Business administration credentials can be applied to nearly any industry or used
to help you start your own business. At Harper, you'll hone your ability to think
strategically, conceptualize theories, and develop and implement real-world business
plans in hands on classroom experiences.
Harper offers transfer programs as well as career-oriented degrees and certificates
in a variety of flexible class delivery choices. You can take courses in the evenings
through the Fast Track program, daytime with Apprenticeship students or online anytime
to meet your schedule. With Harper's small class sizes, you get personal attention
from instructors, who have work experience and have completed their degrees while
working…just like you.
The Business Club provides an opportunity for students to gain business and relationship
building experience by participating in global sustainability challenges, nationwide
pitch competitions and creating business focused events on campus. This club is also
involved in social entrepreneurship and giving back to the community, locally and
abroad, and working closely with our IDEAShop: the Harper MakerSpace and Entrepreneurship Center.
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Planning for your future begins here.
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Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
Start at Harper. Finish at a four-year university.
The Associate in Arts (AA) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete
a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, economics, financial services,
international business, management and marketing. Speak with your advisor about the
best courses to take to meet your academic goals.
Harper also offers institution-specific transfer information to help prepare you to
transition to a four-year university. To learn more, visit our transfer information page or see your advisor.
Earn a career-ready degree
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed to prepare you for immediate
entry into a career field. With different areas of specialization, you can focus on
the area of business that interests you. Coursework in the AAS could also prepare
you to transfer to a four-year college or university.
Jumpstart your career by learning new skills through a certificate program. All of
the following certificates are stackable to the AAS degree program through additional
coursework.
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Business Administration degree/certificate
programs. Each career profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including
salaries, open positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Business Administration Careers page.
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization,
such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support
services.
Core tasks:
Set goals and deadlines for the department.
Prepare and review operational reports and schedules to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Acquire, distribute and store supplies.
Analyze internal processes and recommend and implement procedural or policy changes
to improve operations, such as supply changes or the disposal of records.
Quick facts:
Financial Managers
Financial Managers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Financial Managers career profile for most current data.
$158,004 Median Salary
4.4% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
2,198 Job Postings
Description:
Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities,
and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.
Core tasks:
Establish and maintain relationships with individual or business customers or provide
assistance with problems these customers may encounter.
Oversee the flow of cash or financial instruments.
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of workers in branches, offices, or departments
of establishments, such as branch banks, brokerage firms, risk and insurance departments,
or credit departments.
Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations,
overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include
formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials
and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in
any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing,
or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes
First-Line Supervisors.
Core tasks:
Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data
to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction
or program improvement.
Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production,
pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing
services.
Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.
Quick facts:
Human Resources Managers
Human Resources Managers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Human Resources Managers career profile for most current data.
$133,410 Median Salary
-1.2% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
938 Job Postings
Description:
Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
Core tasks:
Serve as a link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting
and administering contracts and helping resolve work-related problems.
Advise managers on organizational policy matters, such as equal employment opportunity
and sexual harassment, and recommend needed changes.
Analyze and modify compensation and benefits policies to establish competitive programs
and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Perform difficult staffing duties, including dealing with understaffing, refereeing
disputes, firing employees, and administering disciplinary procedures.
Quick facts:
Marketing Managers
Marketing Managers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Marketing Managers career profile for most current data.
$152,384 Median Salary
-0.8% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
2,305 Job Postings
Description:
Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the
demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify
potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's
profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied.
Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products
and services.
Core tasks:
Identify, develop, or evaluate marketing strategy, based on knowledge of establishment
objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors.
Formulate, direct, or coordinate marketing activities or policies to promote products
or services, working with advertising or promotion managers.
Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures,
research and development appropriations, or return-on-investment and profit-loss projections.
Develop pricing strategies, balancing firm objectives and customer satisfaction.
Quick facts:
Sales Managers
Sales Managers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Sales Managers career profile for most current data.
$140,368 Median Salary
-2.1% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
2,918 Job Postings
Description:
Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service
to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories,
quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze
sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements
and monitor the preferences of customers.
Core tasks:
Direct and coordinate activities involving sales of manufactured products, services,
commodities, real estate, or other subjects of sale.
Resolve customer complaints regarding sales and service.
Review operational records and reports to project sales and determine profitability.
Oversee regional and local sales managers and their staffs.
For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.
