Online Associate Degree in Business Administration
Earning an online associate degree in business administration provides students with a strong career outlook, including faster-than-average job growth and higher-than-average salary potential. For that reason and more, business degrees have become the most popular degrees in the U.S., according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
With an online business administration associate degree, graduates can access entry-level business and finance careers or further develop their education with an advanced degree.
Business administration includes training in:
- Accounting
- Sales
- Communication
- Operations
- Finance
- Leadership
The broad training and diverse skills earned in the program make for a solid business foundation. Read on to learn what you can expect from an online associate degree in business administration and what to look forward to after graduation.
What Will You Learn in an Online Business Administration Associate Degree Program?
Depending on the school and the program, a business administration degree can cover a variety of material. Typically, a business administration associate degree covers general education and business fundamentals. Serving as foundational training, these programs provide students with a broad understanding of several core business concepts.
The information below outlines what students might see in their online business administration associate degree program and what they might gain from it.
Common Courses
This course teaches communication's role in business. Students learn effective communication techniques, like preparing formal reports, utilizing communication technology, and employing business etiquette. Students can use these skills in nearly every business career and many other professions.
In this course, students learn concepts and techniques related to statistical analysis. They learn to employ statistics to solve problems, improve business operations, and evaluate performance. Learners can apply the skills gained in these courses to careers in finance, accounting, and management.
Marketing courses teach students about the best practices in the industry. Learners explore marketing strategies, look at consumer behaviors, and examine the entire sales process. Equipped with this training, graduates can apply their marketing skills to management, sales, and advertising careers.
In accounting courses, students learn how to prepare and use financial statements to evaluate operational efficiencies and spot areas for improvement. In addition to accounting careers, graduates can apply these skills to careers in management and purchasing.
This course examines the laws and policies that impact businesses, including changes to laws and organizations and agencies that oversee the rules and legislation.
Courses in macroeconomics and microeconomics teach students about how the economy impacts business. Students should expect to learn about supply and demand, production and cost theory, market structure, inflation, and more. Graduates can consider careers in project management and finance.
Core Skills Gained
In an online business administration associate degree, students gain the following core skills:
Communication training enables students to form interpersonal relationships and understand client and employer needs.
Business operations skills enable students to manage elements of an organization, such as marketing and accounting. Many employers seek out candidates with core business training since they know those prospective employees possess fundamentals they can develop further.
Problem-solving skills allow learners to use reason and logic to arrive at useful solutions.
What Can You Do With an Online Business Administration Associate Degree?
A business administration associate degree can present graduates with many career options. Here are some career opportunities available to graduates and the potential salaries that come with them:
Sales representatives:
- Sell their organization's goods and services
- Negotiate with customers
- Prepare sales documents
Sales representatives may need some college training in sales and business operations.
Average Annual Salary: $73,500
Customer service representatives work with consumers to help them resolve issues and satisfy their needs. Depending on the environment, they may:
- Take orders
- Handle customer complaints
- Answer questions
While many positions require only a high school diploma, college training can lead to better positions and salaries.
Average Annual Salary: $38,510
Advertising sales agents promote and sell their organization's advertising services. They typically require a solid understanding of sales and marketing and need some design experience. Some employers may accept applicants with a high school diploma, but many look for college-level training.
Average Annual Salary: $68,040
Bookkeeping and accounting clerks may manage an organization's payroll and handle its financial documents. They need accounting and financial training to complete their tasks. Most employers require candidates to possess college training.
Average Annual Salary: $44,100
Real estate brokers help their clients buy and sell properties. They create listings to attract buyers and negotiate with clients and other agents. In addition to licensure, real estate brokers often need college training in real estate, sales, and marketing.
Average Annual Salary: $81,630
Transferring to a Four-Year Degree Program After Getting Your Online Business Administration Associate Degree
While an online business administration associate degree can lead to several entry-level positions, the degree also serves as a stepping stone for advanced training. You'll take core business courses that typically transfer seamlessly into various bachelor's degrees.
Here are some degrees you can pursue after your online business administration associate degree:
Business Management
A business management degree provides training in a variety of business disciplines. The degree allows students to develop their business training, acquire more in-depth knowledge, and acquire additional management and leadership training.
Marketing
A marketing degree trains students in the end-to-end sales process. Equipped with general business administration skills, students delve into more complex topics like purchasing, consumer behavior, and communication.
Human Resources
Human resources degrees help students develop skills in labor law, employment recruitment, and business planning. Not only do these programs carry on the broad training from a business administration degree, but they also specialize in many management tactics and employment policies, such as leadership, training, and health and safety.
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