What can you do with a business degree?
A business degree could take you just about anywhere. Whether you’re interested in starting your own company, working in finance, helping organizations market their products or exploring new fields like artificial intelligence and sustainability, the possibilities are wide open. Because nearly all business and finance careers require at least a bachelor’s degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, studying business prepares you to pursue roles in these areas and meet job requirements. You’ll gain the skills to pursue diverse career paths across industries and adapt to future opportunities.
A business degree is one of the most versatile credentials you could earn, emphasizes experts from the W.P. Cary School of Business. You’ll graduate equipped to understand how organizations work, how decisions are made and how to drive results — whether you pursue roles in agribusiness, accounting, economics, information systems, finance, management, marketing, supply chain, artificial intelligence in business, health care, consulting or entrepreneurship.
What will you learn in a business program?
In a business program, you may engage in core areas such as management, finance, marketing, economics and business law. Along the way, you may also learn how to lead teams, manage budgets and sharpen your ability to analyze data to solve problems and think critically. You’ll graduate with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics, decision-making processes and how to deliver impactful results.
The versatile strengths you’ll develop will also help position yourself as a leader no matter your path and how it could shift. Advisors at the W.P. Carey School of Business shared that the flexibility of a business education empowers you to pivot as industries evolve and new opportunities emerge.
What do you need to know about becoming a business major?
Exploration is part of the journey, expresses W.P. Cary. The business school has built intentional opportunities to help you discover where you fit.
As a first-year student at ASU, you’ll take WPC 150, a course designed to introduce all business disciplines. This course exposes you to what each major entails, how the disciplines connect in practice and the types of career opportunities in each area.
To further support undergraduates throughout their experience, the Career Navigation course series ensures future business professionals progressively build job skills — from early self-discovery and industry exploration to professional branding, networking and even job search preparation. These two experiences help you make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
You’re also set up to succeed if you have genuine love of learning. This can mean exploring new ideas, connecting with new people or discovering how small insights can drive big decisions, explains the school. Understanding how to position yourself at the intersection of people skills and problem-solving is just as important. Your growth in the program will position you as someone who can build strong relationships and make sense of complex challenges.
Discover what the best fit is for you
Wherever your interests lie, a business degree can be the stepping stone toward launching a rewarding career and reaching your goals. See which online bachelor’s degrees and concentrations, as well as related jobs, match what you want for your future.
17 types of business degrees and the jobs they lead to
ASU, through the W. P. Carey School of Business, offers 14 online business degree concentrations and three additional business bachelor’s degrees. Here’s a snapshot of the various programs and the opportunities they can lead to, including the median pay and job outlook according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Business administration
Equips you with broad business knowledge and practical skills in leadership, strategy and operations, preparing you to manage teams and contribute to organizational success across various industries.
- Labor relations specialists: Manage the relationship between employers and employees, particularly in unionized environments.
- $93,500
- No projected growth
- Administrative services and facilities managers: Oversee the support operations of an organization to ensure efficiency and safety.
- $106,880
- Projected 4% growth (As fast as average)
Communication
Combines business principles with advanced communication skills. You’ll be equipped to streamline workplace communication and thoughtfully shape messages to support organizational success across a variety of industries.
- Public relations specialists: Shape and maintain a positive public image for organizations by managing communication between the organization and its audience.
- $69,780
- Projected 5% growth (Faster than average)
- Marketing managers: Create and implement plans that increase customer interest and boost sales. They use insights from market trends to guide their teams in promoting the brand effectively.
- $159,660
- Projected 6% growth (Faster than average)
Corporate accounting
Merges a robust foundation in general business with specialized managerial accounting coursework focused on corporate environments. You’ll develop accounting expertise and business leadership skills.
- Budget analysts: Support organizations by managing finances, analyzing financial data and providing insights to guide spending decisions.
- $87,930
- Projected 1% growth (Slower than average)
- Financial analysts: Evaluate financial data to help businesses and individuals make informed investment and budgeting decisions.
- $101,910
- Projected 6% growth (Faster than average)
- Financial managers: Analyze financial data to support decision-making and ensure the company stays on track with its goals and regulatory requirements.
- $161,700
- Projected 15% growth (Much faster than average)
Financial planning
Enables students to conduct comprehensive evaluations of individual clients’ financial situations and goals, including personal finance, investment strategy, estate planning, tax planning and insurance needs.
- Personal financial advisors: Create personalized financial plans to help clients meet both short-term needs and long-term financial goals.
- $102,140
- Projected 10% growth (Much faster than average)
Food industry management
Prepares you for leadership roles in the ever-changing food industry with a well-rounded foundation in business. You’ll learn how companies deliver and process food while maintaining safety standards.
- Food service managers: Run the daily operations of a restaurant or other establishments that serve food and beverages.
- $65,310
- Projected 6% growth (Faster than average)
- Agricultural and food scientists: Improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural and food establishments and products.
- $78,770
- Projected 6% growth (Faster than average)
Global leadership
Provides a strong foundation in business, leadership and the global perspective necessary to thrive in international settings. You’ll learn how to effectively manage diverse teams, navigate cross-cultural challenges and make strategic decisions in a global business environment.
- Top executives: Oversee the overall operations and strategic direction of a business or organization.
- $105,350
- Projected 4% growth (As fast as average)
Global logistics management
Engages you in topics such as strategic thinking, analysis, communication and leadership while teaching you to develop solutions for evolving business challenges.
- Logisticians: Analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain.
- $80,880
- Projected 17% growth (Much faster than average)
- Transportation, storage and distribution managers: Oversee and coordinate the efficient movement of people and goods.
- $102,010
- Projected 6% growth (Faster than average)
Human resources
Prepares you for HR careers by covering the whole employment cycle, from hiring to off-boarding.
- Human resources specialists: Manage the recruitment of job candidates, from screening to interviewing. They may also oversee areas such as compensation and benefits, employee training and workplace relations.
- $72,910
- Projected 6% growth (Faster than average)
- Human resources managers: Plan, coordinate and direct the administrative functions of an organization.
- $140,030
- Projected 5% growth (Faster than average)
- Training and development managers: Design, organize and oversee training and development programs to improve employees' skills and knowledge.
- $127,090
- Projected 6% growth (Faster than average)
Information security
Teaches you how to address cyberthreats and reduce security risks in business operations and transactions.
- Network and computer systems administrators: Manage and maintain an organization’s computer networks and systems.
- $96,800
- Projected 4% decline
- Information security analysts: Protect an organization’s computer systems and networks by monitoring for security breaches and overseeing the implementation of safeguards to protect the company.
- $124,910
- Projected 29% growth (Much faster than average)
Law
Provides a well-rounded blend of business and legal knowledge. You’ll learn how to bring valuable insight to legal issues that emerge in business environments.
- Paralegals: Support lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files and assisting in trial preparation.
- $61,010
- No projected growth
- Compliance officers: Ensure that organizations and people follow legal and regulatory requirements.
- $78,420
- Projected 3% growth (As fast as average)
Retail management
Centers on designing smooth and effective customer experiences in retail settings at local, national and global levels. You’ll study the strategies behind thriving retail operations, develop leadership skills, boost sales performance and respond to changing market trends.
- Purchasing managers: Buy products and services to support the operations of businesses, while overseeing the work of buyers and purchasing agents.
- $79,830
- Projected 5% growth (Faster than average)
- Sales managers: Lead a team of sales representatives, set sales goals, analyze performance data and develop strategies to drive revenue. They also recruit, train and motivate staff to meet or exceed sales targets.
- $138,060
- Projected 5% growth (Faster than average)
Sports business
Gives you the foundation to pursue a dynamic career in the sports industry. Coursework emphasizes the business and management aspects of sports, preparing you to work with leagues, college athletics, media, venues, retailers and other key sectors.
- Coaches and scouts: Teach amateur or professional athletes the skills they need to succeed at their sport. Scouts evaluate athletes as possible recruits.
- $45,920
- Projected 6% growth (Faster than average)
Sustainability
Combines a core business curriculum with courses in sustainability. You’ll learn how to balance the strengths of businesses with the needs of the environment and find ways to benefit both.
- Environmental specialists: Conduct and investigate the impacts of businesses on the environment and human health.
- $80,060
- Projected 4% growth (As fast as average)
- Management analysts: Recommend ways a business can improve its efficiency and sustainability.
- $101,190
- Projected 9% growth (Much faster than average)
Tourism
Connects foundational business expertise, such as management and marketing, with necessary knowledge of the tourism industry. You’ll gain an understanding of tourism marketing techniques and learn how to effectively interact with many different businesses.
- Travel agents: Guide customers as they plan and book vacations, from lodging and travel to excursions and entertainment.
- $48,450
- Projected 2% growth (Slower than average)
- Meeting, convention and event planners: Coordinate all aspects of professional meetings, parties and special events.
- $59,440
- Projected 5% growth (Faster than average)
Applied business and technology solutions
Builds business skills across multiple areas and customizes your education by offering two specializations in 15 different focus areas. This blend of broad-based training and applied experience prepares you for business and technology-oriented roles in a wide variety of industries.
- Operations research analysts: Use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help organizations solve problems and make better decisions.
- $91,290
- Projected 21% growth (Much faster than average)
- Project management specialists: Manage all aspects of a project’s execution, keeping teams aligned and communicating regularly with stakeholders to ensure smooth progress and successful outcomes.
- $100,750
- Projected 6% growth (Faster than average)
Artificial intelligence in business
Teaches you how to recognize where AI can be effectively applied, develop systems that align with business goals and enhance overall efficiency. With an emphasis on responsible and human-centered AI, you'll be prepared to lead innovation, support strategic decision-making and create meaningful value in the digital age.
- Computer and information research scientists: Design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.
- $140,910
- Projected 20% growth (Much faster than average)
- Computer and information systems managers: Plan, coordinate and direct computer-related activities in an organization.
- $171,200
- Projected 15% growth (Much faster than average)
Business data analytics
Supports your development of technical and organizational skills required for managing big-data initiatives. You’ll learn how to gather, cleanse, integrate and model data, turning raw information into actionable insights.
- Market research analysts: Guide decision-making and help companies position their products effectively in the marketplace.
- $76,950
- Projected 7% growth (Much faster than average)
- Data scientists: Analyze large sets of data to uncover patterns, trends and insights that help organizations make informed decisions.
- $112,590
- Projected 34% growth (Much faster than average)
Launch your career with a top-ranked business degree
As ASU, you can explore multiple programs that can align with your interests — as well as feel confident that you’re getting a quality education from a top-tier university. Notably, ASU has been ranked as No. 2 for best online bachelor’s in business programs, according to the U.S. News & World Report, 2025.
What program is the most interdisciplinary? The school highlights the Bachelor of Arts in applied business and technology solutions for gaining a broad, flexible foundation and the ability to create two customized mini-majors by selecting courses from across the university. As a program without a heavy math emphasis, calculus is not a requirement, so you’ll focus on practical business applications. Courses introduce all core business disciplines, including data analytics — an area essential to learn for succeeding as a business professional.
Learn more about ASU’s online business degrees and invest in your future with versatile, practical and foundational business skills.
