What Courses Do You Take in a Business Management Program?
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Key Takeaways
- Common business management courses include economics, financial accounting, marketing, business statistics, and business law.
- Top business management programs offer concentrations in marketing management, international finance, entrepreneurship, leadership and management, or accounting.
- Business management degrees provide a foundational knowledge in topics such as finance, marketing, accounting, and operations.
The best business management programs can equip you with a comprehensive understanding of key business areas, such as finance, marketing, accounting, and operations.
Throughout your studies, you may take courses like Financial Accounting, Marketing Strategies, Business Law, and Organizational Behavior, which will help you develop both analytical and leadership skills.
In this guide, you’ll find an overview of the courses you’ll generally take in a business management program, as well as popular concentrations that can help you acquire specialized skills.
What Are Common Core Courses in a Business Management Program?
Here are some of the most common core courses in a business management program:
Introduction to Economics
In introductory economics courses, you’ll delve into the inner workings of key economic institutions, such as central banks, regulatory bodies, and financial markets.
You’ll also explore core economic concepts like supply and demand, scarcity, opportunity cost, and the role of government in the economy. You’ll learn how these concepts interact to shape economic outcomes and influence decision-making by individuals, businesses, and policymakers.
You’ll likely take these courses in your first year since they can help you in advanced business management courses. For example, you’ll apply your understanding of consumer decision-making in marketing classes later on.
Financial Accounting
Financial accounting courses explore tools and principles for managing inventory, cash flow, and forecasting.
This course will train you to prepare and analyze accounting statements such as balance sheets and income statements to make managerial decisions.
If you choose to become a manager after graduation, you’ll rely on financial accounting skills when making decisions about investments, business strategies, and liabilities.
Business management programs typically require financial accounting for first-year or second-year students to prepare them for more advanced classes.
Principles of Marketing
In core marketing courses, you’ll learn how to use marketing strategies to reach business goals.
You’ll study marketing theory, consumer behavior, competitor research, and marketing analytics. You’ll also learn about different marketing research methods.
It’s useful to take this course in your first or second year. The class introduces topics like social media marketing, new product development, and marketing strategy that you’ll use in advanced courses.
Principles of Management
Managers need a mix of leadership skills and management knowledge.
In this course, you’ll examine the management process, including organizational planning, goal setting, and team building.
The class emphasizes leadership methods, conflict management, and strategic human resources management You’ll work on strengthening your communication skills, too.
You’ll typically take introductory management business courses in your first or second year an use the skills you acquire in upper-division courses like project management, strategic leadership, and supervising teams.
Business Statistics
Business professionals rely on data analysis and statistics to make data-driven decisions.
In business statistics courses, you’ll explore statistical analysis tools and their applications. You’ll learn about concepts such as data distribution, regression analysis, and data interpretation.
The course will train you to apply statistical methods in business settings.
Most programs recommend a business statistics course around the second year of your degree since you’ll apply your knowledge in advanced courses.
Business Law
Business law restricts and shapes organizations’ daily operations.
In business law classes, you’ll explore the laws and regulations that apply to private and nonprofit organizations. You’ll cover contracts, employment law, and business ethics.
Depending on your focus area, your business law classes may also cover topics like litigation, securities law, business formation, and intellectual property law.
You’ll typically take business law classes around the third year of your degree.
Featured Online Bachelor’s in Management Programs
What Are Common Concentrations for a Business Management Degree?
Popular business management concentrations include:
Marketing Management
A concentration in marketing management prepares you for careers such as market research analysts and marketing managers.
During your studies, you’ll strengthen your analytical thinking, research, and communication skills. You’ll explore concepts like expanding market share, identifying gaps in the market, and developing marketing plans. This concentration also emphasizes managerial skills such as team leadership and strategic planning.
Common Marketing Concentration Courses:
- Marketing Analytics
- Consumer Marketing
- International Marketing
International Finance
An international finance concentration introduces you to global markets, international financial systems, and international trade.
The concentration builds on foundational courses in financial management and international business to prepare you for roles like financial analyst or financial manager.
In this concentration, you’ll examine corporate finance in a global context. Coursework also covers key currency markets, international trade regulations, and risk management.
Common International Finance Concentration Courses:
- International Business
- Financial Management
- Global Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs bring innovative products and services to the market.
An entrepreneurship concentration provides advanced training for launching a business venture and securing capital. You’ll also learn how to foster innovation and work in venture capital.
The concentration emphasizes skills like leadership, strategic thinking, and creativity. With entrepreneurial skills, you can establish new businesses and bring innovative approaches to established organizations.
Common Entrepreneurship Concentration Courses:
- Venture Capital
- Marketing Strategy
- Product Design and Management
Leadership and Management
A leadership and management concentration emphasizes managing both people and resources.
You’ll explore management strategies, leadership principles, and employee motivation. The concentration can also strengthen interpersonal and communication skills, which are critical for leaders.
During a leadership and management concentration, you can further focus your coursework by choosing electives related to healthcare management, human resources management, or information technology management.
Common Leadership and Management Concentration Courses:
- Leadership Strategies
- Management Theory
- Organizational Communication
Accounting
A concentration in accounting examines concepts like financial reporting, managerial accounting, and business data analysis.
You’ll explore fields such as auditing, taxation, forensic accounting, and accounting information systems. The concentration strengthens analytical and decision-making abilities while emphasizing career-focused skills.
An accounting concentration trains you for roles like accountant or auditor. And it provides valuable skills for careers in finance or consulting.
Common Accounting Concentration Courses:
- Financial Accounting
- Auditing
- Management Accounting
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