An associate’s degree in business administration can change your life for the better and give you career opportunities that you never even dreamed of.
If you have always wanted to develop a greater understanding of the business world and take your current career path to the next level, consider furthering your education by getting a business degree.
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
American Intercontinental University offers a 90-credit, ACBSP-accredited AS in Business Administration that can be completed in 2 years. Offered both online and in-person, it includes courses in accounting, marketing, and management.
A unique feature of the program is AIU’s intellipath®, which personalizes learning based on each student’s knowledge.
American InterContinental University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The AA in Business Administration at the American Public University System is a fully online, flexible program requiring 60 credits. It can typically be completed in 2 years. The curriculum includes courses in accounting, economics, and management.
The program is ACBSP-accredited and offers preparation for further education or entry-level business positions.
APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Belhaven University’s AA in Business Administration is a 100% online, IACBE-accredited program with 7-week courses. The curriculum covers economics, accounting, management, and project planning while integrating a Christian worldview.
Tailored for working adults, the program offers preparation for entry-level business roles or continued education in the field.
Belhaven University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The AS in Business at Brescia University is a fully online program requiring 60 credit hours that can be finished in 2 years. The curriculum explores management, marketing, accounting, and economics.
Designed for adult learners, the program emphasizes critical thinking and provides a foundation for career entry or further education.
Brescia University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The AA in Business Administration at Campbell University is a flexible 62-credit-hour program available online or at the school’s Camp Lejeune or Fort Liberty campuses. It features 8-week terms and combines foundational business courses with interdisciplinary arts and sciences.
The curriculum develops practical skills and knowledge, suitable for entry-level employment or further education in business-related fields.
Campbell University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The AS in Business Administration at Campbellsville University is a 60-credit, fully online program accredited by the IACBE. It features 8-week courses and can be completed in 2 years.
The curriculum includes accounting, economics, marketing, and finance courses and an internship, developing skills for entry-level business positions or further education.
Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The AA in Business Administration at Carl Albert State College is a 62-credit program available on-campus and online. It includes general education and core business courses in accounting, economics, and management.
The curriculum aims to develop critical thinking and communication skills, readying students for entry-level positions or transfer to four-year institutions.
Carl Albert State College is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
The AA in Pre-Business Administration at Cincinnati State is a 60-credit program available fully online. It provides a foundation for transfer to bachelor’s programs in business-related fields.
The curriculum includes core business courses, general education, and electives. Students can participate in cooperative education experiences or choose additional OT36 courses.
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The AS in Business Administration at Colorado Christian University is a 60-credit, fully online program. It combines business coursework with faith-based liberal arts education.
Students take one 5-week course at a time, studying accounting, finance, management, marketing, and computer information systems. The curriculum emphasizes ethical leadership and can be completed in less than 2years.
Colorado Christian University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
The AS in Business Administration at Colorado Technical University is a 93-credit program available online and at the school Colorado Springs campus. It focuses on business fundamentals, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
The curriculum includes management, finance, and communication courses. Students take one 5-week course at a time, allowing for flexible scheduling while balancing work and personal commitments.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Associate of Business Administration at Dallas Baptist University is a 60-credit program available in on-campus, hybrid, and online formats. It provides a foundation in business administration through practical training.
The curriculum includes general studies, business courses, and electives. Classes start four times a year, and the program typically takes 2 years for full-time students.
Dallas Baptist University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
The Associate of Business Administration at Davenport University is a 61-credit, IACBE-accredited program available online and on campus that can be completed in 2 years.
It features customizable coursework across four business disciplines. Hands-on experience can be gained through internships. The curriculum explores business law, project management, and ethics, providing a foundation for entry-level positions or further education.
Davenport University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The AS in Business Administration and Management at Florida Southwestern State College is a 60-credit program available online and on campus. Three concentration options are offered: Business Management, Entrepreneurship, and Risk Management.
The curriculum includes general education and core business courses. Graduates can pursue entry-level supervisory positions or continue to the BAS in Supervision and Management at FSW.
