Online Associates Degree in Business Management - Best of 2024

Get Matched With Business Management Programs

An online associate degree in business management is usually an entry-level degree for employment in business, but prospective employers prefer a bachelor's degree. However, any degree will help you gain employment and a business management associate degree can qualify you for entry into entry-level business positions. From here, you can use your gained experience to help you earn an advanced degree (such as a bachelor's degree), gain certificates, or even start your own business. An associate degree in business management online is a great way for you to take your first step into the business world and allow you to choose your specialization or industry of interest. Not only will you complete your general education courses with an associate degree, but you will also start gaining business skills as well as those in critical thinking and business decision-making. When online students graduate with an associate degree in business management, they can start taking courses in accounting, marketing, sales, human resources or human resource management, and much more if they decide to move on to a higher-level degree.

PROS

An online associate degree can be earned relatively quickly. It is considered a two-year degree, so it's a fast way to learn the ins and outs of basic business management. You'll have a solid understanding of corporate finance and accounting, marketing, business law, sales, human resources, business decision-making, and similar subjects and business skills that are vital to management and business admin.

If your high school GPA is less than stellar, an associate program will allow you to enter college without meeting the higher admissions criteria of a four-year institution. With an associate degree you’ll most likely earn more, regardless of the industry you're interested in, than someone without any degree. This means you will most likely earn more money than a coworker with the same time on the job but less education.

An online business management program will also allow you to enter a business career almost immediately, and perhaps even earn money while completing your associate degree program. This may allow you to take advantage of employer educational programs and alleviate the cost of a higher degree.

Many community colleges offer either a business management associates or a business administration program, so you can save considerably on tuition and online courses when compared to a four-year institution.

CONS

Most high-level management positions require at least a bachelor's degree, so you will not qualify for higher-level positions; many employers won't interview candidates for management positions who only hold a two-year degree, even if it is an online associate degree in business management. Although your chances of being hired in a non-management position are higher than those with no degree, they will still be lower than that of those who hold a bachelor's degree.

An online associate degree program in business may not allow you time to take advances courses, so you won't have extensive knowledge on anything outside of the basic business management subjects and skills. If you aren’t careful about the school you choose, your credits may not transfer to a four-year program. You need to make sure your online associate degree program carries the proper accreditation required by your four-year school of choice. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) covers associates along with bachelor's and degrees for graduate students, so this would be great accreditation to look for. Accreditation will also give you access to financial aid.

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Top 25 Best Online Associate in Business Management Programs

Northwest Iowa Community College

Score: 81.65

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,110
- Out-of-State: $7,410
Net Price: $12,334
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 1,811
Undergrad Students: 1,811
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $47,600
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Concordia University-Wisconsin

Score: 81.55

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,250
- Out-of-State: $34,250
Net Price: $24,485
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 66%
Total Enrollment: 4,988
Undergrad Students: 2,817
Graduate Students: 2,171
Grads Salary: $46,100
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Herzing University-Brookfield

Score: 78.77

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,420
- Out-of-State: $13,420
Net Price: $17,553
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 60%
Total Enrollment: 394
Undergrad Students: 392
Graduate Students: 2
Grads Salary: $45,200
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Cleary University

Score: 77.16

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,842
- Out-of-State: $24,842
Net Price: $27,209
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Retention Rate: 52%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 891
Undergrad Students: 719
Graduate Students: 172
Grads Salary: $46,800
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

University of Toledo

Score: 76.31

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,377
- Out-of-State: $21,737
Net Price: $17,654
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 15,545
Undergrad Students: 11,965
Graduate Students: 3,580
Grads Salary: $46,200
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Fox Valley Technical College

Score: 76.03

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,916
- Out-of-State: $7,109
Net Price: $10,220
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 11,181
Undergrad Students: 11,181
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $43,900
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Dakota State University

