Business Operations Support: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Business Operations Support prepares individuals to manage essential administrative functions within modern organizations, emphasizing efficiency, communication, and organizational coordination. This program equips learners with practical skills to streamline operations, support leadership teams, and maintain seamless workflow across departments.
- Office Administration and Workflow Management: Learn to organize and optimize daily office operations, including scheduling, document control, and resource allocation to ensure operational continuity.
- Professional Communication and Correspondence: Develop advanced skills in drafting, reviewing, and managing formal and informal business communications across digital and print platforms.
- Database and Information Systems: Gain proficiency in using digital tools and databases to store, retrieve, and analyze administrative data with accuracy and confidentiality.
- Meeting and Event Coordination: Master the planning, execution, and follow-up of internal and external meetings, conferences, and organizational events.
- Recordkeeping and Compliance Procedures: Understand legal and ethical standards for maintaining accurate, secure, and accessible records in alignment with industry regulations.
- Technology Integration in Administrative Roles: Apply current software and productivity tools—such as cloud-based platforms, collaborative systems, and automation tools—to enhance administrative performance.
Business Operations Support Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Business Operations Support Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Business Operations Support degrees, including Business Operations Specialists, All Other. 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 1,128,200 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other 13-1199 | $81,270 | $46,230 - $147,830 | 1,128,200 | $39.07 |
Business Operations Support Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $60,610 in Arkansas to $106,810 in District of Columbia—a 76% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Maryland, and Alabama. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,128,200 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 Operations Support by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 26 institutions offering Business Operations Support 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 Operations Support is found at North Idaho College (NIC) (57 graduates), Virginia Western Community College (VWCC) (44 graduates), Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) (44 graduates), Tidewater Community College (TCC) (37 graduates), and New River Community College (NRCC) (30 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 368 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Idaho College (NIC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Residency
|
57 | Coeur d'Alene, Idaho | Public | nic.edu |
| Virginia Western Community College (VWCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
44 | Roanoke, Virginia | Public | virginiawestern.edu |
| Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) |
Other Award
|
44 | Monroe, Louisiana | Public | ladelta.edu |
| Tidewater Community College (TCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
37 | Norfolk, Virginia | Public | tcc.edu |
| New River Community College (NRCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
30 | Dublin, Virginia | Public | nr.edu |
| Wytheville Community College (WCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
25 | Wytheville, Virginia | Public | wcc.vccs.edu |
| Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | Lynchburg, Virginia | Public | centralvirginia.edu |
| Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12 | Big Stone Gap, Virginia | Public | mecc.edu |
| Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) |
Associate's
|
12 | Alberta, Virginia | Public | southside.edu |
| Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
11 | Clifton Forge, Virginia | Public | mgcc.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
8 | Hohenwald, Tennessee | Public | tcathohenwald.edu |
| Danville Community College (DCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
8 | Danville, Virginia | Public | danville.edu |
| Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
8 | Martinsville, Virginia | Public | patrickhenry.edu |
| Employment Solutions-College for Technical Education |
Other Award
|
8 | Lexington, Kentucky | Private | cte.edu |
| Dordt University |
Associate's
|
7 | Sioux Center, Iowa | Private | dordt.edu |
| Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | Abingdon, Virginia | Public | vhcc.edu |
| Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Weyers Cave, Virginia | Public | brcc.edu |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Hampton, Virginia | Public | vpcc.edu |
| Clark State College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
4 | Springfield, Ohio | Public | clarkstate.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT Athens) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
4 | Athens, Tennessee | Public | tcatathens.edu |
| Paul D Camp Community College (PDCCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Franklin, Virginia | Public | pdc.edu |
| Thomas Edison State University (TESU) |
Associate's
|
3 | Trenton, New Jersey | Public | tesu.edu |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Charlottesville, Virginia | Public | pvcc.edu |
| Rappahannock Community College (RCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 | Glenns, Virginia | Public | rappahannock.edu |
| Bristol Community College |
Other Award
|
2 | Fall River, Massachusetts | Public | bristolcc.edu |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College |
Other Award
|
1 | Richmond, Virginia | Public | reynolds.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Business Operations Support programs
How much can I earn with a Business Operations Support degree?
Salaries for Business Operations Support graduates vary by role and location. Business Operations Specialists, All Other earn a median of $81,270 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $106,810 compared to $60,610 in Arkansas. Approximately 1,128,200 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 Operations Support programs?
Currently 26 accredited institutions offer Business Operations Support degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include North Idaho College (NIC) (57 graduates), Virginia Western Community College (VWCC) (44 graduates), and Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) (44 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 Operations Support growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 2,035 in 2010 to a peak of 401 in 2020, before declining slightly to 368 in 2023-24. This represents a 82% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Operations Support degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Business Operations Specialists, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 1,128,200 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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