Discover the benefits and career paths of a business management major

So, what is a business management major?

So you're thinking about majoring in business management? If you're curious about how companies work, love organizing people and projects, or dream about running your own business someday, this major might be your perfect fit. Let’s break it down and help you figure out if this path is right for you.

Business management vs. business administration: What’s the difference?

These two majors often get mixed up—and for good reason. Both focus on business operations, but a business management major typically emphasizes leadership, people skills, and team management. On the other hand, business administration leans more toward technical processes, finance, and operational systems. If you’re more interested in leading a team than crunching spreadsheets, business management might be your vibe.

Common courses and specializations for business management majors

As a management major, you'll dive into subjects like:

• Organizational behavior
• Leadership and team dynamics
• Business ethics and strategy
• Marketing and communications
• Entrepreneurship

You can also specialize in areas like supply chain management, human resources, or international business. These specializations help you tailor your degree to the kind of business career you want to pursue.

Internships and real-world projects

This major is all about experience. Many programs require internships or senior projects where you’ll tackle real-world business problems. Think managing a team for a class startup or working with a local company to improve its customer service. These experiences can build your résumé and give you a serious edge after graduation.

Leadership and soft-skills development

Sure, you’ll learn the technical stuff. But business management majors also focus heavily on communication, emotional intelligence, decision-making, and time management. These “soft” skills are seriously valued in the workplace—and they’ll help you in just about any career.

Common double majors and minors

Business management pairs well with a lot of other fields. Popular combos include:

• Marketing
• Psychology
• Communications
• Finance
• Economics

Minors like data analytics or sustainability can also boost your business savvy and help you stand out to employers.

Career paths for business management majors

A management degree opens a ton of doors. You might go into:

• Project management
• Operations management
• Human resources
• Marketing
• Sales and account management
• Entrepreneurship

Some grads head to grad school for MBAs or specialized master’s degrees. Others jump right into corporate, nonprofit, or startup roles.

Salary potential with a business management degree

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, management occupations had a median annual wage of over $100,000. Of course, salaries vary depending on industry, location, and experience—but overall, a business management major can lead to high-paying roles over time.

Is business management right for me?

If you’re the kind of person who loves organizing, leading, and solving problems, this major could be a great fit. Ask yourself:

• Do I like working with people?
• Am I comfortable taking charge of group projects?
• Do I enjoy solving business-related challenges?

If you said yes to most of those, you’re on the right track.

Notable schools for business management majors

While lots of schools offer strong business programs, these stand out for their business management offerings:

• University of Michigan – Ross School of Business
• Indiana University – Kelley School of Business
• Babson College
• University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business
• University of Southern California – Marshall School of Business

To explore more schools, check out Scout College Search.