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What is Small Business Management?

Small Business Administration and Small Business Management is a multidisciplinary field of study emphasizing running small-sized, privately held business entities.  Small Business Management can run the gambit from a convenience store to software development to hairdressers to electricians.  The studies behind Small Business Administration and Small Business Management prepare students for a variety of hats when being charged to operate and manage a small business.  In most cases, a small business manager will become proficient with a variety of business disciplines including: customer service, inventory management, finance, marketing, accounting, legal, research, information technology, human resources, training, recruiting, budgeting, forecasting, compensation, time management, payroll, sales, community outreach, and leadership.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Small Business Management Degree

As one of America’s top colleges and universities, Florida Southern College (FSC) is the oldest private college in Florida that was founded in 1883 as South Florida Institute.  Located in Lakeland, Florida, it offers a one-of-a-kind living and learning experience to more than 3,500 students as it remains committed to making a positive impact on society.

The small business management major at FSC’s Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise is a program that provides students the necessary technical knowledge and business skills to build a career in the field of business. Students are exposed to numerous real-world experiences that allow them to develop strong business skills and a deep understanding of how organizations, whether profit or non-profit run at every level. The program consists of courses in accounting, finance, marketing, management, ethics, law, and data analytics. The program also has three tracks namely Finance, International Business, and Management to suit students’ interests and professional goals. See more about the program and its tracks at flsouthern.edu.

Acceptance Rate

52.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

North Central College, established in 1861, is one of the best places for learning where bright minds collaborate and generate new ideas together to explore unlimited possibilities. Based in Naperville, Illinois, the college hosts more than 3,000 students engaged in over 65 undergraduate and graduate programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences.

North Central’s School of Business & Entrepreneurship offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management that involves the understanding of organizations and their crucial role in society. Throughout the program, students develop skills in organizational structure, data analysis, and supply chain management while having a deep understanding of the responsibilities of different kinds of organizations in promoting a more sustainable future. Students also can put their skills to the test by joining American Marketing Association (AMA) and Entrepreneurship and International Business Organization (EIBO) and competing with the leading organizations in the field. The school also offers a minor in Management with a minimum of 24 credit hours. For more details about the program, go to northcentralcollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

53.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

With nearly 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students on its campus in Peoria, Illinois, Bradley University is a private university that offers more than 185 academic programs.  It was established as Bradley Polytechnic Institute in 1897 specializing in the areas of business, education, communications, engineering, health sciences, fine arts, liberal arts and sciences, and technology.

The top rated small business management and leadership major at Bradley is a program that prepares students for a career in the business industry by developing their analytical, interpersonal, critical thinking, and decision-making skills needed to lead different kinds of organizations. The program consists of two concentrations: Human Resource Management and Business Law where they can explore human resource challenges and business structure, respectively. Students in the program take the required core courses such as Environments of Organizations, Operations Management in Organizations, Human Capital in Organizations, and Managerial Decision Making, as well as elective courses in business law, entrepreneurship, data analytics, and labor management. The program ends with a professional senior capstone project through partnerships with local businesses or non-profit organizations. Know more about the program at bradley.edu.

Acceptance Rate

70.21

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Saint Joseph's University (SJU) is a private Jesuit Catholic university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university, founded in 1851 as Saint Joseph's College, embraces personal excellence, career success, and engaged citizenship in order to prepare students for a lifelong commitment to public service. SJU is also one of the 27 Jesuit universities and colleges in the country.

Offered at the Haub School of Business at SJU, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Major is a program that introduces different business theories and concepts that can help students build the required skillset and tools in launching or managing a small business. The program is carefully structured into three levels to cover the specifics of business management. The first level, called the firm level, offers courses in financial planning, organizational change management, and handling and overcoming family conflict and other issues. The second level, called the industry level, helps students look into the value of resource allocation, innovation, and gaining competitive advantage. The last level, called the societal level, provides a comprehensive overview of a business in the context of the larger business environment as well as an in-depth understanding of various societal trends, issues, and challenges. Go to sju.edu to check the entire program curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

74.98

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The University of Scranton is a private Jesuit Catholic university in Scranton, Pennsylvania that provides transformative education rooted in the liberal arts. Founded as Saint Thomas College in 1888, the university hosts more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students engaged in the fields of arts and sciences, management, and professional studies.

