What Can I Do With A Business Administration Degree?

Certifications

There are several certifications available in business administration to foster the development of executive level skills. For example, you can earn a Certified Manager (CM) credential through the Institute of Certified Management Professionals. While you are not required to have a management title to qualify for a CM certification program, you will have to have work experience before applying. You will also be required to participate in a 90-hour prep program and successfully pass three separate exams. The CM certification verifies that you have the ability to manage and lead with a level of competency, and it is a good distinction to have on your resume as you seek career advancement opportunities.12

Professionals can also earn a Certified Business Administration (CBA) through the American Certification Institute. Candidates receive this certification by demonstrating their understanding of the fundamentals of office administration and business management by successfully completing four modules of coursework and passing an exam. The CBA certification verifies that you have the ability to successfully take on challenges in office administration and business management, and is a desirable trait for employment with large multinational conglomerates.20

Finally, many business administration students enter professions where core responsibilities may include project management. For these individuals, a Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) may be a worthwhile endeavor. A PMP is not industry-specific, and it validates your expertise in running any kind of project. To become a PMP, a candidate must have 35 hours of PMP training, and assuming you have a bachelor’s degree, 4,500 hours of project management experience. He or she must also pass an exam. A PMP is the most recognized project management certification, and to date, there are approximately 730,000 active PMPs worldwide.21

With a career in business administration, organized and motivated managers can help keep key aspects of a business running efficiently and profitably. Those who continue to advance in their career may want to pay attention to trends in technology and emerging markets and retrain as necessary to meet these needs.