Score: 75.67

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,633
- Out-of-State: $12,735
Net Price: $17,977
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 3,241
Undergrad Students: 2,757
Graduate Students: 484
Grads Salary: $46,400
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Dakota County Technical College

Score: 74.35

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,419
- Out-of-State: $6,419
Net Price: $11,339
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 2,717
Undergrad Students: 2,717
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $44,300
Student-to-faculty: 23:1

North Dakota State College of Science

Score: 74.32

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,928
- Out-of-State: $6,926
Net Price: $11,419
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 43%
Total Enrollment: 2,942
Undergrad Students: 2,942
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $46,200
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Gateway Technical College

Score: 73.22

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,853
- Out-of-State: $7,046
Net Price: $8,274
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 9,881
Undergrad Students: 9,881
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $40,100
Student-to-faculty: 8:1

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Score: 72.71

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,724
- Out-of-State: $6,917
Net Price: $10,302
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 8,364
Undergrad Students: 8,364
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $43,600
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Score: 72.12

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,904
- Out-of-State: $7,097
Net Price: $9,574
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 10,661
Undergrad Students: 10,661
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $39,200
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Moraine Park Technical College

Score: 71.04

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,713
- Out-of-State: $6,917
Net Price: $9,339
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 3,074
Undergrad Students: 3,074
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $38,900
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Southern Crescent Technical College

Score: 70.62

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,126
- Out-of-State: $5,526
Net Price: $4,354
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 57%
Total Enrollment: 5,018
Undergrad Students: 5,018
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $33,600
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Score: 70.36

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,796
- Out-of-State: $6,989
Net Price: $10,027
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 2,710
Undergrad Students: 2,710
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $35,800
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Lewis-Clark State College

Score: 69.65

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,388
- Out-of-State: $21,386
Net Price: $11,476
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 35%
Total Enrollment: 3,746
Undergrad Students: 3,744
Graduate Students: 2
Grads Salary: $43,800
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Lakeshore Technical College

Score: 69.56

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,649
- Out-of-State: $6,842
Net Price: $9,327
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 3,154
Undergrad Students: 3,154
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $37,500
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Score: 69.19

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,940
- Out-of-State: $25,680
Net Price: $23,030
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 4,241
Undergrad Students: 4,234
Graduate Students: 7
Grads Salary: $43,500
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

North Central Missouri College

Score: 69.05

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,050
- Out-of-State: $8,250
Net Price: $9,084
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 1,772
Undergrad Students: 1,772
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $39,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Utah Valley University

Score: 69.02

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,270
- Out-of-State: $17,830
Net Price: $9,346
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 43,099
Undergrad Students: 42,296
Graduate Students: 803
Grads Salary: $43,700
Student-to-faculty: 25:1

Western Kentucky University

Score: 68.97

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,436
- Out-of-State: $27,000
Net Price: $12,625
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 16,493
Undergrad Students: 14,440
Graduate Students: 2,053
Grads Salary: $36,700
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Central Ohio Technical College

Score: 68.18

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,136
- Out-of-State: $7,896
Net Price: $10,103
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 46%

Graduation Rate: 30%
Total Enrollment: 2,614
Undergrad Students: 2,614
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $47,700
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

New England Institute of Technology

Score: 67.91

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,625
- Out-of-State: $35,625
Net Price: $33,437
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 1,895
Undergrad Students: 1,720
Graduate Students: 175
Grads Salary: $44,500
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Alvin Community College

Score: 67.59

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,058
- Out-of-State: $4,330
Net Price: $7,354
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 61%

Graduation Rate: 29%
Total Enrollment: 5,411
Undergrad Students: 5,411
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $43,500
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Score: 67.33

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,900
- Out-of-State: $5,900
Net Price: $10,596
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 5,282
Undergrad Students: 5,282
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $40,100
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Certificate vs. Associate's Degree

Some students may consider earning a science in business certificate rather than an associate degree program. For example, if you're running your own business and need to learn basic bookkeeping, a certificate business management program may be the perfect solution. In an online certificate program you'll only take online courses specific to the topic you want to learn, skipping the core class requirements of an associate degree. This will allow you to fast-track your general business skills and knowledge base of business management, but you should verify the credits will transfer to a two- or four-year program in the future, so that you have the option to go on to earn an online business management associate's degree if you need to later. A certificate program will prepare you to enter the workforce quickly with practical business processes, albeit in a lower position.

