Associates in Business

Women at desk in professional office
Are you ready to get to work?  An Associates Degree in Business provides you with an educational foundation for real-world opportunities.

An Associate Degree in Business may act as a springboard to higher education, such as a Bachelors degree, but also prepares you for many entry-level jobs.

Also Know As . . .

Some schools choose to refer to their Associates level business degree another name. You may also find the degree listed as an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration, Associate Degree in Business Management, Finance Associates Degree, or Associates Business and Commerce Degree. Several colleges and universities also offer online programs so that you can pursue your degree according to your own schedule and at a convenient location.

  • Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration
  • Associate Degree in Business Management
  • Finance Associates Degree
  • Associates Business and Commerce Degree

Business Associate’s Degree At a Glance

  • Real World Skills
    Careers in finance are typically separated into three sectors, or area of speciality. The include Public, Corporate, & Government.
  • Increased Earning Power
    Not all careers in banking & finance require a 4 year degree.
  • Transferable Skills
    Unlike many other career paths, careers in finance can be very transferable across a wide variety of industries and locations.

A Springboard to Higher Education

If you are driven, creative, like to be challenged and are looking for an exhilarating career, then an Associates in Business degree is a natural choice.

In the U.S. News’ “Best Jobs of 2012” report, 20 careers from the business sector made the prestigious cut, more jobs than from any other industry. U.S. News adds that in the coming years there is the potential for 3.8 million business job openings in the United States.

Whether you are just starting your career or wish to advance it, an Associates in Business degree will provide you with an educational foundation that demonstrates you have what it takes to be a successful businessman or woman.

Courses delve into several relevant areas, such as accounting, management, business analysis, human resources, entrepreneurship, marketing and more; they act as a guide to help you determine which type of career fits your ambitions and passions.

Associates Degree Prerequisites

Generally speaking, to apply for an Associates in Business Degree, you must have graduated from high school or completed a GED program.

When applying for an Associates Business Degree, you must submit all of your educational transcripts. Check with the business school to see if they require scores from a standardized test, such as the SAT, ACT or ACCUPLACER test.

Why pursue an Associates Degree in Business?

Chinese businessman standing in front of chalkboard with arrow sAccording to Liz Pulliam of MSN Money, “Associate’s degrees are a slam dunk. These two-year degrees seem to result in a massive payback, compared to their relatively low cost, for a high school graduate”. She adds that someone with an Associates Degree in Business will make approximately $92,908 more in their lifetime than someone with only a high school education.

By completing an Associates in Business, you will not only learn essential skills that will make you successful for your upcoming career, but it will make your job search that much more successful. (Employers are more apt to hire someone with an Associates degree than with simply a high school diploma).

Often schools also offer the option for you to select courses based on the area of business you wish to be specialized in. Your degree will show peers and prospective employers that you have business expertise. Plus, it will provide you with postsecondary educational experience; should you decide to complete a Bachelor’s degree, to advance your career, you usually will be able to transfer some of your Associate’s degree credits.

What kind of courses will I be taking?

Depending on the business school you attend, generally an Associates Degree in Business consists of accounting, communications, information systems, finance, economics, math/statistics, management, sales, entrepreneurship/small business, marketing/advertising, business ethics and law, leadership, psychology, global business and/or human resources courses.

Some schools will allow you to specialize in certain areas of business such as banking, food & hotel management, sales, information processing & technology, office management, event planning, sport management and more.

200 Level Class Examples:

  • Foundations of Business
  • Management Theory And Practice
  • Business Communications
  • Accounting Principles
  • Accounting Principles

300 Level Class Examples:

  • Management Theory And Practice
  • Business Communications
  • Foundations of Business
  • Accounting Principles

What types of jobs can I get with an AA/AS in Business?

There are several entry-level jobs you can commence after graduating with an Associates in Business Degree. Examples include:

  • Bookkeeper/ Accounts Receivable Coordinator/Accounting Clerk
  • Human Resources Assistant/Benefits Coordinator
  • Business Analyst
  • Customer Service Manager
  • Loan Officer
  • Insurance Sales Agent
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Purchasing Manager/Agent
  • Medical Billing Specialist
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Financial Administrator
  • Manufacturing Sales Representative
  • Operations Manager
  • Business Services Representative
  • Computing Business Coordinator
  • Entrepreneur

As you continue to explore your business and finance related degree options, keep in mind that it is not uncommon for students to start down one degree path, and change their focus after their first or second semester.