Is a bachelor’s in business law right for you? Explore career outcomes

Do you see the legal framework behind every major business deal? Are you the person who reads the terms and conditions, not out of obligation, but out of genuine curiosity? If you are fascinated by how rules shape the global marketplace but want a fiercely practical degree, a standard law programme might feel too theoretical. The real question is not just about becoming a lawyer; it is about becoming a strategic business asset.

Choosing the right undergraduate degree is not easy. Your choice will shape your future career, the types of jobs you qualify for and even your earning potential. One path many students think of today is a bachelor's in business law. But the big question is: is this course right for you?

This blog will walk you through who should study a Business Law degree, the skills required and the benefits of studying business law. By the end, you should be able to decide if this is the path for you.

What is a business law degree?

Business law degrees combine international business with law. It teaches you how to understand legal rules while working in the business world. Think of the business world as a grand game of chess. You need players who can think strategically (that is, the management part) and you need experts who know the rules inside and out (that is, the business law part). This programme does not make you choose a side. It trains you to be both a strategist and rules expert, all at once.

The Bachelor en Management Appliqué (Option Droit des Affaires) is a specialised undergraduate degree that seamlessly combines two powerful disciplines:

• Applied Management: You learn the hands-on skills of running a business- finance, marketing, project management and strategic planning. This is the 'how' of business.
• Business Law (Droit des Affaires): You gain deep expertise in the legal framework that governs commerce- contracts, corporate structures, compliance, international trade law and intellectual property. This is the ‘why’ and ‘how to do it right’ of business.

In essence, it is an interaction between law and business. One of the biggest advantages of a Law with Business degree is that it allows you to study two academic disciplines at the same time.

At EMA, the Bachelor en Management Appliqué (Option Droit des Affaires) is designed for exactly this purpose. The programme acts as a powerhouse of applied business and legal strategies. You will learn through practical examples and real case studies to better understand the complexities of the business world.

Benefits of studying business law

With various business law career opportunities, you can choose a business-based role, a law-focused role, or a mix of both. The following are some clear benefits:

1. Diverse career paths

A Business Law degree does not lock you into one path. You can move into legal careers, corporate management, compliance, consulting or even policy-making. With the rise of global trade, the demand for legal knowledge in business is bigger than ever.

2. High salary potential

Many business law career opportunities lead to well-paying jobs. Corporate lawyers, compliance officers and contract managers often earn competitive salaries. While pay depends on location and industry, salary potential is often higher than many other undergraduate options.

3. Strong foundation for further study

A bachelor's in business law can be a stepping stone towards advanced study. You can move on to a master’s in law, an MBA or even train to be a solicitor or barrister with additional qualifications.

4. Useful in entrepreneurship

If you plan to start your own company, knowing business law gives you a big advantage. You will understand contracts, intellectual property and employment laws from the start.

5. Transferable skills gained

Even if you do not end up in a pure legal position, the degree will give you skills useful in a wide range of careers: problem-solving, negotiation and leadership.

6. Relevance in changing markets

With international trade and digital businesses growing fast, Business Law undergraduate programmes are becoming more relevant. New fields like technology law, data privacy and e-commerce compliance are emerging, preparing you for diverse roles in ESG compliance, legal tech and regulatory consulting.

So, if you are wondering, “Is business law a good degree?” The answer is yes, if you want choice, flexibility and long-term career growth.

Skills required for a successful business law career

So what will you actually learn? This is not about memorising statutes. It is about building a toolkit that makes you indispensable. You will graduate with a mix of hard and soft skills gained that are in high demand. Employers look for certain skills that the degree should help you build. Among the most important are:

• Critical thinking and analysis: You must be able to assess problems carefully and see them from different perspectives.
• Research skills: Laws, contracts and regulations often require deep study. Research skills help you find answers quickly.
• Communication skills: Writing contracts, advising clients or working in teams all require clear communication in both speech and writing.
• Knowledge of international markets: If you want to work in global trade or international companies, you will need an understanding of how legal systems differ between countries.
• Attention to detail: Small errors in contracts or policies can lead to large legal risks. A sharp eye for detail protects companies and clients.

The degree helps you gain these skills needed for business law career outcomes, but having a natural interest and discipline is also a major asset.

Explore careers with a business law degree

‘What can I actually do with this?’ This is the most important question and the answer is incredibly exciting. The business law career outcomes for this niche are vast and varied. This degree is a passport to the world of business. The Business Law career opportunities extend across every sector that requires strategic oversight:

• Multinational corporations (finance, technology and manufacturing)
• Legal firms specialising in corporate law
• Banking, insurance and financial services
• Management consulting and audit firms
• Entrepreneurship and startup ventures

The specific jobs after a business law degree are roles that sit at the intersection of law and strategy:

• Compliance officer: Ensuring company policies adhere to ever-changing national and international regulations.
• Contract manager: Overseeing business contracts development and execution.
• Legal consultant: Providing expert advice to corporations on strategic initiatives.
• Risk analyst: Assessing business decisions and projects’ legal exposure.

When considering salary potential, this specialised, strategic focus is key. Professionals who can translate legal complexity into business strategy command competitive starting salaries and have a clear path to leadership positions. The high employment rates of graduates are a result of this direct alignment with industry needs.

Is this the right path for you?

This is not a degree for everyone. It is designed for the innovator, the strategist, the passionate student with a business mind.

Ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy solving complex puzzles and planning ahead?
• Do I have an interest in the mechanics of how companies operate and grow?
• Do I want to pursue a career that offers both stability and the excitement of making high-stakes decisions?

If you are nodding, then you already have your answer. The real question is not ‘Is business law a good degree?’ but ‘Is this the right business law degree for me?’

Your future in business starts with a strategic choice

Let us be honest: choosing a degree can feel like a huge, weighty decision. It is about more than the next few years; it is about mapping out your future career and the person you want to become. The beauty of a programme like this is that it does not lock you into a single narrow path. Instead, it builds a robust, versatile foundation that opens doors to countless opportunities in the global business arena.

Your undergraduate degree is the foundation of your professional identity. The EMA Bachelor en Management Appliqué (Option Droit des Affaires) is designed to provide students with a solid basis in the real-world of international business.