Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Management

Even if you don’t want to admit it chances are pretty high that you’ve dreamed, at least once, of being in a management position. Who wouldn’t want to be the person who’s in charge, gets paid the big bucks, and gets to tell everyone else what to do? If this sounds appealing, then you should consider getting a management associate degree and making that dream a reality.

A management associate degree is going to prepare you for many different positions in the business world. With this degree you’ll be able to find entry-level management positions in many different industries ranging from a business office environment, retail sales, restaurants and travel, or even in manufacturing.

With a management associate degree you’ll learn everything you need to know about managing people and business. By the time you’re done with this degree you’ll know how to measure and improve productivity, handle conflicts between team members, be an effective communicator, manage financial resources, create a marketing plan, and hire promising new employees. You get a very well rounded education in the business world, which will allow you to work in several different environments to apply your skills.

Many students choose to specialize in one area to make themselves more attractive to potential employers. Because competition is strong in management, having a specialty will increase your value and give you the detailed knowledge you need to get the job done.

For example, if you love working with the public then you could choose to specialize in customer service management. For a specialty like this you’ll need patience and excellent communication skills. Or you could also choose to specialize in business administration, office management, or financial management. There are many different ways you can go here, so make sure you research your options and choose an area you think you’d enjoy.

Now, as far as how much you can make with a management associate degree, it’s hard to say. There are so many different industries and the pay varies widely depending on where you go. A retail manager, for example, earns around $42,000 per year. An entry-level office manager earns around $41,000, and an administrative services manager earns around $60,000. There are many managers, executives, and CEO’s who make six and seven figure incomes, so how much you earn will widely depend on how much education you get and what industry you choose.

A management associate degree is also a great choice if you’re thinking about starting and owning your own business. Because you’ll be learning about economics, marketing, and decision-making skills, you’ll be starting on the road of entrepreneurship further ahead than most other small business owners. Being an entrepreneur is slightly more risky than working for someone else, but it’s also quite liberating to be your own boss! Plus, the potential to make an incredible living is also much higher when you own your own business.

As you can see, a management associate degree gives you a wide variety of options. If you love being in charge and like the idea of being a leader to a team of people, then this might be the perfect degree choice 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