Business administration is a complex field that encompasses a wide range of professions. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree can help individuals gain foundational knowledge about business administration that can benefit them as their career progresses. But what is a BSBA degree, and what makes it so foundational to a business professional’s success? 

The BSBA Degree at a Glance 

BSBA degree programs help individuals build their knowledge of how organizations operate on a daily basis, and how these operations need to be managed to achieve productivity and success. These programs typically take a multidisciplinary approach, with the curriculum commonly breaking down business operations by different functions, such as: 

• Accounting 

• Financial management 

• Marketing 

• Human resources 

• Information systems 

BSBA degree programs help individuals understand how each business function operates in isolation and as part of the broader organization. This helps individuals develop expertise in their chosen business area, and it can also help them determine the type of Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree they may wish to pursue down the road. 

The BSBA curriculum also covers topics such as economics, business law, business ethics, and international business. The curriculum may combine academic study with the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom within a controlled real-world business setting, including through an internship or a study-abroad program. 

Typical BSBA programs prepare individuals for professional business careers by helping them develop skills in areas such as management, leadership, critical thinking, and decision-making.  

Benefits of Earning a BSBA Degree 

Once an individual understands what a BSBA degree is, they may wonder how pursuing a BSBA degree can be beneficial. Fortunately, there are several professional and personal advantages an individual may gain by pursuing and earning a BSBA. 

More Job Opportunities 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment in business and financial occupations will grow at a faster than average rate between 2023 and 2033, with more than 960,000 job openings expected to be available each year. The BLS also notes most of these business and financial jobs commonly set a bachelor’s degree as the educational benchmark for pursuing them.  

Solid Earning Potential 

Several entry-level roles that BSBA degree holders may qualify for come with above-average salaries. The 2024 median annual salary for business and financial occupations was $80,920, which is higher than the median wage for all occupations, according to the BLS.  

A Wide Choice of Industries 

The tenants of business administration can be applied across numerous industries and sectors, from insurance and healthcare to manufacturing and finance. Earning a BSBA can provide individuals with the acumen needed to confidently pursue a career path in an industry that aligns with their personal interests. 

Networking Opportunities 

Pursuing a BSBA degree allows individuals to connect with like-minded peers, recruiters, and professors with field experience. As an individual’s post-degree career grows, they may be able to leverage these relationships to forge their own upward path.  

These networking opportunities can be found in both in-person and online programs, as online degree programs typically contain several technology-driven elements that promote community and collaboration among individuals, faculty, and other students. 

Preparation for Further Academic Growth 

A BSBA degree can be the essential steppingstone toward earning an advanced degree, such as an MBA. Earning an advanced degree can allow individuals to further grow their knowledge and skill set as they hone advanced competencies like leadership. 

What Are BSBA Degree Career Outcomes? 

Earning a BSBA can open the door to a wide range of business administration careers, each of which can make individuals key players within an organization. While some roles are industry-specific, others can be found in a broad range of industries. Examples of potential career outcomes for BSBA graduates include the following. 

Human Resources Specialist 

Human resources specialists help oversee an organization’s employee experience. They typically take an active role in the recruiting, training, and onboarding of new employees. They also administer elements of a workforce’s compensation, such as overseeing company payroll or monitoring employee benefits programs.  

The median annual salary for human resources specialists is $72,910 as of May 2024, according to the BLS. 

Marketing Specialist 

Marketing specialists help coordinate strategic marketing campaigns for products or services. They can collaborate with other marketing professionals to gather data to identify target audiences and monitor the effectiveness of campaigns. They may also be tasked with overseeing a company’s social media platforms.  

The median annual salary for marketing specialists is approximately $59,000 as of June 2025, according to Payscale. 

Investment Analyst 

Investment analysts work with individuals and organizations to guide them toward investment opportunities that may optimize their portfolio’s profitability. They use research analysis and financial models to identify market trends and behaviors. They then use this information to determine individualized investment strategies that align with an individual’s or company’s specific financial goals.  

The median annual salary for financial analysts, including investment analysts, is $101,910 as of May 2024, according to the BLS. 

Learn More About SEMO Online’s BSBA Degree 

What is a BSBA degree? It’s a pathway to opportunity. By earning a BSBA, individuals can cultivate the knowledge and skills needed to confidently handle key duties and business decisions from the moment they enter the workforce.  

The SEMO Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program can help prepare you for a rewarding career in the ever-changing business world. Our flexible online program allows you to conveniently develop your business acumen around your busy schedule, so you don’t have to sacrifice a healthy work-life balance or your current role as you pursue your studies. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with experienced faculty to concentrate your studies on a key business topic such as accounting, business management, business analytics or healthcare administration.  

SEMO Online also offers an MBA degree program, and there are a number of business programs offered at the Southeast Missouri State University campuses in the Cape Girardeau area.  

Discover how SEMO Online can help you design your own blueprint for success.