What Are the Differences Between a Bachelor's and a BBA?
Bachelor and a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) are both undergraduate degrees at the bac+3 or bac+4 level, but they don't have exactly the same positioning. The Bachelor's is a general program offered by numerous schools and universities, which can be oriented toward different fields (management, communications, IT, design, etc.). It mainly aims to provide solid, practical foundations with strong employability upon graduation or the possibility of continuing with a master's degree. The BBA, on the other hand, is a Bachelor's degree specialized in international management and business administration. It's often awarded by business schools over 4 years and emphasizes international exposure (semesters abroad, courses in English, dual degrees). In summary, the Bachelor's is a broad and adaptable degree depending on the chosen sector, while the BBA is a more demanding and internationally recognized program, ideal for those who want a career in global business.
Bachelor's and BBA: What Are the Differences?
The Bachelor's and the BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) are increasingly popular among students. Indeed, many are turning to business schools accessible after the baccalaureate in order to obtain professionally-oriented training. Previously, positions of responsibility in marketing, international business, and management were mainly accessible after 2 years of preparatory classes, followed by 3 years at a top business school.
Today, the hundreds of business schools established in France accept post-baccalaureate students through competitive selection via written and oral examinations. Students can notably opt for a Bachelor's degree in different fields or a BBA, which stands for Bachelor of Business Administration. The names of these programs are similar, but there are indeed significant differences between the two programs.
The main differences between a Bachelor's and a BBA lie in the program duration, the pedagogical methods of the curriculum, and the international dimension of the program. Let's review these differences to fully understand the specifics of the Bachelor's and BBA programs offered by business schools in France.
Also read: Everything You Need to Know About the BBA
Bachelor's and BBA: Different Durations
First and foremost, the main difference between the Bachelor's and the BBA concerns the length of studies. Indeed, the Bachelor's is a 3-year program after the baccalaureate. It offers students short-term training that allows them to quickly enter the workforce or continue their studies and pursue a Master in Management or Master of Science, for example. It's also important to note that the Bachelor's fits into the European LMD system (Licence-Master-Doctorat). This system serves to harmonize the various higher education programs offered across Europe.
The BBA, for its part, is inspired by Anglo-Saxon countries with a 4-year program. This training is longer but aims to be more professionally-oriented for students. They can quickly find work internationally after the program thanks to the professional experience they've already gained. Of course, this doesn't mean that students holding a Bachelor of Business Administration cannot pursue a Master's degree afterward. It's entirely possible to join a Master in Management or Master of Science program after completing the 4 years of the BBA. This is actually a common point between the Bachelor's and the BBA.
Bachelor's or BBA: What Curriculum Differences?
The Bachelor's and BBA are also distinguished by curriculum differences. It should be noted that the specifics of each curriculum vary depending on the business school. Nevertheless, overall, both Bachelor's and BBA programs begin with two general first years. These allow students to learn the fundamentals of marketing, management, law, finance, and business administration through theoretical courses and practical work. There are actually numerous Bachelor's programs in which students can specialize according to their preferences. Some Bachelor's programs focus on engineering sciences and data analytics, while others prepare students for artistic careers.
The BBA, however, offers students the opportunity to choose options from the second year of the program to develop specific skills that align with their professional goals. Some business schools like emlyon business school in Lyon give students the opportunity to go abroad as early as the second year of the program. They can indeed study for a specified period at one of the school's international campuses.
Next, the third year, which is also the final year of the Bachelor's, aims to specialize students. Those in Bachelor's programs prepare for imminent professional integration with group projects and real-world simulations to deepen their skills. BBA students have more time to dedicate to the various pedagogical methods that structure the program. To give some examples, business games, flipped classrooms, group projects, and e-learning structure the daily life of BBA students.
International Exposure: A BBA for Longer Experience Abroad
Beyond curriculum differences, it should be noted that the BBA doesn't have the same purpose as a Bachelor's. Indeed, the BBA aims to offer students better international exposure. The program can be English-speaking or French-speaking. The BBA is the ideal choice for students who want to benefit from an internationalizing program that prepares them to start a career abroad, particularly in English-speaking countries.
However, it should be noted that some Bachelor's programs also offer a curriculum in English. The international dimension of the Bachelor's is nevertheless limited by the duration of studies. Students can go abroad and visit international campuses, but not for as long as BBA students. Indeed, the majority of the Bachelor of Business Administration curriculum can be completed internationally. Company internships abroad, stays at international campuses, and exchanges at partner universities punctuate the 4 years of the BBA.
This international exposure specific to the BBA boosts students' employability in France and abroad. They won't all work abroad after obtaining their diploma. Recruiters in France are also looking to hire profiles who have gained international experience during their professionally-oriented training.
International experience is therefore an integral part of both the Bachelor's and the BBA, and particularly the BBA. Graduates are prepared to practice their profession in a multicultural context, whether expatriating or not. The reputation of these programs thus encourages American, Australian, and Canadian companies to open their doors to these graduates. Ultimately, students have no barriers. They can shape the professional path they wish to have, regardless of the destination country.
