2014-04-23

The BSB (Bachelor of Science in Business) is the fastest-growing undergraduate degree granted by American universities and colleges. The National Center for Education Statistics issued a report showing that a little more than 20 percent of all undergraduate degrees in the last measured academic year were Bachelor of Science in Business.

Supply and Demand for Business Ready Graduates

Even though the BSB is the most in-demand undergraduate degrees, the business world in its ever-increasing areas of specialization needs more candidates for management positions who have the broader world view that a degree provides. Businesses from local sole-proprietorships to massive multinationals require the skills that the BSB brings to the table. For the graduate who has taken the time and worked hard to attain the degree, the doors open on an array of careers, with above average financial remuneration and job security as the payoff. Career opportunities with a BSB include:

Accounting – average pay $63,550 per year.

Advertising Management – average pay $115,750 per year

Business Administration – average pay $101,650 per year

Contract Management – average pay $60,550 per year

Economist – average pay $91,860 per year

Financial managers – average pay $109,740 per year

Human Resources Management – average pay $99,720 per year

Nonprofit Management – average pay $59,970 per year

Operations Analyst – average pay $72,100 per year

Public Relations – average pay $54,170 per year

Other fields such as communication, tourism and hospitality, event planning, supply chain management and logistics also offer excellent opportunities.

Getting Up to Speed: Acceleration 101

Gaining credits toward an accelerated bachelor’s degree in business without actually taking the class can sound too good to be true, but some work is still required in order to take advantage of available PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) credit. Commonly acceptable methods include:

Credit from AP (Advanced Placement) or IN (International Baccalaureate) high school classes.

Credit from classes toward a previously unfinished degree.

Credit from an associate degree.

Credit for military service and training.

Credit from taking standardized subject tests such as CLEP (College Level Examination Program) and DSST (Dantes Subject Standardized Tests).

Credit for documented training and experience in areas such as law enforcement, aviation, insurance and real estate.

Credit for vocational certificates and training recognized and accredited by the American Council on Education (ACE).

Credit for a nursing degree or diploma.

Credit for career and workplace experience pertinent to the area of study.

The regulations and requirements vary between schools, so make sure the school where you want to study for your accelerated bachelor’s degree in business will accept such credits. It is possible, with the shorter but more intense class schedules for accelerated courses to complete a degree in far less time than the traditional four-year timeframe. (200)

Keeping It Real: Accreditation

With the accelerated bachelor’s degree in business being so sought after, it’s a given that there will be fraudulent schools advertising to students searching for a program. The credentials and accreditations they present sound official, and they often guarantee fast and easy degrees, promise job placement after graduation, or even push student loans as part of a package. However, without accreditation recognized by the US Department of Education, that accelerated bachelor’s degree in business – and the money and time it took to earn it – is essentially worthless. Perhaps not right away, but when you try to transfer that degree for credit to another school, it would not be considered as transferable credit. You would need to start building your accelerated bachelor’s degree in business all over again.

Checking accreditation should start at the school’s web page. Take note of accrediting agencies and then go right to the top; the US Department of Education lists national and regional accrediting bodies as follows:

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training

Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools

Council on Occupational Education

Distance Education and Training Council, Accrediting Commission

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

New York State Board of Regents, and the Commissioner of Education

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission

Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior Colleges and University Commission

The schools recognized by these bodies are a student’s best assurance of a quality education, with best standards and practices, as well as transferability of credit between programs and institutions. Students enrolling to earn an accelerated bachelor’s degree in business in schools accredited by federally recognized accrediting bodies are also eligible to receive federally-backed student loans, federal grants and federal student financial aid. It pays to do your homework for your accelerated bachelor’s degree in business even before you open a book.

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