What can you learn from comparing BBA and MBA degrees?

1 BBA: An Undergraduate Degree in Business

A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is a four-year undergraduate degree that covers the fundamentals of business, such as accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, and operations. A BBA degree can prepare you for entry-level positions in various sectors and industries, such as banking, consulting, retail, hospitality, or nonprofit. A BBA degree can also be a stepping stone for further education, such as an MBA or a specialized master's degree.

2 MBA: A Graduate Degree in Business

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a two-year graduate degree that builds on the core concepts of business and provides more advanced and specialized knowledge and skills. An MBA degree can help you advance your career, switch fields, or start your own business. An MBA degree can also expose you to a diverse network of peers, mentors, and employers. An MBA degree usually requires a bachelor's degree, work experience, and standardized test scores for admission.

3 Curriculum: BBA vs MBA

The curriculum of a BBA degree is more general and broad, while the curriculum of an MBA degree is more focused and deep. A BBA degree typically consists of general education courses, core business courses, electives, and a capstone project or internship. A BBA degree can give you a solid foundation of business principles and practices, as well as some exposure to different fields and functions. A MBA degree typically consists of core business courses, electives, and a concentration or specialization. An MBA degree can help you develop more advanced and specialized skills and knowledge in a specific area of interest, such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, or international business.

4 Duration: BBA vs MBA

The duration of a BBA degree is usually four years, while the duration of an MBA degree is usually two years. However, the actual length of time may vary depending on the program, the school, and the student. Some factors that can affect the duration of a BBA degree are the number of credits required, the availability of courses, the transfer of credits, and the pace of study. Some factors that can affect the duration of an MBA degree are the format of the program, the availability of courses, the workload, and the pace of study. Some MBA programs offer accelerated, part-time, or online options that can shorten or extend the duration of the degree.

5 Cost: BBA vs MBA

The cost of a BBA degree and an MBA degree can vary widely depending on the program, the school, and the student. However, in general, an MBA degree tends to be more expensive than a BBA degree. According to the U.S. News & World Report, the average tuition for a BBA degree at a public college was $9,687 per year in 2020, while the average tuition for an MBA degree at a public college was $30,240 per year in 2019. The cost of a BBA degree or an MBA degree can also include other expenses, such as books, fees, housing, transportation, and living costs. The cost of a BBA degree or an MBA degree can be offset by various sources of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, loans, or assistantships.

6 Outcomes: BBA vs MBA

The outcomes of a BBA degree and an MBA degree can depend on many factors, such as the quality of the program, the reputation of the school, the performance of the student, and the state of the economy. However, in general, an MBA degree tends to offer more opportunities and benefits than a BBA degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for occupations that typically require a bachelor's degree was $65,440 in 2019, while the median annual wage for occupations that typically require a master's degree was $75,440 in 2019. Moreover, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council, the median salary for MBA graduates in 2020 was $115,000, while the median salary for BBA graduates in 2020 was $55,000. An MBA degree can also increase your chances of getting promoted, changing careers, or becoming an entrepreneur.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?