Career Guide
Business manager
If you possess a talent for strategic planning, demonstrate strong leadership skills, excel in problem-solving and have a sharp instinct for decision-making, you may have a future in the business manager career.
If you possess a talent for strategic planning, demonstrate strong leadership skills, excel in problem-solving and have a sharp instinct for decision-making, you may have a future in the business manager career.
If you posess a talent for strategic planning, demonstrate strong leadership skills, excel in problem-solving and have a sharp instinct for decision-making, you may have a future in the business manager career.
Career overview
Business managers — a type of general/operation manager — are professionals who oversee a broad spectrum of responsibilities within an organization. Their responsibilities encompass managing various business functions such as finance, marketing and strategic planning. They are deeply involved in strategic decision-making and long-term planning, ensuring the alignment of the company's goals with its operations. Business managers also handle critical aspects like human resources, finance, and the development of overall business strategies. They maintain a wide perspective that influences the entire organization. Their strategic involvement ensures that all departments work cohesively towards the company's objectives, positioning them as key drivers of organizational success.
Around 3.6 million general and operations managers — including business managers — were employed in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The demand for general and operations managers is projected to continue to rise as companies depend more on these experts to maintain seamless operations. Within the business manager career path, you can work across industries including dental practices; college, universities and professional schools; temporary help services; pharmacies; elementary and secondary schools; and more.
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In-demand skills
The following skills may be needed in day-to-day experience in the business manager career:
- Finance
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Business data analysis
- Operations management
- Information systems
- Brand awareness
- Management training and development
- Financial statements
- Accounts payable
- Management
- Operations
- Budgeting
- Planning
- Business administration
- Microsoft Office (i.e. Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word)
- Accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks)
- PeopleSoft applications
- SAP applications
Soft skills
Regularly used on the job
Strong communication, leadership, enthusiasm, coordination and time management are crucial skills needed to excel as a business manager.
Salary range $65 - $160K
25th-75th percentile
General and operations managers, including business managers, within the 25th and 75th percentiles earned between $65,180 and $160,290 in 2023, according to BLS nationwide statistics.[1]
210,400 jobs
Projected growth (2023-2033)
Job opportunities for general and operations managers, including business managers, are projected to grow by 6% nationally between 2023 and 2033, BLS reports.[1]
[1] The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. The salary ranges, job opportunities and outcomes presented represent the larger job category, which includes the particular job title. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website. The BLS Projected Growth for 2023-2033 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
Education and experience
Business manager candidates are generally required to have a bachelor’s degree in business or another major related to their area of work. Large corporations may give stronger preference to candidates with a master’s degree, especially in business administration.
To pursue a career as a business manager, gaining experience in a supervisory or lower-level managerial role can be highly beneficial. This experience not only equips you with essential skills but can position you for future opportunities in higher managerial or executive roles. Additionally, enrolling in professional development or executive training programs is recommended to further strengthen your skills and expand your knowledge, especially if you aim to advance along the executive track.
Phoenixes in the workplace
Meet Jennifer K., an alum whose inspiring journey transformed adversity into opportunity, culminating in a managerial position at a pioneering tech company. Earning a Master of Business Administration ignited a passion for innovation and growth, empowering her to blaze a trail for other women in her industry.
Jennifer K. | MBA 2002
Phoenixes in the workplace
Meet Jennifer K., an alum whose inspiring journey transformed adversity into opportunity, culminating in a managerial position at a pioneering tech company. Earning a Master of Business Administration at ignited a passion for innovation and growth, empowering her to blaze a trail for other women in her industry.
Programs
At University of Phoenix, we offer several undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs that align to the business manager career outcome. Our flexible approach to learning means you can integrate higher education into your life, advancing one course at a time every five to six weeks. Explore our offerings to find out which program is aligned to your goals.
Bachelor of Science in Business
The Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) undergraduate degree program is designed to prepare graduates with the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively apply various business principles and tools in an organizational setting. The BSB foundation is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practical application, while examining the areas of accounting, communications, diversity and inclusion, economics, finance, business law and ethics, management, marketing, organizational behavior, business analytics and information systems.
In this program, you’ll learn how to:
- Integrate decision-making skills to address business needs
- Integrate business concepts and principles to advance organizational goals
- Analyze interrelationships among distinct functional areas of an organization
- Analyze logistics involved in global business operations
To earn this degree, you will be required to complete 120 credits through courses in general education, core topics and elective subjects. The length of this program is 47 months, and each course is five weeks long.
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) has accredited the following programs offered by the College of Business and Information Technology or the College of Doctoral Studies.
- Associate of Arts with a concentration in Accounting Fundamentals*
- Associate of Arts with a concentration in Business Fundamentals
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Bachelor of Science in Business
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Management
- Master of Science in Accountancy*
- Doctor of Business Administration
- Doctor of Management
*These programs are not available for new enrollments.
For additional information, visit acbsp.org.
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
8101 College Blvd #100
Overland Park, KS 66210
Bachelor of Science in Management
The Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM) degree program is designed to develop the professional knowledge and skills of cross-functional managers in an organization. The BSM degree enhances skills necessary for improved organizational effectiveness in a dynamic and evolving workplace. The program focuses on the development of management roles and emphasizes skills necessary to align resources, and to improve communication, productivity and effectiveness.
In this program, you’ll learn how to:
- Evaluate management principles necessary for organizational effectiveness
- Evaluate the effectiveness of processes used to achieve organizational goals
- Integrate key problem-solving strategies in the analysis and recommendation of business decisions
- Analyze interrelationships among distinct functional areas of an organization
To earn this degree, you will be required to complete 120 credits through courses in general education, core topics and elective subjects. The length of this program is 47 months, and each course is five weeks long.
