | Public | mtsac.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
641 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
640 | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
638 | Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| Pepperdine University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
635 | Malibu, California | Private | pepperdine.edu |
| Mississippi State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
634 | Mississippi State, Mississippi | Public | msstate.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTSA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
604 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | utsa.edu |
| University of New Hampshire (UNH) |
Bachelor's
|
596 | Durham, New Hampshire | Public | unh.edu |
| Connecticut State Community College (CT State) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
594 | Hartford, Connecticut | Public | ctstate.edu |
| University of New Mexico (UNM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
594 | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | unm.edu |
| Lamar University (LU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
591 | Beaumont, Texas | Public | lamar.edu |
| University of Houston (UHD) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
587 | Houston, Texas | Public | uhd.edu |
| California State University (CSUSM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
587 | San Marcos, California | Public | csusm.edu |
| Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
586 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | waketech.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
586 | Richardson, Texas | Public | utdallas.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
585 | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| Saint Leo University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
578 | Saint Leo, Florida | Private | saintleo.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
576 | Chico, California | Public | csuchico.edu |
| Grossmont College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
576 | El Cajon, California | Public | grossmont.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Other Award
|
572 | Arlington, Texas | Public | uta.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
557 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| California State University (CSUDH) |
Bachelor's
|
556 | Carson, California | Public | csudh.edu |
| Bellevue University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
556 | Bellevue, Nebraska | Private | bellevue.edu |
| Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
554 | Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | southcentral.kctcs.edu |
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
554 | Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
548 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| Cornell University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
543 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| Stony Brook University (SBU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
543 | Stony Brook, New York | Public | stonybrook.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Business Administration and Management programs
How much can I earn with a Business Administration and Management degree?
Salaries for Business Administration and Management graduates vary by role and location. Chief Executives earn a median of $206,420 annually, while Compensation and Benefits Managers earn around $140,360. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $133,414 compared to $81,755 in Arkansas. Approximately 11,330,170 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Business Administration and Management programs?
Currently 2,332 accredited institutions offer Business Administration and Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Phoenix (UOPX), Arizona (11,340 graduates), Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) (10,462 graduates), and Western Governors University (WGU) (5,919 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Business Administration and Management growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 310,816 in 2010 to a peak of 343,484 in 2020, before declining slightly to 336,590 in 2023-24. This represents a 8% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Business Administration and Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Chief Executives, Compensation and Benefits Managers, and Human Resources Managers. Related occupations employ approximately 11,330,170 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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