20 BEST BUSINESS MAJORS IN 2024 

Choosing the right business major is crucial for future success in the ever-evolving job market. The best business degrees usually stand out because of the high demand and benefits such as high salaries and growth opportunities.

This article will help you understand the best business majors for the future, based on data regarding the projected growth, salaries, and career paths. Read below to find out which types of business degrees and salaries rule our list of best business majors.

Most In-Demand Business Majors

Since businesses have become increasingly international, organizations are looking to recent graduates to embrace this globalization and capitalize on their expanding reach. Apparently, 23% of all degrees earned are business-related.

Here are 20 best business majors to pursue in 2024:

1. Project Management

Average Salary: $98,580
Projected growth: 6%
Courses to take:

• Micro and Macroeconomics
• Operations Management
• Supply Chain Management

The success of a project varies on its manager. A project manager delivers the project and plans ahead its objectives. Whereas companies are always initiating projects to increase revenue, minimize cost, and increase the economy.

For this, a career in project management is demanding as good project managers are the most sought professionals of this industry. Most specifically, as a project manager, you will be involved in:

• The supervision of projects
• Conception
• Planning
• Budgeting
• Procuring materials and talent
• Managing personnel
• Communicating internally and externally
• Ensuring quality
• Completing the project on time and within budget

A major in project management is worthwhile if you like to manage workflows, costs, supplies, and employees. This degree will teach you how to plan and complete different-sized projects. You can work as a program manager, project manager, or business analyst in healthcare, manufacturing, education, online services, or other industries after earning your degree.

2. Entrepreneurship

Average Salary: $81,729
Projected growth: 9.58%
Courses to take:

• Capital Management
• Global Business
• Product Development

One in every four millennials reports wanting to own a business of their own or work as an entrepreneur. By 2026, there will be about 10.3 million self-employed workers. So if you’re asking yourself what business major you should choose to have a secure future, then entrepreneurship just might be the answer.

A major in entrepreneurship equip people with the necessary skills to lead business operations and provides them with insights on key decision-making processes in a business. With a background in marketing, finance, public relations, and human resources, you have a unique, competitive advantage over your peers.

The demand for the entrepreneurship degree is not only because people want to be their own bosses. It’s also because companies have realized that they need employees with an entrepreneurial mindset, who know how to grow a business and keep nourishing it.

It gives you the necessary knowledge and skills to start and run businesses, manage them effectively, or even buy existing ones, and it teaches you how to reduce the risk that is inherent in any business venture.

3. E-Commerce

Average Salary: $111,230
Projected growth: 8.75%
Courses to take:

• Analysis of information & E-systems
• Data Mining
• Emerging Information Technologies

The main reason why globalization has become the new market situation is because of the rise of electronic businesses. E-commerce is changing the way traditional firms operate and structure their organizations. It provides business people the opportunity to connect with their partners or customers halfway around the world, by constantly shifting the principles of electronic retailing.

A business degree program in e-commerce combines economic principles with software applications to help you use the Internet to create business opportunities. You may find yourself working within an online existing business or as an entrepreneur for your own e-marketing venture. Your job roles can include: market research, product buying decisions, and Web design or maintenance, so it can be a hard major to choose. Though, it will definitely be rewarding in the long term considering that technology is here to stay!

Those who major in e-commerce are trained for the complexities of business and management information systems. They will get extensive knowledge about how online selling services work and ways in which they can be utilized to sell a product or service. Furthermore, they will acquire skills such as planning, management, marketing, and so on.

4. Marketing

Average Salary: $156,580
Projected growth: 6%
Courses to take:

• Sales Management
• Public Relations
• Market research

A company’s strategy to connect to its customers may make or break the company’s success. This relationship defines whether the consumer will trust your product and buy it. That is why the demand for advertising, market research, public relations, community involvement is outstanding.

Marketing is not only about selling things; it is a responsible position that requires an understanding of the product that you want to sell, the audience you want to attract, as well as the company that offers that product or service.

A business marketing major will allow you to explore a great variety of methodologies that help businesses sell their products. This program teaches you about economics, finances, business administration, public relations, human resources, and statistics. Further, you will learn the importance of creating organizational culture and management within a company.

