An online associate degree in business may provide students with a fundamental overview in different areas of business. In this two-year program, students may learn how to balance a budget, manage a small business, and make investment decisions. Popular areas of concentration may include management, accounting, and marketing.

Upon graduation, students may either seek entry-level employment or pursue a bachelor’s degree in business. Associate-level graduates may gain employment in sales, retail management, customer service, and finance.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Bachelor’s Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 15% (2010-2020)*

Program Concentrations

An associate-level business degree program may consist of a handful of general education requirements alongside core business courses in the student’s chosen area of concentration. Students may take courses such as introduction to business information systems, elementary statistics, and personal selling. Possible areas of concentration for an associate degree in business may include the following:

• Finance
• Accounting
• Management
• Marketing
• Economics
• General Business
• Office Administration

Career Options

Associate-level graduates may seek career opportunities in sales, retail management, finance, customer service, and marketing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, administrative services management employment are projected to increase by 15% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Loan Officer
• Retail Manager
• Human Resources Assistant
• Administrative Services Manager
• Customer Service Representative

Continuing Education

Students who successfully complete an online business associate degree program may wish to continue their education by transferring to a baccalaureate program. A bachelor’s degree in business may provide students with advanced skills in project management, accounting, and operations management. Employers may require a bachelor’s degree for employment in the business field.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook