Thinking about a business major? Here's what you should know

Key takeaways about a business major

• A business major offers broad career flexibility and real-world skills.
• Common specializations include marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship.
• Business majors develop leadership, analytical, and communication skills.
• Jobs with a business degree range from consultant to product manager.
• Salaries vary but often trend higher than the national average.

What is a business major?

Think of a business major as your all-access pass to the world of how things get done—how companies grow, products launch, teams lead, and money moves. If you’ve ever been curious about what it takes to run a company, start your own brand, or manage a budget like a pro, a business major might be your move.

This major is one of the most versatile out there, and it's popular for a reason. Business majors study everything from management and finance to ethics and innovation. It’s a great pick for students who want a solid career foundation and room to explore different industries.

What are some common business courses and specializations?

When you major in business, your course load will give you both a wide lens and a sharp focus. You’ll take foundational classes like:

• Principles of management
• Micro- and macroeconomics
• Financial and managerial accounting
• Business law and ethics
• Organizational behavior
• Data analytics

Then you’ll usually choose a specialization (also called a concentration) to dive deeper into a specific area. Some popular specializations for business majors include:

• Marketing: Branding, consumer behavior, and digital strategy
• Finance: Investments, banking, and financial planning
• Entrepreneurship: Starting and scaling businesses
• Accounting: Auditing, taxation, and financial reporting
• International business: Global markets, trade, and cultural dynamics
• Business administration: A broad overview of how businesses run day to day

What skills will I build as a business major?

This major doesn’t just teach you the “what”—it trains you in the how. You’ll graduate with skills like:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Leadership and project management
• Public speaking and professional communication
• Data interpretation and decision-making
• Financial literacy

Is a business major right for me?

Let’s be real: Not everyone thrives in every major. So how do you know if business is a good fit? Ask yourself:

• Do I like working with people, solving problems, or leading a team?
• Am I curious about how companies succeed or how products make it to market?
• Do I want a major with flexibility and strong job prospects?
• Am I comfortable with numbers and strategic thinking?

If that’s sounding like you, you’re probably in the right place. Even better—business majors often double up with other areas to make your education even more tailored.

Top double majors and minors for business students

Pairing business with another major or minor is a great way to stand out. Here are some popular combos:

• Economics: Adds theory and research chops
• Communications: Strengthens your storytelling and branding abilities
• Computer science: Supercharges your tech and analytics skill set
• Psychology: Deepens your understanding of consumers and leadership
• Public health: Useful if you're interested in nonprofit or health management

Looking for colleges that offer strong programs in these areas? Try Scout College Search to look for colleges by major.

What can I do with a business degree?

One of the best things about a business degree? The job options. You’ll be ready to jump into fields like:

• Marketing: Social media manager, brand strategist, marketing analyst
• Finance: Investment banker, financial analyst, risk manager
• Operations: Supply chain analyst, operations coordinator
• Consulting: Business consultant, management analyst
• Human resources: HR specialist, recruiter, talent development coordinator
• Entrepreneurship: Startup founder, business coach, product developer

What kind of salary can I expect?

Let’s talk real numbers. Salary can vary based on your role, industry, and location—but business majors often earn above-average incomes.

Here are a few median salary estimates:

• Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers: $159,660
• Financial analyst: $101,910
• HR manager: $140,030
• Market research analyst: $76,950
• Operations manager: ~$100,000
• Project management specialist: $100,750
  
  

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2025

Notable schools with strong business programs

Looking for colleges known for their business programs? Here are a few names that often come up in rankings:

• University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School)
• University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)
• New York University (Stern)
• Indiana University (Kelley)
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)
• University of Southern California (Marshall School)

Use Scout College Search to find business schools and sort by cost, location, and more.

A business degrees is a big  investment—but there are ways to make it more affordable. Be sure to file the FAFSA^®  each year to qualify for federal financial aid—including state, federal and college grants which you don't have to pay back.

Scholarships are also a great way to cover your education costs. Check out scholarships for business majors, apply for our easy $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, and use Scholly Scholarships to match with opportunities based on your skills and interests. 

You’ve got this—and Sallie’s here to help every step of the way.