by our College Data Analytics TeamAre you interested in learning the dynamics behind a successful business? What goes on behind-the-scenes is what can make or break a company. A program in General Business and Commerce will give students a broad view of how to operate a business. This will include accounting as used in for profit and nonprofit institutions, business organization, and the process of interchanging goods and services (producing, buying, and selling). Students will learn to apply techniques and business principles in various occupational settings.
In this major you will take courses in Management, Marketing, Finance, Economics, and Statistics.
Studying General Business/Commerce explores Business/commerce, General. Read on to learn the essential details every general business/commerce student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering general business/commerce programs.
Across the country, general business/commerce draws strong interest, with 57,976 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best General Business/Commerce Schools ranking analyzes these 815 schools to determine the best overall colleges for general business/commerce students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of general business/commerce programs later in this article.
Programs in General Business/Commerce develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations general business/commerce graduates commonly enter.
Students with strong leadership skills are often drawn to this major. Through group work and presentations you will be prepared to become a leader in your company or organization. A healthy work-ethic and strong organizational skills will help you stand out to professors and future employers. Writing, speaking and time management skills are also necessary to success.
You may be able to prepare for this major ahead of time by taking courses in Computer applications, English, Accounting, Microeconomics', and Accounting. These classes will allow students to grasp the fundamentals of Business and Commerce. You will also find first-hand experience helpful to grasp business concepts. Consider an internship or part-time job in the area of your interest.
This program is not only offered as a Bachelor's Degree, but students can continue onto higher education and receive a Master's or Doctorate in this field.
Skills emphasized by a general business/commerce program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a general business/commerce major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several general business/commerce degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 1,541 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 17,707 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 25,923 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 12,447 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 190 |
People currently working in careers related to general business/commerce tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 43.9% |
| Master’s degree | 14.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 10.4% |
| Some college courses | 9.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 7.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 6.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 1.8% |
| First professional degree | 0.9% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.8% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.7% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.1% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in general business/commerce careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
There are a multitude of career paths that graduates can pursue. One option is to become a Manager in various business settings. Managers oversee and coordinate the operations of the organization. They manage daily operations, plan for use of material and human resources. Managers can be found in Administrative Service, Construction, Sales, Social and Community Service, Industrial Production, and Transportation, Storage, and Distribution. You may also work in other fields as a Chief Executive or Cost Estimator. These occupations require problem solving and organization. A strong business background will help prepare you for a position. Salaries can vary depending on your position and what business you enter into.
A degree in general business/commerce can lead to many career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to general business/commerce.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to general business/commerce.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Appraisers of Personal and Business Property | 814,640 | 8.0% |
| Geothermal Production Managers | 503,620 | 1.9% |
| Construction Managers | 496,716 | -0.3% |
| Management Analysts | 484,759 | 12.6% |
| Managers, All Other | 468,025 | 6.2% |
| Biomass Power Plant Managers | 450,707 | 4.2% |
| Chief Sustainability Officers | 440,982 | 0.5% |
| Administrative Services Managers | 425,994 | 9.0% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of general business/commerce graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $57,182 |
| 4 years | $62,451 |
| 5 years | $70,051 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for general business/commerce graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers general business/commerce grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Personal Service Managers, All Other | $176,674 |
| Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | $170,172 |
| Loss Prevention Managers | $165,723 |
| Biofuels Production Managers | $164,096 |
| Geothermal Production Managers | $160,381 |
| Administrative Services Managers | $158,084 |
| Facilities Managers | $157,669 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $156,089 |
With 815 different general business/commerce programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased general business/commerce school rankings to help you.
Those considering general business/commerce, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General | 57,976 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 402,942 |
| Accounting and Related Services | 81,835 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | 62,236 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 57,564 |
| Marketing | 53,750 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | 25,424 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services | 16,153 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | 14,306 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | 13,333 |
| Management Information Systems and Services | 12,092 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
