Best Online Associates Degrees in Business (AAB) | University HQ | (800) 793-5011

If you're thinking of going to college but aren't sure what major to declare, you might want to consider starting with an associate degree in business. An associate in business will give you a well-rounded base of knowledge you can utilize regardless of your job field, and you'll gain skills which can be useful in almost any career.

While most positions in upper management prefer to hire those with at least a bachelor’s degree, not everyone can afford the time and money it takes to earn a higher degree without joining the workforce. An associate degree is an excellent starting point for entry level-jobs and it will also give you a chance to focus on a specific career goal for your future education plans.

Although most enroll in school to boost their employment opportunities, an associate degree in business will also give you life skills that will put you at an advantage in understanding personal finances, such as loans and mortgages, helping you to better utilize your current and plan for your future financial situation.

PROS

An associate degree can be completed in a relatively short time, giving you a quick boost into the job market.

If your high school GPA was less than stellar, an associate degree will give you the opportunity to bring your grades up to par before you try to get into a regular four-year college.

Those who hold an associate degree earn more on average than those who only have a high school diploma or GED.

Employers prefer to hire those who hold a degree in comparison to those with only a high school diploma.

Your associate degree can be completed at a community college, saving considerably in comparison to a four-year college.

Credits from an associate degree can be applied to your bachelor’s degree program when you decide to continue your education.

Earning an associate degree will help you learn to utilize your time and instill good study habits for future educational plan.

CONS

Most job positions specific to business and management require at least a bachelor’s degree, so you should plan to continue your education if you want to work in supervision or upper management.

You won't have specialized learning in business, just the basic core knowledge. Many positions require specialized knowledge on specific subjects within the realm of business.

Specialized certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) typically require a bachelor’s or master’s degree as part of the qualification process.

Earning a degree takes considerable dedication and money, so you'll need good study and budget habits in order to keep your coursework up to date.

Returning to school can be hard to fit in an already hectic schedule, especially if you're already juggling a job, debts, and family life.

Certificate vs. Associates

A certificate program is like a crash course in business. Not to be confused with certification in one or more specific areas of business, a certificate is basically an associate degree without the core general education classes such as English and mathematics, which make it easier to roll into a bachelor’s degree.

A certificate program is helpful if you're looking for a short (less than two years) program to enable you to qualify for entry-level positions. The biggest downside is many certificate programs won't be transferable as credits towards a degree if you plan to attend college in the future, so you should look for this key component if you're considering such a program.

What Business Associate Degrees are Available?

There are three basic types of associate degrees and each offers a business major. The main difference is in the choice of coursework within each program.

Associate of Arts (AA)
Associate of Science (AS)
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

In addition, some schools offer an Associate of Applied Business. Here's a brief look at the differences in degrees:

An AA degree will focus more on courses than emphasize critical thinking, such as humanities and social sciences.
An AS degree will have more courses in the fields of math and science, and usually fewer course requirements in general education.
The AAS degree is designed primarily to allow students to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
An AAB allows a student to specialize in a certain area of business such as marketing, office administration, logistics, or financial management
While it may sound confusing, the easiest way to choose which degree is right for you is to look at the prerequisites for each bachelor’s degree program at your school of choice. You'll want to choose an associate program that will be transferable to an undergraduate or graduate degree in an area of study that meshes with your long term goals; that way you won't take courses that don't transfer or miss courses required for entry into a higher degree program

Admission Requirements to Enter an Associates Program

An associate degree program usually has less stringent admissions criteria than higher degree programs; some community colleges only require the student to have a high school diploma or GED in order to be accepted into the program. This should be one of the first things you check when choosing a college, as there is no set of standard rules for admission requirements across the country. Here are some other requirements schools may have for those seeking to enroll in an associate degree program:

CONS

Most job positions specific to business and management require at least a bachelor’s degree, so you should plan to continue your education if you want to work in supervision or upper management.

You won't have specialized learning in business, just the basic core knowledge. Many positions require specialized knowledge on specific subjects within the realm of business.

Specialized certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) typically require a bachelor’s or master’s degree as part of the qualification process.

Earning a degree takes considerable dedication and money, so you'll need good study and budget habits in order to keep your coursework up to date.

Returning to school can be hard to fit in an already hectic schedule, especially if you're already juggling a job, debts, and family life.

