Explore different types of careers and business degrees to find the right fit for you

Posted 11:43 a.m. Friday , Jan. 30 , 2026

Explore different types of careers and business degrees to find the right fit for you

If you're exploring different types of business degrees, you'll find a wide range of options to match your interests, strengths and career goals. From traditional business programs to interdisciplinary pathways, students can build skills that translate across industries and organizational settings.

Preparation for careers in business is not limited to programs housed within a college of business. Many students develop business relevant skills through majors and minors in areas such as communication studies, data science, psychology, political science, health administration or environmental studies. These programs cultivate abilities that employers consistently value, including critical thinking, data analysis, problem solving, teamwork and ethical decision making.

More specialized business degrees can also equip students with versatile skills that apply across organizations or when launching an entrepreneurial venture. Whether you're analytical and enjoy working with numbers, creative and drawn to marketing or communication, or a natural leader interested in managing people and projects, there are many types of business degrees aligned with how you think and work.

Keep in mind that no matter what degree path you choose, it is important to further strengthen preparation through experiences such as internships, undergraduate research, leadership roles in student organizations, certificates, study abroad experiences and applied learning opportunities. Together, these academic and co-curricular pathways allow students to tailor their education and build a foundation for business careers across industries, even when their primary field of study lies outside traditional business disciplines.

Choosing a degree that fits your talents and goals can position you for long-term career growth in today's evolving economy. You'll be ready to help organizations operate efficiently, adapt to change and make informed decisions whether working in for-profit companies, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, healthcare systems and global enterprises.

Below are some of the most common types of business degrees and what you can do with each.

Undergraduate business degree options

1. Accounting

Accountants do more than crunch numbers. Accounting focuses on measuring, analyzing and reporting financial information to support business decision-making. Accountants help organizations manage resources, comply with regulations and plan for future investments.

Graduates often begin their careers in public accounting firms, while others work in industry, healthcare, high-tech companies or government. Accounting majors enjoy strong job placement rates and competitive starting salaries.

Learn more about accountancy sample courses and careers.

2. Business Analytics

Business Analytics (BA) involves collecting, storing and analyzing data using big data tools to shape and make business decisions. Key skills include database management; statistical modeling and forecasting; asking and answering questions using large data sets; and creating data visualizations that communicate insights clearly.

Business analytics is a growing career field with career opportunities across industries.

Learn more about business analytics sample courses and careers.

3. Economics

Economics is the study of how individuals, businesses and governments allocate resources and make decisions. Economics majors develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills and learn to evaluate issues from multiple perspectives. They may be involved in diverse tasks such as forecasting demand for products, policy analysis and supply chain decision-making.

Graduates work in banking and finance, international business, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, law and more.

Learn more about economics sample courses and careers.

4. Finance

Finance focuses on the management of money. It includes activities such as investing, lending, borrowing, budgeting, forecasting and more. Core areas of finance include corporate finance, investments and financial institutions.

Career paths for finance majors include banking, insurance, investment services, financial planning and corporate finance. Job titles and salaries vary based on experience and work setting.

Learn more about finance sample courses and careers.

5. Information Systems

Information systems focuses on exploring how to improve processes where people and technology come together. Students will study hardware, software, people and networks used to collect, create, process, and distribute useful data, information, and knowledge typically in business settings.

Career examples include systems analyst, database administrator, security analyst, network administrator and project manager.

Learn more about information systems sample courses and careers.

6. International Business

International business prepares students to work across borders and cultures. As organizations operate more globally, employers value professionals who understand international markets, global supply chains and cross-cultural communication.

Graduates with an international business degree gain an understanding of global business and social issues that will position them well to advance in the professional world and become world citizens.

Learn more about international business sample courses and careers.

7. Management

Management focuses on leading people, coordinating resources and achieving organizational goals. Organizations today need managers who can effectively make decisions under complex and ambiguous circumstances, and in diverse and global environments. Effective managers plan, organize, lead and control processes to help organizations succeed.

Management-related degrees prepare students for roles across a wide range of industries and organizational settings. Many programs emphasize business administration and related topics, which provides a broad foundation in business management, principles and practices.

Depending on the institution, business administration may be offered as a major, minor or concentration within a management program. UWL offers a business administration minor. Regardless of structure, these programs help students develop versatile skills that translate to careers in corporate environments, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and entrepreneurial ventures.

Learn more about management sample courses and careers.

Learn more about business administration sample courses and careers.

8. Marketing

Marketing plays a role in nearly every organization and influences how products and services are developed, priced, promoted and delivered.

Students can explore areas such as digital marketing, social media, sales, market research, advertising, public relations, content marketing and more. Marketing values creativity, analytical thinking, and strong interpersonal skills.

Learn more about marketing sample courses and careers.

9. Sustainable business

Sustainable business focuses on long-term success by balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations-often referred to as the "triple bottom line."

This approach helps organizations innovate, manage risk and contribute positively to communities and the environment.

Learn more about sustainable business sample courses and careers.

10. Healthcare Analytics Management

Healthcare analytics management blends business, data analysis and healthcare systems knowledge. Professionals analyze healthcare data to improve outcomes, efficiency and decision-making.

Graduates develop both technical skills and the communication abilities needed to explain findings to healthcare leaders.

Learn more about healthcare analytics management sample courses and careers.

Graduate business degrees

A wide array of graduate degree and certificate programs are also available for individuals ready to advance in their careers within a specific field. Examples connected to UWL include Master's in Business Administration, Information Technology Management, Digital Marketing, Financial Technology and Healthcare Administration.

Choosing the right type of business degree

With so many different business degrees available, the best choice depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals. Whether you're drawn to data, leadership, global business, or creative strategy, a business degree can open doors across industries and professions.