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Business Administration

Business Administration and Marketing are among the top 10 college degrees in demand. Business degrees are the most widely recognized in industry and enable graduates to earn jobs in finance, retail, manufacturing, construction, and service sectors. Jobs are not likely to decrease in demand. Salaries of recent graduates range from $25,000 to $45,000.

Offered in two formats for working adults who need a "job-friendly" schedule.

A traditional seated format is available during the day at both the Lee County Campus in Sanford and at the Harnett County Campus in Lillington.

Earn your degree from home using the new online format.

Selected evening courses are also available on the Lee County Campus.

Specialized Tracks:

Customize your degree by choosing one of two "tracks" offered in the Business Administration program: the Management track or the Marketing track.

The Management Track

The management track prepares students for entry-level supervisory positions in retail, service, and manufacturing industries. Elective courses emphasize the fundamental management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling in a variety of business contexts. Related courses focus on the principles of accounting, business law, financial management, human resource management, ethical decision-making, and organizational behavior.

Generally, managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of one aspect of an organization. Most Associate Degree graduates begin their careers as first-line managers, which supervise and motivate staff to achieve team or departmental goals. Effective managers are purpose-driven, have a strong work ethic, and execute tasks to completion. Successful first-line mangers are often promoted to mid-level managers, who develop plans and procedures, define goals, and set deadlines.

Particularly in rapidly growing industry segments such as information technology and customer service, the demand forskilled managers to direct front-line workers has increased. In fact, employment for managers is expected to grow at about 10 to 20 percent.

The Marketing Track

The marketing track is the perfect training ground for students who seek opportunities in retail and commercial sales, real estate, advertising and promotion, public relations, and even starting their own businesses. The marketing track allows you to choose from a variety of specialized courses to compliment the business administration core. The marketing emphasis includes courses in consumer behavior, personal selling, professional development, people skills, and entrepreneurship.

The marketing professional's primary responsibilities are to create demand for their employer's products or services, interest new buyers, and ensure that any problems, questions or concerns of customers are addressed and resolved. Effective marketing professionals are assertive, creative, goal-driven and attentive to clients' needs. Insome industries, they may also develop promotional plans, merchandise displays, and advertising programs.

Job opportunities are expected to be plentiful for marketing graduates in general (20% to 35%) and particularly for sales representatives, whose product/service expertise cannot be easily outsourced. Employment for service sales is expected to grow by more than 35 percent through the end of 2006, particularly in IT and related industries.

One of the most constructive things you can do for your career development--and eventual job search--is to participate in a co-op program. Surveys show that co-op experiences are the number one way that employers look for new hires.