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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)

336,590
Total Graduates (2023-2024)
2,332
Universities & Colleges
23
Career Pathways

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

Salary Comparison

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 Admissions Location Control Website
University of Phoenix (UOPX)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
11,340 N/A Phoenix, Arizona Private phoenix.edu
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
10,462 N/A Manchester, New Hampshire Private snhu.edu
Western Governors University (WGU)
Bachelor's
Master's
5,919 N/A Salt Lake City, Utah Private wgu.edu
Colorado Technical University (CTU)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (P)
4,226 N/A Colorado Springs, Colorado Private coloradotech.edu
Purdue University Global
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Residency
Other Award
4,151 N/A West Lafayette, Indiana Public purdueglobal.edu
Liberty University
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
3,436 N/A Lynchburg, Virginia Private liberty.edu
Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
3,084 N/A Indianapolis, Indiana Public ivytech.edu
American Public University System (APUS)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
3,017 N/A Charles Town, West Virginia Private apus.edu
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
2,992 N/A Adelphi, Maryland Public umgc.edu
Valencia College
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
2,932 N/A Orlando, Florida Public valenciacollege.edu
Grand Canyon University (GCU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
2,889 SAT: 1058-1175
ACT: 19-24
Phoenix, Arizona Private gcu.edu
Miami Dade College (MDC)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
2,586 N/A Miami, Florida Public mdc.edu
Brigham Young University (BYU–I)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
2,504 SAT: 980-1200
ACT: 20-26
Rexburg, Idaho Private byui.edu
San Diego State University (SDSU)
Bachelor's
Master's
2,399 N/A San Diego, California Public sdsu.edu
California State University (CSUF)
Bachelor's
Master's
2,397 N/A Fullerton, California Public fullerton.edu
Louisiana State University (LSUS)
Bachelor's
Master's
2,235 SAT: 1000-1150
ACT: 19-24
Shreveport, Louisiana Public lsus.edu
Cerritos College
Associate's
Other Award
1,870 N/A Norwalk, California Public cerritos.edu
American InterContinental University System (AIUS)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (P)
1,848 N/A Chandler, Arizona Private aius.education
Columbia Southern University (CSU)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
1,847 N/A Orange Beach, Alabama Private columbiasouthern.edu
Boston University (BU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
1,778 SAT: 1400-1520
ACT: 32-34
Boston, Massachusetts Private bu.edu
San Jose State University (SJSU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
1,694 N/A San Jose, California Public sjsu.edu
California State University (CSULB)
Bachelor's
Master's
1,681 N/A Long Beach, California Public csulb.edu
Lee College
Associate's
Other Award
1,518 N/A Baytown, Texas Public lee.edu
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
1,499 SAT: 1270-1510
ACT: 29-34
Champaign, Illinois Public illinois.edu
University of Florida (UF)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
1,490 SAT: 1300-1480
ACT: 28-33
Gainesville, Florida Public ufl.edu
California State Polytechnic University (CPP)
Bachelor's
Master's
1,422 N/A Pomona, California Public cpp.edu
Ashford University (UAGC)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
1,393 N/A San Diego, California Private uagc.edu
University of Michigan (U‑M)
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
1,318 SAT: 1350-1530
ACT: 31-34
Ann Arbor, Michigan Public umich.edu
University of Colorado Boulder (CU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
1,290 SAT: 1230-1420
ACT: 28-33
Boulder, Colorado Public colorado.edu
California State University (CSUN)
Bachelor's
Master's
1,280 N/A Northridge, California Public csun.edu
California State University
Bachelor's
Master's
1,256 N/A Sacramento, California Public csus.edu
Utah Valley University (UVU)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
1,162 N/A Orem, Utah Public uvu.edu
Babson College
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
1,154 SAT: 1380-1500
ACT: 30-33
Wellesley, Massachusetts Private babson.edu
University of Massachusetts
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
1,086 SAT: 1180-1350
ACT: 26-30
Lowell, Massachusetts Public uml.edu
San Francisco State University (SFSU)
Bachelor's
Master's
1,043 N/A San Francisco, California Public sfsu.edu
Walden University
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
1,026 N/A Minneapolis, Minnesota Private waldenu.edu
DeVry University
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
1,026 SAT: 990-1130
ACT: 19-23
Lisle, Illinois Private devry.edu
California State University
Bachelor's
Master's
1,004 N/A Los Angeles, California Public calstatela.edu
Capella University
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
997 N/A Minneapolis, Minnesota Private capella.edu
Pasadena City College (PCC)
Associate's
Other Award
969 N/A Pasadena, California Public pasadena.edu
North Carolina State University (NC State)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
961 SAT: 1300-1460
ACT: 28-32
Raleigh, North Carolina Public ncsu.edu
University of California (UCR)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
932 N/A Riverside, California Public ucr.edu
Houston Community College (HCC)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
905 N/A Houston, Texas Public hccs.edu
Franklin University
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
901 N/A Columbus, Ohio Private franklin.edu
Texas A & M University (TAMU‑CC)
Bachelor's
Master's
888 SAT: 970-1180
ACT: 18-25
Corpus Christi, Texas Public tamucc.edu
Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC)
Associate's
Other Award
874 N/A Fayetteville, North Carolina Public faytechcc.edu
Sinclair Community College
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
849 N/A Dayton, Ohio Public sinclair.edu
California State University (CSUSB)
Bachelor's
Master's
837 N/A San Bernardino, California Public csusb.edu
California State University (CSUEB)
