So, you’re ready to pursue your business career. You’re passionate, ambitious, and ready to conquer the corporate world.
The only problem is that you’re unsure of whether you should choose a Bachelor of Business Administration or a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
What are the differences? Is one better than the other? And which one is the best fit for you and your career goals?
If you find yourself asking these questions, don’t worry. This article will do a business degree comparison, including subjects and career opportunities, and ultimately help you decide which one of the two degrees is best for you.
What is a BBA?
A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is a popular 3-4-year undergraduate business degree that gives students a strong foundation in business, covering various topics, including:
- Accounting and finance
- Human resources
- Marketing
- Business law and ethics
- Project management
- Supply chain
- Information systems
The BBA programme details and subjects will depend on the institution. However, these programmes typically combine practical and theoretical learning, incorporating independent study, group projects, and real-world examples to reinforce the lessons. Have a look at the main benefits of a BBA.
What is a BS in Business Administration?
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration, also known as a BSBA, emphasises the analytical aspects of business. While the term “business” is used in this degree, this course extends beyond business operations to focus on the mathematics and analysis underlying business decisions.
Some key subjects included in this degree include the following:
- Statistics and data analysis
- Finance and accounting
- Operations research
- Economics (micro and macro)
- Management science
- Information systems
- Business and law ethics
Teachings often involve lectures with clear frameworks and models that students must follow, as well as labs, workshops, and group projects based on data analysis.
Career opportunities for BBA and BSBA degrees
Choosing between a business degree takes some serious self-reflection. There is no right or wrong answer, as it ultimately depends on the individual. That said, understanding the career paths of these two degrees can be helpful.
Career paths and opportunities for BBA graduates
BBA graduates typically begin their careers in entry-level positions within various fields, such as sales, marketing, supply chain, and human resources, and then progress to managerial roles.
One of the key benefits of this degree is its flexibility, as it equips you with a range of transferable skills and business knowledge, enabling you to pursue various business career paths that align with your interests and strengths.
Let’s examine two different scenarios of students and their potential decisions regarding a BBA after completing their studies.
- Student 1: After completing her BBA, Lerato landed a role as a junior marketing assistant at a beauty company. Thanks to her coursework in consumer behaviour and marketing, she quickly understood the brand’s target market and helped launch a social media campaign. Over time, she moved up to become a brand manager.
- Student 2: Thabo always had a knack for understanding people. During his BBA, he focused on human resource modules and interned at a local tech startup. After graduating, he secured a role as an HR coordinator and eventually became an HR business partner at a growing software company.
As you can see, your career is entirely customisable and can easily adjust based on industry demand. Plus, for those who are interested in entrepreneurship, a BBA gives you all the skills you need to launch and scale your startup.
Career paths and opportunities for BSBA graduates
BSBA graduates typically begin their careers in analytical or technical entry-level roles within fields such as finance, business analytics, operations, or information systems, with opportunities to grow into strategic or leadership positions.
Again, let’s take a look at two different scenarios of students and their potential decisions after completing a BSBA:
- Student 1: After completing his BSBA with a focus on business analytics, Sihle joined a logistics company as a data analyst. He used tools like Excel and SQL (covered during his studies) to uncover inefficiencies in delivery routes, saving the company thousands in costs. A few years later, he was promoted to Operations Strategy Lead.
- Student 2: Nadia specialised in finance during her BSBA and interned at an investment firm while studying. Her strong understanding of financial modelling, risk management, and business forecasting helped her secure a full-time role as a financial analyst. Today, she supports mergers and acquisitions at a global consulting firm.
How do I decide which degree is the right choice for me in business?
By now, you likely have a direction that you’re leaning towards a bit more than the other. Perhaps you’re a people-oriented individual, and the HR aspect of a BBA is resonating with you. Or, maybe you’re a math guru, and the thought of working with data excites you.
If so, you already know which option you want to go with. Great!
If not, that’s okay, too. There are a few additional factors to consider when choosing between these two degrees.
- Long-term career goals: Consider where you want to end up in the future. Many management, marketing, HR, supply chain, and sales roles value the flexible training and people skills taught in BBA programmes. On the other hand, roles like data analysis, financial planning, and more analytical roles will be easier to grow in if you have a BSBA.
- Your interests and strengths: If you’re good with numbers, enjoy logic puzzles, or thrive in math and science, you may connect with a BS. This path is ideal for individuals who are comfortable with calculations, statistics, and solving technical problems. On the other hand, if you’re a natural team player, a strong communicator, or love big-picture thinking, a BBA could play to your strengths.
- Industry needs: You also need to consider the market and think about the doors each degree opens for you. Luckily, both degrees are relatively versatile, giving you the chance to pursue many different jobs. That said, since a BBA degree covers almost all aspects of business, whereas a BS focuses more on the analytical side, a BBA is more versatile. With the constant market shifts, including the rise of AI, changes in customer behaviour, and economic downturns, versatile degrees are more important than ever.
FAQ
Which degree is better for a career in business, BBA or BS?
Both the BBA and BS degrees are great for careers in business. That said, the option you choose will depend on your career goals.
While a BBA is a versatile degree that allows you to enter various business fields, including finance, HR, marketing, supply chain management, and more, a BS in Business Administration focuses more on the analytical aspects of business, enabling you to pursue careers in data and financial analysis.
Are there any specialisations available within the BBA or BS programmes?
Yes, typically, both degrees offer specialisations intended to help students target their learning and signal expertise to future employers. Common options include:
- Marketing
- Finance
- Human Resource Management
- Supply Chain & Operations
- International Business
- Management Information Systems
- Entrepreneurship
Can I switch from a BBA to a BS programme or vice versa?
Yes, some schools allow you to switch between a BBA and BS in Business Administration. However, it’s best to do so early on before you complete core classes.
Study a business course with REGENT
It’s clear that both BBA and BS in Business Administration degrees are great programmes that open the door to many career opportunities. That said, their focuses are very different, and one degree may suit you better than the other.
Suppose you like the flexibility and various career options that a BBA offers, and you want to learn more about this programme. In that case, you can visit REGENT’s Bachelor of Business Administration course page or contact us directly.
