What are the benefits in pursuing a B.S in Business?

2019-11-22T20:09:35-05:00

Good Evening,

I am requesting information from the RP community who have completed a Bachelors in Business, or has taken similar courses. Was it heavy in math courses? Did the curriculum give you a solid base and understanding of what the world of business is like? What job opportunities did it offer once completed? Really, any and all information will be extremely helpful and appreciated!

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Nov 22 at 2019 9:48 PM

2019-11-22T21:48:40-05:00

1. Most undergraduates in business are BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), not BS
2. The curriculum is school dependent. Reputable schools usually require modified calculus, accounting and other math related courses.
3. For preparation in business world, internship is usually included along with classroom. Most reputable schools push students to perform summer position for resume, network expansion and work experience.
4. Post graduation job opportunities are often school dependent. While reputable schools usually have a strong network of alumni, some for-profit schools are shunned by hiring managers.
5. For reputable undergraduate schools, look up Bloomberg Businessweek. The magazine publishes a top schools list on an annual basis.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2019 9:53 PM

2019-11-22T21:53:25-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member I have a B.B.A. and I would not say that it had an excessive amount of math courses, i.e., courses like algebra and statistics along with finance, accounting, and economics courses. I started working on my degree with a goal of working for the Space Program, so my degree program provided a good basis for this work. While working on this degree, you will receive an understanding of how the business world works. My degree opened the door for a 33 year career as a member of the Space Shuttle Program. The courses that you will take will help prepare you for any number of career fields. Do you have a particular career field in mind when you earn your degree? Good luck.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Nov 22 at 2019 11:24 PM

2019-11-22T23:24:59-05:00

This will give you a rough drift. Otherwise I can't help you much as I went the BS/MS route. For sure, take a look at the program's credentialing. In these soft degrees, regional accreditation is frequently reported to be better than some national society thing. Many technical degrees like engineering are frequently denoted by only one accreditation entity that matters, i.e. it had better be from this one or your education is no good for licensing.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2019 11:19 AM

2019-11-23T11:19:36-05:00

From my perspective, with a Bachelor's of Science in Business and Administration, it depends.

Personally, as a NCO it has helped me to understand and think strategically and creatively.

It has helped me to understand Leadership concepts from multiple viewpoints and concepts, specifically from the organizational standpoint.

It has enhance my skills to write counselings, evaluations and awards.

It has helped in enhancing my soft skills.

So the benefits depends on you if you apply the knowledge. The experience in planning, problem solving, and supervising/managing personnel, logistics, communications and operations you will get it as an Army Leader.

If you decide to go for a Masters you should focus on a specific skillset such as HR, Finance, or Marketing, just to name a few. I'm currently enrolled in a Marketing Master's with a focus on Project Management. Once, I get closer to retirement I will pursue PMP (project management professional) certification.

Hopefully, this will help.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Nov 23 at 2019 1:24 PM

2019-11-23T13:24:33-05:00

I think the biggest question is: What do you want to be when you grow up? Without knowing that, it is really hard to determine which degree plan is best suited for you. Personnaly, I have a BS in General Education, with a focus in Business. It is NOT a business degree, but it covers much of the business curriculum (minimum 36 SH in the focus area.) I went for that degree because I already had met all of the focus area rwquirements with my AARTS transcript. (Translation: my military service gave me over 36 SH of business credentials.)

I say all of that to say this: believe it or not, your military time will already give you a strong foundation of business BASICS. If you want to move in to the "business" world, look at what sector you want to go in to, and focus your degree there.

I will caveat all of this by saying that I have NOT moved in to the "business world." (By choice - not my cup of tea. I am a blue collar guy by nature.) I spent twonyears as a pizza delivery guy (Again, that is the job I WANTED in retirement) and begin working for the Post Office in 2 days. So take my advice with a grain of salt