The Bachelor of Science in Management at Scranton’s Department of Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship is a four-year program that prepares students for a successful career in managing different types of organizations. Students learn the fundamental concepts and theories of business as well as related disciplines such as accounting, economics,  management, statistics, marketing, and policy. The program consists of options to focus on the general study of management and to specialize in either People and Teams, and Structures and Systems tracks. By the end of the program, graduates are expected to lead groups of individuals, plan effective organization and project structures, analyze and solve business problems, and make ethical decisions. Visit scranton.edu to see the entire program curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

76.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Recognized as Wisconsin's pioneer college, Carroll University is a private liberal arts university located in Waukesha, Wisconsin that was chartered in 1846. The university has an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church and it offers more than 95 programs of study to more than 3,500 students in the areas of arts and sciences, health sciences, business, and education.

The Small Business Management and Leadership degreer at Carroll’s School of Business provides students a comprehensive overview of business and its role in our society. Students of the program are exposed to multiple opportunities that can help them gain real-world experiences by working on projects that support local businesses. The program prepares students to work in various organizations, whether small businesses, international companies, or non-profit organizations. The school also offers a Master of Business Administration in Business Management that allows professionals to select specific elective courses that suit their career interests. To learn more about the program, visit carrollu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

67.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) is a private, coeducational, doctoral-granting university research university based in Melbourne, Florida. Founded as Brevard Engineering College in 1958, the university offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees across four colleges that specialize in aeronautics, business engineering and science, and psychology and liberal arts.

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Florida Tech’s Bisk College of Business is a four-year program that prepares undergraduates for careers in different aspects of the business industry. The program gives a comprehensive view of business and it covers related disciplines such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, economics, information systems, organizational behavior, and management. Through practical applications and collaborations, students in the program gain a global perspective of launching businesses using the best and modern management strategies and practices. The college also offers a Fast Track BS/MBA program that enables students to finish two degrees in just five years. Inquire about the programs at fit.edu.

Acceptance Rate

65.75

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Baldwin Wallace University is a private liberal arts and sciences university in Berea, Ohio. It was established as Baldwin Institute in 1845 by the Methodist businessman John Baldwin. Baldwin Wallace currently accommodates nearly 3,000 students engaged in the fields of arts and sciences, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, education, business, and music.

Baldwin Wallace’s School of Business offers different programs in business such as accounting, data analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, management, and more. The Small Business anagement and Innovation degree is a comprehensive program that covers theoretical knowledge and experiential learning in the field of business management to give students the best practices, insights, and strategies that they can apply in their future careers. Students are exposed to basic and advanced business terms and concepts to enhance their understanding of the language of business. Their critical thinking, decision-making, and analytic skills are also developed as they evaluate data and produce business decisions and recommendations to improve the overall performance of the business. Go to bw.edu to view the entire program curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

72.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Offering a nationally-ranked, accessible education, the University of Michigan – Dearborn (UM-Dearborn) is a public research university in Dearborn, Michigan that is part of the University of Michigan System. The university serves nearly 9,000 students enrolled in 168 majors and minors, 60 certificate and graduate programs, and 6 doctoral programs in the fields of business, arts and sciences, engineering, and education.

The Small Business Management major at UM-Dearborn is a 4-year program that offers students a wide range of technical knowledge and business skills needed to prepare for starting and leading small and medium enterprises. Since small businesses have their unique opportunities and challenges, students in the program explore different business disciplines that form the fundamental processes of launching and managing a small business. The program consists of courses in Entrepreneurial Thinking and Behavior, Human Resource Policy, Sales Management and Personal Selling, and Intermediate Financial Accounting. There is also a concentration in Entrepreneurship that allows students to take courses like New Venture Planning and Entrepreneurial Processes, and Entrepreneurship, Corporate Entrepreneurship, and Society. Explore the program details at umdearborn.edu.

