Business Degrees in 2025: Are They Still Valuable — and Which Roles Pay Off?

In a world increasingly driven by digital transformation, sustainability, and innovation, a business degree remains one of the most versatile and rewarding investments you can make. But is it still worth it in 2025? The short answer: yes — if you know where the trends are heading.

Business remains the most popular undergraduate major in the U.S. Roughly 19% of all bachelor’s degrees were awarded in business fields during the 2021–22 academic year — and today’s employers aren’t just looking for generalists. ¹ They want professionals who can integrate strategic thinking, technical savvy, and ethical leadership.

In fact, a recent Deloitte survey found that over 50% of organizations are hiring roles like AI ethics researchers and compliance specialists, while 38% are adding chief ethics officer or trust officer positions to address emerging tech responsibilities. ² Whether you’re just starting out, pivoting your career, or leveling up, it’s essential to understand how a business education connects with AI innovation, ESG leadership, and new executive roles.

In this guide, let’s explore why a business degree — especially when paired with flexibility and future-ready skills — continues to be a powerful path into high-impact careers.

The Evolving Value of a Business Degree in 2025

In 2025, a business degree isn’t just relevant — it’s essential for navigating a rapidly evolving economy. Backed by decades of industry demand and employer trust, business remains the most popular undergraduate major in the U.S. That accounts for nearly 1 in 5 bachelor’s degrees awarded, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). ³ But its value goes far beyond popularity.

Graduates of business programs enter the workforce equipped with a rare blend of analytical precision, strategic thinking, and people-first leadership — skills that are increasingly in demand across every industry.

Here’s why the value of a business degree continues to rise:

• Strong Earning Potential: According to ZipRecruiter, business degree salary in New Mexico averages $82,544 annually ⁴ — well above the national average of $66,622. ⁵ And those numbers grow substantially for business graduates who specialize or pursue graduate-level credentials like an MBA.
• Versatile, Transferable Skillsets: From managing teams to analyzing data to building go-to-market strategies, the skills gained in a business program translate across sectors — whether you’re leading a startup, working in finance, or stepping into a corporate leadership role.
• Expansive Career Opportunities: A business degree opens doors in high-growth industries like technology, healthcare, sustainability, energy, consulting, public service, and entrepreneurship. It also lays the groundwork for launching your own business or growing into C-suite leadership roles.

At its core, a business degree is about more than just accounting spreadsheets and market reports. It’s about developing the mindset to lead, adapt, and innovate in a global, tech-driven economy. For learners at NMSU Global Campus, it also means gaining those skills in a flexible, accessible, and future-ready online environment designed to help you thrive — on your schedule.

Find Your Path: Business Degrees at NMSU Global Campus

At NMSU Global Campus, business education isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re just starting out, changing careers, or advancing into leadership, you’ll find a fully online program that matches your goals, schedule, and interests.

Explore our 100% online Bachelor’s and Master’s degree options, each designed with today’s workforce demands in mind.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Business

NMSU Global Campus online bachelor’s degrees in business are designed for flexibility, making them accessible to both traditional students and adult learners managing work or personal responsibilities.

BBA in General Business

Ideal for students who want a broad, flexible foundation in business. You’ll study finance, management, marketing, and organizational behavior — all with room to specialize later.

Best for: Career starters, transfer students, and those interested in diverse business roles.

BBA in Human Resource Management

Prepares students to lead in people operations, including hiring, training, performance management, and workplace culture strategy.

Best for: Future HR leaders, people-focused problem-solvers, and professionals interested in workplace culture and employee success.

BBA in Marketing

Dive into the world of branding, consumer behavior, and digital strategy. Learn how to influence markets through creativity and data.

Best for: Aspiring marketers, creative strategists, future brand managers, and data-savvy communicators.

Bachelor of Information Systems

Combines business principles with technology systems, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

Best for: Students interested in IT leadership, systems analysis, or tech-driven roles in business settings.

MBA Programs with Targeted Specializations

All MBA tracks at NMSU Global Campus are offered fully online and structured to accommodate working professionals. This supports students in balancing graduate studies with existing jobs and family commitments.

Master of Business Administration (General)

Build well-rounded executive skills in leadership, operations, strategy, and finance.

Best for: Ambitious professionals seeking career growth, leadership opportunities, and executive business skills across industries.

MBA: Health Services Management

Focuses on the unique business needs of healthcare organizations, from policy to patient systems.

Best for: Healthcare professionals aiming to lead in healthcare administration, health systems management, or policy-driven leadership roles.

MBA: Public Utility Regulation

Prepares leaders to navigate public utilities, energy regulation, and sustainability compliance.

Best for: Professionals in the energy, water, or transportation sectors, or those interested in public policy impact.

MBA: Information Systems

Merges core business education with IT leadership, cybersecurity, and enterprise system management.