Florida SouthWestern State College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The AA in Business Administration at Florida Tech is a fully online program requiring 64 credits. It covers core concepts such as accounting, economics, law, and management. The curriculum emphasizes communication and critical thinking skills.
Graduates can pursue entry-level positions or continue to a bachelor’s degree in business.
Florida Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The AA in Business at Liberty University is a 60-credit, fully online program with 8-week courses. It covers foundational business topics, including accounting, economics, law, and management. The ACBSP-accredited curriculum emphasizes Christian values and practical skills.
Up to 75% of the credits can be transferred from other programs. Graduates may pursue entry-level positions or further education.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The online AA in Business Administration at Limestone University is a 62-credit program covering finance, economics, and core business topics. It includes an AWE course and allows for math transfer credits.
The program develop foundation business knowledge and skills. Graduates can pursue entry-level business roles or continue to a bachelor’s degree.
Limestone College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The AA in Business at Lone Star College is a 2-year academic transfer program leading to a Bachelor’s in Business. It’s available at multiple campuses and online. The program provides foundational business education and allows students to save on tuition costs.
Graduates can transfer to public Texas colleges or universities to complete their bachelor’s degrees.
Lone Star College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The AS in Business Administration at Penn State World Campus is a 60-credit, 100% online program. It covers the fundamentals of accounting, management, marketing, information systems, and economics. The curriculum develops critical thinking and communication skills.
Credits from this degree can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree. The program is suitable for entry-level professionals or those seeking career changes.
Pennsylvania State University is regionally accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
The AS in Business Administration at Pennsylvania Western University is an ACBSP-accredited, 60-credit program available in-person at all campuses and online.
It covers economics, accounting, management, and marketing and develops critical skills for entry-level business roles or further education. Graduates may become can pursue diverse administrative assistants, sales associates, or account managers.
Pennsylvania Western University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The 2-year, online AAS in Business Administration at Purdue Global focuses on practical business skills. It covers accounting, management, software applications, and business operations. Eleven career-focused concentrations are offered.
Up to 75% of the program’s required credits can be transferred from other programs. Graduates can pursue entry-level positions or continue to a bachelor’s degree.
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The AA in Business Administration at Saint Leo University is a 60-credit program that can be completed in 2 years. Available online and at education centers, it provides foundational business knowledge.
The curriculum covers core concepts and includes internship opportunities with Fortune 500 companies, preparing graduates for entry-level positions or further studies.
Saint Leo University is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The AS in Business Administration at Seminole State College is a 60-credit program available both in-person and online. It includes six specializations, allowing students to focus on specific business areas.
Graduates can pursue entry-level positions or seamlessly transition to bachelor’s degrees at Seminole State or the University of Central Florida.
Seminole State College of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The AS in Business Administration at SNHU is a 60-credit, ACBSP-accredited, online program typically completed in 2 years. It covers accounting, management, marketing, and economics. The curriculum emphasizes real-world applications and develops critical thinking skills.
Graduates can seamlessly transition to SNHU’s BS in Business Administration.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.
The AA in Business Administration at Strayer University is a fully online, 2-year program with twenty 11-week courses. It covers accounting, economics, business law, management, marketing, and information technology.
The ACBSP-accredited curriculum develops critical thinking and communication skills. Graduates can pursue entry-level positions or continue to a bachelor’s degree program.
Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The AS in Business Administration at Thomas Edison State University is a 60-credit, fully online program. It includes economics, accounting, management, and liberal arts courses. Students take 6 credits of business electives in their area of interest.
The program provides a foundation for seamless transition to TESU’s BS in Business Administration.
Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
There are plenty of different career paths that you can explore after you get your online associate’s degree in business administration.
Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:
We have outlined just a handful of different options that you can do with a business administration degree, but the sky is really the limit.
Accountants are in high demand because they are financial wizards who understand and keep meticulous records. A good accountant is a tremendous asset to any business, as they keep the books on the up and up and ensure that taxes are paid on time and correctly.
