20 BEST BUSINESS MAJORS IN 2023 

When we rank the best business majors, we usually do so depending on different factors. The perspective of the reader, in pursuit of a career, is subjective, and he or she may value different things regarding a future they want to build. The best business degrees usually stand out because of the high demand and benefits such as high salaries and growth opportunities. This is why we pulled together a group of business major superlatives, gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics along with the data regarding the projected growth foreseen for these careers until 2026.

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. Read below to find out which types of business degrees and salaries rule our list of best business majors:

1. Project Management

Average Salary: $98,228
Projected growth: 12.85%
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 and
• 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.

Salary and job outlook

The average salary of project managers in the United States is $81,666 per year, according to Indeed.com. However, the pay can vary widely depending on the job position, location, and years of experience.

Furthermore, those trained in this discipline have a pretty promising career outlook. It is estimated that an additional 22 million jobs will be added to the sector by 2027, representing an estimated 33% growth rate for this industry.

2. Entrepreneurship

Average Salary: $158,560
Projected growth: 9.58%
Courses to take:

• Capital Management
• Global Business
• Product Development

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 9.6 million self-employed workers in 2016—and BLS projects this number to increase to 10.3 million by 2026. One in every four millennials reports wanting to own a business of their own or work as an entrepreneur. 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 this field 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.

Note that 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. Many entrepreneurship majors advance to establish careers as sales managers with very high median salaries.

Salary and job outlook

The average salary of an entrepreneurship professional is $75,473 per year, according to Indeed.com, though earnings vary by company and level of responsibility. According to the CareerExplorer.com, this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future.

3. E-Commerce

Average Salary: $127,870
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.

Salary and job outlook

There are many e-commerce positions available, including e-commerce specialists, e-commerce managers, entrepreneurs, internet markets, application designers, and many others with estimated earnings of nearly $64,542 annually, according to Indeed.com. BLS projects that employment in this industry will continue to rise, reaching almost 450,000 jobs by 2026.

4. Marketing

Average Salary: $112,800
Projected growth: 12.82%
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.

Salary and job outlook

These professionals have the most career options open, and it is a position that pays well over $140,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Plus, about 31,100 openings for this position are expected each year, BLS reports.

Marketing careers have some of the highest rates of job growth on our list. You can even focus on broader perspectives and study the global marketplace if you want to aim for international marketing. Nevertheless, if you already have some sense of creativity, combined with critical thinking, then this may be the easiest business major for you. All the things you learn along the way will feel natural.

5. Finance

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.

Salary and job outlook

The median annual wage for business and financial occupations was $72,250 in May of 2020, which was higher than the average for all occupations, according to BLS. And the employment in business and financial fields is expected to grow 8 percent over the next decade.

Average Salary: $99,330
Projected growth: 11.5%
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. With a major in Finance, you can tick all the boxes of employment expectations: High salary, high rate of employment, and high projected number of jobs for the upcoming decade. Three times the usage of ‘high’ indicates that a career in Finance can take you places. Besides, nowadays, you can manage multiple companies and their businesses even remotely. They won’t mind as long as you get the job done and help them manage their money properly.

6. International Business

Average Salary: $73,580
Projected Growth: 7.9%
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 major, 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!

Salary and job outlook

The graduate students can find a job at a plethora of positions, and earn over $72.000 per year, according to Payscale.com. And the employment rate for these professionals is projected to grow by 8 percent, according to BLS.

7. Business Administration

Average Salary: $62,900-$137,020
Projected Growth: 8.75
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.

Salary and job outlook

The national average salary for business administrators and managers is $98,890 per year, according to the BLS. And the employment of administrators and managers is projected to grow 9%.

8. Accounting

Average salary: $92,910
Projected growth: 11.5%
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.

Salary and job outlook

According to the BLS, the 2020 average annual salary for accountants and auditors is $75,560. They also project a 7 percent growth rate over the next ten years for these occupations.

9. Human Resources Management

Average Salary: $83,048
Projected growth: 7.7%
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.

Salary and job outlook

According to the BLS, the average annual wage for human resources managers was $121,220 in May 2020. The employment of human resources managers is expected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

10. Management Analysts

Average Salary: $82,450
Projected growth: 14.77%
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

Salary and job outlook

The national average salary estimate for a management analyst was $87,660 per year. This equates to an hourly salary of $42.14. And the employment of these professionals is expected to grow 14% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average growth rate for all occupations, BLS reports.

11. Business Management

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.

Salary and job outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, management careers offer high salaries and strong expected demand. On average, professionals with a bachelor’s in business management earn about  $66,000 per year, according to PayScale. However, salaries vary widely depending on the location, industry, and job title.

12. Logistics

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.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, logistics make about $76,270 per year or $36.67 per hour. And their employment is expected to grow by 30 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

More than 24,000 job openings are projected each year over the decade. Many of these openings will result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire, BLS reports.

13. Investments and Securities

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.

Salary and job outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals make about $64,770 per year or $31.14 per hour. And the employment of securities, commodities and financial services sales agents is expected to grow 4 percent from 2020 to 2030.

14. Industrial Production Management

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.

Salary and job outlook

The average salary for industrial production managers is $108,790 per year or $52.30 per hour. Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees a 5 percent growth in employment for these professionals.

15. Data analysis

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.

Salary and job outlook

The average wage for operations and research analysts, including data analysts, is $86,200 per year or $41.44 per hour.  BLS also reports that the employment of operations and research analysts (including data analysts) is expected to grow 25% from 2020 to 2030, which is a lot faster than the average for all occupations.

16. Management Information Systems

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

Salary and job outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals make about $151,150 per year or $72.67 per hour. And the employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

17. Statistics

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.

Salary and job outlook

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, mathematicians and statisticians earn $93,290 per year or $44.85 per hour. And the employment of these experts is expected to grow 33 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

18. Economics

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.

Salary and job outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, economists earn $108,350 per year or $52.09 per hour. Furthermore, the employment of these professionals is projected to grow by 13%, which is a much faster growth rate than the average for all occupations.

19. Health Administration

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.

Salary and job outlook

Healthcare administrators fall under the category of medical and health services managers. And according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for these professionals is $104,280 per year or $50.13  per hour. Additionally, BLS projects a tremendous growth rate (32%) in employment for the next decade.

20. Supply Chain Management

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.

Salary and job outlook

Supply chain management is one of the top paying career paths out there. According to Salary.com, the average supply chain manager wage is $112,351 as of November 29, 2021.

Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

The employment of supply chain management professionals is expected to grow by 30% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all professions (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).

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.