Acceptance Rate

61.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Rocky Mountain College (RMC) is a private liberal arts college based in Billings, Montana that offers more than 50 liberal arts and professional studies programs in 24 undergraduate disciplines. Since its founding in 1878 as the oldest college in the state, the college has been affiliated with the United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, and Presbyterian Church.

With three concentrations in accounting, management, and small business management, the Business Administration major at RMC is a four-year program that aims to provide individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful careers in the business industry. The Small Business Management Concentration provides a solid background in business and enhances students’ basic foundational skills that make them capable and prepared for the issues and challenges in the ever-changing business environment. Specifically, students under the concentration learn the basics in accounting, finance, marketing, economics, and management in order to assess the overall performance of the organization and to make effective and smart business decisions. Read more about the program curriculum at rocky.edu.

Acceptance Rate

59.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Carson-Newman (C-N) University is a nationally ranked private liberal arts university located in Jefferson, Tennessee. The university, founded in 1851 as Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary, is affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Today, C-N enrolls more than 2,700 students in over 50 undergraduate and 11 graduate programs.

The Department of Business at C-N offers an undergraduate Small Business Management degree program that provides students the required knowledge and skills for assuming positions related to business in various settings such as for-profit, non-profit, and governmental agencies. The program provides a good foundation for further studies and career advancement in the fields of entrepreneurship, government, law, and nonprofit organizations. Some of the courses in the program are Principles of Financial Accounting, Business Communications, The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business, Principles of Macroeconomics, Introduction to Financial Management, Operations Management, and Marketing Management. Inquire about the program at cn.edu.

Acceptance Rate

69.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Opened in 1899 as the Northern State Normal School, Northern Michigan University (NMU) is a four-year public university in Marquette, Michigan that hosts more than 7,600 undergraduate and graduate students. The university proudly offers nationally recognized academic programs, award-winning leadership programs, and cutting-edge technology initiatives that empower individuals to contribute to a better and more sustainable world.

With options of a bachelor’s degree and a minor, the Management program at NMU’s College of Business gives students a theoretical basis and practical applications of management that enhance their ability to think and evaluate managerial actions critically. Students of the program are exposed to different learning opportunities and hands-on experiences where they can apply the skills they acquired in handling complex organizations, operating efficiencies, and worker effectiveness. The Bachelor of Science in Management consists of business core courses like Principles of Accounting, Financial Management, Operations Management, and Organizational Behavior and Management, as well as management-specific courses like Quantitative Business Problem Solving, Human Resource Management, and Strategic Management. For the complete program description, visit nmu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

65.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Johnson & Wales University (JWU) is a private university with its main campus in Providence, Rhode Island, and another campus in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tracing its roots in 1914, the university started operating as a business school offering associate degrees in business administration and secretarial sciences. Today, the university specializes in different fields such as arts and sciences, culinary arts, engineering, health sciences, hospitality management, and online education. 

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at JWU is available on both Providence and Charlotte campuses as well as on its online platform. The program provides a balanced combination of required general education and business core courses and free electives to allow students to customize their program of study according to their interests and goals. Students learn about the levels of organizations that range from accounting, marketing, human resources, and organizational dynamics. Some of the courses in the program include Organizational Behavior, Strategic Management, Contemporary Business Management, Techniques in Sales Management, and Operations and Supply Chain Management. To check the entire program curriculum, go to jwu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

92.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Recognized as America’s most innovative institution of higher learning, Arizona State University (ASU) is a public comprehensive research university with campuses across Arizona. The university was founded as the Territorial Normal School in 1885 by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature. ASU grants bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees to more than 20,000 students yearly.

Offering to provide mastery in working with people and leading organizations, the Business Management major at ASU Eller College of Management prepares students in assuming managerial positions in both small and large organizations. The program is divided into two domains which makes it comprehensive yet extremely detailed. The first domain focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to work with people which includes hiring, training, and coordinating to build an effective communication framework within the organization. The second domain covers the foundational skills in becoming a manager of any type of organization that requires a strong strategy and decision-making skills. For additional information about the program, visit eller.arizona.edu.

