Types of Management Degrees (and What They Lead To)

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the demand for skilled leaders and strategic thinkers has never been greater. For those aspiring to make an impact across a wide range of sectors, management degrees are becoming more critical. Whether you’re aiming for a leadership role in a corporate environment, a non-profit, or even a startup, understanding the various types of management degrees is essential to navigating your career path effectively.

Let’s take a comprehensive look at the different types of management degrees, exploring each degree’s focus, unique specializations, and the career outcomes they can lead to, so you can walk away with the in-depth insights needed to proceed in this broad profession. Whether you’re just beginning your educational journey as an undergrad or are expanding your studies at the graduate level, National University can help you achieve your academic goals and unlock a rewarding future in management. 

Key Takeaways: Types of Management Degrees (and What They Lead To)

• Management degrees build core leadership skills like strategy, decision-making, operations, and team management, skills that apply across nearly every industry.
• Students can choose general paths (like Business/Management) or specialized tracks such as project management, healthcare management, HR, operations/supply chain, marketing, IT management, sustainability, or entrepreneurship.
• Degree level matters: associate = foundation, bachelor’s = broader career entry + advancement, master’s (MBA/MS) = leadership + specialization, doctorate = research or executive-level expertise.
• Many management careers offer strong earning potential and growth, especially in areas tied to technology, healthcare, and organizational strategy.

What is a Management Degree?

A management degree equips students with the knowledge and skills to oversee operations, guide teams, and make thoughtful, strategic decisions within an organization. Management studies cover essential subjects such as leadership, organizational behavior, business strategy, and finance, ensuring that students understand how to manage people and resources effectively. The core curriculum is designed to develop both analytical and interpersonal skills, preparing graduates to take on leadership roles in diverse industries, from finance and healthcare to technology and manufacturing.

Management degrees at National University are offered at most levels to accommodate the diverse career stages and goals of our student body. An associate’s degree typically provides foundational knowledge in business and management principles. In contrast, a bachelor’s degree dives deeper into these areas, offering more comprehensive courses in areas like marketing, accounting, and operations management. 

A master’s degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Science (MS) in a management field, offers advanced training in leadership, strategic thinking, and specialized business functions. For those seeking to pursue academic research or high-level executive positions, a doctoral degree in management, such as a PhD or a Doctor of Business Administration, provides a focus on in-depth research and theory in management practices.

Types of Management Degrees and Specializations

General Management

A general management degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts in Management (BAM), offers students a solid foundation in leadership, organizational behavior, business strategy, and decision-making. The curriculum emphasizes the development of key operational skills and prepares graduates to lead teams, manage projects, and drive organizational success across diverse industries. 

With industries evolving rapidly, the demand for skilled managers is increasing, offering strong career opportunities in fields like finance, healthcare, and technology. Graduates can expect to enter roles such as operations manager or project leader and enjoy competitive salary prospects, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual wage of $116,880 across all management occupations, with plenty of advancement opportunities as you gain experience and expertise.

Project Management

The Bachelor of Science in Project Management degree provides students with the tools to oversee complex projects from inception to completion, focusing on key areas like project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and risk management. Students learn to apply industry-standard methodologies such as Agile, Lean, and Six Sigma, which help streamline processes, ensure quality, and optimize team performance. 

This program prepares NU graduates to handle all stages of project life cycles, from defining scope to managing resources to delivering results. With businesses relying heavily on project-driven initiatives, the demand for skilled project managers continues to grow, offering lucrative career opportunities and the potential for advancement in a variety of sectors, including construction, IT, and healthcare. The median pay for a project management specialist is $100,750 per year.

Healthcare Management

A healthcare management degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration or a Master of Healthcare Administration, prepares students for leadership roles within hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations. The program covers essential areas such as healthcare management, policies, ethics, and financial planning, equipping students with the skills needed to effectively manage operations and teams in healthcare settings. As the demand for healthcare services grows, driven by an aging population and ongoing reforms, those with degrees in healthcare administration can expect strong career prospects with competitive salaries in a variety of healthcare environments. The median pay for medical and health services manager roles is $117,960 per year.

Human Resources Management

Human resources management degrees focus on developing expertise in personnel management, organizational behavior, and labor relations. Students working toward a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management gain skills in managing workforce dynamics, recruiting top talent, and fostering positive employee relations, ensuring organizations maintain strong and efficient teams. Master’s and doctoral-level studies expand on these principles, incorporating leadership practices to take graduates to the highest levels of their field. The demand for qualified HR management professionals is growing rapidly, and roles offer promising salary potential; the median pay for human resource managers is $140,030 per year. 

Operations Management

Operations management and industrial production management studies focus on improving business processes, optimizing supply chains, and enhancing efficiency across organizations. Students earning their Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, in Financial Management, or another operations management field learn to streamline daily and big-picture operations, reduce costs, and ensure smooth day-to-day management of resources and workflows. 