5. Finance

Average Salary: $99,890
Projected growth: 8%
Courses to take:

• Business Law
• Project M
• Management
• Corporate Finance

Graduates with a degree in finance are invaluable to any business venture. They are the go-to professionals for all matters related to government policy, international relations, and important business decisions. Finance affects pretty much every field of business, as companies use financial information to make strategic plans that boost profitability. A finance major will teach you:

• Measurement and management of financial risk
• Asset pricing
• Building financial models
• Portfolio management
• Presenting financial information

This degree opens many career paths for you; you can work as a financial analyst, economist, funds manager, investment banker, financial advisor, and the list goes on. Besides, nowadays, you can manage multiple companies and their businesses even remotely.

6. International Business

Average Salary: $77,274 
Projected Growth: 6%
Courses to take:

• Global Banking
• Emerging Markets
• Global Outsourcing Strategy

If you are interested in how businesses operate globally, an international business major could be the right option to pursue, and the average annual wage is more than enough to motivate you. This degree provides you with all the necessary knowledge and skills related to how businesses work, and how you can contribute to their international success.

The whole emphasis of international business relies on cross-cultural collaboration. So a simple heads up, you’re expected to know or learn foreign languages and be proficient in business ethics & international markets. Through this degree, you will be equipped with the right set of skills to run a business on a global scale.

You may have also heard the term international trade or commerce. They all apply to commercial transactions that take place between governments and businesses from different countries. You will find yourself working as a logistician, management analyst, or business development specialist. And most certainly, you will find yourself traveling a lot!

7. Business Administration

Average Salary: $104,900
Projected Growth: 5%
Courses to take:

• Operations Management
• Human Resources
• Business Strategy

Business administrators are the people who keep businesses on track. Business administrators are the people who keep businesses on track. These professionals operate small businesses or major corporations, and they analyze a business’s strengths and weaknesses, figure out the best ways to make a profit, and steer companies through difficult situations.

An MBA degree will provide you with many transferable skills and is versatile enough to appeal to a range of different employees in the world of business and Finance. Through business administration/management, you will be equipped with a general doing business mindset, that covers multiple industries and programs. With all its diversity and usefulness, Business Administration ranks fifth in NACE’s list on the top 10 degrees in demand.

Though courses may vary by program, of course, students typically are expected to enroll and study these subjects: operations management, financial management, management information systems, accounting, business statistics, business ethics and law, business policy and strategy, economics, human resources management, international management, and marketing.

8. Accounting

Average salary: $79,880
Projected growth: 4%
Courses to take:

• Financial Reporting
• Managerial Accounting
• Business Law

The highest number of industries are employing graduates of this major. According to NACE, 60.6% of employee respondents that were surveyed said that they are in a constant hunt for accountants. A Bachelor of Science in Accounting will prepare you for various wealthy careers in the corporate world. You will be expected to have a fundamental understanding of accounting concepts and principles, such as tax law, legal documents, or other business operations. Coursework includes the general finance courses, with some exceptions and more profound focus on accountability.

As an accountant, you will have a number of responsibilities, such as keeping financial records, auditing statements for discrepancies, submitting tax forms, processing payroll checks, and preparing financial reports. So, if you like helping different organizations manage their finances and solve business challenges, an accounting major may just be the right one for you.

9. Human Resources Management

Average Salary: $136,350
Projected growth: 5%
Courses to take:

• General business administration and management
• Labor and industrial relations
• Office management
• Psychology

Human resources management deals with current and future challenges around employment and the forces shaping workspaces and company’s performance. As a human resources management student, you will learn about labour laws and industrial relations policies, analyzing current issues in work and employment, managing diversity, solving problems in the area of human resource management, as well as negotiating.

The high employee turnover rate of nowadays is making corporates appreciate Human Resource Managers the most. Finding an adequate approach to keep training, developing employees, and building the capacity of new hires is an asset. Of course, administering benefits and ensuring employees health, safety, and overall well-being adds up to the long requirements from an HR. But the reward of a major in this industry and to this career as a whole is definitely fulfilling.

10. Management Analysts

Average Salary: $99,410
Projected growth: 10%
Courses to take:

• Ethics & leadership
• Financial analysis
• Global markets

Also known as consultants, management analysts are in demand because of their input into improving an organization’s efficiency. Managerial skills are constantly on the need, and these consultants advise upper management on how to enhance their company’s performance. They do this by solving their organizational problems, evaluating new market expansion programs, or simply adapting to different operation strategies.