Acceptance Rate

86.47

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Johnson & Wales University (JWU) - Charlotte is a private university and the only branch of JWU in the state. The campus was opened in 2004 with only 1,100 students engaged in business and hospitality programs. Today, over 1,400 students are enrolled in 39 degree programs centered in business, finance, culinary arts, health sciences, and education.

Offered at both Charlotte and Providence campuses as well as through online format, the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at JWU Charlotte prepares students for careers in the business industry. The program covers the core disciplines in business such as accounting, finance, information technology, economics, business law, marketing, and management. The curriculum also offers a lot of free elective courses where students can choose from disciplines within or outside the realm of business. Some of the courses included in the program are Managerial Accounting, Introduction to Business and Management, Career Management, Finance, The Legal Environment of Business, Organizational Dynamics, and Operations and Supply Chain Management. To see the complete overview of the program, go to jwu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

84.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

As one of the top Christian institutions of higher learning in the United States, Regent University is a private Christian university based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Founded in 1977 with a vision of “Christian Leadership to Change the World”, the university, initially named Christian Broadcasting Network University, has graduated more than 27,000 alumni through its traditional on-campus and online programs.

Regent’s Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in General Management is a four-year program that builds a strong foundation on the core business knowledge and skills needed to become leaders and innovators in the business industry. The program involves the study of a wide range of topics in business management which includes operations, management, and human resources. There are also courses in related disciplines such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, communications, and strategic management. By the end of the program, graduates are capable of making ethical decisions that are critical to the organization by applying the best practices, strategies, and concepts to improve the overall performance of the business. To view the entire program curriculum, visit regent.edu.

Acceptance Rate

85.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

47:1

Chartered in 1956 as Methodist College, Methodist University is a private coeducational liberal arts research university that is historically affiliated to the North Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The university, located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, serves more than 2,300 students in the fields of justice studies, education, communications, business administration, and social work.

The Bachelor of Science in Business Management at Methodist University’s Reeves School of Business prepares undergraduates for the basic knowledge and skills needed to start or run a successful business in modern times. Students can choose from several concentrations like Health Care Administration, PGA Golf Management, Professional Tennis Management, Resort, Club, and Hospitality Management, and Sport Management. The program covers different approaches leaders must take to improve their organization in the constant-changing global business environment and these include multi-firm networks, global strategies, and self-managing systems. The program curriculum consists of business foundational and professional core requirements such as Principles of Financial Accounting, Principles of Macroeconomics, Management and Organization, Business Law, and Principles of Marketing. Students may also take elective courses involving entrepreneurship, management information systems, employment law, and international business. More details about the program can be seen at methodist.edu.

Acceptance Rate

63.01

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Known as Nebraska's metropolitan university, the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) is a public research university that was established in 1908 as the University of Omaha by the Presbyterian Theological Seminary at Omaha. It is also recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a Community Engagement institution with a strong commitment to public engagement and outreach.

The Department of Management at UNO offers a Bachelor of Business Administration with concentrations in Organization Management, Supply Chain Management, and Human Resource Management. The Organization Management degree concentration focuses on building organizations through strategy and leadership and handling different aspects of business such as human, financial, information, and physical resources. The Supply Chain Management concentration, on the other hand, covers the supply chain functions in every organization which includes logistics, procurement, resource management, and the three crucial ingredients of sustainable supply chains. Lastly, the Human Resource Management concentration is ideal for individuals who want to pursue a career in helping an organization and its employees through talent acquisition, talent development, total rewards, employee and labor relations, and strategic and systemic human resource planning. Check the curriculum of each program concentration at unomaha.edu.

Acceptance Rate

83.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Located in Old Westbury, New York, the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Old Westbury is a public liberal arts college with over 5,000 students in the fields of arts and sciences, education, business, and professional studies. SUNY Old Westbury was chartered in 1968 making it the youngest member among the 64 institutions under the SUNY System.