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What Business Management Associate Degrees are Available?

Choosing an online degree program can be confusing if you don't understand the difference between the degrees offered. Basically, there are four types of business degrees you might choose from: Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), and Associate of Applied Business (AAB)s. The first two (AS and AA) are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year bachelor's degree program and the latter two (AAB and AAA) are stand-alone programs, designed for immediate entry into the workforce.

Within these four choices, a business management degree that include the word "Science" will have more science and math requirements and be more focused on technical areas of business management. The degrees with "Art" in the title have more generalized subject requirements. A science program courses will have specific subject requirements to choose from for your elective classes while an arts degree will typically allow you to choose from a wide range of general subjects for your electives.

Your choice may come into play at a later date when you are ready to enter an online bachelor's in business management, as there may be prerequisites that were offered in a science program but not in the arts associate's degree program.

Additional Skills and Online Courses to Consider:

Business law
Business processes
Human resources
Business operations
Organizational goals
Human relations
Leadership skills
International business

Online Admission Requirements

Generally speaking, the only requirements for an business management associate degree program are a high school diploma or GED. You will probably be required to submit your school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores as well, depending on your school of choice. If you plan to enter an online associate's degree in business you may have specific math and science prerequisites, too.

Most community colleges offer remedial courses is subjects such as English and Algebra; on the opposite spectrum, for a nominal fee you may be able to test out of some subjects if you took advanced courses in high school.

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How long does it take to earn a Business Management Associates Online?

An online associate business management degree requires 60 semester credit hours (90 quarter credit hours) to earn your diploma, which typically is a two year degree program. If you attend full-time it will take two years; if you take courses over the summers, you may even be able to graduate in 18 months.

If you plan to attend community college part-time you can use the 60 credit hour rule to project how long it will take for your specific business management degree courses. For example, if you can only complete 15 credit hours a year it will take you four years to graduate. Some courses may only be offered once a year, so if your schedule isn't flexible you may have to attend an extra semester in order to take a single required class.

Potential Careers for Graduates

Although most upper management positions in business require at least a bachelor's degree there are many lower positions you will qualify for once you earn your associate's degree. Here are a few examples:

Customer Service Associate:
You’ll handle complaints and returns, answer customer questions, provide information, and handle similar interactions with customers in a wide range of industries. Within larger companies, customer service associates are often promoted to human resource department positions.
Average Median Salary: $39,200
Retail Department Manager:
You’ll oversee all employees within a specific department, handle product orders, track inventory, and interact with management to ensure your department works efficiently and runs smoothly. Typically, the employee in this position also writes the schedule for the entire department in conjunction with overtime constraints and employee seniority guidelines. Often promoted to assistant manager.
Average Median Salary: $42,000
Administrative Assistant:
You’ll schedule meetings, field phone calls, manage incoming and outgoing mail and email, prepare invoices, and cover a wide range of other tasks in order to keep a business running smoothly; often promoted to office manager
Average Median Salary: $39,800
Warehouse Supervisor:
You’ll oversee and maintain warehouse inventory by storing, receiving, and shipping it in a timely manner. Typically, employees in this position are responsible for hiring and supervising employees as well as maintaining security; may be promoted to warehouse manager.
Average Median Salary: $51,800
Assistant Manager:
You’ll represent the company while supervising employees in all aspects of a business. Assistant managers are found in a wide range of industries and must be detail oriented and have verbal and written skills as well as leadership abilities and customer service skills.
Average Median Salary: $45,600

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Options to Advance

Business management is one field where experience is as valuable as education. That being said, you should plan to continue your education if your long-term goal is a career in management. It's a good idea to earn your bachelor degree at least; if you plan to enter corporate management you'll need a master's degree to be competitive with others applying for the same positions.

