If you’re going to college or university, you’re probably seeking a major that will set you up for the future. Many students go for a business major because of how versatile it is — business skills can apply in nearly any work environment! But why is majoring in business a smart choice for the future?
Put simply: majoring in business equips you with skills that employers across every industry value. Whether your plan is to launch your own startup or work in a completely different industry in a business role, a business major will give you a strong foundation and plenty of options.
Today, we're exploring the many reasons a business major might be the right major for you. We'll start with an overview of the most popular business courses and majors, get into the skills you’ll learn in business school, talk about career opportunities and job roles for graduates, and explore the future of business. Let’s get started.
Highlights
The main areas of focus for students majoring in business include accounting, finance, management, economics, marketing, human resources, international business, entrepreneurship, operations & supply chain management, and information systems.
Business majors can expect to learn business skills like financial literacy, data analysis, project management, communication, leadership, problem-solving, or strategic thinking.
On top of business skills, business majors should familiarize themselves with the tools and technologies that businesses use.
Some of the most lucrative career opportunities for business majors include jobs in finance and banking, marketing and advertising, management and entrepreneurship, and International business and supply chain.
Some trends shaping the future of business include data analytics and AI, automation and robotics, and cybersecurity.
What are the Different Business Majors?
Students majoring in business will get a complete overview of how businesses operate through their studies. This means learning a bit about numbers, people, strategy, technology, etc. But most business majors will also have an area of emphasis or minor where they focus their learning. Some of the business majors or areas of emphasis are:
Accounting: Accounting majors learn about financial reporting, auditing, and how to help organizations manage their finances responsibly.
Finance: Finance majors will get a deeper understanding of investments, banking, and strategies to grow and manage wealth.
Marketing: Marketing majors might learn about consumer behavior, branding, advertising, and marketing trends.
Management: Management majors will develop the leadership and organizational skills they’ll need to oversee teams, projects, or companies.
Human Resources (HR): Human Resources majors are prepared to work with people, whether it's in recruitment, training, or workplace culture development.
International Business: Students who major in International Business will examine global trade, cross-cultural communication, and strategies for multinational companies.
Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship majors will learn mindset and tools for building your own business.
Operations & Supply Chain Management: Operations or Supply Chain Management majors will focus on logistics — you’ll explore everything from production to improving efficiency in how goods and services get to customers.
Information Systems: Information Systems majors will learn how to make better business decisions with the help of data, technology, and analytics.
What courses do you take as a business major?
Whether you’re working in HR or sales, it’s helpful to understand at a basic level how other departments operate. That’s why all business majors will likely include some study of finance and accounting, marketing and sales, and management and leadership.
On top of that, you may take courses in economics, business law, operations, and strategy — fields that will help you understand the bigger picture of how organizations function and compete.
How to Get Started on your Business Degree
You may think you have to wait for the semester to start before you can work towards your business degree. Not necessarily!
With flexible alternatives like StraighterLine, you can start earning college credits right away. We’ve got more than 75 ACE-recommended courses so you can complete college prerequisites online, on your own schedule. Students who use StraighterLine save thousands on college tuition and, in many cases, cut down the time it takes to get a degree.
Get started with Introduction to Business or take a look at StraighterLine’s online business courses here.
What are the most important skills to learn in business school?
Beyond the coursework, there are some core business skills you can expect to develop in your business program.
Hard skills include financial literacy, data analysis, and project management. Perhaps just as important are soft skills like communication, leadership, problem-solving, or strategic thinking.
What business tools and technologies do you need to learn?
It’s never been more important to be technologically literate. A proficiency in business tools and technologies will help make you more competitive in your job search and lessen the learning curve when you do start a new job.
When it comes to marketing analytics, platforms like Google Analytics, HubSpot, and SEMrush are industry standards while project management tools such as Asana, Trello, and Microsoft Project are used by most businesses to track projects. Learning these business tools shows employers that you can quickly adapt to their systems, giving you a competitive edge in your job search.
What are some industry standards and best practices for business majors?
On top of the business skills and tools, your business major also gives you the opportunity to learn industry standards and best practices.
Through courses like Business Law and Business Ethics, business students gain a strong foundation in ethical business practices, learning how to make responsible decisions that consider both profitability and social responsibility. You’ll also study regulatory compliance, understanding the legal frameworks and policies that govern how organizations operate across industries. In addition, exposure to industry-specific standards can help students recognize professional norms and guidelines that shape effective business conduct.
Take a look at the curriculum for our Business Law and Business Ethics courses here.
What are some career opportunities and job roles for a business major?
A business degree opens the door to lots of different career paths! Some of the most interesting career options for business majors include:
Finance and Banking: financial analyst, investment banker, credit analyst, risk manager, or corporate treasurer, focusing on evaluating financial data, managing investments, and ensuring organizational stability.
Marketing and Advertising: brand manager, digital marketing specialist, advertising account executive, social media strategist, or market research analyst, helping businesses connect with audiences and build customer loyalty.
Management and Entrepreneurship: project manager, operations manager, business consultant, human resources manager, or startup founder, with opportunities to lead teams, improve efficiency, and launch new ventures.
International Business and Supply Chain: supply chain analyst, logistics coordinator, import/export specialist, or international business consultant, ensuring that products and services move efficiently across borders while navigating global markets and cultural differences.
How Do You Get Your First Job in Business?
After graduation, how do you get your first job in business? It comes down to showing employers that you can really apply what you’ve learned.
Get started with internships or work experience while you’re still studying both to gain important experience and also to network with potential employers. Another great way to demonstrate your proficiency to employers is with entrepreneurial ventures (even on a small scale) to demonstrate initiative and to show applied knowledge.
What’s the Future of Business?
Like every industry, the business world is changing fast. Some of the biggest changes ahead include shifts in digital marketing trends, with businesses leveraging social media, influencer strategies, and immersive technologies to engage customers more effectively. Data analytics and AI are transforming operations at unprecedented speed, while automation and robotics are reshaping processes, and cybersecurity and data privacy are becoming increasingly critical.
Other significant shifts include remote and hybrid work models and ongoing changes to the global supply chain. The takeaway? Your education in business doesn’t end with your degree. To stay competitive and effective, it’s essential to keep learning and stay up-to-date with the trends shaping the industry.
So, why is majoring in business a smart choice for your future?
Business skills are always in demand, no matter the role or industry. Pair that with knowledge of trends like AI and automation, and you’ll be ready to seize a range of career opportunities.
Want to work towards your degree in business? Getting started has never been easier. You can begin earning credits at your own pace at a fraction of the cost of a traditional college with StraighterLine. Take a look at our low-cost business courses here.
