What Does BBA Stand For?

BBA stands for Bachelor of Business Administration. This type of degree provides a general overview of business basics. Because it is general in nature, some people call the BBA a holistic management degree.  

Many BBA programs aim to nurture skills in communication and business decision making. They may also help you gain insight into what makes a business succeed. A key part of this type of program is to focus’ on liberal arts topics instead of calculation. 

What is the Difference Between BBA vs BSBA Degrees?  

Both the BBA and BSBA degrees build on a strong core of business classes. Like marketing, economics, operations and business law. The main difference between the BBA and BSBA is the scope of math and finance courses.  

Usually the BBA explores business in a basic way from all sides. While the BSBA tends to be a more math based degree that grounds you in the world of commerce. 

The goal of most BSBA programs is to foster an analytic mindset. You may study a company’s cash flow statement and budget, learning to make sense of the data. Then use this insight to drive decisions. 

The area you focus your business administration degree in may shape your career. So often people choose one degree over another to build specific skill sets.  

BBA Degree Coursework

In general, a BBA course plan covers 120 credits. About one third of these are general education and liberal arts classes. Like public speaking, psychology, business writing and English. 

Then there is a business core. These classes provide a broad understanding of how companies function. And an appreciation of what it’s like to apply these concepts in an actual business setting.  

This often means learning to manage people, finances, and risk for companies of all sizes. While no two programs are the same, some popular BBA classes might include these topics. 

• Ethics and business law 
• Management and leadership 
• Intro to Marketing 
• Micro and macro economics 
• Business statistics 
• Finance basics 

Along with your classes, you may have a capstone project or thesis. Most schools offer a menu of concentrations to help you tailor your studies too.  

The BLS predicts that on average, by 2028, there will be a 7% growth in business and finance jobs. And, average annual salaries of $68,350 which is more than the norm. 

How Long Does it Take to Earn a BBA? 

It may take four years to earn a BBA or BSBA degree if you study full time. If you have transfer credits you may be able to quicken your pace.   Some colleges offer accelerated programs, or, if you are planing to earn your masters degree, a 4 + 1 program. With this type of program your bachelor and masters classes overlap.

BSBA Degree Coursework

A BSBA program often entails 120 credits. As mentioned, it looks at the science behind business. Compared to a BBA, it will focus on a narrower range of topics. And it will look at these topics on a deeper level.  

This may add more courses in accounting, banking and finance. You may also have to take calculus and business analytics. Some schools put tech focused courses on their curriculum too. 

These classes often help you transform business intelligence into actionable strategies. Then, you might apply and integrate these skills into a final management capstone. 

While no two BSBA programs are the same, these classes are popular. 

• Managerial accounting 
• Applied statistics 
• Financial accounting 
• Business systems analysis 
• Principles of finance 
• Micro and macro economics 

What Can You Do with a BBA or BSBA Degree?

A BBA degree program may develop sales, marketing, and administration skills. You may learn to write a business plan, keep accurate books, handle staff and legal issues too.  

These abilities may help you grow your own business. Or seek entry level jobs. Like accountant, loan officer, sales manager, or a position in human resources. 

A BSBA degree program may develop a variety of basicl skills. Including ones in accounting, finance, economics, management, marketing and international business. 

You may also gain other useful abilities like leadership and analysis. This may enable you to pursue entry level positions as:

• Marketing Analyst
• Financial Analyst
• HR Specialists
• Accountants
• Data Scientist