20 Highest-Paying Business Careers - Online Associate's Degrees

Management Information Systems
Marketing
Finance
Human Resources Management
Data Analytics
Economics
Sales Management
Health Administration
Real Estate
Hospitality Management
Accounting
Operations Management
Entrepreneurship
Nonprofit Management
Agribusiness
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Supply Chain Management
Investment Banking
Actuarial Science
Environmental Management

College students frequently ask which are the highest paying business degrees. Although money should not be the sole motivator for a business major, students need to know their degree investment will pay off after graduation. Finding a business niche that suits one’s interests and provides a rewarding salary is the key. Luckily, starting a business career offers something that most other fields lack – versatility. Versatility is important in choosing a degree, especially if the student has not figured out exactly which area of the field is the most interesting to them. There are dozens of different specialization options for business students to choose from. Whether at the associate, bachelor’s, or master’s level, business degrees let individuals concentrate in a chosen industry. That provides flexibility and options when looking for a career. Which areas will help build the most lucrative business ventures? Let’s explore 20 of the highest paying business degrees that are in demand and profitable.

1. Management Information Systems

Working in information technology usually guarantees a lucrative career. Thus, management information systems is a top-paying business degree specialization. Management information systems degrees train students to control the digitized databases that safely store an organization’s data. Management information systems majors learn how to develop computer applications and networks for communicating business knowledge. Studying management information systems sharpens one’s technological skills to solve computer-based operational issues. These highest paying business degrees give graduates the freedom to innovate information technology practices and boost corporation efficiency. Some job titles for management information systems majors include:

Network Administrator
Software Developer
Cybersecurity Manager
Database Administrator
Computer Systems Analyst
Chief Technology Officer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that management information systems jobs will jump 11 percent from 2018 to 2028 to create 46,800 jobs. Currently, information systems managers post a mean annual wage of $152,860 or $73.49 per hour. America’s 391,430 information systems managers typically make between $85,380 and $193,580. Most management information systems alumni work at computer systems design firms, software publishers, insurance carriers, and private enterprises. Management information systems is a popular BBA and MBA specialization. Some B-schools also award a Master of Science in Information Systems Management. Regardless of the wording, this major will require classes like Database Design and Telecommunication Networks. Having a background in computer science is suggested.

2. Marketing

Marketing is among the most popular and highest paying business degrees. Marketing majors are taught how to handle digital media and promote brands for better sales. Marketing degree specializations focus on advertising the merits of products or services to targeted audiences. Marketing jobs reward professionals handsomely for boosting business profits with more web or storefront traffic. Marketing degrees show students how to spread brand messages on diverse platforms, including email, radio, television, social media, and billboards. Ensuring an organization’s ad campaign attracts positive public attention is a marketing guru’s goal. Job titles for marketing majors include:

Marketing Account Executive
Search Engine Optimization Specialist
Market Research Analyst
Digital Promotions Manager
Content Marketing Director
Chief Marketing Officer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment of marketing managers will increase by 8 percent before 2028 for 21,800 new jobs. Marketing managers boast an average yearly salary of $147,240 or $70.79 per hour. The 240,440 marketing managers nationwide generally make between $69,840 and $190,460. Most marketing majors work for advertising firms, corporations, manufacturers, and consulting services. According to Forbes, creating one’s own marketing company is as simple as developing a solid website too. Digital marketing specialists can work for direct clients and handle all operations online for few overhead costs. Marketing management jobs require at least a BBA or Bachelor of Science. Getting an MBA in Marketing helps compete for the highest paying careers.

