Education and Careers in Management

At the helm of any successful business is a manager, or team of managers, working to advance the company's vision and enhance profitability with strategic planning.
 
 
Sometimes managers are employed full-time by a company, and other times they are self-employed consultants hired by different companies in need of their expertise. Many management analysts and consultants work for multinational firms. Through the firms, they are placed within organizations to analyze productivity and propose ways to improve the organization's structure, efficiency or profits.
 
Many individuals in the management field specialize in one or more areas to enhance their marketability and acquire clients within a certain niche industry. In most cases, a degree in management is necessary for professionals looking to enter high-level or specialized positions in the field.

Beginning a Management Career

A degree in management can open the door to many exciting job possibilities. A few areas of specialty within the management field include:
  • business management
  • construction management
  • human resource management
  • inventory management
  • project management
  • property management
  • restaurant management
  • retail management
  • sales management
  • sports management.
Whether you want to enter a specialized field as a manager, work as a high-level consultant or simply gain marketable leadership and business skills, educational programs in management offer students a vast array of opportunities for career advancement.

Business Management Degree and Certificate Programs

Management training and skills can be useful in any industry, from fashion to food to finance. Naturally, there are many possible certificate and degree programs for those wishing to enter or ascend in the management field. What follows are a few notable options.

Associate's Degrees in Management

An associate degree can provide you with basic knowledge of management principles. Just as there are many different industries that need management professionals, there are many different types of associate degrees that correspond with each industry.
 
One example is the Associate of Arts in Sport Management. Not only could you parlay this two-year degree into a career working with sports teams or athletes, but the diversity also lends itself to college sports programs or even sports media. While you may not earn as high of a salary as you like, an associate degree is a good way to launch yourself into the industry. The same can be said for any type of associate degree in management.

Bachelor's Degrees in Business Management

Bachelor's degrees typically take four years to complete and can provide you with a solid foundation for a career in management. Some examples of the types of bachelor's degrees offered by universities are:
  • Bachelor of Science in Business/Global Business Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Business/Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Organizational Security and Management.

Master's Degrees

A Master of Management degree allows you to jump to a higher level in your chosen field. The program focuses on real-world issues and how to handle them, with coursework including topics such as:
  • ethics
  • interview techniques
  • law.
Managers with master's degrees can start out earning an average salary of $41,000. However, the range can be broad, given that virtually every career has a management structure.
 
Other, more specific types of master's degrees to consider are:
  • Master of Business Administration/Global Management
  • Master of Business Administration/Health Care Management
  • Master of Business Administration/Technology Management
  • Master of Management/Human Resources Management
  • Master of Management/Public Administration.

Doctorate Degrees

Doctoral degrees represent the peak of higher education for those interested in a career in management and leadership. Especially useful at the mid-career level, the degree can take up to seven years to attain. Those achieving the degree can go on to top positions at universities, businesses and legal firms, earning salaries that average around $84,000.

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs in management are designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of those already working in management positions. With the addition of the specialized skills offered in different certification programs, a business professional could advance to higher levels of management.
 
One example of a certificate program is the Technology Management Certificate program. Courses include computer science and Web administration. This particular certificate is ideal for a career as a:
  • LAN/WAN Manager
  • Management Information Systems Director
  • Project Manager in the IT industry.
Salaries in these fields typically range between $71,000 and $118,000.

Costs of Management Education

The cost of an education in management depends on the level of the degree you choose to pursue. According to a recent analysis, an associate degree averages about $5,000, while a bachelor’s can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000, depending on whether you choose to go to a public or private university.
 
The costs of an MA or an MBA also vary widely, with one estimate pegging the cost anywhere between $5,000 and $100,000.
 
The highest level of schooling within management education, the Doctor of Management, requires four to seven years of study and a commitment of thousands of dollars, as well as an MA or MBA.
 
At the other end of the spectrum, a one-year certificate in management will cost just a few thousand.


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