What Are Business Studies?

Business studies is an area of academic study focused on providing students with business skills. It includes topics like finance, financial ethics, accounting, and managerial practices. In some regions of the world, high school students take business studies classes, and it is also available at the college and university level. Graduates can pursue advanced academic work in this field for degrees like a master's of business administration (MBA).

In a degree or certification program, students receive coursework appropriate to their goals and ability level. At a high school, for example, students have basic material to work with so they can develop skills they may apply after graduation. Rather than being focused on personal finance, the business studies classes are geared to students who want to be able to manage businesses or run their own companies. The coursework may also prepare students for advanced training in college or at a university.

Many colleges and universities have a broad business department that provides a variety of degrees, and may offer a general business studies degree. Students in the degree program learn about accepted practices and ethics, issues like doing business internationally, and commercial banking. They may have opportunities for internships and other chances to study outside the classroom. Internships provide networking and connections and may help students after graduation when they seek work.

Graduates with a business studies degree have enough skills to start and run their own companies, take over organizations, or manage a business on behalf of another party. They can act as chief executive or accounting officers, and may work in a variety of settings, from small businesses to international banks. Some employers may require job experience along with an appropriate college or university degree if there are concerns about an applicant's fitness for the position. Business studies graduates can also be educators in various academic settings if they have an interest in training students.

Students with an interest in business studies can receive information on programs from colleges and universities they have an interest in attending. They may want to look through the degree requirements to learn more about the expectations for graduates. It can also be helpful to ask for statistics on employment after graduation. A college with a high job placement rate tends to have a higher quality program with a greater chance for student success, in contrast to one where students have trouble finding work after graduation.