Master of Business Administration
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program prepares students in the functional areas of business allowing them to develop managerial skills necessary to be effective in a rapidly changing business environment. The program is designed for students with an interest in entering or advancing their careers in business and reflects current research of leadership competencies, as well as graduate business standards as reflected by existing international accreditation agencies.
In this program, you’ll learn how to:
- Integrate decision-making skills to deliver organizational value in dynamic environments
- Create strategies for sustainable organizational success that integrates the organization's mission and vision with societal values
- Synthesize leadership skills to foster innovation and facilitate change in a dynamic business environment
- Evaluate the global environment to sustain an organization's competitive advantage
- Integrate managerial skills to support strategic execution in a rapidly changing business environment
To earn this degree, you will need to complete 33 credits through 11 core courses. This program is 16 months long. Each course is six weeks in length.
Master of Business Administration (Competency-based)
We also offer a Master of Business Administration Competency-based program. It is important to note that competency-based programs are not the right fit for every student. If you learn well in a structured learning environment with regular instruction, the traditional MBA may be a better option for you. The MBA competency-based program is best for students who prefer to work independently — with faculty guidance — and manage their time effectively, while saving time and money on their degree. The length of this program is less than 12 months. Learn more about our competency-based programs.
Master of Management
The Master of Management degree program promotes the development of management competencies through the practical application of theory, business and management diagnostics and the formulation of creative management and consulting solutions. Students will acquire a wide range of tools, concepts and methodologies to design, conduct and follow through on successful leadership and entrepreneurship practices. In addition, students will be able to actively develop their interpersonal and business-related management skills in order to foster leadership, creative thinking, collegiality and teamwork ability in an international context. The Master of Management will provide students with firsthand knowledge of the tools and techniques used by successful consultants in the competitive leadership, entrepreneurship and management industry.
In this program, you’ll learn how to:
- Synthesize management functions to support attainment of goals in a variety of organizations
- Align strategic management competencies with organizational needs to foster innovation and facilitate change within dynamic business environments
- Synthesize leadership skills to support strategic execution in rapidly changing business environments
- Evaluate business research and analytics to support accountability in planning and decision-making in a variety of business environments
- Integrate business law, regulations and ethics in the management of diverse organizations
To earn this degree, you will need to complete 33 credits through 11 core courses. This program is 16 months long. Each course is six weeks in length.
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) has accredited the following programs offered by the College of Business and Information Technology or the College of Doctoral Studies.
- Associate of Arts with a concentration in Accounting Fundamentals*
- Associate of Arts with a concentration in Business Fundamentals
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Bachelor of Science in Business
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Management
- Master of Science in Accountancy*
- Doctor of Business Administration
- Doctor of Management
*These programs are not available for new enrollments.
For additional information, visit acbsp.org.
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
8101 College Blvd #100
Overland Park, KS 66210
Certificates may also be a worthwhile option as you work towards a business manager career. Certificate programs can help you stay on top of the latest trends in your industry and hone proficiencies you’ll need for your career — such as critical thinking, delegation and written and oral communication skills — in a shorter amount of time than a traditional degree.
We offer undergraduate certificate programs — in leadership and management and small business management and entrepreneurship — that also align to the business manager career. These certificates are designed to support individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and are looking to specialize or expand their expertise within a specific field. It is important to note that the certificates below are rigorous in nature and foundational knowledge through related degree programs may be necessary for completion.
Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship Certificate (Undergraduate)
The Small Business and Entrepreneurship certificate provides students with the skills necessary to establish and operate a small business or entrepreneurial enterprise through the successful management of planning, marketing, financial management and integrated business operations. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to examine small business marketing opportunities, identify innovative small business strategies, evaluate financial management decisions and address the challenges and opportunities specific to small business management and entrepreneurship.
In this program, you’ll learn how to:
- Evaluate business opportunities and risks to make sound financial decisions
- Apply innovation and creativity to solving entrepreneurial business opportunities
- Apply management concepts and principles to launch an entrepreneurial business
This certificate requires you to complete 18 credits and is seven months long. Each course is five weeks in length.
Leadership and Management Certificate (Undergraduate)
The Certificate in Leadership and Management program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to effectively lead others within a variety of organizational settings and situations. The program includes content related to organizational leadership, business strategy development, decision making, change management, effective communication, performance improvement and entrepreneurship.
In this program, you’ll learn how to:
- Synthesize leadership concepts and practices in support of organizational mission and values
- Integrate decision-making skills to advance organizational goals
This certificate requires you to complete 18 credits and is seven months long. Each course is five weeks in length.
If you choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business, you can also earn associate degrees and certificates along the way:
Students may find this option worthwhile as it can prepare you for career opportunities aligned with both the chosen program and the Bachelor of Science in Business degree.
Additionally, if you choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business or a Bachelor of Science in Management, you can also get a head start on a graduate-level education through our Business Master’s Pathway. While completing your bachelor’s program, you have the option to take three graduate-level courses from our Master of Business Administration or Master of Management programs to count as elective credit towards your master’s degree.
How can University of Phoenix support me in pursuing my career goals?
Students and graduates can access our Career Navigator tools, which can help you evaluate career options, track career-relevant skills and discover job postings suited to your needs. From resumé building and interview preparation to networking and mentorship, University of Phoenix offers career services for life to all students and graduates. Dive deeper into our career services, resources and tools to find out how we can help you pursue your goals and chart your career path.
