The Highest Paying Business Degrees
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Business Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Science
- Finance
- Healthcare Administration
- Human Resources
- Industrial Management
- International Business
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing
- Music Business
- Operations Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Project Management
- Supply Chain Management
The highest paying business degrees list is organized alphabetically. There are a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees from which to choose in Business.
About this list:
There are many exceptional business schools across the U.S. A bachelor's program in business can allow for personal and professional obligations being kept while attending the best college for you.
The highest paid business majors leading to top career paths include:
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Project Management
- Human Resources Management
- Marketing
We made this list of highest paying business majors based on degrees that are best for careers in the modern workforce. This is based on high salary potential and growth rates over the next ten years, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Featured Online Degrees:
This list of the best business degrees is a collection of business major options that can potentially earn the most money after graduation with a bachelor's degree. This list of the best paying business majors was made for students who want to study business and perhaps get a lucrative business career. There are many business programs available in a wide variety of subjects. We did the research to find the best business majors among the many options.
A good resource to determine salary and location data of business careers is the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Some programs will offer college credit for relevant work experience. Many of these subjects can be taken as a concentration within a business administration degree. This is true for bachelor's in business administration (BBA) and master of business administration (MBA) programs.
The Highest Paying Business Degrees
Our list includes a description of each highest paying business majors available in higher education and its relevant career(s) in the today's job market. Median annual average salary information is gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
1. Accounting
If you are looking for the highest paying business majors you might consider a bachelor's in Accounting. It is a degree that provides students expertise in:
- accounting principles
- finance
- business
- math
- taxation
Programs prepare students for job opportunities as well as further academic study.
Four-year bachelor's in Accounting programs combine foundational accounting curriculum with specialized courses in:
- internal auditing
- financial reporting
- financial advisement
- preparing tax documents
Through specialized bachelor's in business in Accounting programs, students learn leadership skills and to understand, prepare, and maintain financial records. These skills are needed for entry and mid-level accounting positions.
The master's in Accounting degree prepares students to sit for the Certified Public Accountant exam. Programs provide students with a broad business background and high-paying jobs. Courses include topics such as:
- auditing
- government
- finance
- tax specialization
Accountant students will often learn how to prepare financial statements.
Accounting job opportunities include:
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Cost Accountant
- Controller
- Financial Officer
- Forensic Accountant
- Tax Examiner
- Personal Financial Advisor
2. Business Administration
The two-year associate's is a degree with general education courses and business core courses. Students develop skills needed for entry-level careers in the business world, or further academic study. Courses for this program can include:
- microeconomics
- marketing
- managerial accounting
- applied statistics
- supply chain management
Bachelor's Programs:
The Bachelor's in Business Administration program category (BBA) is listed as #1 in our Best Online Degrees To Get For Careers. We listed the bachelor's program as #1 because it has the highest income potential of any undergraduate degree.
A bachelor's is a versatile degree that offers one of the largest selections of specialization options in all of higher education.
The highest paid business professionals are:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- managers at medium to large companies
Often a minimum of a bachelor's in business is required for employment in the business world.
This degree often focuses on:
- organizational concepts
- business strategy
- basic marketing techniques
- managerial concepts
- contracts and negotiations
- fundamental accounting
This highest paying business degree can help prepare business professionals in:
- financial services
- marketing
- management
A BBA can enable students to explore advanced entrepreneurial and business concepts. BBA courses include:
- financial management
- marketing management
- organizational design and development
MBA programs can help prepare graduates for mid- or upper-level careers. They prepare graduates for a business career in large companies. The earning potential may be higher for business degree jobs with an MBA.
Jobs:
- Financial Manager
- Hospital Administrator
- Human Resources Manager
- Office Manager
- Purchasing Manager
- Sales Manager
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent
- Wholesale and Retail Buyer
3. Business Management
When considering what business degrees make the most money, you may consider business management. These business degree programs provide students with a broad foundation in management. Courses for the business major can include:
- accounting
- economics
- marketing
- management
Bachelor's students can specialize in many areas, including Applied Management or Organizational Management.
A Business Management program is a high-paying business degree that draws on the disciplines of:
- sociology
- strategy
- business
- psychology
- economics
Students develop effective management practice as well as an understanding of organizational behavior and business operations.
Master's in Management may include courses such as:
- analytics in management
- business strategy
- business culture
- managerial economics
- entrepreneurship
These also allow students to tailor their degree with specializations, including those in:
- accounting
- finance
- economics
- marketing management
An MBA with a specialization in Business Management is also available. This business degree program prepares graduates to potentially work as effective leaders and managers.
Management jobs:
- Construction Manager
- General and Operations Manager
- Management Analyst
- Management Consultant
- Managing Director
- Project Manager
4. Entrepreneurship
You are looking at business degrees that make the most money. Maybe you want your own business! Degrees in Entrepreneurship can lead to one of the highest paying business jobs. Bachelor's in business degrees in Entrepreneurship combine theoretical and practical knowledge. Programs introduce students to business fundamentals, including how to produce financial reports and statements. Courses can include:
- strategic management
- microeconomics
- business law
- computer applications for entrepreneurs
- principles of small businesses
Students develop an understanding of small business and entrepreneurial endeavors. Through integrating case studies, team projects, and creating businesses, these programs prepare graduates to create and run their own business.
A master's in Entrepreneurship or an MBA concentration in Entrepreneurship teaches students about the start-up, management, and growth involved in creating new businesses.
Master's courses can include:
- human resource management
- product development
- corporate economics
- managerial accounting
Entrepreneurship jobs:
- Business Consultant
- Business Manager
- Construction Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
5. Environmental Science
A bachelor's program explores procedures, research, and policies regarding environmental science and sustainability on a local, national, regional, and global scale. The curriculum often combines business courses with those focused on the environment.
Courses can include:
- environmental ethics
- sustainable society
- principles of microeconomics
The bachelor's in Sustainability degree may include a capstone, internship or field experience. Programs allow students to earn specializations in:
- sustainable ecosystems
- sustainable energy and materials
- the economics of sustainability
A master's in Environmental Science and Sustainability degree consists of courses in:
- sustainability management and leadership
- aquatic environments and sustainability
- global environmental
- sustainability topics
Programs may allow students to gain real-world experience through an internship.
Sustainability jobs:
- Chief Sustainability Executive
- Environmental Scientist
- Director of Sustainability
- Industrial Production Manager
6. Finance
A finance degree is a highest degree for business. The degree helps develop skills in:
- corporate finance
- financial advising
- portfolio management
This bachelor's equips students with skills that apply to a range of entry-level positions in:
- banking
- insurance
- financial accounting
- money management
A minimum of a bachelor's in Finance or a related field is usually required for employment. Students can specialize in Financial Planning to become a Certified Financial Planner. Personal financial advisors are a top job opportunity for this career path.
An MBA with a focus in Finance may prepare graduates for middle and upper-management roles. Programs can include courses in:
- quantitative methods for finance
- issues in financial accounting and reporting
- advanced analysis of financial markets
Financial Occupations:
- Credit Analysts
- Financial Advisors
- Financial Service Sales Agents
- Financial Managers
- General and Operations Managers
- Certified Financial Planners
- Personal Financial Planners
- Loan Officers
- Strategy Investment Managers
7. Healthcare Administration
Healthcare Administration is one of the highest paying business majors. Courses include:
- medical terminology
- ethics for healthcare professionals
- fundamentals of healthcare reimbursement
- introduction to healthcare delivery system
Degree specializations include billing and coding, pharmacy practice, and medical records.
Bachelor's programs help students hone analytical skills needed for successful careers in the healthcare system. Programs focus on:
- ethical concepts
- financial management
- decision-making skills
- healthcare organizational structures
- healthcare management
Bachelor's courses include:
- health law and policy
- risk management for healthcare
- management for healthcare operations
- principles of leadership
Depending on the program, there also may be an internship or capstone element.
A master's in Healthcare Administration combines classroom instruction and seminars, with optional internships.
Master's students gain advanced operational knowledge of the healthcare industry.
Courses can include:
- economics of healthcare
- global health systems
- emerging issues in healthcare management
- health policy and regulation
Healthcare Administration jobs:
- Admissions Director
- Community Health Manager
- Health Services Manager
- Management Analyst
- Medical Records Administrator
- Patient Services Representative
- Social and Community Service Manager
8. Human Resources Management
Human Resource Management is a degree that typically focuses on running HR departments in businesses. This includes learning competencies such as:
- benefits and compensation
- hiring practices
- developing communication skills
Courses to become human resource managers include:
- business ethics
- employment law
- principles of management
Bachelor's students develop deeper insights into corporate structures and social, economic, and legal issues. Course topics include:
- workforce planning
- principles of management
- labor law
A master's degree provides students with skills in a range of management jobs. Students develop:
- advanced communication skills
- negotiation strategies
- legal and ethical issues
- employee and labor relations
- recruitment
There are MBA's with specializations in Human Resource Management available.
Course topics include business foundations, law and ethics, and corporate communications.
Jobs:
- Compensation and Benefits Manager
- Development and Training Manager
- Employee and Labor Relations Manager
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Training and Development Specialist
9. Industrial Management
A bachelor's in business or engineering is often required as the minimum degree for employment as Industrial Managers or Industrial Production Managers.
A bachelor's program with a specialization in Industrial Management or in Industrial Production Management can prepare students for management positions in various industrial businesses.
