An administration course introduces students to basic concepts in business structure and management. Business administration courses teach students to understand the organizational structure of private corporations, non-profit organizations and government departments. Students also learn how businesses evolve to adapt to changing political, economic or cultural forces.
Strong communication skills are essential to effectively managing personnel. Management students often take several courses focusing on oral and written communication. Oral communication coursework teach students to make effective presentations, communicate instructions to subordinates, network and conduct interviews. Business writing courses teach potential managers to write reports tailored to a specific audience.
All business managers must understand the financial aspects of a corporation, even if they do not work in the finance department. Accounting and finance classes teach students about budgets, financial statements, cash flow, corporate taxes, financial planning and business economics. Mastering these topics allows a future manager to make decisions that benefit her company financially.
Human resources courses cover the management of individuals in a corporation or organization. Introductory human resources coursework teach business students about labor law issues, hiring practices, improving employee performance, compensation and benefits, training opportunities and maintaining employee morale. Managers must understand these human resources concepts to effectively manage employees and make the organization perform efficiently.
Most business management programs encourage students to take a variety of elective courses. Electives give students an opportunity to focus on a specialized area of management, improving their skills. Potential elective courses include organizational behavior, psychology, business law, international management, entrepreneurship, non-profit organization management or public policy.