An applied business degree is ideal for those looking for growth in their current roles or are preparing for leadership and management positions. In this program, you’ll gain a variety of business skills, such as:
- Analytical research and problem solving.
- Cross-functional communication and collaboration.
- Data analytics and visualization.
- Global applications and cultural sensitivity.
- Leadership and management.
- Personal ethics and integrity.
Additionally, you can tailor your learning by choosing up to two specializations in your areas of interest. Explore topics in more than 15 focus areas ranging from human resources and diversity, equity and inclusion to human factors engineering and marketing. This provides you with the opportunity to direct your learning and tailor coursework to your professional goals.
The careers an applied business degree prepares you for
Employers of all sizes and industries value broad-based business skills. Whether you want to advance in your current role, seek opportunities in a new organization or follow entrepreneurial pursuits, you’ll be on the path to accomplish your goals.
As a graduate, you can pursue a wide array of careers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. You may find opportunities in communications, leadership and management, human resources, sales, training and more.
How does this program compare to a business administration degree?
While both programs provide insight into business practice and strategy, they have key differences. ASU Online’s bachelor’s in business administration concentration emphasizes building general management and operations skills.
By comparison, this applied business degree allows you to explore multiple areas of interest. You’ll have the flexibility to take courses in a variety of disciplines and understand how they integrate to form valuable business solutions.

Are you interested in building your business toolkit? A Bachelor of Arts in applied business and technology solutions allows you to gain foundational skills and earn expanded internship credit, putting what you learn into practice immediately. As a learner in the workforce, you’ll graduate with the knowledge needed to achieve the next milestone in your career.
General business courses cover fundamentals from accounting, analytics and computer information systems to economics, marketing and management. You’ll also take a set of elective courses determined by your focus areas.
Additionally, if you choose the applied internship course, you’ll earn up to 12 credits as you make a direct impact on an organization. You may be able to complete this experience with your current employer or one you identify. Courses may include:
The W. P. Carey School of Business faculty is passionate about innovative research and impact. Our school fosters an environment of global thinking, with a cohort of award-winning faculty from six continents around the globe and a student body that represents more than 100 countries. Faculty accolades include:
- National Academy of Sciences members.
- Renowned journal publications.
- Speakers at national conferences.
The W. P. Carey School of Business is one of the top business schools in the country. Our AACSB-accredited business school is committed to delivering excellent quality and value. Our U.S. News & World Report rankings reflect our commitment to academics, groundbreaking research and positive student outcomes.
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No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”