Some of the most important skills that this major helps you develop are:

• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Great problem-solving skills
• Good time management skills

11. Business Management

Average Salary: $116,880
Projected growth: 6%
Courses to take:

• Business law
• Entrepreneurship
• Supply-side marketing
• Researching and writing reports
• international business
• Finance
• Management information systems
• Human resource management

Business management is a great choice for students who are interested in administration, managing teams, and leading businesses or organizations. This degree prepares you for leadership by offering a broad foundation in business basics.

By earning a business management degree, you will develop a well-rounded set of professional skills in various fields such as accounting, budgeting, marketing, planning, hiring, and leadership.

12. Logistics

Average Salary: $79,400
Projected growth: 18%
Courses to take:

• Logistics management
• Statics
• Global logistics and transportation management
• Microeconomics and macroeconomics

A degree in logistics prepares students for a career planning the transport and distribution of products for sale. A logistics degree allows you to learn logistics management, statistics, micro and macroeconomics, transportation management, accounting principles, analysis logistics systems, logistics management, and so on.

Logistics degree graduates usually advance to a manager, logistics planner, and field director positions. And their salary and job prospect is pretty satisfactory too.

13. Investments and Securities

Average Salary: $76,900 
Projected growth: 7%
Courses to take:

• Economics
• Finance
• Financial modeling
• Management
• Risk management

Some of the topics that you will encounter during your bachelor’s degree in investments and securities degree include investment planning, hedge funds, financial reporting and policy, and so on.

If you are interested in the financial market and want to pursue a fast-paced career, this degree is the right one for you. Students who earn a bachelor’s in investments and securities often work as investment consultants, strategy investment managers, and financial service sales agents.

14. Industrial Production Management

Average Salary: $116,970 
Projected growth: 2%
Courses to take:

• Data analytics
• Macro and microeconomics
• Statistics
• Accounting
• Finance
• Management

Industrial production mainly focuses on manufacturing products. These professionals create and maintain efficient operations and ensure a safe working environment that meets strict regulations.

A degree in industrial production teaches courses such as supply management and procurement, manufacturing control and planning, and logistics management. Industrial production managers also work with suppliers and managers from other departments to improve the quality of the product and determine and fix any defects.

15. Data analysis

Average Salary: $83,640
Projected growth: 23%
Courses to take:

• Business analytics
• Bioinformatics
• Statistics

Corporate data analysts are responsible for collecting and organizing large datasets from different sources and then interpreting these data to give meaningful business insights that will help companies identify trends and better serve their clients or enter new markets.

The demand for these professionals has never been greater; the world is drowning in data, and graduates working in this field are valuable for businesses who are eager to use this data to increase their sales and profit.

16. Management Information Systems

Average Salary: $169,510
Projected growth: 15%
Courses to take:

• Project management
• Human resources management
• Network principles
• Information security
• System design

This may be one of the most in-demand business majors and it is closely related to computer science. Computer and information systems managers, often called IT managers, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in a company.

Some of the duties of these professionals include:

• Analyzing the company’s needs and recommending upgrades
• Ensuring the security of a company’s network and electronic documents
• Assessing the costs and benefits of new projects and justifying funding
• Planning and directing the work of other IT professionals and specialists

17. Statistics

Average Salary: $104,860 
Projected growth: 30%
Courses to take:

• Calculus
• Probability
• Statistics
• Algebra

A statistics degree opens up all kinds of doors. This degree teaches you to collect, organize, analyze and interpret numbered data sets, skills which are in high demand across various industries. Students who choose this major usually build careers in a number of fields such as marketing, banking, finance, economy, and so on.

In a data-driven world, knowing how to translate data into meaningful insights is a valuable skill that organizations and companies demand. But is statistics the right choice for you? If you are a skilled mathematician who is passionate about analyzing data and solving problems, this major will probably suit you.

18. Economics

Average Salary: $115,730
Projected growth: 6%
Courses to take:

• Business economics
• Micro and macroeconomics
• Econometrics
• Mathematics

An economics major will prepare students for demanding, wide-range roles in various areas such as business, government, nonprofits, education, law, banking, and more. Economics majors students learn how economic systems work and change in different circumstances.

A major in economics will help you develop a combination of skills and insights that employers are demanding more every day, such as data analysis, mathematics, reasoning and critical thinking, general business operations and trends, writing and communication, and more.

