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Learn the skills you need to become a great business leader. From taking individual courses to earning a full business administration degree, edX offers a variety of educational opportunities to advance your career today.
What is business administration?
Business administration encompasses the entire management of a company. Professionals in charge of business administration are key decision makers on everything from day-to-day operations to organizational structure to financial management. They are tasked with monitoring performance and ensuring that the company stays aligned with its vision and mission, while hitting its goals.
Whether they are starting out as a new entrepreneur or they are stepping into a leadership role at an existing company, professionals in this field can expect to perform a range of activities such as planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and budgeting. They may have to coordinate across departments, ensuring the effective management of resources, such as people, money, materials, technology and information. And they must be able to respond to shifting business landscapes. In today's business environment, these professionals must make critical decisions about how to keep a company's information systems up to date and secure, and how to lead companies through changes that result from evolving technology.
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Why study business administration?
Businesses and organizations need strong leadership and management to achieve their goals and objectives. A strong management team can ensure that resources are utilized efficiently and effectively, and that policies, procedures and strategies are in place to help organizations stay competitive and profitable. These leaders aren’t just looking for the next big business opportunity; they're also helping to create a positive working environment and encouraging collaboration and cohesion between employees.
Studying this field through a full master’s in business administration program can provide a comprehensive overview of the many different principles and practices needed to manage a business and its operations. Business leaders may need more technical skills related to topics such as accounting, finance, data analytics, and information technology. But they also need practice in somewhat softer skills related to management and leadership, such as communication and development of employees. By studying business administration through degree programs or individual courses, you can gain an understanding of how to run all aspects of a business successfully.
Business administration course curriculum
Business administration courses can cover a variety of topics focused on very different, but also complementary skills and subjects. Topics that may be included in an online business administration degree program include:
Leadership
Strategic management and decision-making
Business ethics
Accounting
Finance
Statistics
Operations and supply chain management
Marketing management
Business law
Full programs may also allow learners to declare a concentration in a specific area of study, providing more specialized coursework on topics such as data analysis or entrepreneurship. But learners who aren’t interested in pursuing a degree may find that an individual online business administration course covers the specific subject that meets their educational needs.
edX offers a variety of learning pathways, including bachelor’s degree programs, master’s degree programs, and boot camps. Explore the different opportunities to find which one is right for you.
Explore business administration jobs
Whether you are interested in becoming a manager for the first time or trying to make the leap into the executive suite, studying business administration can prepare you for a range of jobs in the field. Professionals with business administration backgrounds may pursue roles including, but not limited to:
Business manager
Human resources manager
Business analyst
Financial analyst
Project manager
Marketing manager
Operations manager
Sales manager
Consultant
Entrepreneur
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Many of these roles may require more specialized expertise that can be acquired through focused learning. Additionally, the educational and skills requirements for each of these roles can vary greatly depending on the employer. Some employers may seek out individuals with master’s degrees, while other roles may be attainable with knowledge gained through a business administration course online.
Online learning can be a convenient alternative to traditional on-campus instruction. edX makes it easy to explore a variety of available online courses related to the business field. You can sign up for a product management online boot camp, earn a bachelor’s degree in business online, or enroll in an online master’s in business administration program. Find the learning pathway that best suits your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to complete a business administration course?
The duration of a business administration course can vary significantly, depending on the course and its specific topic. Many online courses are self-paced, giving you flexibility to balance the coursework with a full-time job schedule and other life commitments. An individual course can take weeks or months, while a full degree can take multiple years to complete.
Is business administration hard to learn?
Business administration encompasses many different topics, so the difficulty can depend on the topic. For example, some learners may find that more technical topics related to accounting and finance are challenging. However, with dedication and consistent studying you can master the skills you need to be an effective business manager.
What does business administration include?
Business administration encompasses all of the elements of operating a business. This includes finance, accounting, marketing, business ethics, communication, entrepreneurship, and management theory.
What is the difference between business administration and business management?
Business administration encompasses business management, as well as business leadership. Business administration essentially focuses on all aspects of running a business, which can include developing overarching strategy and goals. Business management can more specifically focus on execution of strategy through the management of resources.
Can I learn business administration online?
Yes. edX offers a variety of online business degrees, courses, and boot camps for learners at every level.
Does business administration require math?
Mathematical skills can be important for many different aspects of business administration including accounting, finance, marketing, and data analysis. Even if you are not performing these specific functions, you may be required to understand and interpret the math behind them.
