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Despite fluctuation in the economy, hiring in certain key business sectors remains largely unaffected. Advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales continue to offer graduates with business degrees fruitful opportunities to get in on the ground floor and rise through the ranks. Career training in the business field may just be the safest educational bet heading into a new decade.

Business degrees are conferred at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. With some exceptions, business degrees range from general to specific as you continue up the academic ladder. While many organizations prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree for entry-level employment, advanced degrees are favored for managerial and strategic positions. Professionals with PhDs typically move into research or teaching capacities.

Popular industries that offer employment opportunities to business graduates include the professional, scientific, and technical service industries, as well as wholesale trade. Consulting is another hot career track for business professionals and offers the possibility for freelancing and self-employment. Those professionals with business technology experience are particularly valuable as they help companies navigate the media divide.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers held about 583,000 jobs in 2006. The largest cross section of these business professionals was sales managers, outnumbering marketing managers almost 3 to 1. Employment of advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers is projected to grow by 12 percent over the decade through 2016; that's about as fast as the national average for all occupations.

With respect to potential salary, median annual earnings in 2007 were $91,100 for advertising and promotions managers, $113,400 for marketing managers, $106,790 for sales managers and $97,170 for public relations managers. Due to their uniqueness and dynamic value, those with career training in business technology typically earned more than graduates with only a business degree.

Business degree coursework varies widely with each specialty. Most programs begin with standard instruction in mathematics, natural sciences, and civics in the first two years. As you progress towards graduation, courses are offered in micro and macro economics, finance, small business and entrepreneurship, and international business. Hands-on internships with industry-leading companies are not uncommon for upper classmen.

Education online is particularly suited for students with personal and professional obligations who want to complete their degree requirements. What's more, convenient class schedules and a network of online support can mean earning your degree quicker than the traditional campus route. Add the rich technological component inherent in online study programs for a method of learning that is contemporary and applicable.

Online degree programs in accounting and finance from accredited universities and colleges: