Online Bachelor’s Degree in Management
Is a Management Degree for You?
Management bachelor's degrees are associated with careers in supervisory, management and executive positions. Management degree programs prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the professional world. This includes helping students develop strong leadership, organizational and communication skills. Management programs also train students how to work well on a team. The courses in management degree programs are designed to teach students the importance of forming and implementing successful and effective policies and procedures for businesses. Management professionals are essential to the success of any business or organization, so the employment outlook of management careers should continue to grow over the next several years.
Advice for Earning Your Management Degree Online
Because management plays such an essential role in the professional world, individuals with bachelor's degrees in management are regarded highly by potential employers. Employers recognize and appreciate the value of a management bachelor's degree because it fosters quick thinking, problem solving and strong interpersonal skills. Luckily, you can earn your management degree online. However, prospective students should research their schools' accreditation to make sure that the programs are being held to a strict educational standard. Employers tend to prefer employees who have graduated from accredited institutions.
Required Courses
Students entering a degree program in management should expect to take classes that focus on group work and team problem solving. Some example classes include accounting, economics, human resource management, operations management, statistics, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, strategy, sociology, fundamentals of human communication, group communication, ethics and logic. Students may also be required to fulfill a practical experience requirement, such as an internship. Internships place students directly in the professional world so that they can gain firsthand experience in management.
Common Career Paths
Some careers in management include (but are not limited to):
- Office Manager: Office managers provide support to their staff to encourage efficient and effective work. They plan and implement policies and strategies for the smooth functioning of an office or department. Office managers also ensure that companywide policies are maintained. They allocate work assignments with deadlines, ensuring that assignments are completed on time, and oversee other employees and their performances. Although specific requirements will likely vary based on the company, many employers require that office managers have a bachelor's degree in management or a closely related discipline, such as business administration. Office managers can be employed in a number of fields including accounting, marketing, advertising, IT, health care and sales.
- Management Analyst: Management analysts determine new ways to improve the structure, efficiency, profits and overall success of a business or organization. As the business world continues to evolve and become more complex, management analysts are needed to help businesses remain pertinent and competitive. Management analysts often work on a contractual basis and are hired to evaluate companies and propose changes. Many businesses hire management analysts when they experience rapid growth or downsizing in staff because it can be beneficial to have outside expert help assess the company during the transition. Although specific degree and hiring requirements will vary by company, many employers require that their employees have at least a bachelor's degree in business administration, management or a closely related discipline to be eligible for hire. Employment of management analysts is expected to increase 22 percent between 2010 and 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Their median annual salary was $78,160 in 2010.
- Operations Manager: Operations managers are responsible for planning, directing and coordinating the operations of companies and organizations. The job duties and responsibilities of operations managers include creating and implementing policies and procedures, managing the daily operations of the business or organization, and implementing the use of materials and human resources. Operations managers are needed in a number of industries and companies. Job duties will occasionally overlap with those of CEOs. Many employers require that operations managers have at least a bachelor's degree in business administration, liberal arts, management or a closely related field. Some employers may even require operations managers to possess a graduate degree in the field. The best job opportunities will likely be available to those who have the most education and work related experience in the field. The median annual salary of operations managers was $94,400 in 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.