Be the Boss by Earning One of the Best Management Degrees in the Country.
Becoming a manager is a huge responsibility. You need to not only know the ins-and-outs of your trade, but you also need to be a people person and work with the emotional health of your organization. As a manager, you'll be a planner, a decision-maker, a mediator, a visionary, and so much more. Essentially, you're going to run the show.
Below you'll find the 20 best management degrees. How did we compile our list? First, the College Choice data team considered the academic quality of each program. Then they looked at affordability and the return on investment. And, last but not least, they factored in student satisfaction using retention rates and graduation rates.
Our methodology draws from our own data experts, the excellent resources at US News & World Report, and the number-crunching brainiacs at Payscale.com. Work your way to the top – start by choosing one of the best management programs below!
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20 Best Bachelor's in Management Degree ProgramsSee our rankings methodology page.Bachelor's in Management: Program Requirements
You're looking through some of the best schools in the country. That means competition will be a factor for a number of them. Management positions pay top dollar, which means you'll have to work hard to distinguish yourself.
Here's the good news: if you work hard on your application and earn a spot, you will be rewarded with one of the best academic experiences of your life. You'll likely spend the first two years taking general education courses and some core business courses.
In your last two years, however, you'll get to the heart of management. You'll select a concentration area that fits your passions and you'll dive into more specific electives. Depending on the program, you might finish your degree with an internship, field experience, or a study abroad program.
What Kind of Management Degree Should You Get?
One great thing about this field is that you don't necessarily need an MBA to land a top-tier job in management. So we're starting you off at the undergraduate level to learn the fundamentals in the business of management. While all of these programs will give you a solid understanding of management – business analytics, leadership skills, and more – they all differ in their focus.
Are you wanting to go into human resource management? Then you should check out New York University, Texas A&M University, and Bryant University. They each have concentrations in that area.
Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur and start your own company? Then start with the programs at the University of Pennsylvania, Bentley University, or Purdue University.
Each of these schools have wide-ranging concentration areas, so you're bound to find the right fit with at least one of them. We've made it easy for you to compare the costs, ranking, and course offerings of each program.
Have you considered earning your degree online? Distance education is an amazing way to achieve your educational and career goals in an affordable and flexible way. Many schools even have fully online programs in management. Be sure to check out College Choice's Best Online Management Degrees.
Average Salaries for Management Positions
It's a no-brainer that you're going to be earning top dollar just by being the go-to person in the office. Managerial positions are simply higher on the totem pole.For most positions, you'll be looking at upwards of $100,000. Not too bad, right? But here's a more specific breakdown of what specific management jobs are earning across the country:
Human Resource Managers: $110,120
Computer and Information Systems Managers: $139,220
Financial Managers: $125,080
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers: $111,280
As you can tell, earning a bachelor's degree in management will keep you comfortable and well-compensated. Even more good news for you, the job outlook for managers is looking sunny. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most managerial jobs are expected to increase in demand by 12 percent by 2026!
Careers You Can Pursue With a Management Degree
What can't you do with a management degree? All business and all organizations need someone in a managerial capacity. That means that the sky's the limit once you graduate.
Of course, a number of programs will help guide your path by offering specialized tracks in career-specific areas to become a computer and information systems manager, HR manager, or a supply chains and operations manager. Other schools emphasize global business management, which opens up even more options for you that could send you around the world.
This degree will also prepare you for advanced education. If you want to earn an MBA or a master of science in a particular field, you will have the foundation, knowledge, and research experience to succeed in a competitive academic environment.
