If you’re interested in a career in business, your first stop may be a degree in business administration or management. But which should you choose?

While they sound similar, these two degrees are quite different. Think about how studying biology vs. chemistry prepares you for different professions, even though they’re both considered “science.” While administration and management are both “business,” they prepare students for distinct roles in the business world.

Read on for our simple breakdown of business administration vs. business management.  

What is Business Administration?

Business administration is a broad field focusing on behind-the-scenes business operations. This profession involves ensuring an organization’s efficiency and profitability. A business administration degree can help support career opportunities, such as:¹

• Finance – With a business administration degree, you can get a job in finance. It involves managing a company’s money, investments, and assets. Possible roles include financial planner, financial analyst, loan officer, and auditor.²
• Marketing – Marketing involves promoting and selling products, as well as retaining customers. Marketing encompasses social media managers, marketing analysts, marketing specialists, digital marketers, and copywriters.
• Human resources – Also called personnel, human resources is often responsible for the hiring, training, and administration of staff. Potential jobs include HR manager, recruiter, and employee relations specialist.
• Consulting – Consultants provide advice and recommendations to businesses in areas like finance, strategic management, sales, operations, law, security, and more.
• Information Technology (IT) – Technology plays a larger and larger role in today’s business administration, such as digital information systems or data retrieval. That’s why the Master’s of Business Administration at Alliant University combines business and technology into a STEM program, providing students with the tech experience, business management skills, and advanced analytics tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital corporate world.

If you’re trying to figure out how to choose an online MBA program, consider factors like flexibility, curriculum, and accreditation. Explore our Master’s of Business Administration today, or reach even higher career potential with a Doctorate of Business Administration. The Alliant DBA program can be completed either online or in person in as little as three years.

What is Business Management?

Business management is a more front-facing career. It focuses on leading teams and managing staff, helping a company stay on track and achieve its goals through a hands-on role in everyday operations.

There are a number of specializations to choose from in business management, such as:

• Advertising 
• Finance
• Sales
• Compensation and benefits
• Operations research
• Administrative services

A graduate often aims for a management position in these fields, applying their leadership skills to drive organizational success. To help prepare students for these roles, some critical skills taught in a business management program include leadership, team management, business communication, and project management.

Key Differences Between Business Administration and Management

Despite areas of overlap, business administration and business management have important differences that align with particular career goals and leadership styles. Whereas administration focuses on high-level operational and strategic oversight, management is more engaged in on-site personnel and organizational leadership.

Let’s expand on two key ways these professions differ.  

Scope of Responsibilities

Business administration is a more overarching field—administrators oversee and direct organizational policies and procedures. As such, administrators enjoy helping a company run smoothly, even if they’re not involved in day-to-day details.

A business manager, on the other hand, often focuses on one particular area (finance, advertising, operations, etc.). Managers are also more focused on team performance and day-to-day operations, often working one-on-one with staff. For these reasons, business and operations management require a higher level of specialization, but a more limited scope.

Coursework

Degrees in business administration vs. management entail specific coursework requirements. For instance, future administrators take business strategy or data analytics. Business management programs usually teach leadership theory.  

If you’re on the fence between business administration vs. management, comparing their course loads can provide insight into which fields sound more interesting and well-suited to your strengths. If you’re also wondering how long does a business degree take, it typically ranges from three to four years for a bachelor’s degree, depending on the program and study pace.

Which Degree Should You Choose?

Now that you understand the differences between business administration and management, it’s time to make a decision. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What are my career goals?
• Am I passionate about team leadership?
• Do I prefer strategy to daily operations?

If you have a natural leadership style, enjoy working closely with a team, and are interested in a professional specialization, then business management may be the way to go, as it can prepare you for a leadership role. However, if leadership is not your strong suit and you’d prefer to oversee various types of business operations, then business administration is likely the better choice.

Start Your Business Career on the Right Path at Alliant International University 

At Alliant International University, our graduate programs in Business prepare students with hands-on experience, global outlooks, and practical training for future careers in business.

Get started with an MBA that combines business and technology into a dynamic, diverse degree. Our Master’s in Business Administration incorporates technical, quantitative, and strategic modalities from day one. Choose a track like Marketing and Digital Trends or Information Systems and Technology, or build your own unique concentration.

Alternatively, you can take the next step as a doctoral candidate in business administration. Featuring three degree specializations, dissertation development, and experiential practical training, our accredited DBA program is dedicated to providing real-world preparation for executive-level administrative careers.

Apply or request information from Alliant today.

Sources: 

1. “How an MBA could change your future.” BBC. https://www.bbc.com/storyworks/capital/fulfil-your-potential/shape-your-career. Accessed October 13, 2024.
2. Matt Whittle. “Why Pursue A Career In Finance? And What To Consider Before You Start.” March 28, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/business-and-marketing/careers-in-finance/. Accessed October 13, 2024. 

The content of this page is only for informational purposes and is not intended, expressly or by implication, as a guarantee of employment or salary, which vary based on many factors including but not limited to education, credentials, and experience. Alliant International University explicitly makes no representations or guarantees about the accuracy of the information provided by any prospective employer or any other website. Salary information available on the internet may not reflect the typical experience of Alliant graduates. Alliant does not guarantee that any graduate will be placed with a particular employer or in any specific employment position.