Bachelor's
Master's
827 N/A Hayward, California Public csueastbay.edu
Strayer University (SU)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
807 N/A Washington, District of Columbia Private strayer.edu
Purdue University (PU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
803 SAT: 1190-1460
ACT: 27-34
West Lafayette, Indiana Public purdue.edu
University at Buffalo (UB)
Bachelor's
Master's
788 SAT: 1210-1380
ACT: 27-32
Buffalo, New York Public buffalo.edu
California State University
Bachelor's
Master's
781 N/A Fresno, California Public fresnostate.edu
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
Bachelor's
Master's
777 N/A San Luis Obispo, California Public calpoly.edu
Colorado State University (CSU)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
775 N/A Fort Collins, Colorado Public colostate.edu
Broward College (BC)
Associate's
Other Award
758 N/A Fort Lauderdale, Florida Public broward.edu
Montclair State University
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
755 SAT: 940-1225 Montclair, New Jersey Public montclair.edu
Palomar College
Associate's
Other Award
750 N/A San Marcos, California Public www2.palomar.edu
University of Southern Indiana (USI)
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
749 SAT: 1020-1220
ACT: 22-28
Evansville, Indiana Public usi.edu
Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
733 SAT: 1040-1210
ACT: 20-26
Boca Raton, Florida Public fau.edu
Florida International University (FIU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
733 SAT: 1060-1250
ACT: 20-26
Miami, Florida Public fiu.edu
Clemson University
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Other Award
725 SAT: 1230-1390
ACT: 28-32
Clemson, South Carolina Public clemson.edu
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
Associate's
724 N/A Annandale, Virginia Public nvcc.edu
Keiser University
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
715 N/A Fort Lauderdale, Florida Private keiseruniversity.edu
Auburn University (AU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
709 SAT: 1240-1380
ACT: 25-31
Auburn, Alabama Public auburn.edu
Lone Star College System (LSC)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
689 N/A The Woodlands, Texas Public lonestar.edu
University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
680 SAT: 1220-1360
ACT: 24-28
Wilmington, North Carolina Public uncw.edu
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Bachelor's
Master's
678 SAT: 980-1220
ACT: 21-27
Denver, Colorado Public ucdenver.edu
University of Massachusetts
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
678 SAT: 1300-1480
ACT: 29-33
Amherst, Massachusetts Public umass.edu
Fitchburg State University
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
659 SAT: 1030-1220
ACT: 19-25
Fitchburg, Massachusetts Public fitchburgstate.edu
Mt San Antonio College (Mt. SAC)
Associate's
Other Award
642 N/A Walnut, California Public mtsac.edu
Oklahoma State University (OSU)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
641 SAT: 1030-1240
ACT: 20-27
Stillwater, Oklahoma Public okstate.edu
Washington State University (WSU)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
640 N/A Pullman, Washington Public wsu.edu
The University of Texas
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
638 SAT: 1230-1490
ACT: 27-33
Austin, Texas Public utexas.edu
Pepperdine University
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
635 SAT: 1250-1450
ACT: 26-32
Malibu, California Private pepperdine.edu
Mississippi State University (MSU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
634 SAT: 1110-1410
ACT: 21-29
Mississippi State, Mississippi Public msstate.edu
The University of Texas (UTSA)
Bachelor's
Master's
604 SAT: 1000-1200
ACT: 19-26
San Antonio, Texas Public utsa.edu
University of New Hampshire (UNH)
Bachelor's
596 SAT: 1120-1320
ACT: 26-31
Durham, New Hampshire Public unh.edu
Connecticut State Community College (CT State)
Associate's
Other Award
594 N/A Hartford, Connecticut Public ctstate.edu
University of New Mexico (UNM)
Bachelor's
Master's
594 SAT: 900-1160
ACT: 19-26
Albuquerque, New Mexico Public unm.edu
Lamar University (LU)
Bachelor's
Master's
591 SAT: 910-1130
ACT: 18-24
Beaumont, Texas Public lamar.edu
University of Houston (UHD)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
587 SAT: 960-1110
ACT: 17-23
Houston, Texas Public uhd.edu
California State University (CSUSM)
Bachelor's
Master's
587 N/A San Marcos, California Public csusm.edu
Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech)
Associate's
Other Award
586 N/A Raleigh, North Carolina Public waketech.edu
The University of Texas
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
586 SAT: 1170-1410
ACT: 25-32
Richardson, Texas Public utdallas.edu
University of California (UCI)
Bachelor's
Master's
585 N/A Irvine, California Public uci.edu
Saint Leo University
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
578 N/A Saint Leo, Florida Private saintleo.edu
California State University
Bachelor's
Master's
576 N/A Chico, California Public csuchico.edu
Grossmont College
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
576 N/A El Cajon, California Public grossmont.edu
The University of Texas
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
572 SAT: 990-1230
ACT: 18-26
Arlington, Texas Public uta.edu
University of Iowa
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
557 SAT: 1130-1320
ACT: 22-28
Iowa City, Iowa Public uiowa.edu
California State University (CSUDH)
Bachelor's
556 N/A Carson, California Public csudh.edu
Bellevue University
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
556 N/A Bellevue, Nebraska Private bellevue.edu
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC)
Associate's
Other Award
554 N/A Bowling Green, Kentucky Public southcentral.kctcs.edu
Kennesaw State University (KSU)
Bachelor's
Master's
554 SAT: 1020-1220
ACT: 19-25
Kennesaw, Georgia Public kennesaw.edu
East Carolina University (ECU)
Bachelor's
Master's
548 SAT: 1050-1200
ACT: 20-26
Greenville, North Carolina Public ecu.edu
Cornell University
Master's
Doctorate (R)
543 SAT: 1480-1560
ACT: 33-35
Ithaca, New York Private cornell.edu
Stony Brook University (SBU)
Bachelor's
Master's
543 SAT: 1320-1490
ACT: 28-33
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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