The associate degree is the first level of qualification for business management. It is not necessary to earn an associate’s if you plan to earn your bachelor’s degree. However, an associate degree in Business Administration or Management can open doors for you to start an entry-level business career. The cost range for an associate degree is approximately $3500 per year at public institutions and an average of $14,000 per year at private schools. The two-year total ranges from $7,000 for public associate degrees to more than $28,000 for top private schools for a two-year degree.

Associate Degree

Associate Degree Sample Courses

Introduction to Accounting
Principles of Management
Basic Marketing

Concentrations for Associate Degree Some schools offer concentrations at the associate degree level in Healthcare Administration, Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion, and Business Information Systems.

Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree provides a strong knowledge base in organizations and business operations that cover management principles, organizational processes, and functions. A bachelor’s degree is your first step towards earning a master’s and is also an excellent background for entrepreneurship. The cost range for a bachelor’s degree is approximately $16,500 per year for public schools and about $34,000 for private colleges. The four-year totals would be $66,000 for public schools and $132,000 for private schools for a four- year degree.

Bachelor’s Degree Sample Courses

• Business Organization Leadership and Ethics

• Human Resources Management

• Long-range Planning

• Communications

• Management Theory and Practice

• Business-oriented Computer Applications

Concentrations for a bachelor’s degree include Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, and Marketing.

Master’s Degree

The master’s degree in business management or administration opens a wide range of mid to upper-level positions. The degree also supports entrepreneurship. A master’s degree in business is a one to two-year full-time program. On a part-time basis, students may take up to eight years to complete the degree at some institutions. The basic requirements include completion of a four-year undergraduate degree in business or a closely related field. Master’s programs may require additional coursework for those with bachelor’s degrees in unrelated fields. The cost range for a master’s degree is approximately $9,000 per year at public schools and about $30,000 per year at private institutions. The averages for a two-year MBA degree is $18,000 for public schools and $60,000 for private schools.

Master’s Degree Sample Courses

Managerial Concepts and Best Practices
Organizational Behavior
Ethics and Leadership
Long-term Planning
International Finance
Accounting and Finance
Information Technology

Concentrations for Master’s in Business include Computer Science, International Business, Finance, Human Resources Management, Healthcare Management, Marketing, Accounting, and Entrepreneurship.

Scholarships

Tuition costs for business students are high and rising each year. Business education has grown in popularity as business graduates command high salaries amidst a growing job market. Federal student loans are a reliable source of funds for qualified students at accredited schools, but the repayment of large sums can hamper the early careers of business graduates. To minimize borrowing and maximize assets for tuition, business students increasingly look for scholarships. The below-listed items describe five of the leading business management scholarships.

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program

The GMS program awards up to 1,000 scholarships for students with demonstrated financial need. The awards range in amounts up to $10,000. Students must show success in their college work and a capacity for leadership. The program encourages participation in business studies along with a range of subject areas.

The Buick Achievers Program

This scholarship program focuses on college students in business or business-related disciplines. Students must enroll in a four-year program that leads to a bachelor’s degree. Scholarship awards range from $2,000 to $25,000. Applicants must submit required information and essays.

Mary Elizabeth Lockwood Beneventi MBA Scholarship

The one-time non-renewable memorial scholarship is for MBA students. The award covers part or more of MBA student expenses. Students may apply with any business concentration within an MBA in Business Administration. The program works with MBA programs at AACSB accredited schools. The scholarship requires a minimum 2.25 GPA, required essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation from peers, and teachers.

NSHMBA Foundation Scholarship Program

The National Society of Hispanic MBA’s offers scholarships for students with Hispanic lineage. The awards help students enroll in MBA programs and complete their degree in some part of business management. The stated focus of the program includes graduate students pursuing a business management degree with a related concentration.

The one-time scholarship cannot be renewed. The program is open to students with any concentration within an approved, accredited MBA program. The award amounts depend on the student’s need and their application. The minimum grant is $2,500 up to a maximum award of $10,000. Students may apply throughout the year, with the deadline falling just before the start of each fall semester. The organization disburses funds before the start of each academic year.

The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship, awarded by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, represents a large segment of highly qualified accountant specialists. The scholarship itself is open to students with an accounting concentration. The qualifying majors are business management, executive leadership, finance, or accounting.

The awards range from $1,000 to $10,000 based on the students’ demonstrated need, their record of achievements, and the quality of their application materials. The scholarship awards 29 undergraduate students each year, and it is not open to high school students or community college business programs. Applicants must present essays, three letters of recommendation, and a minimum of part-time enrollment at an approved college or university.

The curriculum is large and also suggested to be relevant to a vast variety of professions. It is in addition established and shown by the very same professional teachers that show on college. Trainees that have completed this online associate's degree organisation program have in fact happened to be successful in their refresher courses in addition to in line of work such as bookkeeping, occasion prep work, residential or commercial property, and tracking.

Most of the training programs make up the fundamental education and learning and learning need of a bachelor's level, but there are a handful of programs on service concepts likewise. Prospective students must keep in mind that Belhaven is a religious university, and the general education needs contain training courses such as New Statement History as well as also Christian Analysis of Life.

It does still include some business training programs, nevertheless, such as Organisation Guideline, Advertising, as well as Monitoring. Training courses are enlightened by faculty with experience in the field, which assures that students obtain a pertinent as well as likewise exceptional education and learning as well as understanding. While it is not one of the most specific program offered, it is a high quality choice for adult students that desire a certified online affiliate's degree in company.

Students research subjects such as advertising, tracking, as well as industry-standard software program application applications, as well as handle peers to find exactly just how to collaborate in addition to think critically to deal with issues. This on the net partner's degree business administration program is synchronised and additionally makes use of a one hr once a week on-line conversation session, in which the teacher and additionally the schoolmates are all logged right into the on the web course with each other.

While it's practical to make the level in as reduced as 2 years, trainees have the alternative to take it at an additional kicked back pace.: $20,440: 3 Ashland College provides an entirely online partner's degree in firm program that focuses on being a large, readily available starting aspect for individuals thinking of starting a line of work in firm.

An associate degree is the key action that great deals of students absorb their higher education trip. This curriculum needs 2 years of research study along with provides students with the beginning training as well as understanding they call for to proceed their education and learning as well as learning or to go into the labor force. Education and also finding out in the USA is mainly supplied by the public sector, with control and financing stemming from 3 levels: Read a lot more An associate level is the primary action that a number of students take in their higher education and learning journey.

An associate degree is made by trainees that finish a two-year course of research study at a technical or community college. Courses consist of choices from liberal arts, math, scientific research study, language as well as electives. Graduates may choose to start working as soon as possible or transfer to a college for more education as well as discovering. What is an associate degree in service researches? This degree typically prepares grads for a career Look into a lot more A partner degree is made by students that end up a two-year program of research at a technical or area university.

Grads may pick to start working immediately or transfer to an university for much more education and learning as well as learning. What is an associate level in organisation studies? This level usually prepares graduates for an occupation secretive enterprise. Students figure out the fundamentals of advertising and marketing, audit, company economics, worth along with workers. Principles that enhance the partnership in between business in addition to consumers will frequently be checked out.

Several pupils use the associate level as a beginning variable, and also after that continue their education to gain a bachelor's level. Trainees who make this level has to have possibilities to move on in their task. Thanks to the standard college needs that a student takes at the associate level, grads have a vast world-view as well as additionally are able to understand what makes business run efficiently.

When you first think about getting a degree in business, the possibilities of acquiring a degree in business might not be high. However, by doing some research online, you can discover that there are some different options out there for you when it comes to obtaining a degree in business administration. In this article, you will learn about the difference between a certificate and degree programs.

Basically, a certificate in business administration can only take you so far with your business studies. While some companies require you to have an associate's degree to get an entry-level position, it does not necessarily mean that you will be hired on the spot. The next step up will require a Bachelor's degree.

Certificate degrees can provide you with the basics to get started, but they won't make you a great manager. For example, when applying for jobs, your resume must always contain a high school diploma or equivalent. However, an associate degree program can give you all of the information necessary to get a job as a business manager, as long as you meet the requirements. For instance, the program will help you to understand accounting procedures, as well as how to do payroll for your company.

If you do decide to pursue an associate's degree in business administration program, you should look into programs at two-year colleges. The reason for this is that two-year colleges generally have a lower cost of attendance, making them a good choice for people who need to study a lot in order to gain admission to an institution of higher learning.

For those who want to earn a degree in business management, a bachelor's degree will allow you to go straight to a management job, but with a more solid foundation. This is especially true if you plan to specialize in any one area of business administration.

When going after a Bachelor's degree in business management, you will be required to take a core curriculum course that is centered around the basics of business management. You will also be required to take courses like finance, accounting, and marketing. In addition to that, you will be required to earn a minimum of 60 credit hours of business training at community colleges and technical colleges.