With specializations in Management and General Business, the Business Administration program at SUNY Old Westbury is an undergraduate program that delivers management knowledge and practical, effective skills to individuals who want to pursue a career in the business industry. The management specialization helps students acquire the necessary business knowledge and skills to assume managerial roles in various organizations. The specific courses in the specialization include Human Resource Management and Leadership. The General Business specialization, on the other hand, covers the foundational concepts and theories in the different areas of business to develop students’ interpersonal skills. The courses specific to this specialization include Financial Markets and Institutions and Consumer Behavior. To know more about the program, go to oldwestbury.edu.

Acceptance Rate

77.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Established in 1992, Johnson & Wales University (JWU) - Florida is a private university in North Miami, Florida. It is the first branch of JWU outside Rhode Island that specializes in culinary education. The campus, serving more than 2,100 students, is now a center of higher education and community involvement within the state.

Acceptance Rate

87.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Founded as Buchtel College in 1870 by the Ohio Universalist Convention, the University of Akron (UA) is a public research university in Akron, Ohio that offers undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 19,000 students from all over the world. It is classified as a doctoral university with high research activity by the Carnegie foundation.

The Business Administration program at UA College of Business Administration is an undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers in the business industry. The program covers a broad foundation in business with the flexibility to choose courses that fit students’ areas of interests within the field of business which include accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, information systems, international business, management, marketing, and sales management. Students are well-prepared to assume positions in different business enterprises, whether small, large, profit, or non-profit. The program also prepares students for advanced studies in a specialized business field. Read more about the program at uakron.edu.

Acceptance Rate

73.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Hilbert College is a private Catholic, Franciscan, liberal arts college situated in Hamburg, New York. The college, founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Joseph (FSSJ) in 1957, was named after Mother Colette Hilbert, one of the founding members of FSSJ. With approximately 800 students, Hilbert grants undergraduate and master's degrees in the fields of business, communications, education, human services, and criminal justice.

The top ranked small business management major at Hilbert equips students with the core knowledge and skills to help them thrive in today’s competitive business industry. Through different learning opportunities, students in the program possess the critical knowledge and competencies needed to successfully manage businesses and these include organization, teamwork, motivation, leadership, networking, and ethical decision-making. Students also learn technical knowledge in related disciplines like accounting, marketing, finance, planning, business law, and information technology. More information about the program is available at hilbert.edu.

Acceptance Rate

92.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

As one of the best colleges in the United States, Union College is a private Seventh-day Adventist comprehensive college located in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was founded in 1891 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church to educate students from all faith backgrounds and inspire them to embrace leadership, scholarship, and service. Nearly 800 students engage in over 50 majors, minors, and concentrations offered in 28 diverse fields of study.

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Union College is a four-year program that offers several emphases in accounting, finance, management, marketing, science, and small business management. The Small Business Management emphasis gives students the knowledge and tools needed to start a small business or work in their family’s small business. Aside from the general education core requirements, the program curriculum consists of business core courses such as Principles of Accounting, Data Analysis Tools, Business Analytics, Business Ethics, Business Strategy, and Marketing. The specific courses for the emphasis are Federal Income Tax-Individual, Accounting Information Systems, Quality Management, Human Resource Management, Public Relations Principles, and Personal Finance. Explore the program details at ucollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

92.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

With nearly 18,000 students on its campus in Tiffin, Ohio, Tiffin University is a private university that aims to transform lives and communities through education by creating a learning environment that focuses on student growth and success. The college, established in 1888, offers innovative academic programs in the fields of arts and sciences, business, criminal justice, and social sciences.

The Management major at Tiffin University’s School of Business develops students’ problem solving, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills that will help them become leaders of today’s ever-changing global economy. The program consists of real resources and real engagement that can enhance students’ skills and competencies necessary for real-world results. There are also several concentrations for students to choose from and these are Human Resources Management, International Business, Managerial Studies, and Supply Chain Management. The core courses in the major include Managerial Accounting, Information Systems for Managers, and Organizational Behavior. For further details about each concentration, go to tiffin.edu.

