35 Online Associates Degrees in Business Administration & Management

An online Business Associate Degree is one of the most popular and versatile college programs offered in the U.S. today. This degree can be used to launch you into the workforce quickly and with minimal debt, or it can be used as a stepping stone if you plan to continue your education and earn a higher degree.

No matter what your future goals are, or where or how you intend to use your degree, there is an associate degree in business available to suit your needs.

Read on for answers to some of the questions you may have about earning your Associate Degree in Business online.

What is an Associate Degree in Business?

An Associate Degree in Business is your fast pass into the business world.

Online Associate’s Degree in Business

Through this program, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the business principles, computer skills, project planning, business law and interpersonal skills necessary to work in a wide variety of fields.

What is the difference between an Associate Degree in Business Administration and an Associate Degree in Business Management?

Oftentimes these degree programs are used interchangeably. They will both include general education courses as well as courses on the fundamentals of business. Both will help you learn to plan activities, oversee employees, run departments and manage organizations. But in the event that a school offers both degree programs, it’s important to understand the difference.

An online Business Administration Associate Degree will cover core business subjects like law and ethics, marketing, management, finance and so on. Additionally, you will be able to dig deeper into a particular area, through elective courses or by declaring it in your area of concentration. This will provide you with the expertise to help prepare you for your career field.

The online Business Management Associate Degree, on the other hand, focuses more on the interpersonal aspects of a business. This path can prepare you for a managerial role or work in human resource management.

What courses will I need to take to earn an Associate Degree in Business?

Your associate-level business degree program will include general education courses such as composition and algebra, as well as business courses. The exact courses will vary by school and by the program. If you choose to declare a concentration that will also impact exactly which courses you take.

Some common courses for students pursuing an online Associate in Business are:

Managerial Accounting
Principles of Finance
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Marketing Principles
Business Management
Human Resources Management
Business Law

Can I get an Associate Degree in Business online?

Absolutely! Because this is such a popular program, many schools offer it online. You will be able to find general business degree programs as well as business programs that allow you to specialize in areas such as computer science, finance, healthcare management, marketing, entrepreneurship and many more.

How long does it take to earn an online Associate in Business degree?

Typically, an associate degree program requires about 60-68 credit hours. If you are able to take a full course load, you should be able to complete this program in about 2 years. Students who plan to enroll in a fully online program as well can expect it to take the same amount of time. This means you will graduate and enter the career field in about half the time it will take someone who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree. You can check out this in-depth article to get the complete scoop on getting an online business degree.

What is the difference between an Associate of Science (A.S.), an Associate of Arts (A.A.), an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.), and an Associate of Applied Business (A.A.B.)?

With so many options, it can be tough for students to figure out which is the right path for them. The most important thing you need to ask yourself is: What do you plan to do once you have earned your associate degree?

The Associate of Science (A.S.) and Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree programs are designed for students who plan to continue their education by transferring to a 4-year institution where they will earn a bachelor’s degree. Whether you choose the A.S. or an A.A. should be based on what area of business you plan to pursue. Put simply, the A.S. degree emphasizes math and science, while the A.A. puts more emphasis on the humanities.

If you plan to transition directly into the workforce after earning your associate degree, the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) or Associate of Applied Business (A.A.B.) will be a better fit for you. These programs are career-oriented and will provide the technical training necessary to secure a job in your field upon graduation.

What kinds of jobs or careers can I get with an Associate Degree in Business Administration or Business Management?

So many! Business degrees are among the most versatile degrees available, and can open many doors!

With an Associate in Business, you will be qualified for a variety of entry-level business or management positions in private, public or nonprofit organizations. You could work in sales, real estate or human resources, for example.

Many colleges and universities will allow you to declare an area of concentration in order to develop industry-specific skills. If there is a particular field you are interested in – healthcare administration or information systems management, perhaps – this can give you a leg up when it comes to employment.

The following are some specific positions or career paths you could pursue with an Associate in Business:

Administrative Assistant
Assistant Manager
Auditing Clerk
Business Assistant
Customer Service Supervisor
Event Planner
Executive Assistant
General Office Clerk
Human Resources Administrative Assistant
Human Resources Coordinator
Inside Sales Representative
Inventory Manager
Marketing Manager
Office Manager
Operations Manager
Payroll Coordinator
Procurement Coordinator
Project Assistant
Purchasing Manager
Retail Manager
Sales Manager

How much money can I earn with an Associate Degree in Business Administration or Business Management?

Salaries are dependent upon many factors, including location, experience, and exact position.

The following are some examples of jobs you could hold with an Associate in Business Administration and the 2017 average salaries, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Administrative Assistant: $37,870 per year
Auditing Clerk: $39,240 per year
Food Service Manager: $52,030 per year
General Office Clerk: $31,500 per year
Lodging Manager: $51,800 per year

Why would I choose an Associate in Business instead of a Bachelor’s in Business?

People choose to pursue an associate degree rather than a bachelor’s (or higher) degree for a number of reasons. First, an associate degree program can be completed in about half the time that it would take to earn a bachelor’s degree. If you need to enter the workforce and start earning money quickly, an associate degree is your best bet. Second, because the program is shorter, an associate degree will cost less. Even with the help of grants and scholarships, post-secondary education can be a heavy financial burden. Not everyone can afford four or more years. And finally, an associate degree program is less of a commitment than a longer, more expensive program, so it may be a good choice for students who are less certain of their long-term goals.

Think about what you want and what you can afford before choosing your educational path. An associate degree might be the best fit for you now, and you can always choose to continue on to earn your bachelor’s degree later.

Which schools offer the best Associates Degree in Business online programs?

If you are interested in pursuing this degree online, check out the programs offered at the following schools:

Conclusion

An online Business Associate Degree is an extremely versatile degree path that can open many doors.

Whether you want to pursue administration or management, want to transition directly into the workforce or continue your education, there is a degree program to match your skill level, interests, and goals.

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