B.S.B.A. vs. B.B.A.: Which degree is right for you?

So, you’ve decided to major in business, but now you’re faced with a critical question: Which degree do I choose — a B.S.B.A. or a B.B.A.? While they do share some similarities, B.S.B.A. and B.B.A. degrees also have distinct differences that can impact your education, acquired skills and professional opportunities.

If you’re unsure of the differences between these two undergraduate degrees, you’re not alone. Many students like you navigate this process, and Rider University is here to help. We've created this comprehensive overview so you can better understand the nuances between these differing business programs and choose the best academic path for you.

• Understanding your business degree options
• What’s the difference between a B.B.A. and B.S.B.A. degree?
• How to decide which degree is right for you
• Advice from a business professor

To choose the business degree path that best suits your goals, consider:

• Your academic strengths and interests
  • Do I thrive working with numbers and turning data analysis into solution-oriented strategies? Or do I prefer broader concepts, communication and people-focused approaches?
  • What’s my comfort level with mathematics, statistics and other quantitative coursework (like advanced statistics or detailed financial modeling)?
  • Am I eager to build my technological competencies?
• Short-term and long-term career goals
  • What kind of business industries spark my interest?
  • Would I enjoy working in highly analytical roles, such as a financial analyst or a supply chain manager? 
  • Or am I drawn to more creative or human-oriented positions, like a digital marketer, HR specialist or sales role?
• Business degree specifics
  • What are the core course requirements for this bachelor’s degree in business? Do these courses cultivate the skills that I want? 
  • Does it allow for customization through electives or specialized tracks, and do they align with my interests?
  • What types of experiential learning opportunities are available? What industries does this university have connections to? And how do they relate to my goals?

When asked which degree best positions aspiring business leaders, Dr. Nygren says, "I think the B.S.B.A. degree gives you more flexibility." She notes that for recent high school graduates, who are young and still exploring their specialization, a B.S.B.A. extends more opportunities for skill development and career potential.

For over a decade, Dr. Nygren has played an integral role in building and refining Rider’s pedagogical approach to deliver a high-value education. “I'm very passionate about the skills a student needs,” she states. “I keep a very close eye on how the job market is evolving and how we can keep up with our curriculum to make sure our students are best prepared for the current job market.”

But the decision to pursue either business degree is entirely yours. Asking yourself these questions can help clarify what you want to gain from your business education and determine which type of degree fits your needs. Ultimately, the best academic path is the one that enhances your skills, fuels your passions and gets you closer to your goals.

With two master’s degrees, a Ph.D. and over 20 years of experience in both academia and the business world, Dr. Nygren has witnessed the evolving relationship between industry and education. Her advice to today’s business students? Be adaptable.

As Dr. Nygren notes, times have changed. “It's not like you're going to get hired and stay for 30 years and retire there,” she says. “This generation, because of technology and AI, will for sure change jobs.”

Over her years as a professor and associate dean at Rider University, Dr. Nygren has seen plenty of business alumni build successful careers and then use their well-rounded education to pivot to a different path. She recounts a story of one alumnus who graduated with a B.S.B.A. in Finance but now works as a human resource professional at a top-tier investment management firm.

This is the type of flexibility that fuels a career filled with longevity.

Since 1865, Rider University's Norm Brodsky College of Business has delivered cutting-edge, hands-on education that inspires the next generation of business leaders.

Backed by our dual AACSB accreditation in business and accounting, our business programs transform your passion into in-demand skills that fuel your success. Explore 11 distinct B.S.B.A. degree programs —  from accounting to sports management and more — and immerse yourself in real-world learning opportunities.

Whatever your business passions, at Rider, you'll receive an essential blend of in-depth theory and practical application, giving you the expertise to excel in any endeavor.

Ready to embrace the possibilities? Take the next step by applying to Rider University today.