Best for: Professionals bridging the gap between business strategy and tech implementation.

Emerging Business Roles Reshaping the C-Suite

The C-suite of the future doesn’t just manage businesses — it transforms them.

As global industries face disruption from AI integration, climate mandates, and evolving workforce expectations, executive roles are shifting to meet the moment. Traditional titles like CEO, CFO, and COO are now being joined — or replaced — by new kinds of leaders focused on agility, ethics, and innovation.

These are just a few of the transformative roles reshaping executive leadership in 2025:

• Chief Transformation Officer (CTO): Tasked with reimagining business models, CTOs lead sweeping change initiatives — from digitization to cultural reinvention. They blend operations, innovation, and human-centered strategy.
• Chief AI Officer (CAIO): As artificial intelligence becomes core to everything from customer service to financial forecasting, CAIOs are emerging to oversee responsible AI adoption, automation strategies, and data governance.
• Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO): With rising environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expectations, CSOs ensure that companies are both ethically sound and future-proof. These executives lead carbon reduction efforts, workforce equity, and sustainability reporting.
• Fractional Executives: Startups and mid-sized companies increasingly hire fractional CMOs, CFOs, and COOs — experienced executives who offer strategic insight without full-time overhead. This flexible model is especially valuable in fast-moving industries.

According to Business Insider, these roles aren’t just trendy — they’re part of a structural shift across industries, with companies like IBM and JLL adding transformation and ethics-focused positions at the highest levels. ⁶

The Skills That Matter: 5 Trends Reshaping Business in 2025 and Beyond

The workplace is undergoing one of the most profound evolutions in decades — driven by rapid technological change, climate urgency, and a shift in what employers value most. For today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders, staying competitive means developing adaptable, cross-functional skills that reflect where business is heading — not just where it’s been.

Here are five major trends influencing business careers in 2025 and how a forward-thinking business degree can help you stay ahead:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Are Reshaping Roles

AI is no longer just a tech buzzword — it’s becoming foundational to business operations. From automating supply chains to enhancing customer service through chatbots and predictive analytics, organizations are embedding AI across departments.

What it means for business grads:

Employers increasingly seek candidates who can work alongside AI:

• Interpreting data
• Integrating technology into strategic decision-making
• Managing ethical concerns

A business degree that incorporates data literacy, ethical leadership, and innovation strategy will stand out. According to a 2023 Edge Delta report, 80% of global companies have adopted AI technology to improve efficiency and streamline operations. ⁷

Companies, in general, are using generative AI to redesign workflows and even mitigate business risks. From data analytics to customer service, artificial intelligence is reshaping how businesses operate — and its role will only expand.

2. Sustainability and ESG Strategy: Where Business Meets Responsibility

In today’s business landscape, sustainability is no longer optional; it’s strategic. Companies are embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities into their core because stakeholders demand it, and the returns are substantial.

A Salary Premium for Green Skills

Professionals with “green skills” earn 15–25 % more than their non‑sustainability counterparts, according to a 2025 Labor Market Insight report by JobsPikr. ⁸ Certain roles command even higher premiums (e.g., sustainability managers earning around $130K vs. $100K for ESG analysts).

The Times reports green-specialist roles pay about 18 % more than comparable traditional positions — reinforcing the economic value of sustainability expertise. ⁹

Why Green Roles Pay More

A Council on Foreign Relations analysis links higher pay to the technical expertise and higher education levels required in clean-economy positions — 93 % of green jobs are moderate to high-skill jobs. ¹⁰

These roles often address carbon compliance, ESG reporting, and sustainable innovation, all of which carry high economic and regulatory value.

3. Digital-First Work Culture

As remote and hybrid work models become permanent fixtures in modern business, organizations expect employees to thrive in tech-enabled, distributed environments. Being “digitally fluent” is now a core competency, not just a nice-to-have.

What it means for business grads:

• Proficiency with collaboration tools like Slack, Zoom, Asana, and Microsoft Teams is essential for communication and project execution.
• Digital-first leadership requires new soft skills: managing remote teams, building virtual culture, and delivering results across time zones.
• Cloud-based platforms and real-time data tools are becoming central to decision-making, marketing, and customer engagement strategies.

Business programs that incorporate virtual teamwork, cloud technologies, and asynchronous project management prepare students to enter workplaces that expect digital agility from day one.

At NMSU Global Campus, students are already immersed in digital-first learning environments. This gives them practical hands-on experience with the tools and workflows today’s employers use every day.

4. Micro-Credentials and Lifelong Learning

A traditional degree remains a cornerstone of career preparation — but in today’s fast-evolving business world, it’s only part of the equation. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who supplement their education with targeted, industry-relevant skills that evolve as quickly as the workplace does.

What it means for business grads:

• Micro-credentials in areas like data analytics, project management, AI, and digital marketing provide a fast, focused way to gain in-demand skills without committing to a full degree program.
• Many hiring managers now view stackable credentials as a key indicator of a candidate’s motivation, adaptability, and job readiness, especially in competitive fields like tech, operations, and consulting.
• According to a tech hiring newsletter on LinkedIn Pulse, professionals who earn short-form credentials are 50% more likely to be contacted by recruiters and often command higher salaries in specialized roles. ¹¹

The ability to learn continuously — and prove it through certifications — is now a competitive advantage. That’s why NMSU Global Campus offers microlearning courses, which allow students and professionals to build skills in emerging areas like:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Business Analytics and Excel
• Conflict Management and Inclusive Leadership
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals

These flexible, online modules are self-paced, affordable, and stackable — perfect for career changers, upskillers, or current NMSU students who want to enhance their résumé and stand out to employers.

5. Skill-Based Hiring

The hiring landscape is undergoing a major shift: skills are becoming the currency of career advancement. While degrees still matter, employers are placing increasing emphasis on what candidates can actually do — and how quickly they can adapt.

What it means for business grads:

• Demonstrable competencies like communication, strategic thinking, data analysis, and digital fluency are now top priorities in recruitment processes.
• Industries like tech, finance, healthcare, and sustainability are particularly focused on hiring business professionals who can hit the ground running with practical, project-based experience.
• According to Deloitte, only 17% of HR and business leaders currently prioritize demonstrated skills and potential over formal qualifications like degrees or past experience — even though about 90% are experimenting with skills-based hiring practices. ¹²

Business students who engage in hands-on projects, internships, microcredentials, and capstone experiences will stand out in today’s hiring landscape.

The Real Value: ROI of a Business Degree in 2025

One of the most common questions prospective students ask is: “Will it be worth it?” For business degrees — at both the undergraduate and graduate levels — the answer is a clear yes, backed by both salary data and long-term career potential.

Here’s what the numbers show:

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for people with a business degree is $71,000. That’s higher than the median wage for bachelor’s degree holders across all fields, $66,000. ¹³
• MBA holders earn an average of $120,000 per year, based on data from the Fortune — a significant step up from the average salary for bachelor’s degree holders. ¹⁴
• When you factor in career mobility, access to professional networks, and leadership advancement, the return on investment increases even more over time.

And with online options like NMSU Global Campus, you can earn your degree flexibly and affordably while working — boosting your ROI even further.

How NMSU Global Campus Prepares You for What’s Next

NMSU Global Campus offers fully online Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs with modern concentrations such as:

• Health Services Management
• Information Systems
• Public Utility Regulation

Whether you’re upskilling, pivoting careers, or preparing to lead in a new field, NMSU’s programs are tailored for today’s business environment. You’ll benefit from:

• Expert faculty with real-world industry experience
• A 100% online format that supports working professionals
• A network of peers and advisors invested in your success

If you’re seeking a future-proof, flexible, and rewarding career path, a business degree continues to offer powerful value in 2025 and beyond. As technology, sustainability, and innovation reshape the workplace, a degree in business equips you with the strategic mindset, leadership skills, and professional adaptability needed to thrive.

References

1. “Percentage Breakdown of Most Popular College Majors.” CollegeVine, accessed 15 August 2025.

2. “Preparing the workforce for ethical and trustworthy AI.” Deloitte, March 2024.

3. “Most common undergraduate fields of study.” National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), accessed 15 August 2025.

4. “Business Degree Salary in New Mexico.” ZipRecruiter, 8 August 2025.

5. DeMarco, J. “Average US Salary by State.” SoFi, 28 January 2025.

6. Hood, J. Paradis, T. and Paik, J. “The C-suite is evolving — and new roles may join to drive innovation, say execs from IBM, JLL, Clear Capital, and more.” Business Insider, 1 November 2024.

7. “AI Adoption by Companies: 5 Statistics You Should Know.” Edge Delta, 29 March 2024.

8. Alexander, J. “Labor Market Insight Report (2025): The Green Economy Boom.” JobsPikr.com, May 2025.

9. Hamilton, J. “Green Champions Make a Positive Impact on the Planet.” The Times, 17 April 2025.

10. Levi, M. “Why Do Green Jobs Pay Better Than Other Jobs?” Council on Foreign Relations. 30 August 2011.

11. “The Rise of Micro‑Credentials: The New Resume Builder?” LinkedIn Pulse, 15 March 2025.

12. “Going Beyond the Résumé to Focus on Candidates’ Skills.” Deloitte, 16 September 2022.

13. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Business Degree.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), last updated 29 August 2024.

14. Fore, P and Thomas-Oxtoby, S. “MBA grads reliably earn a six-figure salary in these 6 industries.” Fortune, 5 May 2023.