You’re exploring Business Management at Cincinnati State — and that’s a smart move. It’s a flexible, career-focused degree that helps you build real skills and graduate with real experience, thanks to our required co-op.
But Cincinnati State offers a few other similar programs, too, and it can be hard to know which one truly fits your goals. That’s why this page exists: to help you compare the options so you can feel more confident that Business Management is the right path for you.
How Most Students Decide
Cincy State offers many business majors and we have selected to compare Management, marketing and Pre-Business Administration. All three programs can be completed in two years, include a paid co-op, and lead to strong job prospects. To decide which path is right for you, most students boil it down to a few simple questions…
Start Working or Transfer to a 4-Year?
The Business Management and Marketing Management majors are designed to get you a job right now—equipping you with practical skills that employers want. Pre-Business Administration is meant for students who want to save money and transfer to a 4-year college for a bachelor’s degree in the field of business.
What Role Are You Aiming For?
If you want to lead and manage, Business Management prepares you for jobs like Project Manager and HR Assistant. If you’re interested in branding and sales, Marketing Management sets you up for roles like Marketing Coordinator and Digital Marketing Specialist. If you plan to transfer to a 4-year college, Pre-Business Administration builds the foundation for bigger business opportunities.
A Side by Side Comparison
| Business Management (BM) | Marketing Management (MMT) | Pre-Business Administration (PBA) | |
| Program Length | 6 Semesters (2 Years) | 6 Semesters (2 Years) | 5 Semesters (2 Years) |
| Goal Upon Graduation | Start a Job | Start a Job | Transfer to a 4-Year college to earn a bachelor’s degree |
| Career Roles | Operational, supervisory, and management-related | Marketing, advertising, event promotion, sales, digital media | Varies, but can be more senior |
| Example Titles | Administrative Coordinator Assistant Manager Business Analyst HR Assistant Marketing Assistant Operations Manager Project Manager Sales Rep | Marketing Specialist Advertising coordinator Media buyer Events coordinator Public relations specialist Market research interviewer | Varies, depending on bachelor’s degree |
| Co-op Experience | Required 2 full-time placements | Required 2 full-time placements | Optional |
| Starting Salary | $33,000+ | $33,000+ | Generally Higher |
Business Management (BM)
Get real-world experience and start your career sooner.
Designed for students who want to move into supervisory or operations roles after graduation. Includes a required co-op that builds your résumé while you learn.
Marketing Management (MMT)
Focus on branding, promotion, and digital strategy.
A more specialized business path for students drawn to creative and media roles. Includes a co-op for hands-on marketing experience.
Pre-Business Administration (PBA)
Built for students planning to transfer to a 4-year college.
Emphasizes general education over hands-on experience. No co-op required — best for students continuing on to a bachelor’s degree.
Your path at Cincinnati State starts when you apply, but if you’re not quite ready, you can reach out with any and all questions or explore college and program details like key dates, courses, costs, and financial aid options via the links below, or by requesting your starter kit.
Mon – Fri 8 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. ET
| Background | Curriculum & Classes Why Students Love Our Program |
| Career | Why Choose This Career |
| How and When | How to Start College |
| Making it Work | Understanding Cost & Financial Aid Balancing School, Work & Life |