Online Associate in Business Administration

A business administration associate is a popular degree featured in colleges and universities today. This course of study sets out to explain how workers, organizations, and resources work toward common goals and objectives in the workplace. A business associate program will teach students about the managerial and communication skills used in small businesses, large businesses, and corporate entities. Business degrees cover a handful of core topics, such as law and ethics, organizational behavior, operations management, and a number of other key subjects.

Why an Associate Degree?

An associate can be a helpful launching point for one’s business career. Though college degrees and career success don’t necessarily go hand in hand, it is difficult for a person to move up in the business world without a formal education. With a business degree, students can take on any number of entry-level jobs in administrative service, retail management, and more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), administrative services managers are usually required to have at least a high school diploma, but many businesses encourage their employees to obtain a formal degree. Moreover, several companies also require their managers to obtain a handful of certifications and licenses, which often require additional education.

Inside a Business Administration Associate Degree Program

In their associate program, students first take a slew of liberal arts courses required by all degree plans. These pre-major courses easily transfer into a bachelor’s degree for students that decide to pursue schooling beyond their associate. With those aside, students transition into core business classes, such as principles of management, human relations, organizational behavior, and a handful of others. Schools that feature business administration often require their students to obtain internships at businesses, corporations, and nonprofits during their course studies.

A few schools allow students the option of obtaining their business administration degree online. Online students follow a similar study schedule to traditional students, yet they are able to complete their degree through distance learning at their own pace. Online students are also commonly assigned a college advisor whom they can contact with any questions or concerns they may have during their degree studies.

What’s Next for Business Administration Associate Degree Holders?

Graduates of an associate program are qualified for a number of positions in the workplace. As emphasized earlier, many business administration students end up becoming administrative services managers, retail managers, and administrative assistants. According to the BLS, the average annual salary for administrative service managers is about $92,250. As expected, the salary an employee actually earns depends on their experience, education, and job location. Employment for administrative services managers is expected to grow by 8% from 2014 to 2024.

Students who want to obtain additional education have the option of pursuing a bachelor’s in business administration, and later an MBA. Some colleges even offer fast-track degree programs that allow students to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as little as five years. By furthering their education, students are opening themselves up to many prosperous careers.