Business Administration Concentrations

Many business administration programs offer concentrations, sometimes called specializations or elective tracks. Concentrations usually keep the same business core and add targeted coursework in a specific area of business.

Use this hub to explore common concentration areas, then compare course topics and fit across schools.

Quick Answers

What is a business administration concentration?

A concentration is a set of courses or electives focused on a specific business area. Most programs keep the same business core and add targeted coursework in the chosen track.

What is another name for a concentration?

Concentrations are sometimes called specializations or elective tracks. Some schools offer formal concentrations, while others use elective tracks.

Do all business administration programs offer concentrations?

No. Availability depends on the institution and degree level. Some programs offer formal concentrations, while others use elective tracks.

What should I compare between concentrations?

Compare how many courses are required, whether the courses are fixed or elective based, and whether a capstone or applied project is part of the track. Also confirm whether the concentration is available online or only in select formats.

How do I choose a business administration concentration?

Choose a track based on the coursework you want to do. Consider the subjects you would pick even if they were not required, the kinds of assignments you prefer, and whether you want a broad or focused specialization.

Can concentrations be completed online?

Often, yes. Online programs may offer concentrations, but availability can depend on start dates and term schedules.

At a Glance

• Concentrations usually add specialized courses on top of the business core.
• Some schools offer formal concentrations. Others use elective tracks.
• Availability varies by degree level and institution.
• Programs may require a set number of courses in the chosen track.
• A concentration should match the kind of coursework you want to do, not just the name.

For a full overview of this program area, start with: Business Administration Program Guide

How concentrations typically work

A concentration is usually built from electives within a business administration degree. Programs may require a certain number of courses in the chosen track.

What to compare when reviewing tracks

• How many courses are required for the concentration
• Whether the courses are fixed or elective based
• Whether a capstone or applied project is part of the track
• Whether the concentration is available online, or only in select formats

To understand how concentrations fit into coursework overall, review: Business Administration Curriculum

Concentrations

Choose a track to see what it commonly includes:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Management
• Human Resources
• Entrepreneurship
• Operations Management
• International Business

How to choose a concentration

A practical way to choose is to align the concentration with the type of work and coursework you want to spend time on.

Steps to narrow your options:

1. List the subjects you would choose even if they were not required.
2. Decide whether you prefer quantitative work, writing, or project based courses.
3. Choose whether you want a broad track or a focused specialization.
4. Confirm whether you want a track that stays flexible across industries.

If you are still deciding between degree levels, these pages can help:

• Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration
• Master’s Business Administration Programs
• BBA vs MBA

Concentrations and online formats

Online programs may offer concentrations, but course availability can depend on start dates and term schedules. If a concentration has a limited number of courses, you may need to plan course order carefully.

To compare how course schedules work online, see:

• Online Course Formats
• Part-Time Business Administration Programs
• Accelerated Business Administration Programs

Admissions and accreditation considerations

Concentration availability does not change the importance of accreditation and admissions planning. Verify that the institution holds recognized accreditation, then confirm concentration requirements and course scheduling.

Helpful pages:

• Business Administration Accreditation
• Business Administration Admissions Requirements

FAQ

What is a business administration concentration?

A concentration is a set of courses or electives focused on a specific business area. Most programs keep the same business core and add targeted coursework in the chosen track.

What is another name for a concentration?

Concentrations are sometimes called specializations or elective tracks. Some schools offer formal concentrations, while others use elective tracks.

Do all business administration programs offer concentrations?

No. Availability depends on the institution and degree level. Some programs offer formal concentrations, while others use elective tracks.

What should I compare between concentrations?

Compare how many courses are required, whether the courses are fixed or elective based, and whether a capstone or applied project is part of the track. Also confirm whether the concentration is available online or only in select formats.

How do I choose a business administration concentration?

Choose a track based on the coursework you want to do. Consider the subjects you would pick even if they were not required, the kinds of assignments you prefer, and whether you want a broad or focused specialization.

Can concentrations be completed online?

Often, yes. Online programs may offer concentrations, but availability can depend on start dates and term schedules.