Business administration is the handling of essential tasks that keep organisations running smoothly. It covers areas like finance, marketing, human resources, and management. A business administration degree develops skills of value in all industries, offering career flexibility and high earning potential.
Overview
A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) provides students with the skills to manage essential business functions like finance, marketing, human resources, and leadership. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) gives training to aspiring managers and leaders.
Business adminitration degree programs have a strong focus on leadership and decision-making, preparing students for management roles. Alongside traditional business subjects, students engage in additional areas related to running a business.
Key Takeaways
- A BBA provides a foundation in core business areas like finance, marketing, and human resources.
- Leadership development is an important component, preparing students for manager roles.
- Students gain practical experience through internships and projects.
- BBA and MBA degrees offer broad career opportunities across industries.
- Graduates are prepared for leadership roles with strong earning potential.
Bachelor of Business Administration Australia
An emphasis on management and leadership is what distinguishes a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from other undergraduate business programs in Australia. Students complete core subjects you find in virtually all BBus and BCom degrees, such as accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and HR.
Added to the traditional core are extra compulsory subjects to do with running a business. At ANU, these include:
- Leadership
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Business Decision Making
- Communication for Business
At Monash University, the additional management and leadership elements are developed through co-curricular activities and special projects. These include:
- Leadership and professional development programs. Opportunities to develop leadership skills.
- Internships. Hands-on experience through industry placements that enhance management abilities.
- Capstone projects. Multidisciplinary units simulating real-world business environments.
- International study tours. Exposure to global business practices and leadership challenges.
These experiential opportunities at Monash provide students with practical leadership experience beyond the traditional coursework.
What You Learn in an MBA
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a flexible degree in Australia that trains up-and-coming managers and leaders. It is open to professionals from all backgrounds.
Programs cover all the core business administration functions while also offering opportunities for specialisation. Popular majors include finance, marketing, healthcare management, and business analytics.
Related: Online MBA Programs in Australia: Advice for Future Students
Core Business Functions
Business administration is the doing of the core activities needed to run a business or organization.
Stuart Law from Good MBA, What is Business Administration? A Guide
Business administration encompasses several key functions for any organisation. These include finance and accounting, marketing, human resources, and leadership.
- Finance involves budgeting, financial reporting, and investment decisions, which are essential to keeping a company profitable and compliant.
- Marketing strategies help promote products or services, driving business growth.
- Human resources activities include recruitment, employee relations, and staff development, supporting a productive workforce.
- Leadership and management jobs include strategic decision-making and team leadership, guiding the organisation toward its goals.
Together, these functions ensure the smooth operation and long-term success of a business. Whether you’re handling daily finances or managing a team, these skills help maintain operational efficiency.
Salary with a Business Administration Degree
A business administration degree offers broad career flexibility. Graduates can work in a range of industries, including corporate, healthcare, and government. Roles such as financial manager, sales manager, and human resources manager are common pathways.
The salary potential for business administration graduates is strong. Finance managers earn around $130k annually in Australia, while marketing managers typically earn upwards of $110k (Source: Lerna Courses). HR managers earn $130k on average. These roles often offer significant growth potential, especially for those with advanced qualifications like an MBA.
This combination of flexibility and high earning potential makes business administration a popular choice for professionals moving into executive positions.
Career Growth with Experience
Leadership in business administration grows more valuable with experience. Graduates often start by managing smaller teams or projects and, over time, take on bigger roles.
According to Harvard Business Review, leadership training drives “personal growth and a clearer sense of purpose,” helping professionals perform better as they advance.
As they gain experience, strategic decision-making and managing larger teams become vital. Leadership skills learned early are refined on the job, preparing graduates for senior positions like operations or general manager.
Administration Compared to Management
Business administration and business management are closely related but have different focuses. Business administration is concerned with overseeing the day-to-day operations of a company. This involves making sure all processes, from finance to HR, run smoothly.
In contrast, business management is more focused on setting goals and driving the overall direction of the organisation. Managers are responsible for high-level decision-making and guiding teams toward long-term objectives.
While business administration handles the operational side, management steers the organisation’s growth. Both are essential for a company’s success but focus on different aspects of its functioning. Business administration degrees cover both roles well.
Source: Samantha Davey from Just Business Today, What is Business Administration?