The four-year program includes course topics such as:
- basic production processes
- facilities and design management
- quality management
- operational logistics
- personnel management
Industries include manufacturing (automobiles, consumer goods), refineries, and others.
Industrial Production Managers earn an average median salary of $103,150 per data from 2021 at the BLS. The growth rate is 3% adding an additional 15,400 positions each year over the next ten years.
A master's in Industrial management includes advanced coursework in statistics, economic theories, human factors in management, and manufacturing systems.
Students can choose a specialization in :
- manufacturing systems
- strategic industrial management
- engineering technology
- industrial safety
Industrial Management jobs:
- Construction Manager
- Facility Manager
- Organizational Consultant
- Operations Manager
- Production Manager
- Purchasing Manager
- Quality Assurance Control Manager
10. International Business
International business majors have specialization options available, including global finance, accounting, marketing, and management. Some international business major options may offer a foreign language emphasis to accompany the specialization.
A bachelor's teaches proficiencies in:
- international marketing
- business
- trade and finance
A concentration in International Business program prepares students with a global perspective. A bachelor's degree teaches a business foundation along with international trade and logistics specifics.
Degree programs typically include courses in:
- global finances
- international management
- international economics
- cultural norms
- marketing in a multinational setting
A master's program introduces students to topics that impact world-wide business ventures. These business degrees typically include courses in:
- business analytics
- global finance
- global business ethics
Colleges may offer an MBA with an International Business specialization.
Jobs for International Business Majors:
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Manager
- Distribution Manager
- Foreign Sales Representative
- Global Business Analysis Director
- International Growth Director
- International Management Consultant
- International Marketing Director
- International Marketing Manager
- International Trade and Customs Manager
11. Management Information Systems
These programs consist of courses in business and information technology. Programs include courses in:
- microeconomics and business finance
- C++ programming
- web systems and development
- electronic commerce
Some of the programs also allow students to develop real-world information technology skills through an internship.
Courses combine business and technology skills. Learning includes courses in:
- systems analysis
- systems design
- information management
- database management
Students can tailor the degree with concentrations in:
- information security
- network management
- health information systems
Management Information Systems jobs:
- Chief Technology Officer
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Computer Systems Manager
- Data Analyst
- Data Warehousing Specialist
12. Marketing
A marketing degree can lead to a successful career path. Associate's programs teach business fundamentals in marketing. These degrees focus on an array of business practices and principles as well as marketing efforts and marketing strategies in:
- social media marketing
- communications
- digital marketing
- branding
Associate's degrees may include courses in:
- social media marketing
- marketing research
- business analytics
The bachelor's in business in Marketing teaches students to develop skills needed to create compelling marketing campaigns. A marketing degree focuses on:
- consumer behavior
- building a brand
- the role of social media in marketing
Courses include:
- strategic brand management
- strategic marketing planning
- consumer behavior
Master's degrees for marketing majors typically emphasize customer loyalty, brand management, and audience engagement. These can include courses in:
- marketing analytics
- integrated marketing communications
- ethical and legal issues in marketing
- multinational market strategies
For the bachelor's and master's degrees there are business programs that have concentrations in Marketing.
Marketing jobs:
- Advertising and promotions managers
- Brand Manager
- Digital Marketing Managers
- Internet Marketing Coordinator
- Market Research Analyst
- Marketing Communications Manager
- Marketing Data Analyst
- Marketing Research Analyst
- Media Director
- Marketing Communications Specialist
- Social Media Marketing Manager
- Promotions Director
- Art Director
- Creative Director
- Digital Advertising Sales Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Media Account Director
- Online Advertising Manager
- Promotions Manager
- Public Relations
- Social Media Advertising Manager
13. Music Business
Music business programs teach students the business knowledge in the music industry. There are many bachelor's in Music Business and MBA's in Music Business available, but there also associate's degrees in Entertainment Management.
Designed to prepare graduates for entry-level or freelance employment, the Associate's in Entertainment Management degree curriculum focuses on:
- professional presentation
- negotiation skills
- management
- hands-on experience through an internship
The bachelor's in music business programs provide course topics such as:
- entertainment law and ethics
- venue management
- advertising and mass media
- public speaking
This consists of courses in:
- contract law
- accounting
- presentation skills
- e-commerce
- copyright and trademark issues in entertainment
Students in these programs gain real-world experience through internships and cooperative programs.
The master's degree combines real-world experience through:
- a practicum
- internships
- projects
Courses include:
- presentation skills
- entrepreneurship
- entertainment branding and marketing
Entertainment Management Master's degrees are often limited to a specific industry-related field such as film, television, or music.
These business degrees prepare graduates for senior management or executive-level career options.
For the bachelor's and master's degrees there are business programs that have concentrations in Music Business.
