An associate’s degree in business administration can change your life for the better and give you career opportunities that you never even dreamed of.
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If you have always wanted to develop a greater understanding of the business world and take your current career path to the next level, consider furthering your education with this online degree in business.
Associates Degrees in Business Administration Online
There are plenty of different career paths that you can explore after you get your associate’s degree in business administration.
Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:
We have outlined just a handful of different options that you can do with a business administration degree, but the sky is really the limit.
Accounting
Accountants are in high demand because they are financial wizards who understand and keep meticulous records. A good accountant is a tremendous asset to any business, as they keep the books on the up and up and ensure that taxes are paid on time and correctly.
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The best accountants are unflinchingly ethical. They believe in total transparency and accuracy and always strive to get to the bottom of any tricky situation. They are exceptionally organized and understand the importance of being team players.
To be a good accountant, you need to be meticulous and have a strong sense of ethical and moral responsibility.
Business Administration
This is one of the more popular jobs that you can get with your associate’s in business management or business administration. Those who work in this capacity generally have to help run the administrative side of departments and make sure things get done right, every time. They need to manage day-to-day operations and solve employee disputes.
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The best candidates are diplomatic and fair, with excellent record-keeping skills and an eye for facts and figures. They should also be organized, flexible and thick-skinned.
Management
Managers generally make the highest income out of any business administration job, and there’s a good reason for that. They need to oversee lots of people, and sometimes even entire facilities of employees. They must resolve any differences fairly and without getting personally involved, hire suitable candidates, and mete out discipline if needed.
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Managers are also usually tasked with firing people, a messy and unfortunate side of the job that requires a thick skin and the ability to leave your job at the office. Good managers tend to make quick decisions that benefit the team and can inspire others through diplomacy and team-building exercises.
Management Information Systems (MIS)
If you are analytically-minded, this might just be the career path for you. Those who work in Management Information Systems, or M.I.S., are highly skilled people who can break down systems and figure out how to streamline processes to make them better and more effective for end customers.
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A very analytical brain is a must for this job, as are excellent problem-solving skills and big-picture thinking. M.I.S. professionals must be able to see things from a bird’s eye view, as well as anticipate problems on the ground. This means that they need to be excellent communicators as well as command respect from their teams.
Marketing
Marketing is a popular job field because there is plenty of room for growth, and you can use your business sense and creativity to really impact the company that you work for.
People who excel in marketing tend to be highly creative and understand how to read analytic reports and numbers. This field is the perfect combination of the right and left brain.
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To succeed, you need to be analytic and creative, as well as value team participation and be able to communicate your vision clearly and concisely. The best marketers understand that all aspects of a company must work together to succeed, and they encourage group dynamics towards a unified end.
Associate’s in Business Administration Curriculum & Courses
Although every school is different, there are some standard classes that you can expect to take to earn your associate’s degree in business administration.
- Accounting – The basics of accounting is the backbone of any business administration degree. This class teaches students how to read, analyze and accurately communicate the contents of any report.
- Business Law – An understanding of business law and the history of law in the United States is imperative to success in this field.
- Management Theory – Management theory uses real-life scenarios to explain how to use tried-and-true techniques to manage employees. It’s a useful class for anyone pursuing a managerial position.
- International Business 101 – This class can give you a basic understanding of how international business works and different business cultures throughout the world.
- Financial Planning – A crash course in financial planning is essential if you want to work in the finance department of any large business. You can also apply what you learn to your personal life.
- Human Resources 101 – Human resources is a vital part of any business. Generally, you will take an introductory class with your associate’s degree.
- The U.S. Tax Law – Those who want to go into accounting professions may find this course particularly helpful.
- Economics – Economics is one of the basics of business, and understanding basic concepts is vital to success in any business field.
- Marketing 101 – Marketing is more of the creative side of business administration, and an entry-level class can help give you a good idea of whether or not you want to pursue it as a more specific major.
- Business Ethics – There are a variety of ethical norms related to business. Understanding them is one of the keys to business success.
These are just a few sample courses that you might take. If you decide to pursue higher education, you could find yourself honing in on more specific areas.
Business Administration Careers & Salaries
There are plenty of jobs associate’s degree in business administration jobs that you can find after graduation. Although your associate’s degree in business administration salary will vary depending on how competitive the job market is and where you’re located in the country, we’ve provided some salary basics.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the salaries that you can expect to get for some more common jobs.
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Sales Manager | $132,290 |
| Administrative Services Manager | $98,890 |
| Financial Analyst | $83,660 |
| Logistician | $76,270 |
| Insurance Underwriter | $71,790 |
| Lodging Manager | $56,670 |
Even when you’re right out of school, an associate’s degree in business administration can pay off. Entry-level positions tend to be higher paid than most, and many people can rise quickly in their field. Most people who decide to pursue this career path find that they have plenty of opportunities right at their fingertips.
In addition, graduates with an associate’s degree can always go back to school and earn a higher level degree in a related business field such as a bachelor’s or master’s in international business online or internet marketing online. You may need to pursue further education in this field to qualify for some of these positions.
Choosing an Associate’s in Business Administration Degree
Choosing the right school can be intimidating, but if you keep a few key factors in mind, you should be able to determine which educational institution is right for you in no time.
Consider the reputation of the university that you’re applying to. Is it prestigious, or are they relatively unheard of? Although you don’t need a fancy degree from the best school in the world to get a job right out of school, it does help to attend a college with some name recognition.