If you are self-employed, an online associate in business (two year degree program) may be the only degree you need and you can take this at a community college or university. That being said, you should still continue your education and take courses such as bookkeeping, business law, and business ethics that will help your business grow and stay on the right track. When enrolling in these types of online courses, it's a smart plan to look at the big picture and take courses that can be applied to a management associate degree program in case your future plans change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will what I learn in an associate degree be enough to get a supervisory position?

An associate degree in business management will aim to teach you the same kinds of things you would learn in a bachelor’s degree in the same field; you will just have less time to learn everything in greater depth the way you would with a bachelor’s. Even so, you will likely still take courses in accounting, business ethics and law, business fundamentals, management, principles of finance, and more. Unfortunately, most of the time spent in an associate degree will likely go to completing your general education courses, but this can work in your favor if you return to the classroom later. After all, those general education courses would be necessary for your bachelor’s as well, but if you finish an associate degree at an accredited school, you won’t need to take them again. You will have paid significantly less for those two years and will be able to fully focus on your core classes if you return.

What are the reasons to complete an online associate degree program?

First, these online associate degree programs only take half as long as a bachelor’s. And, if you are wary of spending too much on your education, then spending only half the time in school, while you also pay less per credit hour if you attend a community college, is an excellent decision. Also, despite requiring less payout for your classes or potential loans, it still increases the amount you can expect to earn in your lifetime quite significantly. And it increases the job opportunities you can expect to find. Many feel that earning a bachelor’s degree is just a waste of time meant to prove that you can finish what you start and, in many cases, it can be that way if you don’t work in the field that you earned your degree in. However, completing these online associate degree programs can still prove that you can finish something, and you can let your future experience speak for itself after that.

How do I get federal financial aid for school?

For many students, attending college is a dream that can quickly become an intimidating reality when the inevitable question of how to pay for it comes up. With the cost of tuition continuing to rise, many are unaware of the available avenues for federal financial aid. Whether you’re a high school student looking ahead or already in college and needing help paying your bills, there are resources that can provide assistance with college costs.

The first step in getting started on your path to securing federal financial aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA will determine whether or not you qualify for federal grants and loans along with other forms of aid such as work-study programs and scholarships. After submitting your application, you can monitor its status online and receive information about any awards you may be eligible for.

What is the difference between an associate business administration online degree and an associate business management online degree?

As technology advances and changes society, traditional college programs have been increasingly displaced by online education programs. An online associate business administration program or an associate business management program represent two popular business programs for those seeking to further their education through the internet. But what is the difference between these two business programs?

An associate business administration degree typically focuses on developing skills in communication, accounting principles, computer applications, and general business operations. Those who choose the business administration route are preparing themselves for a wide range of career paths - from sales to finance – within the corporate world. Conversely, an associate business management degree emphasizes instilling leadership skills such as problem-solving and decision-making techniques used in today’s businesses. With this type of degree, students will be better equipped to manage projects and teams of people efficiently.

Are the courses for a business management associate degree the same as for a business administration associate degree?

Are you considering a degree in business management or business administration? Do you know the differences between these two degrees? Many people are unaware that there is a distinct difference between the courses for a business management and business administration degree. A business management degree typically focuses on developing skills in areas such as finance, accounting, marketing, international business, and human resources/human resource management. Students learn how to design and implement plans for organizations, analyze data to forecast outcomes, develop strategies to drive organizational growth, and lead teams of people. In contrast, a business administration degree has more of an emphasis on critical thinking and developing problem-solving skills by studying topics like economics, operations management, legal issues in organizations, risk assessment and strategic planning.

Best Online Associate in Business Management Degrees for 2024