Business administration is the broad umbrella term for managing and overseeing business operations at different types of companies. Business administration is the perfect fit for those who envision themselves in a managing role.
Enrolling in a business administration degree program is a fruitful and worthwhile investment. The business field and its many subsets aren’t going anywhere. By earning your Associate Degree in Business Administration, you increase your chances of entering the business world with excellent opportunities to further your career.
Why Enter an Online Associate Degree Program?
Earning an associate degree from a community college is a fantastic way to enter the business world quickly. Life plans don’t always pan out the way you’d want them to. Earning a bachelor’s degree fresh out of high school may be a tall order for some.
Earning an associate degree is a quicker, more efficient way of entering the workforce and putting your skills to the test. Almost every school in the country has some sort of business program to enroll in.
Enrolling in an online program is also a more efficient way to pool your resources. Many schools are shifting their focus to online components. All a prospective student will usually need is their high school diploma (or GED). Community colleges allow students who didn’t score well on SATs or ACTs to further cultivate academic passion, allowing them to thrive.
If you earn your Associate Degree in Business Administration, you could enter the business world right away. You could also use transferable credits to enroll in a more advanced business major, earning your bachelor’s degree.
An associate degree program is an excellent stepping stone to whatever you have planned for the future. It also boosts your resume and expertise in a particular subject.
Where to Earn an Online Associate Degree in Business Administration
What does a degree in business administration entail? More specifically, what does an associate degree program look like?
When perusing school rankings and resource guides, keep an eye out for certain aspects of degree programs. Does the online associate degree fall into what you’re interested in? Does it allow for transferable credits to a university?
Let’s look at a few of the best schools to earn an Associate Degree in Business Administration.
Pennsylvania College of Technology
This school offers a 62-credit program and divides its courses into three subfields: perspectives, foundations, and specialization. Each concentration is aimed at equipping the business administration student with both life and business skills to succeed.
Those who have earned their high school diploma will complete the program in two years using a full-time schedule. Pennsylvania College of Technology requires SAT and ACT scores upon applying.
University of Toledo
The University of Toledo’s online associate degree program in business administration is a 60-credit program dedicated to business classes. Its curriculum will better equip students for the business world upon completion of the degree.
The University of Toledo has fantastic student resources. It provides extensive student tutoring, as well as a comprehensive library. Students must have at least a GPA of 2.5 to enroll in the School of Business. If they don’t, they need to bring up their grades in the University College Department of Exploratory Studies.
Saint Francis University
Saint Francis is a Catholic Franciscan University offering an extensive liberal arts program. Its online component, Francis Worldwide, offers an associate business degree.
This is a 63-credit major, with a healthy mix of liberal arts and business courses. Once students complete their online degree program, they can stay at Saint Francis University to earn their bachelor’s degree. No transferable credits or transcripts are required.
Nearly all of Saint Francis graduates receive employment or acceptance to another educational program. Thanks to its fantastic career coaches and services, students can expect to find lucrative opportunities within nine months of graduation.
Associate Degree in Business Administration Career Paths
Now that you have a degree in business administration, there are quite a few things you can do. Starting at entry-level positions, you can work your way up the ladder to higher-paying jobs in no time.
You won’t be able to land a manager position right away. But by working in these entry-level jobs, it will pay off in the long run. Your resume, as well as your skills, will become more impressive.
Earning an Associate Degree in Business Administration can help you obtain your bachelor’s degree in a similar field. This increases your chances of becoming a higher-ranking employee.
Starting at an entry-level job equips you with a business mindset. This builds up your fundamental business skills, helping you along your career path to more advanced roles.
Some notable positions you can land with a more advanced degree in business administration are:
Human Resources Manager
Median Pay: $116,720 per year
Entry-Level Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation: 5 years or more
Job Growth: 7% (Faster than average)
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Highest-paying States: New Jersey, Washington, D.C., New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut
Human resource managers are masters in tackling a large number of responsibilities in the workplace. They monitor interpersonal relationships between employees, oversee administrative functions, and make sure everything at a company is running smoothly.
While some human resource careers require higher-level degrees, you can open the door with an associate degree or certifications.
Accountant and Auditor
Median Pay: $71,550 per year
Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None
Job Growth: 6% (As fast as average)
Highest-paying States: New York, New Jersey, Virginia, California, Washington, D.C.
Everyone needs accountants, including individuals, businesses, and conglomerates. Accountants and auditors examine a company’s financial records and make sure they are in good shape.
Earning an Associate Degree in Business Administration can give you a great boost toward a full-time accounting career.
Sales Managers
Median Pay: $126,640 per year
Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation: Less than 5 years
Job Growth: 5% (As fast as average)
Highest-paying States: New York, Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia, Rhode Island
Sales managers are the leaders of a company’s sales team. They outline sales strategies, practices, commissions, and more. They are extremely valuable to a company or corporation. Sales managers need to be extremely hardworking and ambitious to be one step ahead of the curve.
Public Relations Specialists
Median Pay: $61,150 per year
Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None
Job Growth: 6% (As fast as average)
Highest-paying States: Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington
Public relations specialists are all about creating a favorable image. They do this through successful and effective advertising and PR campaigns. They are all about making a certain company look good, encouraging interaction from customers or consumers.
The Verdict: Is an Associate Degree in Business Administration Right For You?
The business world can be a tough place sometimes. It’s an ever-changing landscape of competition, numbers, bottom lines, and quarterly reports. If you gravitate toward a competitive field where you can test your business acumen, then it’s perfect for you. It’s an especially rewarding line of business if you are determined, passionate, and hard-working.
If you still aren’t sure if a degree in business administration is for you, consider this:
- Are you interested in working in fields like human resources, sales, accounting, and customer service?
- Can you rise to the challenge of entering a competitive yet rewarding job market?
- Do you want to acquire a set of skills that will equip you to take the business world by storm?
- Are you always trying to enhance your skills?
- Are you a team player?
If you answered ‘yes,’ then there’s a good chance this may be a perfect path for you. Earning an Associate Degree in a Business Administration can be a fantastic decision for your future.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
