Business Programs at YSU WCBA

The
College Blog

Apply to YSU


Request More Information

Undergraduate Business Degrees

Generally speaking, a business degree refers to a bachelor’s degree in any area of business. Business is a rather large field that encompasses quite a few studies. Some majors are more general, like business administration, but you can choose a more specialized concentration, such as the marketing aspect of business studies. Regardless of what you’re looking for, YSU has plenty of options and we’ll help you break down the reasons why so many people are choosing to graduate with a business degree!

What business degrees are available?

Like many other majors, you could choose to pursue an associates, bachelors, and/or masters degree in your chosen business field. According to the College Board, The most common majors that fall under the business umbrella include accounting, finance, business management and/or administration, marketing, sales, and international business.

At Youngstown State, we have the Williamson College of Business Administration, and they offer all the previously listed degree programs (and plenty of other options too!).

BA versus BS in business:

With a business degree, you have the opportunity to graduate with either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in your chosen field. For example, each undergraduate program in the Williamson College of Business Administration is listed as being either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. The difference between the two generally has to do with the style of courses required by each major. A Bachelor of Arts program leans more into liberal arts and humanities courses, such as literature, history and social sciences. It’s commonly regarded as a more well-rounded degree, considering how many courses you could take that are not business-centric. Meanwhile, a Bachelor of Science program is aligned more with technical skills such as statistics, science and math courses. This degree path may be more specialized, so if you have your eyes set on a certain concentration (such as financial management or business economics), this might be the path for you.

What can I do with a business administration degree?

If you’re not entirely sure what business sector appeals to you, or you’d just rather obtain a more generalized degree, business administration might be for you! This major teaches students how to effectively manage an organization’s resources. Like other business degrees, this major focuses on coursework in accounting, finance, marketing, and general business administration, as well as project management, human resources, and organizational behavior. Since this degree is flexible and adaptable,  there are plenty of career options for someone choosing this major. A graduate of business administration may find themselves working in a variety of positions, and the job outlook for this position is expected to grow by as much as 14% by 2026.

Should I get my MBA?

Maybe you’re a recent graduate looking to continue your education, or someone in the workforce looking to advance their career. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an increasingly popular education choice, especially for those entering competitive job fields. It’s an excellent addition to an undergraduate business degree, or an opportunity for a career switch-up if you’re already in the workforce and looking to change career paths. If you’re interested in this route, be prepared- many schools require standardized test scores for admission to their program. Some schools may waive these requirements depending on previous work or education experience, but this is not always a guarantee.

Many students take up to two years to finish their MBA degree, but there are quite a few schools that offer full-time accelerated programs that can be completed in one year- YSU has this option with their online MBA programs. The coursework for this degree can vary depending on the school, type of MBA degree, or concentration you choose. However, most MBA programs will include classes that teach students about more in-depth business theory and application, as well as higher-level accounting, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, and business ethics.

Graduates of an MBA program can expect to make up to (and more than) double the salary of their peers who have a bachelor’s degree in business administration. While business school is an investment, it is one that undeniably pays off for many.

Still Curious About Business Programs at YSU WCBA?

Regardless of your reason behind pursuing a business major, there are plenty of resources to help you succeed- both in school and as a postgraduate exploring career options. If this field seems like it might be the right choice for you, feel free to check out the Williamson College of Business Administration. Here, you can check out business related student organizations, study abroad opportunities, further explore our list of majors, talk to current students, and get the inside scoop on internships and career opportunities!