Acceptance Rate

68.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Formerly called the Indiana – Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), Purdue University - Fort Wayne (PFW) is a public university located in the second-largest city in Indiana. It was founded in 1964 as IPFW and split into two campuses in 2018 as PFW and Indiana University - Fort Wayne. The campus serves more than 8,000 students engaged in the areas of engineering, visual and performing arts, business, music, education, many more. 

The Department of Management and Marketing at PFW offers a Small Business Management Certificate that is open to all students admitted to PFW. The program provides students a deep understanding of the business environment and enhances basic skills in order to help future business owners make sound decisions in their own business. Specifically, students develop an understanding of entrepreneurship, the basics of making business plans, marketing and financial information to add value to the plan, and available financing providers in starting a business. The program curriculum includes courses like Principles Of Business Administration, Foundations Of Accounting, Fundamentals of Economics, and Marketing For The Small Business. Check out the complete program description at pfw.edu.

Acceptance Rate

81.43

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Top Small Business Management Degrees

Degrees in small business management are specialized degrees within the business management domain.  You will find two primary paths to learn about small businesses at most colleges: direct degrees and indirect degrees.  A direct degree program is a series of classes assembled for the purpose of teaching specific skills for a specific trade area.  On the other hand, an indirect degree would be represented by a business administration or operations management degree.  Key, transferrable skills with be taught in the indirect degree programs but they are not as focused on small businesses in their curricular design.  To help you find the best degree in small business for you, we have assembled the most popular graduate and undergraduate program below.

Small Business Management Associate Degrees

Degrees at the associate level are typically designed to be two-year programs for full-time students. Students enrolled on a part-time basis can expect degree programs to take longer to complete.  On-site and online degrees in small business may be available from top colleges and universities listed below.   You can find degrees from colleges conferred as either an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) depending on the design of the degree track.  In both the AS and AA degree program, you should anticipate enrolling in a number of liberal arts classes such as creative writing, history, psychology, communications, sociology, and English composition in addition to core business courses.

The course design in a small business program will vary in minor ways from college to college; however, many classes with overlap regardless of your school of choice.  Below, we have curated a list of the most popular classes found in this degree track.

  • Accounting Principles
  • Microeconomics
  • Business Management
  • Macroeconomics
  • Business Mathematics
  • Financial Accounting
  • Marketing & Advertising
  • Business Communications
  • Computer Applications and CSM Programs
  • Supervisory Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Customer Service
  • Interpersonal Communications

Small Business Management Bachelor Degrees

Bachelor degrees in small business can be conferred as either a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).  Much like an associate’s degree, students will register for a number of general education courses in addition to business programs.  By blending both types of classes, students will develop an integrative set of holistic thinking skills.  Upper level classes you will study in this field include: finance, accounting, marketing, operations management, customer service, advertising, business statistics, economics, law, human resource management, financial management, information systems, and entrepreneurship.

Educational Requirements for Small Business Managers

In terms of educational requirements, Small Business Administration and Small Business Management degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Skills & Abilities Required for Managers

  • Speech Clarity
  • Oral Expression
  • Oral Comprehension
  • Speech Recognition
  • Written Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Instructing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Information & Management Specializations

For students that earn a college degree in Small Business Administration and Small Business Management, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue. The options range from management, marketing, advertising, finance, leadership, public relations, budgeting, recruiting, human resources, and sales training in the public or private domain to name a few possible career tracks.

Job Growth, Salary, and Related Management Fields

The job growth in the greater Small Business Administration and Small Business Management domain are well above average.  For example, the rate of job growth for human resource managers is expected to rise 9% through 2024 and for market research analyst 19% growth rate is expected during the same period.  Given the broad nature of the Small Business Administration and Small Business Management degree, compensation after graduation can vary greatly from career field to career field given prior experience and geographic location.  Related fields include teaching, research, marketing, advertising, and training.

Additional Small Business Manager Resources
  • Small Business Administration (SBA)
  • National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB)
  • National Small Business Administration (NSBA)
  • Entrepreneurs Organization (EO)
  • Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)

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