The best accountants are unflinchingly ethical. They believe in total transparency and accuracy and always strive to get to the bottom of any tricky situation. They are exceptionally organized and understand the importance of being team players.
To be a good accountant, you need to be meticulous and have a strong sense of ethical and moral responsibility.
This is one of the more popular jobs that you can get with your associate’s in business management or business administration. Those who work in this capacity generally have to help run the administrative side of departments and make sure things get done right, every time. They need to manage day-to-day operations and solve employee disputes.
The best candidates are diplomatic and fair, with excellent record-keeping skills and an eye for facts and figures. They should also be organized, flexible and thick-skinned.
Managers generally make the highest income out of any business administration job, and there’s a good reason for that. They need to oversee lots of people, and sometimes even entire facilities of employees. They must resolve any differences fairly and without getting personally involved, hire suitable candidates, and mete out discipline if needed.
Managers are also usually tasked with firing people, a messy and unfortunate side of the job that requires a thick skin and the ability to leave your job at the office. Good managers tend to make quick decisions that benefit the team and can inspire others through diplomacy and team-building exercises.
If you are analytically-minded, this might just be the career path for you. Those who work in Management Information Systems, or M.I.S., are highly skilled people who can break down systems and figure out how to streamline processes to make them better and more effective for end customers.
A very analytical brain is a must for this job, as are excellent problem-solving skills and big-picture thinking. M.I.S. professionals must be able to see things from a bird’s eye view, as well as anticipate problems on the ground. This means that they need to be excellent communicators as well as command respect from their teams.
Marketing is a popular job field because there is plenty of room for growth, and you can use your business sense and creativity to really impact the company that you work for.
People who excel in marketing tend to be highly creative and understand how to read analytic reports and numbers. This field is the perfect combination of the right and left brain.
To succeed, you need to be analytic and creative, as well as value team participation and be able to communicate your vision clearly and concisely. The best marketers understand that all aspects of a company must work together to succeed, and they encourage group dynamics towards a unified end.
Although every school is different, there are some standard classes that you can expect to take to earn your associate’s degree in business administration.
These are just a few sample courses that you might take. If you decide to pursue higher education, you could find yourself honing in on more specific areas.
There are plenty of jobs associate’s degree in business administration jobs that you can find after graduation. Although your associate’s degree in business administration salary will vary depending on how competitive the job market is and where you’re located in the country, we’ve provided some salary basics.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the salaries that you can expect to get for some more common jobs.
Careers | Annual Median Salary |
Sales Manager | $132,290 |
Administrative Services Manager | $98,890 |
Financial Analyst | $83,660 |
Logistician | $76,270 |
Insurance Underwriter | $71,790 |
Lodging Manager | $56,670 |
Even when you’re right out of school, an associate’s degree in business administration can pay off. Entry-level positions tend to be higher paid than most, and many people can rise quickly in their field. Most people who decide to pursue this career path find that they have plenty of opportunities right at their fingertips.
In addition, graduates with an associate’s degree can always go back to school and earn a higher level degree in a related business field such as a bachelor’s or master’s in international business online or internet marketing online. You may need to pursue further education in this field to qualify for some of these positions.
Choosing the right school can be intimidating, but if you keep a few key factors in mind, you should be able to determine which educational institution is right for you in no time.
Consider the reputation of the university that you’re applying to. Is it prestigious, or are they relatively unheard of? Although you don’t need a fancy degree from the best school in the world to get a job right out of school, it does help to attend a college with some name recognition.
How many people graduate from the school? Do they offer flexible class schedules and other programs, like mentorship opportunities? Can you get valuable internships through the university, and what’s their job placement success rate.
You will also want to consider what kind of technology the school uses, especially if you are going to be getting your associates degree online.
Since you’ll be working with the school every day to complete your classes, make sure that the technology is something that you’re comfortable using and understand fully.
Of course, tuition always comes into play when choosing the right school for you, but it should be far from the only factor.