National University also offers a supply chain management specialization within the MBA program. With businesses increasingly focused on maximizing efficiency and reducing waste, demand for skilled industrial production and operations managers continues to rise. The field offers strong career opportunities in industries like manufacturing, logistics, and retail, with competitive salaries and potential for advancement in leadership roles. The median pay for industrial production managers is $121,440 per year.

Marketing Management

Marketing management degrees are available at undergraduate and graduate levels. Studies combine marketing strategy with leadership skills, preparing students to lead dynamic marketing teams and drive business growth. National University’s Marketing and Management Program covers key areas such as brand management, consumer behavior, digital marketing, and market research, equipping students to create impactful marketing campaigns. 

With the growing emphasis on digital strategies and consumer engagement, the demand for marketing professionals is on the rise. Job opportunities exist across diverse industries and offer competitive salaries and advancement potential. The median pay for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is $159,660 per year.  

IT and Technology Management

IT and Technology Management degrees focus on managing tech teams and integrating cutting-edge technologies into business operations to improve efficiency and drive growth. Students earning a Master of Science or doctorate in technology management learn to lead technology projects, implement strategic IT solutions, and manage innovation within organizations. 

As technology evolves rapidly and continuously, businesses rely increasingly on digital transformation, meaning there is a growing demand for technology managers. Rewarding and competitively compensated careers in sectors like IT, cybersecurity, and tech consulting are plentiful and expected to maintain better-than-average growth. The median pay for computer and information systems managers is $171,200 per year.  

Sustainability and Environmental Management

Sustainability and Environmental Management is a growing field that emphasizes corporate sustainability, environmental compliance, and green business practices. With industries increasingly focused on reducing their environmental footprint, this field offers a variety of career opportunities in project management, environmental consulting, and sustainability leadership. A Master of Business Administration can provide a strong foundation for those looking to transition into this area, equipping graduates with the leadership and strategic skills needed to drive sustainability initiatives. 

Entrepreneurship

National University’s Master of Business Administration with an entrepreneurship specialization prepares students to lead start-ups or innovate within established businesses. The program emphasizes entrepreneurial strategy, business development, and managing growth in dynamic environments. Graduates can pursue financial analyst opportunities and other similar jobs in diverse industries that reflect their interests; many also choose to launch their own ventures. The median pay for financial analysts is $101,910 per year.

How to Choose the Right Management Degree

Choosing the right management degree begins with reflecting on your personal interests, strengths, and career goals. Ask yourself what excites you most: is it leading teams? What about solving business challenges? Or do you prefer managing projects? Because management roles span industries, you can follow your interests and find different types of management roles within your field of choice. Aligning your degree with your passions will help ensure long-term career satisfaction.

Long-term career aspirations are a key factor to consider. If you’re aiming for high-level leadership roles like CEO or CFO, an MBA offers broad, versatile skills that open doors to C-suite positions in various industries. Specialized degrees, such as a Master’s in Project Management or Healthcare Administration, can also offer upward mobility within specific fields, providing the expertise you need to ascend to top positions in those sectors.

Industry-specific focus also plays an essential role in choosing the right management degree. If you’re passionate about working in a particular field like healthcare or technology, selecting a program tailored to that industry can boost your expertise and marketability. A degree in healthcare administration, for example, prepares you for leadership roles in hospitals or clinics, while a project management degree may be more appropriate if you want to lead tech-driven projects. Matching your degree to your target industry can give you a competitive edge and better position you for success.

Emerging Trends in Management Degrees

Emerging trends in management degrees are increasingly centered around digital transformation and data-driven management. Modern programs are incorporating advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital tools to equip students with cutting-edge skills to navigate today’s technology-driven business environments. With businesses relying more on data to make strategic decisions, management programs are evolving to include coursework on AI integration, data interpretation, and digital leadership. This prepares graduates with diverse types of management degrees to lead organizations through complex technological changes and harness the power of data for competitive advantage.

Unlock a Career in Leadership and Innovation with a Management Degree from National University

Studying management academically opens the door to a world of opportunities across industries and sectors. With a range of degrees available in areas such as business administration, project management, healthcare administration, and specialized fields like IT and marketing, you can tailor your education to your unique interests and professional goals. 

National University’s management programs provide the flexibility to lead teams, streamline operations, or innovate within organizations, preparing graduates for high-demand roles and rewarding careers. Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced world of startups or the structured environment of healthcare or tech, a management degree equips you with the leadership skills to thrive.

Take the next step in realizing your career potential by exploring available management programs at National University or reaching out to an academic advisor for more personalized guidance. Your journey to becoming a dynamic leader starts here—discover the path that’s right for you today!