How to Get an Online Associate’s Degree in Business

Do you have big ideas that you would like put into action? Or rather, do you love being a leader and making rules? Have a passion and want to turn it into a career? You are already an entrepreneur in-the-making. If you are thinking about entering the business world but are not quite sure where to begin, you have come to the right place.

Let’s begin with the basics. You might ask, “What’s so great about earning an associate’s degree in business?” To break it down simply, here are some top reasons to get that degree:

  1. It can pay off. Earning an associate’s degree in business can increase your chances in finding and securing a job.
  2. It can demonstrate accomplishment. You know that resume you have to write to apply for and get jobs? Generally speaking, having an associate’s degree gives you added validity and is more impressive to employers than just a high school diploma.
  3. It can convince employers that you are capable and have job-ready skills necessary to perform the task(s) at hand.
  4. It is easily transferrable. By earning an associate’s degree at an accredited college, your credits will transfer toward your bachelor’s or master’s degree should you decide to pursue that afterward.
  5. Nobody can take it away from you. Once you have that degree, you have added earning power and your career options are endless!

In addition to all of these perks, pursuing an online associate’s degree in business is a great start toward putting yourself on the path of a great career in management. Upon graduating, your associate’s degree in business is considered an “entry-level” management degree, which opens many doors for you to get a management position with the company you want to work with, and allow you to advance from there. Should you decide to get your bachelor’s degree in the future, your associate’s degree will provide you with a strong foundation to start from.

While it is true that a college degree is not mandatory for success in the business world, it’s important to note that in general, associate degree holders have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma, according to US Census Bureau statistics. An associate’s degree in business can be earned in as few as two years, and for some, completing the degree online may be more convenient and efficient than at a traditional campus.

Pursuing an associate’s degree in business online is a great choice for students who have busy schedules and need the flexibility for school. Maybe you are a busy parent, or you already work a part-time or even full-time job. The good news is: If you are a motivated and independent learner, distance learning can work very well for you. By virtually attending classes online, you will have access to all course materials and participate in class discussions just like you would normally in a traditional classroom setting. The main difference is that you would be doing all of this on your own time and interacting with your professors and peers via email or a designated classroom platform.

In addition to completing coursework necessary for your associate’s degree, studying business will allow you to network with other like-minded peers and grow a valuable alumni network. Connections are extremely important in the business world, and when coupled with a great educational foundation, they can bring you far in your career. Students can network in a variety of ways during their college years. Some great networking opportunities are found through career groups on campus, Greek life, and even interacting in class or via e-mail with classmates and professors.

Common Associate’s in Business Curriculum

So you have made up your mind about studying business on a general level. What’s next? You may be wondering what type of courses you’ll be taking to earn your associate’s degree.

Those looking to earn an associate’s degree in business can expect to take courses in communications, public speaking, finance, accounting, economics, and marketing, to name a few. Additionally, students will learn time management and leadership techniques and get a glimpse of business law and ethics. After completing the degree, students will walk out with a solid foundation of computer and information systems, technical skills, and computer applications. With so much to learn, the chances are high you will not get bored with your classes.

An associate’s degree in business will not have courses that delve too deeply into each subject; rather, it will provide students with an overview of each. Essentially, the classes are specifically designed to cover the basic principles for understanding business. Those who choose to further their career in business after earning this degree can choose to continue their college education by pursuing a bachelor’s or find a job in the business world to gain real-life experience.

In addition to business-related courses, students will also have general education requirements and electives to complete, which will vary from college to college. These classes are usually not directly business related. They are designed to give students the opportunity to explore other fields while getting a well-rounded foundation of knowledge that will come in handy when it comes to understanding real-life situations and succeeding in whatever career you choose to be in. For example, students may have an introductory course in math, science, history, language, and fine arts, to name a few. In order to officially graduate with an associate’s degree in business, students must complete a minimum of 60 semester credits/units.

Associate’s in Business Careers

With so many jobs becoming easily replaceable and occupational markets gravitating toward entrepreneurship and small business ownership these days, studying business is a great academic choice with long-term career benefits. By graduating with a business degree, your options are wide open as far as careers go. Essentially every business, from banks to retail stores to manufacturers, need managers and upper-level management employees to keep the wheels turning. Whatever your interests are, you will be able to find a position that suits you perfectly.

If working in a corporate setting is your vision, there are many positions you can consider as your work for your degree. Below are just some of many:

  • Office Manager
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Sales & Marketing Coordinator
  • Administrative Professional
  • IT Project Manager
  • Business Development Manager
  • Regional Sales Manager
  • Media Supervisor
  • Business Analyst
  • Account Executive
  • General Manager
  • Business Operations Manager
  • Stock Plan Administration Manager
  • Accountant

The annual salaries vary from position to position and from company to company, and is constantly changing as demands shift in the industry. It is important to note that some of these career paths may require more than associate’s degree. However, by first pursuing this, you’ll be able to get a good overview of what you will be learning in detail if you decide to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business or a related field in the future. Earning an associate’s degree will also help you get an entry-level job that you can start in and advance from as well.

As you can see, the career options are endless with a business degree. Many business jobs today are far more than just filled in the cubicle, and often times are flexible outside of the typical 9-5 hours. If you are looking to go your own way and starting a new company, an associate’s degree in business will help you avoid the mistakes that many other small business owners make. Additionally, the knowledge and skills that you acquire in school can go a long way in helping you manage your business effectively, understand your financial reports, manage your teams, and effectively market your product or service. Many small businesses fail because owners do not always necessarily know what they are doing, they mismanage their resources, and they run out of money. There are many advantages to starting your own business, such as being able to work on your own schedule, be your own boss, and truly do what you love, for example. However, it also comes with many challenges. With that said, getting an associate’s degree in business can help you on the road to success.

Whether you would like to work for your dream company or go your own route, a business associate’s degree can do many things for you. It can be a stepping stone to your bachelor’s degree should you decide to further pursue your education, or it can be a useful tool to get you into an entry-level management position, allowing you to then work hard and move your way up. On the other hand, it can also provide you with a wealth of knowledge required to start your own business. Not many college degrees offer this level of flexibility (and now demand!) when it comes to career choices like a business associate’s degree does. With a business degree, you can choose to enter pretty much any sector you desire, whether it be in healthcare management, fashion and beauty, information technology, and so much more.