All schools are different, but there are some general admissions requirements that you will likely encounter when choosing the right college for you.
You will need to have proof of high school graduation or your G.E.D. to attend most colleges. You may be asked for your S.A.T. scores by admissions, but this will vary from school to school. You could also be required to provide letters of recommendation, depending on how competitive your school is.
Ultimately you should be prepared with the following before applying to a school:
Occasionally those with significant criminal records could be denied admission, but you should talk to the university of your choice about specific requirements if you have a record. Most of the time, minor offenses are okay, and if your criminal record is not recent, it might not be a factor.
Always check with your preferred school for their specific requirements. If you are unsure of whether or not you will need something, it’s best to err on the side of caution and have it just in case.
Regional accreditation signifies that the school of your choice has been recognized and approved by an impartial body. It’s absolutely vital when it comes to getting a job after graduation because many employers strongly prefer students who come from regionally accredited colleges.
You can check to see if the on campus or online business degree programs of your preferred school is regionally accredited by simply going online. Most accredited schools will put the information right on their websites, especially since it factors heavily into most students’ decisions and lends credibility.
If you can’t find the information online, don’t be afraid to call the school directly. Most colleges will know their status right away and be happy to provide you with the info if you ask them.
If the school of your choice is not forthcoming with whether or not they are regionally accredited, consider it to be a red flag. You might not want to spend your time or money there.
These days, there’s no shortage of financial aid and scholarships available to prospective students. You can apply for federal, regional, or local assistance. Some colleges even offer scholarship programs for students as well.
You can get aid from the federal government in the form of grants or loans. Grants do not need to be paid back, but loans do, so make sure that you don’t take out more than you can reasonably pay back after you graduate.
Your state should offer scholarships and grants as well, and these are generally in very high demand. Apply early and often for scholarships, and don’t be afraid to shoot for the stars. You never know what you might get.
Some colleges also offer financial aid packages. Check online to see what you qualify for and make sure that you apply well in advance.
You can offset some of your college debt with grants and scholarships, and delay payment with loans.
You can get any number of different jobs with this degree, ranging from accounting to marketing. It’s one of the most versatile degrees out there.
Many of these jobs also offer lots of opportunities for advancement and networking, so business administration is a solid career choice that could take you far.
Yes, an associate’s degree in business administration is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in management occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include lodging manager, insurance underwriter, logistician, and administrative services manager.
Many people consider an associate’s degree in business administration to be totally worth it because of the career opportunities that it opens up.
Many other fields require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, but with business administration, you really only need an associate’s degree to get your foot in the door.
Associate’s degree programs generally take two years, but that timeframe can change depending on your schedule. Adult learners or those pursuing online degrees have a lot more flexibility when it comes to their degree timelines.
You might find that your degree takes three or even four years to get. On the other hand, you can always accelerate your path and complete your degree early if you choose.
This degree shows employers that you understand the basics of business administration and can work in a corporate environment.
It also shows that you know management principles and have an understanding of accounting and technology. It can be used as a stepping stone for further education, but it does not have to be.
The salary that you can expect to make with your associate’s degree in business administration will vary depending on what career path you choose to pursue after graduation.
Generally speaking, most of the career paths are relatively lucrative, and even those with entry-level positions make well above average salaries.
Every school is different, but you should expect to pay anywhere between $100 to $400 per credit for your associate’s degree in business administration. Check with your university for complete details.
Remember, you can offset some of those costs by applying for student loans, grants, or scholarships. Many people think that the price is very much worth it in the end.
Associate degrees in business administration are generally, but not always, used as a basis for future education, whether it be your bachelor’s degree or certification.
This is what sets it apart from an associate of applied science in business administration degree, which is a final certification all in and of itself.
If you want to take your life to the next level, an associate degree in business administration online can help you get a foothold in exciting and lucrative industries related to the business world.
These days, you can get your degree right online on your schedule, so there’s no reason why you should hesitate to apply. It’s never too late to find the career path of your dreams, and many adult learners are finding new leases on life through schooling.