Continuing Education After a Bachelor's or BBA
Professional integration is not mandatory after obtaining a Bachelor's or BBA. In reality, many students prefer to continue their studies to obtain a higher-level degree. Why? Continuing studies after a Bachelor's or BBA presents numerous advantages for students. They have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skills by specializing in a specific field. They also develop skills actively sought by recruiters worldwide. Their goal is to be able to aspire to positions of high responsibility later on, such as joining a company's executive leadership.
Continuing education after a Bachelor's or BBA generally translates into a Master's, MBA (Master of Business Administration), Advanced Master, or even a Doctorate. Obtaining a higher-level diploma allows students to qualify for positions that are usually inaccessible with a bac+3 or bac+4. Consequently, students also increase their value in the job market and therefore the compensation they can command.
Continuing studies is also an opportunity to stand out in an increasingly competitive job market. Even though students holding a Bachelor's or BBA quickly find employment in their preferred field, some positions are more competitive than others. Demand is sometimes higher than supply. In this case, the most interesting profiles with prestigious academic backgrounds have better chances of being selected.
These aren't the only reasons that may motivate continuing studies. Pursuing further education after a Bachelor's or BBA also allows students to gain maturity, deepen their knowledge, improve their language skills, discover different cultures, and meet new people. A longer academic path is indeed an opportunity to develop one's professional network to benefit from better opportunities in the future.
Joining a Master's, MBA, or other similar programs serves to deepen international experience by multiplying exchange programs, for example. Graduates can continue their studies by immersing themselves in another country and joining an international campus of their school. Partner universities of business schools also welcome students who wish to continue their academic path.
Several pathways are accessible after a Bachelor's or BBA, regardless of the student's level of professional experience. The type of studies chosen depends on the student's preferences and goals. Below is a non-exhaustive list of possible studies after completing a Bachelor's or BBA at a business school:
- Advanced Master in International Business Lawyer Manager
- Advanced Master in International Business Strategy & Development
- MSc in Leading Sustainable Transformations
- MSc in Global Sales Excellence
- MSc in International Marketing & Business Development
A Master of Science (MSc) is generally the most common choice among Bachelor's or BBA graduates. The Master's takes 1 or 2 years depending on the specialization. It's the ideal choice for students who want to specialize and access positions of responsibility. Next comes the MBA (Master of Business Administration) lasting 1 or 2 years for those who want to deepen their management skills. As for the Advanced Master, this program is generally accessible after a bac+4 or bac+5. The 12 months of program training allow students to boost their career by preparing to practice a wide range of professions.
Of course, the choice of studies in which to continue higher education depends on each student's personal goals and professional ambitions. It's important to keep in mind that this is a personal investment. The best approach is therefore to inquire with different business schools and obtain more information about the programs they offer after a bac+3 or bac+4 degree.
Focus on the Global BBA
Now that the differences between the Bachelor's and BBA are clearly established, let's focus on the Global BBA. This is an undergraduate-level program that is increasingly popular in France. The objective is to prepare students for a career in international business. The Global BBA is a Bachelor's degree in management sciences that awards a higher education diploma in international management.
Students who complete the Global BBA obtain a bac+4 level diploma that confers the undergraduate degree grade with the "state-controlled" label. This label guarantees the quality of Global BBA instruction and diploma recognition. It can be applied to any higher education program that meets the academic quality criteria required by the state. Moreover, both public and private institutions can receive this label.
The admission requirements for the Global BBA are flexible to allow a greater number of students to enroll in the program. It's accessible to all baccalaureate holders, regardless of their specialization. Admission is competitive. After submitting their preferences on the Parcoursup platform, students must pass written and then oral examinations before being admitted. Baccalaureate holders aren't the only ones who can enroll in the Global BBA. Indeed, the program is also open to holders of a bac+1 or bac+2, also through competitive selection. Furthermore, the Global BBA is generally accessible through VAE (validation of prior learning).
The Global BBA program is taught in English or French depending on the business school. Many schools in France like emlyon business school offer the Global BBA. This program is particularly sought after by students. Regarding the curriculum itself, the Global BBA emphasizes international experiences. Students are therefore encouraged to complete internships abroad, exchanges at partner universities, and stays at the school's international campuses. Indeed, the majority of the Global BBA curriculum can be completed entirely internationally.
Finally, the Global BBA trains students for future careers by teaching them skills actively sought in the job market. Various pedagogical methods are used for this reason. E-learning, group projects, and flipped classrooms are methods regularly used to facilitate student learning. The possibility of obtaining a dual degree with the Global BBA also strengthens graduate candidates' competitiveness.
Differences Between Bachelor's and BBA: Key points
In summary, the Bachelor's and BBA are two higher education programs accessible after obtaining the baccalaureate. They both prepare students for an international career by providing key skills. However, there are major differences between the two programs. The Global BBA is a longer program spanning 4 years with a longer period abroad, while the Bachelor's is generally offered over 3 years by business schools.
As for pedagogical methods, the Bachelor's adopts a more academic approach with theoretical courses, whereas the BBA offers professionally-oriented training focused on practical application of acquired skills.