Small Business Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and independent business leaders, this program equips learners with the strategic knowledge and practical skills needed to launch, operate, and sustain successful small enterprises. Emphasis is placed on real-world application across diverse business environments, fostering adaptability, innovation, and sound decision-making in dynamic market conditions.
- Business Administration: Core principles of organizational structure, management functions, and operational efficiency essential for effective business oversight.
- Enterprise Planning and Entrepreneurship: Methods for identifying market opportunities, developing business models, and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Start-Up Strategy: Step-by-step guidance on transforming business ideas into viable ventures, including validation, prototyping, and initial market entry.
- Small Business Operations and Problem Solving: Techniques for managing daily functions, resolving common challenges, and optimizing workflow in resource-constrained settings.
- Personnel Supervision: Best practices in hiring, team leadership, performance management, and fostering a productive workplace culture.
- Capitalization and Investment: Strategies for securing funding, managing cash flow, and making informed financial decisions to support growth.
- Taxation: Understanding federal, state, and local tax obligations, compliance requirements, and tax planning for small enterprises.
- Business Law and Regulations: Legal frameworks governing contracts, intellectual property, employment law, and industry-specific compliance standards.
- E-Commerce: Building and managing online sales platforms, digital marketing, customer engagement, and secure transaction systems.
- Home Business Operations: Specialized approaches to running a business from a residential setting, including zoning, branding, and remote workforce coordination.
- Sector-Specific Applications: Tailored instruction on managing small businesses in targeted industries, product lines, and service sectors.
Small Business Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Small Business Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Small Business Management degrees, including Managers, All Other and Personal Service Managers, 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 641,470 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Personal Service Managers, All Other 11-9179 | $61,340 | $36,880 - $111,130 | 10,490 | $29.49 |
Salary Comparison
Small Business Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $59,840 in Utah to $171,910 in District of Columbia—a 187% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Delaware, and Colorado. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 641,470 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 Small Business Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Small Business 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 Small Business Management is found at Seminole State College of Florida (341 graduates), Irvine Valley College (IVC) (237 graduates), Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) (168 graduates), Florida State College (FSCJ), Jacksonville (112 graduates), and Miami Dade College (MDC) (106 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 2,848 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Small Business Management programs
How much can I earn with a Small Business Management degree?
Salaries for Small Business Management graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Personal Service Managers, All Other earn around $61,340. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $171,910 compared to $59,840 in Utah. Approximately 641,470 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 Small Business Management programs?
Currently 196 accredited institutions offer Small Business Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Seminole State College of Florida (341 graduates), Irvine Valley College (IVC) (237 graduates), and Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) (168 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 Small Business Management growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 719 in 2010 to 3,118 in 2023-24. This represents a 334% 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 Small Business Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Personal Service Managers, All Other, . Related occupations employ approximately 641,470 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.
Related Business Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Business field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
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