Music Business jobs:
- Artistic Managers
- Concert Promoters
- Gallery Managers
- Publicity Managers
- Television Marketing Managers
- Tour Managers
14. Operations Management
What type of business degrees are there that pay well? One high paying option is Operations Management. A bachelor's program helps students develop skills to manage manufacturing processes. Students can learn the business fundamentals related to production of products. This includes:
- learning efficiency
- safety
- quality control in manufacturing
These programs teach business fundamentals along with management of:
- inventory
- spreadsheet software
- service management
- occupational safety and health
Programs can include internships or lab experiences to help students gain real-world experience.
The master's program prepares students to manage in work settings ranging from nonprofit organizations to the military. Programs may include courses in:
- human behavior
- project planning
- cost analysis
- quality management
- decision-making principles
These business programs offer relevant training in human resources, business consulting, or industrial management.
For bachelor's and master's degrees there are business programs that have concentrations in Organizational Leadership.
Jobs:
- Facilities Coordinator
- Industrial Production Manager
- Logistics Manager
- Materials Manager
- Operations Manager
- Operations Research Analyst
- Production Supervisor
- Project Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
15. Organizational Leadership
Organizational Leadership programs help students develop managerial and supervisory skills. Programs cover topics such as:
- finances
- management
- communication
- business strategies
Some bachelor's in Organizational Leadership programs offer specializations in Sales and Marketing and Supply chain logistics.
Courses include group behavior, strategic leadership, and budgeting.
The master's helps students hone their management, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. Programs give students skills needed to manage people, projects, and plans. A master's can consist of courses in:
- leadership theory and applications
- organizational change
- organizational behavior
Students can specialize in:
- inventory control and production systems
- quality management
- service operations
For bachelor's and master's degrees there are business programs that have concentrations in Project Management.
Organizational Leadership jobs:
- Administrative Services Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Human Resources Specialist
- Internal Auditor
16. Project Management
The bachelor's may emphasize:
- business concepts
- problem-solving
- critical-thinking skills, and communication
- may include case studies and team projects
These business programs include courses in:
- applied project management
- managing project quality
- fundamentals of leadership
Designed for working professionals, a master's might help graduates advance their careers. Students can earn specializations in enterprise resource planning, and enterprise architecture, among others.
This degree typically includes courses in:
- advanced team leadership
- planning and resource management
- corporate project strategies
For the bachelor's and master's degrees there are business programs that have concentrations in Project Management.
Jobs:
- Chief Project Officers
- Engineering Project Managers
- Project Leaders
- Project risk management analysts
- Project Portfolio Managers
17. Supply Chain Management
Students in Supply Chain Management programs learn relevant training in the practice of:
- importing and exporting
- purchasing
- inventory management
- product transportation logistics
- quality control
Students learn how to make business decisions, and organizational-planning skills to run supply chains. Course topics include:
- accounting
- professional finances
- inventory control
The bachelor's degree provides students with a foundation in economics and concepts in professional communication strategies and personnel management. Along with a core of business courses, the programs also include courses in:
- financial analysis
- global marketing
- supply chain strategy
- logistics planning
Highest paying jobs with a bachelor's degree
| Careers | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officers | $193,850 |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $141,490 |
| Financial Managers | $134,180 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $122,270 |
| Human Resources Managers | $121,220 |
| Training and Development Managers | $113,350 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $101,340 |
| Project Managers | $80,220 – $140,000 |
| Administrative Services Managers | $96,940 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $73,560 |
| Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics |
What types of jobs can you get with a degree in Business?
Graduates can seek career opportunities in practically every for-profit industry. Business programs prepare students to work in various fields for companies, government agencies and organizations. Business majors may find employment in many fields and positions. These can earn above average salaries. These can include a business career such as:
- CEO
- CFO
- cost estimator
- financial advisor
- market research analyst
- operations research analyst
- financial analyst
- information systems managers
- sales managers
How long does it take to get a degree in business?
An associate's degree in a business field typically take students two years to complete. A bachelor's degree in a business field typically takes students four years to obtain the degree.
A master's degree program in a business subject and an MBA typically take one to two years to complete. A DBA program usually takes three to six years to complete. Some schools provide accelerated degrees which take significantly less time to complete. Schools have various guidelines on accepting transfer credit for a degree.
Though there are many specialization options, the same core curriculum is shared in business majors. Business core courses are taken at business schools within programs. Transfer students can often transfer in credits, which shortens the length of a program.
What do business degrees cost?
The cost of a business program varies depending on the college. One of the most inexpensive college degrees is with Middle Georgia State University. Their courses are $131 per credit hour. At 120 hours required for the degree program, tuition should equal around $15,720.
Is a business degree worth it?
Yes. Graduates of a bachelor's in business program earn an average of $2 million over their lifetime. This is true for graduates of a bachelor's degree program as well as on-campus. The best business degrees are from accredited colleges and universities.
More resources: