Bachelor's degrees in management provide solid job prospects

While a number of factors influence our choice of careers, salary and employment potential often top the list. If you're looking for lucrative work in a booming field, a degree in management may be just what you need.

Why choose management?

Management is a business-oriented discipline that prepares students for leadership positions. Managers oversee people and projects, often influencing hiring, compensation, policies, and budgeting. Because these skills are versatile, management degree holders can work in virtually any industry, which, in turn, offers tremendous job potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, management and technical consulting positions are expected to grow by an impressive 83 percent between 2008 and 2018, making this the fastest growing industry in the nation.

Popular careers for management degree holders

A management degree is versatile, but some careers are particularly well suited for those with this type of training. The following is a list of some of those occupations, including wage and outlook data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Advertising, marketing, and sales managers oversee their companies' marketing strategy, promotions, product development, and public relations activities. The BLS projects careers in this field will grow by 13 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is about as fast as average. Marketing and sales managers earned an average 2009 salary of $120,070 and $111,570 respectively.

Management analysts evaluate and find new ways to improve a company's structure, efficiency, and profit potential. Management analyst positions are expected to grow by 24 percent between 2008 and 2018--much faster than the national average. Management analysts earned an average annual salary of $84,650 in May, 2009.

Top executives set goals and objectives for an organization and ensure that they are met. The BLS projects minimal growth for this occupation between 2008 and 2018, noting that the field's prestige and high wages boosts overall job competition. Chief executives earned an average annual salary of $167,280 in May, 2009.

While a bachelor's degree in management is often sufficient training for entry-level positions, some employers prefer to hire workers with Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees, particularly within upper management positions. Many also prefer applicants with relevant, professional business certifications.

What to expect from a management degree program

A bachelor's degree in management will prepare you for entry-level supervisory work within an organization. Courses typically include the following:

• Communications
• Leadership
• Project management
• Ethics

While a bachelor's degree in management typically requires about four years of study, some accelerated programs require less.

Earn an online bachelor's degree in management

Management courses are particularly well suited for online learning. Earning your online bachelor's degree in management provides the freedom and flexibility you need to advance your career while managing other responsibilities, even full-time work. Some campus-based schools offer hybrid programs that combine online and in-class instruction.

Securing financial aid

A management degree is a worthwhile, but sometimes expensive investment. Many schools offer financial aid, including loans, grants, and scholarships. You can also contact your HR representative to find out if your employer offers any tuition assistance or reimbursement benefits.

Whatever specialty you choose, earning your bachelor's degree in management could be one of the best career investments you'll ever make. Research top management degree programs to get started!

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