A business administration degree opens doors to a number of careers that involve managing the day-to-day operations of a business. A Bachelor of Science in Business, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or both can provide professionals with the skills needed to pursue a career in finance or accounting, project management, human resources, administration, marketing or business information and technology.

For working adults looking to take their career to the next level, or in a new direction altogether, the online bachelor’s and master’s business degree programs from University of Phoenix feature coursework designed to develop the skills most in demand from today’s employers. These programs offer multiple start dates, maximum flexibility and just one course at a time in order to accommodate the busy schedules of adult learners.

How a University of Phoenix Business Degree Aligns with the Job Market

Soft skills are critical in today’s job market, and they are woven into the University of Phoenix business degree program experience. An online survey of hiring managers, human resources professionals and college students from Cengage found that the skills employers value most from candidates include listening, attention to detail and effective communication. But the survey also found that many employers struggle to identify candidates who have the soft skills they are seeking, and many college graduates feel they have not been adequately prepared for the job market in their degree programs.

“There is a need for more soft skills training, both in college and on the job, and today’s learners and graduates must continue to hone their skills to stay ahead,” said Michael Hansen, chief executive officer of Cengage, an educational technology and services company. “The onus is on everyone,” he added, “to make learning more accessible, relevant and affordable.”

University of Phoenix’s skills-aligned learning helps students develop the very skills most sought after by employers as identified by Emsi, a company that provides labor market and economics data. Each business course is associated with a certain number of both credits and skills. For example, students enrolled in the Business Communications course can develop three key skills: business communications, interpersonal communications and presentations. Those students who take the course Inclusive Leadership: Diversity in the Workplace can cultivate three additional skills in change management, employee development and intercultural awareness and inclusion.

Other courses with related skills include Introduction to Computer Applications and Systems, Organizational Behavior for Managers and Principles of Accounting I and II. To meet the needs of various job seekers, any of these skills-aligned courses can be taken on their own as part of an employee’s professional development.

MBA Options from University of Phoenix

There are two online MBA programs at University of Phoenix that provide skills-aligned learning. One is the 18-month Master of Business Administration, which is ideal for students who prefer a group setting and who already hold a bachelor’s degree. This degree program is eligible for transfer credits that can further reduce time and cost commitments.

The competency-based education (CBE) MBA is a 12-month program that follows a more independent, self-guided approach and is designed for those with a business degree and at least three years of work experience in a corporate setting. The CBE MBA, which launched in June 2020 at University of Phoenix, evaluates students’ real-world skills using a theoretical framework to test their competency around such tasks as creating competitive advantages and developing global strategies for a theoretical business.

Either a Bachelor of Science in Business or a Master of Business Administration from University of Phoenix can provide the skills needed to pursue a number of career options. Possibilities include a sales manager, or someone who directs the sales team for a business; an accountant, who handles the financial planning and tax affairs for a business; a market research analyst, who uses data analytics and other methods to study market trends and identify opportunities; or a human resource manager, who oversees duties such as payroll, onboarding and recruiting.

Courses are led by University of Phoenix practitioner faculty who have real-world business expertise and can provide insights and connections to the outside business community.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is committed to advancing the educational goals of adult and nontraditional learners by making it easier and more affordable for those with or without business experience to complete an undergraduate or graduate business degree program that will pave the way for new corporate job opportunities.

The University provides options that working adults need including numerous scholarship opportunities, flexible schedules, online learning, career-guided degree programs and Career Services for Life® commitment to help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.