Business Administration Curriculum: Courses and Structure
Business administration programs are built around a shared business core, then customized through electives or concentrations. While course titles and sequencing vary by school, most programs follow a similar structure that develops broad business knowledge before allowing specialization.
This page outlines common coursework by degree level and explains how concentrations fit into the overall curriculum.
Quick Answers
What is included in a business administration curriculum?
Business administration programs typically start with a shared business core, then add electives or concentration courses. Course names and sequencing vary by school, but the structure is similar.
What subjects are usually part of the business core?
Most programs cover accounting, economics, management, marketing, finance, operations, business law and ethics, and strategy. Many curricula also include statistics or quantitative methods.
How does the curriculum change by degree level?
Associate programs focus on foundations and general education. Bachelor’s programs add upper level business coursework and may include a capstone or integrative project. Master’s programs emphasize advanced application, strategy, and project based work.
How do concentrations fit into the curriculum?
Concentrations typically replace some electives with focused courses in an area such as finance, marketing, management, or operations. The core business requirements usually stay the same.
Are online and campus business administration curricula different?
The academic content is usually similar across formats. Differences are more often in delivery, pacing, discussions, and group work.
What should you compare across schools?
Look for required core subjects, the number of electives or concentration courses, whether there is a capstone, and how quantitative the program is. Also check how courses are sequenced over time.
At a Glance
- Business administration curricula share a common business core.
- Degree level affects depth, pacing, and specialization options.
- Concentrations usually replace electives, not core courses.
- Online and campus programs cover similar academic content.
For a full overview of program options, start with the Business Administration Program Guide.
Core business subjects
Most business administration programs require a set of core courses designed to build shared knowledge across functional areas.
Common core subjects include:
- Financial and managerial accounting
- Microeconomics and macroeconomics
- Business statistics or quantitative methods
- Principles of management and organizational behavior
- Marketing principles
- Corporate finance or financial management
- Operations and supply chain fundamentals
- Business law and ethics
- Strategic management or business policy
These courses form the foundation for advanced study and concentration coursework.
Curriculum by degree level
The structure and depth of coursework change as degree level increases.
Associate in business administration
Associate programs introduce core business concepts and general education coursework.
Typical focus areas include:
- Introductory accounting and economics
- Business communication
- Principles of management and marketing
- Math and writing requirements
Learn more: Online Associate in Business Administration
Bachelor’s in business administration
Bachelor’s programs expand on foundational topics and add upper level business coursework.
Typical focus areas include:
- Intermediate accounting and finance
- Business analytics or statistics
- Operations and strategy
- Electives or concentration courses
- A capstone or integrative project
Learn more: Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration
Master’s in business administration
Master’s programs assume prior academic preparation and emphasize advanced application.
Typical focus areas include:
- Advanced strategy and leadership
- Applied finance and operations analysis
- Data driven decision making
- Case based or project based coursework
- A capstone or comprehensive assessment
Learn more: Master’s Business Administration Programs
Electives and concentrations
After completing core coursework, many programs allow students to specialize through electives or formal concentrations.
Concentrations typically include a defined set of courses focused on a specific area, such as finance, marketing, management, or operations.
Explore options here: Business Administration Concentrations
Online vs campus curriculum differences
The academic content of business administration programs is usually similar across delivery formats. Differences are more often related to how courses are taught rather than what is taught.
Online programs may emphasize:
- Weekly discussion boards and written assignments
- Project based learning and case analysis
- Asynchronous lectures with fixed deadlines
Campus programs may emphasize:
- In person discussions and presentations
- Team based projects completed on site
- Fixed class meeting times
Compare formats here: Online vs Campus Business Administration Programs
How to compare curriculum across schools
When reviewing curriculum pages, look beyond course titles.
Use these steps to compare programs:
- Check whether core business subjects are required or optional.
- Compare how many electives or concentration courses are included.
- Look for a capstone or applied project.
- Note how quantitative or analytical the program is.
- Review how courses are sequenced over time.
These factors often matter more than the specific course names.
Admissions and accreditation considerations
Curriculum quality should be evaluated alongside accreditation and admissions policies. Accreditation helps ensure coursework meets recognized academic standards.
Helpful pages:
Is the curriculum worth it for you
A business administration curriculum can provide a broad foundation across multiple business functions. Whether it is a good fit depends on how much structure, flexibility, and specialization you want.
For a broader fit discussion, see: Is a Business Administration Degree Worth It
FAQ
What courses are included in a business administration curriculum
Most programs include accounting, economics, management, marketing, finance, operations, business law, ethics, and strategy, plus electives or concentrations.
Does curriculum differ by degree level
Yes. Associate programs focus on foundations. Bachelor’s programs add depth and electives. Master’s programs emphasize advanced application.
Do concentrations change the core curriculum
No. Concentrations usually replace elective courses while keeping the same business core.
Are online courses different academically
The content is typically similar. Differences are mainly in delivery style and pacing.