An online associate degree in business administration may provide students with in-depth training on the fundamentals of business. These two-year programs may teach students how to make managerial decisions, manage day-to-day operations of organizations, and develop problem-solving skills. Program coursework may combine general education requirements along with core business courses including introduction to management, business communication, and microeconomics.

Upon graduation, students may either seek entry-level employment in their chosen field or enroll in a baccalaureate program. Associate-level graduates may pursue employment in sales, office management, customer service, banking, and small business.

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: 22% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for associate-level business administration degree programs may include general education courses alongside major-specific business classes. These courses may teach students how to implement management functions, evaluate buyer behavior, and manage accounting information. Core business administration classes may include the following:

• Business Writing
• Business Information Systems
• Marketing Principles
• Microeconomics
• Introduction to Management
• Accounting
• Finance

Career Options

Associate-level graduates may seek employment opportunities in sales, management, banking, small business, and customer service. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment levels in business administration are projected to increase by 22% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Retail Manager
• Loan Officer
• Customer Service Manager
• Sales
• Office Manager

Continuing Education

Graduates of associate-level business administration programs may either pursue entry-level employment or advance their education by enrolling in a four-year bachelor’s degree program. A bachelor’s degree program in business administration may provide students with advanced skills in project management, business statistics, and operations management. Employers may require individuals to hold a bachelor’s degree at minimum in order to gain upper-level employment.

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