3. Finance

Specializing in finance is a profitable path for students who love numbers. Finance majors learn how to oversee the acquisition and management of personal or corporate monetary resources. These highest paying business degrees focus on the movement of cash and assets to ensure fiscal responsibility. Finance programs teach to develop strong investment portfolios for accruing wealth and ongoing revenue. Financial experts benefit from high compensation themselves for improving their employers’ bottom lines. Studying finance makes students well-aware of industry reporting standards to properly track income and expenditures. Common job titles for finance majors include:

Corporate Treasurer
Financial Risk Manager
Personal Finance Advisor
Financial Reporting Director
Hedge Fund Manager
Chief Financial Officer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported much faster-than-average growth of 16 percent from 2018 to 2028 for 104,700 new financial management jobs. Finance managers reap mean annual earnings of $147,530 or $70.93 per hour. The 654,790 U.S. finance managers usually make between $68,370 and $198,430. Most finance managers are employed at banks, investment brokerages, for-profit businesses, and insurance companies. Climbing the corporate ladder to top-paying finance careers increasingly necessitates an MBA or Master of Science. Finance bachelor’s graduates can also excel with five to 10 years of experience. Earning the Chartered Financial Analyst certification is strongly encouraged. Becoming a CFA requires studying for 300+ hours and passing three rigorous finance exams.

4. Human Resources Management

Human resources management is a top-paying career for those with excellent “people” skills. HR degrees teach students how to oversee the workforce planning and development side of business. Human resources management majors learn the best practices for recruiting, hiring, training, and compensating staff. HR managers ensure work climates are productive, equitable, compliant, and safe. In 2018, National Public Radio reported that 77 percent of women and 34 percent of men have suffered from sexual harassment. HR students seek to address these and other employee-related issues for a better corporate environment. Frequent job titles for human resources majors include:

Labor Relations Specialist
Training and Development Manager
Talent Acquisition Recruiter
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Job Analysis Specialist
Chief Human Resources Officer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of human resources managers will jump 7 percent before 2028 for 10,800 added U.S. jobs. Human resources managers bring home an average annual income of $129,570 or $62.29 per hour. The 154,800 HR managers typically make between $68,300 and $205,720. Most human resources jobs are at private corporations, consulting firms, government agencies, and employment staffing services. Completing a 120-credit BBA or Bachelor of Science is sufficient for human resources specialists. Hopeful HR managers advance more quickly with an MBA or master’s equivalent. The Society for Human Resource Management offers valuable networking and certification opportunities. Getting the SHRM-CP distinction affords a median pay boost of 54 percent.

5. Data Analytics

Data analytics is one of the hottest, highest paying business degrees available. Data analytics specializations show students how to process vast sets of numerical data. Data analytics majors learn the formulas and algorithms for extrapolating important insights from math. Data analytics degrees aim to enhance business decision-making by arming executives with hard factual evidence. Mining data assists organizations with forecasting their finances and future market trends. Data analytics specialists unearth statistically significant corporate patterns. Data analytics blends business with STEM to configure methods for correlating Big Data. Job titles for data analytics majors include:

Quantitative Analyst
Business Intelligence Developer
Data Applications Architect
Machine Learning Scientist
Operations Research Analyst
Chief Data Officer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts the hiring in data analytics occupations will skyrocket by 26 percent before 2028 for 47,700 new positions. Data scientists cleared mean yearly compensation of $100,560 or $48.35 per hour. America’s 30,810 data scientists normally make between $52,720 and $158,060. Most data analytics jobs are found at computer systems design firms, scientific R&D companies, private enterprises, securities brokerages, and colleges. Entry- to mid-level data analytics jobs unlock with a bachelor’s degree. Finishing an MBA or Master of Science degree related to data analytics improves promotion chances. Prepare for intensive courses like Multivariate Statistics and Probability. Industry certifications from IBM, Microsoft, Cloudera, and the SAS Institute are handy.

6. Economics

Though technically a liberal arts discipline, economics is another business school favorite. Economics majors learn how to pinpoint growth or decline projections for regional, national, and global markets. Economics degrees teach the forecasting fundamentals to study the health of business sectors. Economists perform pivotal research to understand how goods and resources are being distributed worldwide. Businesses rely on economists to advise on key commerce concerns, such as trade deals or currency inflation. Students in economics classes also master the methods for researching consumer demand for industry products. Some job titles for economics majors include:

International Trade Specialist
Behavioral Economist
Economic Policy Advisor
Global Commodity Analyst
Economic Development Officer
Environmental Economist

The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates the employment of economists will increase by 8 percent before 2028 for 1,700 total new U.S. jobs. Economists receive average annual paychecks of $116,630 or $56.07 per hour. The 19,000 economists currently make between $59,450 and $185,020. Most economists work at government agencies, scientific research firms, private businesses, banks, and consulting services. Excelling in this profession requires finishing at least an MBA or Master of Arts/Science in Economics. Many economists, especially with university research roles or tenure-track professorships, have Ph.D. degrees. These highest paying business degrees involve courses like Econometrics and Political Economy. Becoming a Certified Business Economist (CBE) can also help.

7. Sales Management

Sales management is one of the highest paying business degrees focused on selling. Sales management majors learn the insider tricks to improve B2C or B2B sales figures for profitability. Studying sales management prepares students to lead business operations for distributing products in delineated sales regions. Sales managers supervise the company representatives who ensure customers enjoy their purchases. Sales managers also oversee the stockpiling of inventory and pricing of goods. Sales management degrees are all about attracting shoppers to spark sales revenue and edge ahead of corporate competitors. Familiar job titles for sales management majors include:

Territory Sales Manager
Sales Engineer
Merchandise Manager
Sales Account Executive
Vice President of Sales
Chief Sales Officer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated 5 percent employment growth by 2028 for 20,600 new sales management jobs. Sales managers are rewarded a mean yearly wage of $141,690 or $68.12 per hour. The 402,600 sales managers generally make between $59,810 and $194,840. Most sales managers work for private corporations, merchant wholesalers, manufacturers, automobile dealers, and commodity exchanges. Sales managers can be hired with a BBA or Bachelor of Science degree and customer service representative experience. Getting an MBA in Sales Management puts upper-level, C-Suite jobs in closer reach though. Sales managers must be savvy communicators to persuade consumer prospects. Perhaps take the 100-question AMA Sales Management Certification exam.

8. Health Administration

Health administration is a unique, top-paying major that melds business and medicine. Health administration degrees strive to produce leaders for the globe’s $8.45 trillion medical market. Studying health administration prepares students for overseeing clinical departments or entire medical centers. Health administration majors learn to govern, budget, schedule, and recruit for maintaining a fit facility. B-schools teach health administrators how to efficiently manage medical staff and funding limits without sacrificing quality patient care. Health administrators ensure all inpatient and outpatient services comply with safety regulations. Job titles for health administration majors include:

Nursing Home Administrator
Health Information Manager
Quality Improvement Director
Director of Emergency Services
Clinical Trials Manager
Chief Medical Officer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the hiring of health administrators will skyrocket by 18 percent from 2018 to 2028 for 71,600 newly created jobs. Health administrators boast an average annual income of $115,160 or $55.37 per hour. The 394,910 health administrators normally earn between $58,820 and $189,000. Most health administrators are employed by hospitals, physician offices, outpatient clinics, and assisted living facilities. Business bachelor’s degrees are the minimum requirements for health administrators. The MBA and Master of Health Administration are the highest paying business degrees for clinical work. Only licensed physicians and surgeons with Doctor of Medicine degrees earn more. Joining the American College of Healthcare Executives is also customary.

9. Real Estate

Real estate is a high-yield field for HGTV fans who enjoy the house hunting and selling process. Business schools have real estate specializations to teach about the residential and commercial property markets. Real estate is one of the highest paying business degrees with variable compensation based on one’s job. Basic real estate agents earn a good income, whereas those who invest and sell properties themselves make agents’ salaries look modest. Just look at billionaire real estate investors like Donald Bren and Sun Hongbin. Real estate is a riskier occupation given that property values are tied to the volatility of the global economy though. Job titles for real estate majors include:

Commercial Leasing Manager
Property Acquisitions Associate
Real Estate Asset Manager
Mortgage Loan Servicing Director
Residential Property Manager
Chief Real Estate Officer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment of real estate managers will expand by 7 percent before 2028 for 26,500 added jobs. Real estate managers net a mean annual wage of $71,720 or $34.48 per hour. The 220,750 real estate managers mostly make anywhere from $31,030 to $141,530. Real estate management jobs are abundant at realty firms, construction companies, land subdivisions, mortgage lenders, and investment funds. Real estate agents can get licensed with only a high school diploma or associate degree. University programs, such as BBA and MBA in Real Estate specializations, lead to higher management jobs. There is also more freedom to establish one’s own brokerage. Getting accredited by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) is smart.

10. Hospitality Management

Hospitality management is a well-paid business major that makes every day a vacation. Studying hospitality management teaches students how to lead lodging establishments at exotic destinations around the globe. Hospitality management degrees train learners to establish policies that enhance guest experiences. Hospitality managers coordinate lodging staff to ensure rooms are ready, books are balanced, and dining is delicious. Hospitality managers produce good PR by keeping guest amenities updated. Hospitality management majors also learn the ropes for hosting successful events like conferences and trade shows. Job titles for hospitality management majors include:

Convention Service Manager
Cruise Ship Program Coordinator
Director of Hotel Operations
Casino Gaming Manager
Director of Guest Services
Food Service Manager

The Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees strong 11 percent growth for hospitality managers to claim 38,500 more jobs by 2028. Hospitality managers enjoy an average yearly paycheck of $63,570 or $30.56 per hour. The 38,340 hospitality managers generally make between $31,380 and $105,720. Chief executives at hotels like Marriott and Hyatt receive over $1 million. Most hospitality management jobs are at resorts, spas, convention centers, amusement parks, casinos, recreational camps, and restaurants. Becoming a hospitality manager doesn’t require a college degree for experienced hotel workers. However, earning an associate degree or BBA in Hospitality Management aids advancement. Choose a top-quality business school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (AUPHA).

11. Accounting

Accounting is a top-paying, recession-proof career path that is hiring even during economic downturns. Accountants are always needed to handle organization’s financial reporting needs. Studying accounting prepares students to prepare tax returns, audit corporate ledgers, consult on fraud cases, calculate budgets, and more. Business schools teach how to follow the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to legally report complex organizational data. Accounting degrees inform individuals on how to organize accurate account books to monitor institutional spending and revenue. The U.S. News & World Report ranked accounting the 42nd best American job with low unemployment of 1.8 percent and above-average flexibility. Frequent job titles for accounting majors include:

Internal Auditing Director
Fraud Investigations Specialist
SEC Reporting Manager
Management Accountant
Tax Services Director
Chief Accounting Officer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a bright 10-year outlook for accountants with 90,700 jobs created before 2028. Accountants benefit from mean annual earnings of $79,520 or $38.23 per hour. Accounting professionals tend to make between $44,480 and $124,450. Most work at accounting firms, government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service, private enterprises, banks, investment brokerages, and consulting services. Accounting clerks can get started with a diploma or associate degree. Full-fledged accountants need a BBA or Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Becoming a Certified Public Accountant entails 150 hours of higher education for an MBA or Master of Accountancy. CPAs reap $1 million more in lifetime pay than their colleagues with a $119,000 yearly average.

12. Operations Management

Operations management is another of the highest paying business degrees focused on leadership. Operations management majors learn how to implement organizational procedures that keep business rolling. Operations management specializations break down the basics of planning a productive work climate. Operations managers sharpen their critical thinking skills to make strategic decisions for better production levels. B-schools offer operations management options to put alumni at the helm of policy planning and crushing long-term goals. Operations managers know how to maximize business efficiency by cutting waste, nurturing teamwork, and streamlining production protocol. Some job titles for operations management majors include:

Industrial Production Manager
Procurement Specialist
Business Facility Manager
Master Production Scheduler
Warehouse Operations Manager
Chief Operating Officer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a hiring uptick of 7 percent in operations management from 2018 to 2028 for 168,000 new job openings. Operations managers collect mean yearly compensation of $123,030 or $59.15 per hour. America’s 2.4 million operations managers usually make between $45,050 and $189,990. Operations management jobs are often at private businesses, manufacturers, consulting services, wholesalers, and engineering firms. A bachelor’s degree, whether a BBA or Bachelor of Science, is the minimum career requirement. Operations managers often shape their resumes with an MBA or similar graduate degree. The specialization comes with courses like Enterprise Innovation and Quality Control to pursue the AIBMC Certified Operations Manager designation.

13. Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is a business major for ambitious go-getters. Entrepreneurship majors learn the step-by-step strategies for building new companies from the ground up. Entrepreneurship degrees focus on the unique needs of startups and small businesses rather than big, established Fortune 500 companies. Studying entrepreneurship gives students a springboard for vaulting into new business ventures in any industry from fashion to food. Entrepreneurs learn how to find solid suppliers, market products online or in person, and develop a steady flow of buyers. Raising enough investor capital to open new shops is the mission. Job titles for entrepreneurship majors include:

E-Commerce Sales Director
Business Development Manager
Startup Venture Capitalist
Small Business Consultant
Management Analyst
Chief Executive Officer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics found the employment of top executives is growing by 6 percent to create 150,600 jobs before 2028. Top executives boast a mean annual wage of $193,850 or $93.20 per hour. The 205,890 top executives generally make between $62,290 and $266,030. Entrepreneurship is one of the highest paying business degrees since grads may become CEOs of their own businesses. Producing a solid startup plan does not necessarily require a business degree. Nonetheless, entrepreneurs often excel with a BBA or MBA in Entrepreneurship. About 97 percent of America’s chief executives hold at least a bachelor’s. Entrepreneurs can start tech platforms, restaurants, fitness brands, online schools, and more. Remember Entrepreneur says three-fourths of startups fail in five years.

14. Nonprofit Management

Nonprofit management is a unique business niche outside the traditional for-profit sector. It is ideal for activists who prefer charitable causes over the money-making corporate world. Nonprofit management majors are taught how to run organizations that further community change and societal betterment. Nonprofit management degrees let students follow their advocacy passions with initiatives for the public good. Nonprofit managers generate their organizational budgets from generous donors in fundraising campaigns. Nonprofit management specializations show how to legally operate charities with the tax-exempt 501c3 status. Jobs for nonprofit management majors include:

Donor Relations Manager
Foundation Fundraising Director
Volunteer Services Coordinator
Grant Proposal Manager
Community Outreach Specialist
Executive Nonprofit Director

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 10-year job growth of 13 percent in nonprofit management with 21,900 new positions by 2028. Community service managers post average annual pay of $72,900 or $35.05 per hour. These 156,460 nonprofit managers generally make between $41,220 and $112,480. Most nonprofit managers work for charities, social advocacy groups, community foundations, family services agencies, clinics, and relief services. The National Center for Charitable Statistics counts nearly 1.6 million nonprofits in America. Nonprofit managers must hold at least a four-year bachelor’s degree. Social workers and counselors often transition to this field with a master’s in business administration in Nonprofit Management. Expect nonprofit management courses like Social Entrepreneurship and Fundraising.

15. Agribusiness

Coined by Davis and Goldberg in the 1950s, agribusiness is a business niche focused on farming services. Agribusiness is among the highest paying business degrees for overseeing the production of nutritious crops. Unlike agriculture, agribusiness specializations typically do not teach how to seed plants and breed livestock. Agribusiness majors instead learn to apply managerial principles in the farming sector. Agribusiness students are trained to own or operate large cultivation operations that rear plentiful harvests. Agribusiness studies seek to ensure the distribution of fruit, vegetable, meat, and grain products. Common job titles for agribusiness majors include:

Agribusiness Marketer
Vineyard Manager
Agricultural Accountant
Crop Production Coordinator
Agribusiness Manager
Director of Farming Operations

The Bureau of Labor Statistics warns the job projections for agricultural managers show a 1 percent decline by 2028 for 9,000 fewer positions. That said, farm operations have about 95,600 openings each year. More than 2.02 million farms over 899.5 million acres of the United States. Agricultural managers harvest a healthy mean salary of $80,360 or $38.63 per hour. The 5,060 agricultural managers earned between $37,530 and $132,760. Agribusiness managers could get by without post-secondary education. Farms prefer hiring agricultural managers with a business associate or bachelor’s degree though. Combining a BBA in Agribusiness with a U.S. Department of Agriculture internship would make one marketable. The Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) certification also looks appealing on resumes.

16. Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Industrial/organizational psychology is another of the people-oriented highest paying business degrees. Founded in 1903, I/O psychology is a discipline that blends management with human behavior. Industrial/organizational psychology majors learn to apply behavioral principles in workplaces for better employee engagement. Studying I/O psychology trains individuals to organize work structures that boost employees’ mental health, happiness, and satisfaction. I/O psychologists advise executives on the best practices to make teams productive and innovative. Industrial/organizational psychologists seek to eradicate obstacles that disturb employee performance, such as workplace stress and bullying. Popular job titles for industrial/organizational psychology majors include:

Industrial/Organizational Psychologist
Organizational Effectiveness Manager
Executive Leadership Coach
Team Development Manager
Director of Change Management
Workplace Diversity/Inclusion Consultant

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the small I/O psychology field will add 200 jobs by 2028 for faster-than-average growth of 13 percent. Industrial/organizational psychologists report average annual earnings of $111,150 or $53.44 per hour. America’s 630 I/O psychologists generally make between $51,080 and $197,700. The American Psychological Association said top earners break the $250,000 mark. Most industrial/organizational psychology jobs are located at private enterprises, research firms, government agencies, and universities. The majority of I/O psychologists do not need licensure like other psychologists. Getting an MBA or Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology is sufficient. Advanced Ph.D. training is a prerequisite for careers in academia.

17. Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management is a business market slated to breach $37.41 billion this decade. Studying supply chain management teaches students the logistical skills to oversee every step of product manufacturing. Supply chain management majors learn how to efficiently get products made from prototype designs to storefront or e-commerce merchandise. Supply chain managers pick the materials, suppliers, warehouses, and shipping agents to bring new products to life. B-schools offer supply chain management specializations to guarantee goods can be distributed in a timely fashion. Supply chain managers coordinate the movement of company items from production lines to consumers or wholesalers to protect profit margins. Typical job titles for supply chain management majors include:

Product Distribution Manager
Supply Chain Operations Analyst
Logistics Transportation Specialist
Global Import-Export Manager
Director of Inventory Planning
Chief Supply Chain Officer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects supply chain management job growth of 5 percent from 2018 to 2028 for 8,400 added positions. Supply chain managers are granted an average annual salary of $78,680 or $37.83 per hour. America’s 182,050 supply chain managers normally make between $44,020 and $120,400. Most supply chain managers work for manufacturers, freight companies, transportation hubs, private enterprises, and government bodies like the USDOT. Business associate degrees are suitable for entry-level supply chain jobs. Earning a BBA or MBA in Supply Chain Management is mandatory for advanced supervisory careers. Certification from the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) might also be required.

18. Investment Banking

Investment banking is a cutthroat, competitive business niche centered on the stock exchange. Specializations in investment banking train students to work at the nearly 17,000 securities and commodities brokerages. On Wall Street and beyond, investment bankers strike lucrative financial deals for people or entities. Investment banking majors learn capital-raising strategies to trade stocks and bonds. Investment bankers sell and advise on securities to assist clients with building wealth portfolios. Studying investment banking helps students form accurate financial projections to reduce market risks and maximize returns. Job titles for investment banking majors include:

Investment Risk Analyst
Private Equity Specialist
Mutual Fund Manager
Mergers and Acquisitions Manager
Financial Services Sales Agent
Chief Investment Officer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates 10-year job growth of 4 percent in investment banking for 18,500 added positions. Investment bankers garner a mean yearly wage of $94,160 or $45.27 per hour. The 458,510 investment banking specialists commonly make between $47,230 and $156,150. Successful investment bankers can make considerably more with bonuses based on their performance. Money Inc. highlights the top-paid investment banker, Nathaniel Rothschild, and his $5 billion net worth. Investment bankers often work long 80-hour weeks in high-stress jobs at securities and commodities exchanges. Preparation for investment banking careers requires at least a 120-credit bachelor’s. The MBA in Investment Banking specialization is among the highest paying business degrees.

19. Actuarial Science

Actuarial science is a top-paying business field focused on negating uncertainty. Actuarial science degrees train students to calculate the financial risks associated with insurance policy coverage. Actuarial science specializations detail the statistical steps needed to determine the likelihood of future insurance claims. Actuaries identify which insurance policy candidates represent the least risk to save carriers from big payouts. Actuarial science majors learn to pore over insurance applications and reject at-risk individuals who may be costly policyholders. Actuaries also decide on the right premium pricing to protect company profit margins. Jobs for actuarial science majors include:

Enterprise Risk Actuary
Insurance Underwriter
Pension Actuarial Consultant
Property and Casualty Actuary
Insurance Claims Adjuster
Chief Risk Officer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts big employment growth of 20 percent for 5,000 more actuary jobs before 2028. Actuaries are compensated with mean annual pay of $116,250 or $55.89 per hour. The 20,760 actuaries usually make between $61,140 and $186,110. Actuaries work to reduce risks at insurance carriers, insurance brokerages, government agencies, private enterprises, investment funds, and payroll services. Actuaries must be skilled statisticians with a bachelor’s or higher degree. Business schools frequently offer BBA and MBA concentrations in actuarial science. Students enroll in math-heavy courses like Linear Algebra, Probability, Calculus, and Microeconomics. Graduates qualify for professional-level certification from the Society of Actuaries (SOA).

20. Environmental Management

Environmental management is an up-and-coming degree specialization for “green” activists. Studying environmental management prepares pupils for reducing the carbon footprint of small to large businesses. Environmental management, or sustainability, is concerned with reducing the negative effects of climate change. The United Nations warns that Earth temperatures have risen 0.85 degrees Celsius and ocean levels have risen 19 centimeters since 1900. Environmental management majors spearhead corporate initiatives to curb greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Environmental management degrees teach students how to adapt business strategies to the 21st century with cleaner energy sources and recycled materials. Jobs for environmental management majors include:

Environmental Protection Specialist
Director of Renewable Energy
Environmental Accountant
Solar Energy Project Manager
Environmental Engineering Manager
Chief Sustainability Officer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment of environmental specialists will soar by 8 percent for 7,000 new jobs before 2028. Environmental specialists protect Mother Nature for an average yearly income of $77,940 or $37.47 per hour. The 84,290 environmental specialists typically make between $42,810 and $124,760. Environmental management professionals need a four-year bachelor’s or higher degree. Master’s in business administration in Environmental or Sustainability Management tracks are available online and on-campus for senior-level jobs. These highest paying business jobs integrate STEM courses, such as Climatology and Water Resources Management. It is suggested that aspiring environmental managers receive certification from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP).

Although extensive, even this is not an exhaustive list of all the highest paying business degrees. Other degrees that lead to high salaries include public administration, statistics, international business, project management, construction management, taxation, logistics, and organizational leadership. The world of business offers many opportunities for successful careers. To be successful, students must be dedicated and make it a priority to overcome all obstacles. Getting a business degree is not an easy feat with ample courses, internships, consulting projects, and thesis research. If students satisfy business degree requirements, they could easily earn notable salaries in all business careers. Although the biggest salaries go to post-grads with advanced MBA or specialized master’s degrees, even an associates degree can lead to a successful career. According to Poets & Quants, MBA students receive an average salary jump of $36,742 to $116,248 per year. Students decide which of the highest paying business degrees will make them happy and financially secure.