Online business programs are incredibly popular due to their versatility in the professional world. Business degrees come in all shapes and sizes, from business certificates to PhDs. You can specialize in a variety of areas such as business management, administration, marketing, and much more. A master’s degree coupled with specific certifications can help you be noticeable in a competitive field. Likewise, you can start a business of your own with the background that a qualified degree program can provide.

A degree in business can help prepare you for many different careers, such as:

• Accountant
• Logistics Manager
• Management Consultant
• Marketing Executive
• Retail Manager
• Sales Executive

These jobs can also be found in various sectors, including government, non-profit, health care, the arts, international commerce and more. A business degree will provide the backbone to enter into any of these fields. When entering a business program, consider your goals in acquiring the major, and focus your attention on courses that will help you get there.

My Degree – What It’s Good For

With a business degree, you can pursue a number of different employment options. However, the level of education will determine what jobs you qualify for. Your area of specialization will also affect the type of work you are eligible for. Below are just a few of the many areas of specialization in the vast field of business:

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• eBusiness and eCommerce
• Economics
• Finance
• Human Resources
• International Business
• Marketing

My Earning Potential

The area you choose to specialize in will determine what jobs you qualify for as well as your earning potential. Some career fields are in higher demand than others so it pays to do your research. Find out the value of your degree and how to market it. It’s important to know what careers and salaries you can expect after graduation. For example, the median annual wage in May 2013 of a chief executive was $171,610, and the median annual wage for general and operations managers was $95,440 in May 2012, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Depending on which specific field you are considering entering into, it would be beneficial to acquire certifications as well. There are too many to list here, but there are major examples for each field, such as accounting (Certified Public Accountant), project management (Project Management Professional), finances (Chartered Financial Analyst), human resources (Professional in Human Resources), regional real estate certifications, and many more. Getting and maintaining certification is a surefire way to increase your earning potential in any field.

Business Degrees

Business degrees cover a wide spectrum of subjects and are offered by many schools at their campus or online. Students are able to work towards several types of degree in business including Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, and Doctor of Business Administration. Read more on schools offering degrees in business:

• DeVry University
• Purdue University
• Liberty University
• Walden University

Below, you can find several programs for popular fields in business.

Online Accounting Degrees

• Purdue University — BS: Accounting
• Purdue University — MS: Accounting
• Liberty University Online — MBA: Accounting
• Northcentral University — DBA: Advanced Accounting
• Southern New Hampshire University — MS: Accounting

Online Business Administration Degrees

• Grand Canyon University — MBA
• Purdue University — MBA
• Northcentral University — MBA
• Northcentral University — DBA

Online Finance Degrees

• Purdue University — MBA: Finance
• Southern New Hampshire University — MS: Finance

Online Human Resources Degrees

• Purdue University — MBA: Human Resources
• Liberty University — MBA: Human Resources
• Northcentral University — MBA: Human Resources Management
• Northcentral University — DBA: Human Resources Management

Online Marketing Degrees

• Purdue University — MBA: Marketing
• Northcentral University — MBA: Marketing
• Northcentral University — DBA: Marketing