Are you intrigued by the dynamic fields of business, such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, or management? Understanding how Advanced Placement® (AP) courses and standardized test scores, such as the SAT® and ACT®, can bolster your college applications is essential. This guide delves into AP courses pertinent to business majors, the role of test scores in admissions, and potential career paths in the business realm.
Is a Business Major Right for You?
If you enjoy solving problems, thinking strategically, leading teams, or analyzing markets, a business management major could be an excellent fit. Business is a broad field that includes areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, supply chain management, human resources, and entrepreneurship. Whether you see yourself launching a startup or climbing the corporate ladder, majoring in business offers skills that are relevant across industries.
Understanding Business Majors
Business majors develop a blend of analytical, communication, and leadership skills that can be applied in almost every industry. Depending on your focus, you might study how businesses make financial decisions, how to lead effective marketing campaigns, or how to manage large-scale operations. This versatility is 1 of the reasons why business continues to attract students with a wide range of interests and career goals.
Students often start exploring business concepts in high school through clubs like FBLA, internships, or introductory business courses. If you find yourself drawn to organizing events, budgeting money, solving practical problems, or leading group projects, a business major may align well with your natural interests and talents.
How Popular Are Business Majors Among Students?
Business remains one of the top two most sought-after college majors in the United States. Many high school students lay the groundwork early through AP courses in business-related subjects such as economics, statistics, and calculus.
According to the College Board®, in 2024:
- AP Calculus AB: Approximately 278,657 students took this exam.
- AP Calculus BC: Approximately 148,191 students took this exam.
- AP Statistics: Approximately 252,914 students took this exam.
- AP Microeconomics: Approximately 103,809 students took this exam.
- AP Macroeconomics: Approximately 160,741 students took this exam.
These figures underscore the significant interest among students in building a strong foundation in quantitative and economic skills, which are crucial for success in various business-related fields.
Average SAT and ACT Scores for Students Interested in Business Management Majors
While every college sets its own admission standards, it’s helpful to know what typical scores look like for students who plan to major in business. According to earlier College Board data, students pursuing business-related fields tend to score around 1,070-1,200 on the SAT and 24-28 on the ACT. More recent national averages for 2024 show that the average SAT score across all test-takers is 1,024, with an average math score of 495, and the average ACT composite score is 19.4.
Of course, these ranges vary by school, and more selective business programs may expect significantly higher scores, often in the 1,300-1,500 SAT or 30-34 ACT range. Getting a general sense of these score benchmarks can help you gauge where you stand and set academic goals to strengthen your college applications. Be sure to check the specific score expectations for each college or business school on your list.
Do Colleges and Universities Value AP Courses Associated with Business?
Admissions teams often view AP business-related courses as a strong indicator that you're prepared for college-level academics and committed to your intended major. Courses such as AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, AP Statistics, and AP Calculus show that you’re building skills in analysis, problem-solving, and quantitative reasoning — essential for success in business programs.
In addition, earning high scores on AP exams may allow you to skip introductory courses in college and dive directly into advanced business coursework, giving you a head start in your degree path.
What Skills Can Be Developed as a Student of Business?
As a business management major, you’ll build a strong foundation in both strategic thinking and interpersonal communication skills that are valuable across industries. You’ll explore how to manage finances, understand markets, communicate effectively, and lead teams toward shared goals. Along the way, you’ll also develop business insights that can help you navigate real-world challenges and adapt in a fast-changing global economy.
In-Demand Jobs for Business Majors
When students set their sights on majors like business, management, and marketing, they are not just entering a realm of academic study — they are commencing a journey toward dynamic and rewarding career opportunities.
High Earning Potential Careers (Median salary above $120,000)
These careers typically require advanced degrees or extensive experience and are best suited for students interested in executive-level roles, strategic decision-making, and leadership in business functions.
| Position | Description | Relevant Majors | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identifying potential customers. | Marketing, Business Administration | $157,620 |
| Financial Manager | Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment. | Finance, Accounting, Economics | $156,100 |
| Portfolio Manager | Responsible for managing investment portfolios by providing clients with investment strategies that meet their financial goals and risk tolerance. Monitor market trends to make informed investment decisions. | Finance, Economics, Business Administration | $156,100 |
| Risk Manager | Identify and assess potential risks that could hinder the reputation, safety, security, or financial prosperity of an organization. Implement processes and procedures to ensure the organization is prepared to deal with potential risks and minimize their impact. | Finance, Risk Management, Business Administration | $156,100 |
| Human Resources Manager | Oversee the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff; consult with top executives on strategic planning; and serve as a link between an organization's management and its employees. | Human Resources, Business Administration | $136,350 |
| Compensation and Benefits Manager | Plan, direct, or coordinate an organization's compensation and benefits activities. Develop and oversee programs to determine how an organization pays its employees and ensure that pay and benefits are competitive. | Human Resources, Business Administration | $136,380 |
| Public Relations Manager | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client. | Public Relations, Communications, Business | $134,760 |
| Purchasing Manager | Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. | Supply Chain Management, Business Administration | $132,660 |
| Advertising and Promotions Manager | Plan programs to generate interest in products or services, working with art directors, sales agents, and financial staff members. | Marketing, Business Administration | $127,830 |
| Sales Manager | Direct organizations' sales teams by setting goals, analyzing data, and developing training programs for sales representatives. | Business, Marketing | $135,160 |
Mid-to-High Earning Careers (Median salary $80,000–$120,000)
These roles often require a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience. They provide solid salaries and growth opportunities in fields like finance, analytics, logistics, and project management.
| Position | Description | Relevant Majors | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Analyst | Also known as management consultants, they recommend ways to improve an organization's efficiency. | Business Administration, Management | $99,410 |
| Financial Analyst |
Assessing the performance of stocks, bonds, and other investments provides guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. | Finance, Economics, Accounting | $99,010 |
| Project Management Specialist | Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per-project basis. | Business Administration, Project Management | $98,580 |
| General and Operations Manager | Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources. | Business Administration, Management | $101,280 |
| Budget Analyst | Help public and private institutions organize their finances by preparing budget reports and monitoring spending. | Accounting, Finance, Business Administration | $82,260 |
| Logisticians | Analyze and coordinate an organization's supply chain — the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer. | Supply Chain Management, Business Administration | $79,400 |
| Insurance Underwriter | Decide whether to provide insurance and under what terms by evaluating insurance applications and determining coverage amounts and premiums. | Finance, Economics, Business Administration | $76,390 |
| Market Research Analyst | Study consumer preferences, business conditions, and other factors to assess potential sales of a product or service. | Marketing, Business Administration | $74,680 |
Stable Careers (Median salary $60,000–$80,000)
These roles are strong entry points into business and often serve as launchpads into more senior positions. They typically require a bachelor’s degree and strong interpersonal or analytical skills.
| Position | Description | Relevant Majors | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Specialist | Recruit, screen, interview, and place workers. They also handle employee relations, compensation, and benefits. | Human Resources, Business Administration | $64,240 |
| Loan Officer | Evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of loan applications for individuals and businesses. | Finance, Economics, Business Administration | $69,990 |
| Training and Development Specialist | Plan and administer programs that improve the skills and knowledge of employees. | Human Resources, Education, Business Administration | $63,080 |
| Public Relations Specialist | Create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. | Public Relations, Communications, Business | $67,440 |
How Do AP Courses Prepare You for Business Careers?
Taking AP courses in subjects such as economics, statistics, or calculus can give you a strong head start in understanding core business concepts before you even step foot on a college campus. High AP exam scores may allow you to skip introductory courses, letting you dive into more advanced classes that keep you motivated and academically challenged.
Beyond credit and placement benefits, AP courses help you develop valuable business skills, such as critical thinking, data analysis, decision-making, and clear communication. These abilities are key in fields such as marketing, finance, management, and entrepreneurship.
Colleges also recognize the dedication it takes to succeed in AP classes for business majors, helping you stand out during admissions. Down the road, whether you choose to enter the workforce right after college or pursue an MBA or other graduate program, the foundation you build through AP coursework will support your long-term goals in the business world.
Top AP Business Courses for High School Students
Taking AP courses in high school is a smart way to prepare for a future in business. These classes not only strengthen your college applications but also help you earn college credit, saving both time and tuition down the line.
Some of the best AP courses for students who want to pursue a business-related major or career path include those recommended by the College Board:
Psychology
Statistics
These courses will give you a solid foundation for the subjects you’ll encounter in college and help you stand out to college admissions committees.
Business majors are a great fit for students interested in leadership, innovation, and understanding how organizations and markets work. Taking AP courses, such as AP Economics or AP Statistics, can give you a strong foundation for college-level business study while enhancing your admissions profile. With a business degree, you can explore careers in finance, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and more. Whether you dream of launching your own company or making strategic decisions at a global firm, a business major opens doors to a wide range of exciting opportunities in today’s dynamic economy.
We encourage students to carefully consider all of this information while choosing a major, preparing for standardized tests, and planning for future careers. For help preparing for the AP courses that will lead you down a career path in business, management, or marketing, check out UWorld’s AP Online Prep Courses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the hardest business major?
That depends on your strengths and what challenges you the most. Some students find accounting or finance tough because of the quantitative work, while others may struggle with the fast-paced nature of marketing or management. Each area has its own demands, so it comes down to your personal skill set and learning style.
What business job has the highest salary?
Many top-paying roles are in finance and executive leadership. Careers such as financial manager, marketing director, or chief operating officer (COO) often come with high salaries, especially in large companies or competitive industries. Salaries also rise significantly with experience and advanced degrees, like an MBA.
What is the best business major?
There’s no 1-size-fits-all answer; it really depends on your interests and career goals. If you enjoy working with numbers, finance or accounting might be a good fit. If you like creative strategy, marketing could be the way to go. The best major is the one that aligns with your passions and where you see yourself thriving in the future.
References
- College Board. (n.d.). Major: Business administration and management. BigFuture. Retrieved April 07, 2025 from https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers/majors/business/business-administration-management
- College Board. (n.d.). Major: Marketing. BigFuture. Retrieved April 07, 2025, from https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers/majors/business/marketing
- College Board. (n.d.). Major: Business, general. BigFuture. Retrieved April 07, 2025, from https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers/majors/business/business-general
- College Board. (n.d.). Connect AP to majors and careers. AP Students. Retrieved April 07, 2025, from https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/choosing-courses/by-major-career
- Business News Daily. (n.d.). The best jobs you can get with your college major. Retrieved April 07, 2025, from https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8012-college-majors-career-guide.html
- College Board. (n.d.). SAT participation continues to grow: SAT Suite successfully completes its transition to digital testing. Retrieved April 07, 2025 from https://newsroom.collegeboard.org/sat-participation-continues-grow-sat-suite-successfully-completes-its-transition-digital-testing
- Empowerly. (n.d.). The best high school clubs for future business majors. Retrieved April 07, 2025 from https://empowerly.com/majors/business/the-best-high-school-clubs-for-future-business-majors/
- College Board. (n.d.). AP score distributions. AP Students. Retrieved April 07, 2025 from https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/about-ap-scores/score-distributions
- Houston, M. (2024, March 31). The essential skills for business success. Forbes. Retrieved April 07, 2025 from https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissahouston/2024/03/31/the-essential-skills-for-business-success/
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved April 08, 2025 from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
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