How many people graduate from the school? Do they offer flexible class schedules and other programs, like mentorship opportunities? Can you get valuable internships through the university, and what’s their job placement success rate.
You will also want to consider what kind of technology the school uses, especially if you are going to be getting your associates degree online.
Since you’ll be working with the school every day to complete your classes, make sure that the technology is something that you’re comfortable using and understand fully.
Of course, tuition always comes into play when choosing the right school for you, but it should be far from the only factor.
Admissions Requirements
All schools are different, but there are some general admissions requirements that you will likely encounter when choosing the right college for you.
You will need to have proof of high school graduation or your G.E.D. to attend most colleges. You may be asked for your S.A.T. scores by admissions, but this will vary from school to school. You could also be required to provide letters of recommendation, depending on how competitive your school is.
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Ultimately you should be prepared with the following before applying to a school:
- Proof of high school graduation or G.R.E.
- S.A.T. scores
- High school transcripts
- Records of any collegiate-level classes will set you apart
- Letters of recommendation
Occasionally those with significant criminal records could be denied admission, but you should talk to the university of your choice about specific requirements if you have a record. Most of the time, minor offenses are okay, and if your criminal record is not recent, it might not be a factor.
Always check with your preferred school for their specific requirements. If you are unsure of whether or not you will need something, it’s best to err on the side of caution and have it just in case.
Accreditation
Regional accreditation signifies that the school of your choice has been recognized and approved by an impartial body. It’s absolutely vital when it comes to getting a job after graduation because many employers strongly prefer students who come from regionally accredited colleges.
You can check to see if the on campus or online business degree programs of your preferred school is regionally accredited by simply going online. Most accredited schools will put the information right on their websites, especially since it factors heavily into most students’ decisions and lends credibility.
If you can’t find the information online, don’t be afraid to call the school directly. Most colleges will know their status right away and be happy to provide you with the info if you ask them.
If the school of your choice is not forthcoming with whether or not they are regionally accredited, consider it to be a red flag. You might not want to spend your time or money there.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
These days, there’s no shortage of financial aid and scholarships available to prospective students. You can apply for federal, regional, or local assistance. Some colleges even offer scholarship programs for students as well.
You can get aid from the federal government in the form of grants or loans. Grants do not need to be paid back, but loans do, so make sure that you don’t take out more than you can reasonably pay back after you graduate.
Your state should offer scholarships and grants as well, and these are generally in very high demand. Apply early and often for scholarships, and don’t be afraid to shoot for the stars. You never know what you might get.
Some colleges also offer financial aid packages. Check online to see what you qualify for and make sure that you apply well in advance.
You can offset some of your college debt with grants and scholarships, and delay payment with loans.
What kind of jobs can you get with an associates degree in business administration?
You can get any number of different jobs with this degree, ranging from accounting to marketing. It’s one of the most versatile degrees out there.
Many of these jobs also offer lots of opportunities for advancement and networking, so business administration is a solid career choice that could take you far.
Is an associate’s degree in business administration worth it?
Yes, an associate’s degree in business administration is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in management occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include lodging manager, insurance underwriter, logistician, and administrative services manager.
Many people consider an associate’s degree in business administration to be totally worth it because of the career opportunities that it opens up.
Many other fields require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, but with business administration, you really only need an associate’s degree to get your foot in the door.
How long does it take to get an associate’s degree in business administration?
Associate’s degree programs generally take two years, but that timeframe can change depending on your schedule. Adult learners or those pursuing online degrees have a lot more flexibility when it comes to their degree timelines.
You might find that your degree takes three or even four years to get. On the other hand, you can always accelerate your path and complete your degree early if you choose.
What Is an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration?
This degree shows employers that you understand the basics of business administration and can work in a corporate environment.
It also shows that you know management principles and have an understanding of accounting and technology. It can be used as a stepping stone for further education, but it does not have to be.
How Much Can You Make with an Associates in Business Administration Online Degree?
The salary that you can expect to make with your associate’s degree in business administration will vary depending on what career path you choose to pursue after graduation.
Generally speaking, most of the career paths are relatively lucrative, and even those with entry-level positions make well above average salaries.
How Much does An Associate Degree in Business Administration Cost?
Every school is different, but you should expect to pay anywhere between $100 to $400 per credit for your associate’s degree in business administration. Check with your university for complete details.
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Remember, you can offset some of those costs by applying for student loans, grants, or scholarships. Many people think that the price is very much worth it in the end.
What’s the difference between an Associate of Science in Business Administration and an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration?
Associate degrees in business administration are generally, but not always, used as a basis for future education, whether it be your bachelor’s degree or certification.
This is what sets it apart from an associate of applied science in business administration degree, which is a final certification all in and of itself.
Universities Offering Online Business Administration Associate’s Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
American InterContinental University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Belhaven University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Brescia University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Campbell University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Carl Albert State College is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado Christian University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Clarion University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Dallas Baptist University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Davenport University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Florida SouthWestern State College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Florida Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Limestone College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Lone Star College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Pennsylvania State University is regionally accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Saint Leo University is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Seminole State College of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.
Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Getting Your Associates Degree in Business Administration Online
If you want to take your life to the next level, an associate’s degree in business administration can help you get a foothold in exciting and lucrative industries related to the business world.
These days, you can get your degree right online on your schedule, so there’s no reason why you should hesitate to apply. It’s never too late to find the career path of your dreams, and many adult learners are finding new leases on life through schooling.
