Business Administration vs. Business Management: What’s the Difference?

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Although related, Business Administration and Business Management are two different aspects of overall business operations. Business Administration covers the day-to-day processes that keep an organization running smoothly, such as accounting, finance, human resources, sales, and marketing. Business Management focuses on the management of resources, such as people and money, and is more focused on the big-picture decisions that can make or break an organization. Whether you pursue administration or management, you can build a long and rewarding career in business. Take a look at the differences between the two and decide which degree path might be right for you:

Coursework in a Business Administration Degree Program

Business Administration is a great path to pursue if you want to be highly involved in business operations. A degree program in Business Administration can teach you the fundamentals of business and help you develop essential soft skills such as business professionalism, communication, organization, and time management. You also learn about customer service and the legal and ethical principles that govern businesses. Some courses you might take in a Business Administration program include:

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Human Resources Management
  • Payroll and Compensation Systems
  • Business Law
  • Business Communication
  • Marketing

Coursework in a Business Management Degree Program

Business Management provides a deeper overview of business and what it takes to handle an organization’s resources. Management might be a good choice if you want to focus on human resources, coordinate projects, or lead a team. A Business Management program might also be a good choice if you hope to someday run your own small business. You can hone soft skills such as leadership and communication, and also develop technical skills in software such as Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel. You learn about the fundamentals of business and accounting, sound marketing strategies, how to develop interpersonal relationships, and how to initiate and manage projects. Courses you might take in a Business Management program might include:

  • Business Fundamentals
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Human Resources Development
  • Human Relations in Organizations
  • Marketing With Technology
  • Business Law and Ethics

An AAS Degree or a BS Degree in Business

Whether you earn an Associate, Bachelor’s degree, or one and then the other depends on your personal and professional goals. There are many benefits to an Associate Degree in Business. If you’ve already completed significant coursework or a certificate in a business-related program, a Business Administration AAS degree completion program may be a good place to start. You could use your education and experience to find entry-level work and then consider whether you want to transfer your credits into a bachelor’s degree program. 

If you think you’re better suited to management, you could pursue an Associate Degree in Business Management. Your degree can prepare you for entry-level work in less than two years and then you might decide to build upon your degree at a later time. 

Some Business Management Job Titles

  • HR Specialist
  • Accounting Assistant
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Compliance Assistant
  • Administrative Assistant

The path you choose depends on your interests and strengths. If you’re good with numbers, you might enjoy a career in accounting. If you have lots of new ideas and professional experience with social media, you might want to enter marketing. Or, if you have great interpersonal skills and feel comfortable enforcing company rules, HR might be a good career path for you. 

Some Business Administration Job Titles

  • Office Manager
  • Customer Service Specialist
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Payroll Assistant
  • HR Specialist

Are you ready to begin a career in business? Charter College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration degree completion program and an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management degree that can qualify you for entry-level work for a small business, startup, or large corporation. You may also consider continuing your education with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree.  Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.