Since colonial times, Massachusetts has been a major hub for commerce. Boston Harbor was the setting of the infamous pre-revolutionary Boston Tea Party, and today it is the site of a bustling international port. The state's Economic Development Incentive Program is among the ways Massachusetts is working to retain its place of prominence as a base of operations for global employers.
Given the state's importance to the business world, it's not surprising Massachusetts schools have developed some of the nation's most prestigious business programs. While some of these programs require students travel and study on-campus, other Massachusetts business schools let students study online.
Online Business Programs in Massachusetts
Students interested in attending a top tier program may be interested in the following Massachusetts business schools.
- Harvard Business School at Harvard
- Sloan School of Management at MIT
- Carroll School of Management at Boston College
- Questrom School of Business at Boston University
- D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University
Although not all of these schools offer their degree programs online, some do. For instance, students can earn both an undergraduate degree and an MBA online from Northeastern University. In addition, there are plenty of other Massachusetts business programs in the state that have online learning options.
UMassOnline is one major source of online degrees in the state. Students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as graduate certificates online through the same programs offered at the campuses of the University of Massachusetts system. At the Sawyer Business School at Suffolk University, students can earn an online MBA while undergraduate students can take some of their required classes online. And Massachusetts Colleges Online offers a way for residents to earn an associate degree or other credential from the state's community colleges.
Studying online can be a convenient choice for students who have family or work obligations. They may also reduce costs by eliminating the need to pay for commuting, parking and, in the case of students who are also parents, child care.
What's the Business Career Outlook in Massachusetts?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many business professionals in the state earn incomes that exceed the national average for their occupations. In addition, some jobs are expected to see substantial growth in the years to come.
The chart below takes a closer look at some of the positions employing the greatest number of business professionals in Massachusetts.
| Position | Employment in Massachusetts (2014) | Average Salary in Massachusetts (2014) | Expected Job Growth Statewide (2012-2022) |
| General and Operations Managers | 61,240 | $133,040 | 11.9% |
| Financial Analysts | 16,640 | $101,890 | 15.2% |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 17,220 | $72,980 | 31.7% |
| Human Resources Specialists | 13,140 | $69,630 | 7.5% |
| Financial Managers | 23,310 | $128,360 | 10% |
| Management Analysts | 21,000 | $101,090 | 22% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014)
Although Massachusetts is a relatively small state, incomes can vary depending upon where a person works. For example, there were 10,780 chief executives employed in the state in 2014. Statewide, they earned average incomes of $203,580. However, when the numbers are broken down by metropolitan area, it becomes clear that those working in Boston earn significantly more than executives in other parts of the state.
- Boston - $209,220
- New Bedford - $183,570
- Worcester - $203,760
- Pittsfield - $191,460
- Barnstable Town - $174,170
- Springfield - $178,440
What are Business Specializations?
Some business positions benefit from specialized knowledge, and Massachusetts business schools offer a number of degree concentrations that prepare students for these positions. For example, you may find online business degree programs that focus in the following, among other areas.
- Marketing
- International business
- Management
- Finance
- Entrepreneurship
- Taxation
Those seeking an MBA may also want to consider their dual degree options. These programs combine an MBA with a law degree or other graduate degree such as a master's degree in accounting. By earning two advanced degrees, graduates may find they have more job opportunities and greater earning potential.
Another way business professionals can demonstrate competency in a specialization is to earn a certification. These voluntary programs are offered by various industry groups. Examples of business certifications include those of Project Management Professional, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Budget Analyst.
Ready to learn more about how a business degree may lead to the career you want? You can start by requesting information from the Massachusetts business programs below. They can help you understand your degree options as well as guide you to more information about which specialization or certifications are most in demand. What are you waiting for? Request more information today.
Sources:
1. Long-term projections, Projections Central, http://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm2. Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ma.htm
4. Economic Development Incentive Program, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/eohed/bd/econ-development/about/5. Degree Finder, UMassOnline, http://www.umassonline.net/degree-finder6. MBA Online, Suffolk University, http://www.suffolk.edu/mbaonline7. Online Degree Programs, Northeastern University, http://www.northeastern.edu/online/8. Massachusetts Colleges Online, http://www.mco.mass.edu/programs.jsp