Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Business Law

If you’ve always dreamed of being a lawyer and you’re looking for an associate degree that will really contribute to your goal of getting into law school, then you might want to think about getting an associate degree in business law.

Why Get A Business Law Associate Degree?

Unlike many associate degree programs, you can’t do much with an associate degree in business law. Once you’ve gotten this degree, you probably won’t be able to waltz into a law firm and get a job. If that’s your aim, you’d better off getting a paralegal associate degree.

If, however, you want to continue with your education and major in business or try to get into law school, then getting a business law associate degree might be a good choice for you. On it’s own, it’s not worth much in the work world. But it can be extremely helpful as a stepping stone to other things.

Associate Degree Programs In Business Law: What You’ll Learn

A business law associate degree is designed to give you an overview of both business and law. Yes, we’re probably stating the obvious there, but it’s important to point out that majoring in business law specifically means that you’ll be learning about topics that apply to business, and the unique legal challenges they face. You’ll learn about corporate finance, copyright, marketing, and ethics.

Some of the classes you might see when getting your business law associate degree include:

Macro and Micro Economics
Marketing in America
Bankruptcy Law
Legal Research and Writing
Accounting
Business Law
Business Statistics

There are literally dozens of specialties under the umbrella title of “business law”. Obviously you won’t have to choose a concentration while you’re getting your associate degree, but should you decide to continue your education you’ll eventually want to choose one.

A few you could consider include:

Cyber Law
Antitrust
Employment Law (including sub-fields like Sexual Harassment and Labor Issues)
Trademark Law
Copyright Law
Product Liability
Tax Law
Fraud
Patent Law
International Trade

You’ll have plenty of time to think about it, but it’s important to realize that you’ll find a job much faster if you focus on one specific area that really interests you.

Careers in Business Law

Like we said before, there isn’t much you can do with just an associate degree in business law, which is why the majority of students use it as a stepping stone on the way to law school.

If you decide to specialize in business law once you do get into law school, however, you’ll be in a position to make a really fantastic living. Lawyers are some of the most highly paid professionals out there and, barring the thousands of lawyer jokes and the bad stereotypes, most really enjoy their jobs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Outlook Handbook reports that 27% of lawyers are self-employed.

Because competition is so intense, especially in private practices, specializing in a field like business law will allow you to widen your career prospects to include the millions of corporations out there. The BLS reports that your first job working for a corporation (with a business law degree) will earn you around $60,000. If you go into a private practice, you can expect $85,000.

And the longer you practice and the more experience you gain, the more you can expect to make.

Lawyers have the opportunity to really make a difference in the world. If you love debate and like the idea of making sure unethical business leaders are put away where they belong, then business law might be the perfect career for you.

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » Request Information