19. Health Administration

Average Salary: $110,680
Projected growth: 28%
Courses to take:

• Healthcare quality management and assessments
• Statistics and research in healthcare
• Managing healthcare human resources
• Systems in long-term care

A major in health administration prepares health professionals for critical roles in the healthcare industry. This degree teaches students how to manage organizational units and deliver healthcare services effectively.

Studying health administration prepares you for administration, management, and planning positions. The duties of health administrators mostly include planning, managing, monitoring, and coordinating healthcare delivery systems These professionals usually work in hospitals and other similar facilities.

20. Supply Chain Management

Average Salary: $111,870
Projected growth: 7%
Courses to take:

• Managing global supply chains
• Purchasing and supply management
• Revenue management

If you are good at what you do, a major in supply chain management (SCM) can get you far. An SCM encompasses the design and planning of supply chain activities, along with the execution, control, and monitoring to help businesses build a competitive infrastructure and create net value.

Students of a sales program learn the theoretical knowledge of supply chain management and how to apply this knowledge to real-world issues in order to improve the company’s performance and help them build a competitive infrastructure and create net value.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right business major is a pivotal decision that can significantly influence your career trajectory in the dynamic and competitive job market. As the demand for specialized skills continues to evolve, choosing a major that aligns with both industry needs and personal interests can provide substantial benefits, from lucrative salaries to robust career growth.

Whether you aspire to manage global projects, start your own business, or delve into the world of finance and analytics, the right business degree can pave the way to a fulfilling and prosperous career. Don’t hesitate to explore our programs today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Business Degree Is in High Demand?

The top business degrees in demand at the moment are Project Management, Entrepreneurship, E-Commerce, Marketing, Finance.

Which Business Major Makes the Most Money?

The highest paying business careers relate to the majors of Entrepreneurship, E-commerce, Marketing, and Finance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What is the Hardest Business Major?

The difficulty of a business major depends on a number of factors including natural talents, chosen courses, and school. However, one of the hardest business majors is thought to be Accounting.

Do Business Majors Make More than Engineers?

While this depends on the experience and position, the median salary of business and financial operations occupations is lower ($68,350) than engineers’ ($91,010). However, if you earn your MBA, common business professions will pay you considerably more. E.g. a financial manager with an MBA is paid $110,000 per year.

What Are the Easiest Business Majors?

Determining the easiest business majors depends on what you deem as difficult. If you want a degree with less math, go for a BABA (BA in Business Administration); if you want a degree with no creativity requirements, go for Economics and Finance majors.

Are Business Degrees Worth It?

While each decision is subject to personal interests, business majors currently dominate the list of top majors in demand, and this isn’t changing anytime soon. So, yes, they are worth it. Additionally, the opportunity to pursue business degrees online has become increasingly popular, offering the advantage of lower costs and greater flexibility, making them even more appealing to a diverse range of learners.

What are the five branches of business studies?

The branches of business studies encompass marketing, finance, management, accounting, and economics.

What do business majors do?

Business majors work in various roles, including management, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, consulting, and more. They manage operations, analyze markets, make financial decisions, and contribute to various aspects of business in industries ranging from technology to finance to nonprofit organizations.

How much do business majors make?

Graduates with bachelor’s degrees might start with median salaries ranging from around $84,487 annually. Those with master’s degrees or specialized certifications can earn substantially more, potentially exceeding $100,000 per year or even higher in some cases.

What classes do business majors take?

Core courses often include economics, accounting, finance, marketing, and management principles. They might also study business ethics, business law, organizational behavior, statistics, and operations management.

Is it good to be a business major?

Opting for a business major presents both advantages and considerations. It offers a broad foundation of skills applicable across industries, enhancing versatility in the job market. However, pursuing a business major should align with individual interests and career goals. Evaluating potential career paths, considering personal strengths, and exploring various specializations can help determine if it’s the right fit.

What is the lowest-paying business major?

Among the business specializations, fields such as hospitality management or retail management might be perceived as having lower initial salaries compared to more technical or specialized areas. However, it’s important to note that salary potential can increase as professionals gain experience and move into higher-level positions within these industries.

How to choose a business major?

Consider your interests, strengths, and long-term career aspirations. Research the different business branches, explore course offerings, and investigate potential job opportunities. Internships, networking, and speaking with professionals in the field can also provide valuable insights.