After earning an associate's degree in business management, you will be able to specialize in a specific area, such as marketing or business leadership. By continuing to learn more about this field, you will eventually be ready to go further in the management field.

You can also take a program that will allow you to go on to an associate degree in business administration at another four-year university. This allows you to choose which institution you wish to attend based on cost, time, and location.

Earning an associate degree in business management will give you the skills that you need to apply for a position as a business analyst in a small corporation or a large corporation. In addition, it will give you enough knowledge to enter the business world as a management specialist.

On the other hand, earning an associate's degree in business leadership will help you in your job search, and in applying for a promotion within your own company. In addition, it will provide you with the tools necessary to take the place of a manager once you become a manager. Once you've earned your bachelor's degree, you will be able to apply for a promotion and hire staff in your department, or even start your own company.

When you are looking for a Bachelor's degree, it may seem like an easier way to get a job, but the real trick is to complete both degrees before choosing the career path you want. Because you want to keep your Bachelor's degree in business administration as a backup in case you change your mind, a degree from a reputable institution is always in demand.

Getting an associate's degree in business administration gives you the skills you need to become a business analyst or manager in addition to being able to write business reports and run a company. Having a bachelor's degree in business management will help you advance your career in the corporate world, but it may not guarantee that job advancement when the time comes to take your Bachelor's degree in business leadership.

Professional Business Organizations

Professional organizations are non-profit groups that organize around the cause of promoting all or part of the business profession. In the general field of business, there are professional organizations representing every major segment of the profession. These include Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain Management, and Healthcare.

Professional organizations offer advantages for business students. Membership in a professional organization, or a student division of a professional organization, demonstrates a commitment to the business profession. Such membership is a credential that enhances the resume. Professional organizations can help business students become more well-rounded and they can help raise student awareness of business trends and dynamics. The below-listed groups are some noteworthy business professional organizations that students should consider.

Choosing an Accredited College

Selecting an accredited program to pursue a business degree is an important decision. The entire institution may have accreditation from the regional accreditation agency for the state. The US Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education oversee a national system for accreditation. These organizations authorize qualified agencies to conduct accreditation.

The national systems consist of regions of states and the US Territories. The regions are New England, the Middle States, the Northcentral, the Northwest, the South, and the Western region. These regional agencies perform institutional accreditations which assess the entire school, college, or university.

The leading agencies for program accreditation of business schools are the AACSB, the ACBSP, and the IACBE.

• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business- The AACSB is the leading accreditation agency for business schools and business programs. This organization accredits bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral business programs. The AACSB operates in more than 50 countries, and its accreditations have wide acceptance and respect in academic and business communities.

• The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs- The ACBSP works with business, accounting, and business-type programs at all levels from associate degrees to doctoral degrees. The organization has a global scope of operations.

• The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) accredits programs at all levels, from associate degrees to doctorates, but it does not work with schools that only offer an associate level degree.

Online vs. On-Campus vs. Hybrid

Today, business students have opportunities to pursue an associate degree, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees online, on-campus, or in a combination or hybrid of online and on-campus coursework. Online education may be ideal for persons that have a job, business, or family situations that would not work well with full-time attendance at a college campus. Online education is more flexible and versatile than campus-based classes; most online work is asynchronous meaning that students do not need to log into the online portal at a particular time to take the class together. With convenient online access, students can take classes at any time and from anywhere with an internet connection.

Additional Questions

Students must inquire about the overall resources of the school and the prospects for employment after graduation. Among the key issues are support for post-graduation employment, education, and careers.

Does the College Have Post Graduate Job Placement Help & Assistance?

Schools can provide valuable assistance for graduates that seek employment after graduation. The programs can be formal, such as job banks and employment centers that present graduating students and graduate credentials to prospective employers and host interviews.

Depending on the school, they may have resources that can enhance employment and career opportunities for their graduates. Most schools have an extended community of alumni, donors, and corporate and business support. Alumni groups offer opportunities for networking as well as for sharing information and experiences. The corporate and business community support may include opportunities for internships or other hands-on learning experiences.

Why You Need to Consider How the Rating/Accreditation Can Affect Your Salary

The school’s accreditation status and academic rating information can affect the value of your degree. employers and the educational institutions must evaluate educational attainment when considering applicants for employment or further education. Nearly every use of the degree will call on the reputation of the institution for educational excellence. Students should look beyond the school publications and search for recent news and public information. It is a good practice to learn as much as possible about the past and current situation at the institution.