What are some of the specializations within this degree program?

Managers oversee the operations of a business and coordinate the teams of workers who make that business possible. Many managers will assume a role within a type of business that suits their personal strengths and experience.

• Accounting: This is typically seen as a specialization under a bachelor's or manager's degree in business administration. It offers students a solid foundation of accounting classes and management.
• Marketing: This is also often seen within business degrees because management and marketing often work hand-in-hand.
• Human Resources Management: Under an MBA or even a bachelor's in business, there is typically a human resources specialization since these professionals must be versed well in management and HR.

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What degree levels are available?

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
• PhD or DBA: 5 to 7 years to complete

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What are the educational and certification requirements?

One of the advantages of studying management is that there are degrees at every level, from associate through the doctorate degree. While the associate degree takes about two years to complete, graduates are generally limited to taking on entry-level assistant manager positions in smaller organizations. The bachelor's level in management or business is the standard for most managers, as they typically complete either a management degree or a bachelor's in business administration. In addition, the bachelor's degree is versatile, so the graduate can use it in many different career fields.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) prepares students for upper-level management positions. With the various specialization in the MBA, it makes it the perfect degree to blend management, business, and a specialization so that the graduate is ready to move into a top-level executive role. Students who pursue a PhD or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) often work in the highest levels of management in such areas as education and information technology. Moreover, these professionals can find themselves drawn to academics and wish to teach at the college level, which the doctorate degree will definitely prepare them to do.

There aren't any required certifications that management graduates must pursue in order to put their skills into action. Some graduates may choose to seek out voluntary management credentials, however, after they complete the degree. These certifications are offered by business and management trade groups and usually require applicants to pass an exam in order to earn the credential. The Institute of Certified Professional Managers offers the general Certified Manager (CM) credential, which can be useful to managers in any field.  

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What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?

Accredited undergraduate degree programs in management are generally interdisciplinary, with a curriculum reflective of the wide array of responsibilities and expectations that are often placed on business managers. For example, managers in most positions have financial responsibilities, including budgeting, payroll, fundraising, and financial management. Therefore, it is typical for students to take at least one course in accounting. An accounting course will train students to perform specific tasks, such as preparing financial statements and tax returns. Such a course will also teach students to be mindful of the present economic climate. 

Because management is such a people-oriented field, nearly all undergraduate management programs require students to pass classes in human resource management. Human resources is the department that deals with scheduling, payroll, hiring, and staff training. Many graduates of these programs go on to work in human resource offices. Another important aspect of becoming a successful manager is developing effective leadership strategies. Therefore, more and more bachelor's in management programs include classes specifically dedicated to the study of leadership.

The foundational coursework in these degrees focuses on organizational structure, management, and personal leadership capabilities. Classes like Behavior in Organizations and Organizational Dynamics discuss the types of relationships that can arise within a business, and how managers can encourage interactions that are positive and beneficial for the organization. Personal leadership classes, such as Leadership and Self and Leadership Development, discuss the traits that effective managers can cultivate, in order to set the tone for their team.

Advanced courses in management master's programs continue in this same theme of organizational structure and leadership, but focus on more specific topics. One common course, Business Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, builds on the tactics covered in the foundational courses, to prepare managers to diffuse tough situations in their business and guide negotiations towards a mutually positive outcome. Other classes, such as Cross Cultural Management, discuss how managers can accommodate workers of all social and cultural backgrounds, in order to improve the workplace atmosphere.

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If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?

Very few accredited universities require specific on-site training of their undergraduate students in online management degree programs. However, occasionally schools do require that students demonstrate some practical experience, whether in their professional lives, internship, or work study commitments. 

Although it depends on the type of advanced management degree program you choose, most general advanced management programs do require some amount of on-site work. Because management is such an interpersonal and communication-heavy endeavor, it makes sense that these programs would require some face-to-face workshops in order to work on these skills. Some master's in management programs also require students to work on a community-service-oriented project during their degree in order to put their skills to practice in a real-world situation.

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What are some other degrees that are related to this program?

There are a number of advanced degree programs in the field of management that focus not on leadership or organizational structure, but on another specific business area. For example, the master's in project management covers the skills for planning and budgeting for large projects, while the banking and financial services management degree discusses management strategies for certain financial institutions. Other specialized management programs include risk management, international marketing, emergency management, and insurance management. Business leaders who are interested in learning the skills to run an entire business enterprise could look into the master's degree in business administration.

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