Online Applied Management Degree Programs

Online Applied Management Degree Programs

Applied management is an essential part of all businesses and companies. Companies look for educated, organized, intelligent, and effective individuals when choosing managers and online applied management degree programs can prepare students to lead successful careers. Undergraduate applied management degree programs prepare students for a variety of entry-level management positions. Graduate degrees give students a chance to grow and advance in their career fields. Many programs offer specialty areas that allow for even more potential growth expansion. Read more about online applied management degree programs.

Some Stats

In 2006, there were 47,684 associate degrees, 128,365 bachelor degrees, 89,010 master degrees and 837 doctorate degrees conferred in business administration and management (1). In 2006, human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists held about 868,000 jobs with about 17,000 being self-employed. Computer and information systems managers held 264,000 jobs with 1 in 4 working in industries that provide service (2).

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook for applied management jobs varies depending on field, degree, and position. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects considerable job growth for applied management related fields from 2006 to 2016. Employment of human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists is expected to grow faster than average for all professions from 2006 to 2016, increasing 17% and adding 147,000 new jobs. Computer and information systems managers are also expected faster than average job growth, increasing 16% and adding 43,000 jobs (2).

Specialties

Applied management is a large field and there are a variety of specializations that students can focus their education on and lead a meaningful career. The applied management specializations include accounting, finance, business management, knowledge management, information systems management, leadership and organizational management, learning management, operations research, engineering management, utilities management, retail management, records and information management, police services, military science, human resources management, and library management. Students who are interested in a particular specialty should select schools that offer strong programs in that specific area.

What to Expect

Applied management degree programs provide students with the necessary training to succeed in many different fields. Undergraduate programs require general education courses in English, composition, math, science, history, and social sciences. Core coursework varies by program but may include courses in accounting, finance, statistics, business law, marketing, business communication, principles of management, management theory and practices, and management ethics. Master degrees in applied management prepare students for higher level leadership and management positions. Doctorate degrees focus on expertise and scholarly research and prepare students for top positions.

The End Result

An undergraduate applied management degree can be applied to many different fields such as accounting, hospitality, technology, healthcare, food management, government, and many others. It opens the door to many entry-level job opportunities. Graduates with master and doctorate degrees will have an even more abundance of job options and can pursue higher level positions in leadership and research.

Career opportunities for applied management degree graduates include:

A career in applied management will be rewarding for individuals who enjoy management practices and activities. Applied management professionals must be able to clearly communicate, think quickly, understand all parts of the organization, and carry out decisions. They use their education and expertise and aim to increase work effectiveness, manage the entire organization, and handle changes.

(1) SOURCE: U.S. National Center for Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics
(2) SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition