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The American economy depends heavily on businesses. Their products and services are exported around the world. All kinds of businesses are found in the US, which means that business managers will be in constant demand in various sectors. Earning an online associate’s degree can be an excellent start to a career in management.
After all, the field of business management offers a high amount of flexibility. From the skills that you’ll learn to the opportunities that await you, there are broad offerings that can make you successful.
An associate degree in management online can assist students in building fundamental skills in economics, marketing, banking, finance, human resources, management, and customer service that businesses and organizations will find useful.
In general, full-time distance learners can finish their degrees in two years or less, which allows them to enter the workforce more quickly and save money.
The Lowdown
Associate degrees in Business Management are usually entry-level degrees for business careers. However, this is a big advantage against those who have no education or work background when applying for business-related jobs. No matter what business position you want to land, an online associate in Management is an effective pathway.
Aside from landing jobs, you can also use the skills and knowledge gained from this associate degree to open your own business. Also, you may explore different concentrations and majors related to business and management and pursue a bachelor’s degree after graduation.
Indeed, an associate’s degree in Business Management can help you get started quickly in a business career. Upon completion, you will possess the core business knowledge that employers are looking for!
Get Ready for a Career in Management
Businesses need managers and leaders who can up the game in their daily operations. With an online associate degree in Management, you could be the next person who can change things in a company that’s in the red!
By choosing the best associate degree in Management, you’ll be exposed to the foundational and theoretical practices in business and management.
The online Associate in Management courses to expect—with Finance, Economics, Principles of Marketing, Foundations in Accounting, and Introduction to Management being the most common—along with the general education courses and electives, prepare students for entry-level positions.
Like in-person classes, associate degrees online improve students’ analytical, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Internships and other learning opportunities are offered to expose students to real work settings in the management field where diverse job opportunities are available. You can work as a marketing staff, business consultant, marketing specialist, or customer service personnel.
The goal is to get started with the basics and, eventually, qualify for positions as store manager, marketing director, human resources manager, and management director.
If you wish to pursue higher studies, an Associate in Management is your springboard for a bachelor’s degree in Management or other related studies.
Methodology
With a clear understanding of your goals, it is easier to choose an online associate degree in Management. And when choosing the best program from several reputable universities and colleges across the country, it pays to practice due diligence!
We picked five of the best online Associate of Management programs from top institutions. Each program was selected to exhibit these academic features:
- Let students choose between taking courses online or in person,
- Offers flexibility in specialization choices and opens numerous doors to job opportunities,
- Builds student connections and relationships with other management experts and key industry players through internships and networking opportunities,
- Creates a sturdy foundation for when students decide to pursue higher studies, such as a bachelor’s degree,
- Enables students to benefit from the expertise and experience of professors with extensive backgrounds in business and management,
- Offers financial aid options for online students,
- Accredited by academic organizations to guarantee quality instruction and up-to-date curricula.
Learn about our ranking process by checking out our Methodology page.
5 Best Online Associates in Management Programs
Champlain College
Business operations professionals are in high demand in today’s complex business landscape! Aware of this reality, Champlain College offers an online Associate in Business Management to management enthusiasts.
This online degree will give you the business acumen you’ll need for a variety of careers while giving you both the foundational skills and the in-demand soft skills you’ll need. For individuals starting their first degree, it’s a good initial step toward a full Bachelor’s in Business Management.
Champlain College understands the importance of mobility for online students. It offers the “Fast Start Formula Career Bundle,” and throughout your learning journey, the staff can assist you with your job search efforts.
You can prepare for your next career move with a curriculum that is current and immediately applicable. You receive the assistance you need to achieve your academic objectives from your devoted academic adviser. Learn from practitioners in the field who have first-hand knowledge and expertise.
The courses include:
- Business Law
- Principles of Marketing
- Managerial Accounting
- Foundations of Project Management
- Principles of Business
- Management for an Evolving World
- Principles of Economics
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati offers a web-based Associate of Applied Business in Business Management Technology. This associate program will prepare you to become an entry-level supervisor or manager. If you plan to work after graduating and work your way up the career ladder, this degree is sufficient.
This entirely online associate degree is focused on providing management training. It covers the core accounting, operations, marketing, and sales functions of a business. Make sure you’re ready for the next phase of your professional business career.
With a curriculum designed to fit your career goals, you can acquire the skills and information required to advance into an entry-level managerial or administrative role. No campus visits are required for this degree. You can even use this associate degree to upgrade your current management skills.
You gain abilities from the business management curriculum that are in high demand among employers today. You can also improve fundamental abilities, including teamwork, communication, and critical thinking, which are important in any vocation.
You can use these talents in a variety of settings, such as management positions, small businesses, or customer service.
If you wish to proceed, you can easily proceed to their Bachelor’s Degree Transfer Program and finish the bachelor’s in as little as two more years. This associate degree will provide you with complete resources to help you ease your journey.
Here are the courses to expect in this associate degree:
- Financial Accounting
- Introduction to Microeconomics
- Fundamentals of Management
- Introduction to Marketing
- Fundamentals of Business Finance
- Managerial Accounting
- Fundamentals of Human Relations
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pennsylvania College of Technology offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Business Management. The business management curriculum encompasses all the prerequisites for success in the business world. You can graduate with confidence as you gain all the foundational skills required for entry-level jobs in business.
You can still participate in their collaborative learning process even when you are a distance learner. You’ll be able to participate in live class discussions from off-campus digitally, thanks to Zoom software. All of the stages in management will be covered in this associate degree, and you can distinguish between global and multinational management concepts.
You’ll learn how to use spreadsheets to interpret and explain profitability, liquidity, and solvency ratios from financial statements. You can examine how marketing research facilitates planning and developing the marketing mix.
This online associate degree offers the same degree as its on-campus counterpart. However, they offer the same rate for all kinds of students, regardless of residency status. You can also expect to have an opportunity to speak with faculty one-on-one. A group of 24/7 tutors can assist you through. You don’t have to go to their campus physically, as all courses can be taken via Zoom software.
Some of the sample courses in this associate in management degree include the following:
- Principles of Management
- Introduction to Financial Accounting
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Principles of Marketing
- Business Law I
- Supervision & Human Relations
- Specified Business Management Elective
- Introduction to Managerial Accounting
- Supervision & Human Relations
- Human Resource Management
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University has an online Associate of Science in Management program. If you’re thinking of starting your management slowly, this is the best initial step. Your understanding of the foundational concepts of management and business procedures will be enhanced as a result of earning an Associate of Science in Management.
You can learn about the many theoretical and practical approaches to managing teams and projects in this program. Additionally, you can take advantage of a curriculum that adheres to professional standards and promotes the development of skills relevant to the competitive international business environment.
This flexible online associate degree at Colorado Tech is designed to meet the flexibility requirements of working adults. Classes are hosted on mobile-friendly virtual settings. The program also features scholarships and grants for qualified students.
Colorado Tech’s AS in Management offers the courses below:
- Business Law
- Career Planning and Management
- Management Fundamentals
- Introductory Business Practices
- Environmental Science and Sustainability
- Management of Human Resources
- Algebra for Business
- Contemporary Business Trends
- Financial Statement Analysis
Herzing University
The Associate of Science or Applied Science in Business Management degree is available at Herzing University, and it requires 62 total credits. Students who complete the online degree program receive a solid foundation in many subjects, like economics, finance, management, marketing, and business law.
In this online degree, you can learn the vital information and abilities you need to excel at work and provide the groundwork for long-term career advancement. You’ll get access to numerous online resources, such as tutor services, library services, support services, and academic counseling.
They have very helpful staff to assist online learners. They can offer career counseling along with comprehensive, individualized student services to assist you in your continuous professional development.
Graduates of the business associate degree program are ready for entry-level jobs across all industries. Students gain a basic understanding of how businesses operate as well as the several disciplines needed to run a successful enterprise. Some requirements of this online associate degree are an internship and a research project.
Some of the required courses in this online degree are:
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Project Management
- Principles of Marketing
- Business Law
- The Digital Firm and Business Communications
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Finance
- Accounting
10 Exciting Management Careers for Associate Degree Graduates
With an associate degree in business management, it is possible to work in a variety of industries. You can decide whether a degree in business management is the right educational path for you by learning about the jobs available with the degree. Here are some career pathways to pursue:
1. Client Services Manager
Customers are king, at least in some companies. This is why customer service is very crucial. And in order to ensure the best customer service, there’s a good demand for client services managers.
The customer service manager creates customer service policies and instructs employees on how to follow them. They ensure that all customers are happy and satisfied.
2. Executive Assistant
Company leaders like CEOs and COOs receive daily administrative support from executive assistants. They collaborate closely with senior personnel to be informed of organizational requirements and individual preferences, which aids them in carrying out their numerous jobs.
Calendar management, meeting planning, phone support, and determining whether requests to refer to senior staff or delegate elsewhere are just a few of the responsibilities.
Other duties could involve creating agendas for meetings, recording minutes, keeping track of documents, and utilizing intricate organizational frameworks.
3. Sales Representative
Sales personnel speak with prospective or current clients about any goods or services they might find interesting. To make sure customers are happy with the service, they negotiate contracts and follow up with customers.
They usually rake in the money for companies and businesses. Sales agents might deal with people, companies, or other organizations, which is why communication and sales skills are a must.
4. Job Recruiter
Job recruiters would look for fresh, competent workers to fill unfilled positions in an organization. They could work individually with numerous companies as clients or for one company as their recruiter. They could be working in the human resources division or work as a separate entity in an organization.
Other duties could include checking to make sure applicants meet the needs of the position, assisting applicants in interview preparation, and offering advice on how to enhance a company’s hiring or onboarding procedures.
5. Project Manager
Almost all businesses or corporations need project managers. These professionals are responsible for organizing, planning, monitoring, and instructing tasks to team members. With an associate degree in management, you’ll have the right skills to manage projects and multiple tasks together.
You need to set up meetings with the entire team and ensure that all goals and timelines are met.
6. Investment Specialist
Another job you can have as an associate in management graduate is to be a specialized financial advisor or an investment specialist who helps governments and enterprises source funding. Providing financial support to businesses to help them grow or to government agencies to help pay for community projects like bridges and highways.
These funds are primarily obtained through investments and equities. With expertise in economics and finance, you can guide them successfully.
7. Staff Accountant
Staff accountants are in charge of making financial reports, keeping track of cash flows, and organizing financial records and yearly ledgers. You should know where and how the budgets are spent. You’ll need to assist the company’s primary accountant.
8. Purchasing Manager
Purchasing managers is another important role in organizations and companies. Selecting potential suppliers and vendors, evaluating them, choosing one to deal with, and haggling over prices and terms are all part of their responsibilities.
Purchasing managers at smaller companies may oversee subordinate agents who carry out these duties, but managers at larger companies may supervise purchasing managers. After graduating with an associate in management, you can have an entry-level position as a purchasing manager.
9. Logistics Manager
A logistics manager plans the distribution and storage of commodities. They organize stocks and make sure inventory is always good. Logistics managers make sure to schedule deliveries and arrival of goods to warehouses, stores, and storage systems.
They must also ensure that the quality of goods is good during handling.
10. Business Consultant
Business consultants are experts who usually provide assistance and advice to businesses in order to help them grow exponentially or achieve targets and goals. In order to figure out what’s working and what might benefit from a change, they usually examine a company’s current operations and tactics.
It may be necessary to collaborate with staff members, create comprehensive strategy documents, and present ideas to high-level management as a business consultant.
5 Common Courses in an Online Associate Degree in Management
1. Fundamentals of Management
Every associate degree in management would come with this course, which serves as an introduction to management theories and practices. In this course, students will learn about the overview of managerial responsibilities and group theories.
This course emphasizes the application of management skills by examining a variety of case scenarios in which the student must identify the problem and choose an acceptable solution.
2. Financial Accounting
The fundamental information and abilities required to create and analyze simple financial statements are developed in the financial accounting course.
Liabilities, cash, assets, and stocks are all covered in this course. Each student will prepare a cash flow statement, a classified balance sheet, and a multi-step income statement.
3. Business Law
An associate degree in management comes with a business law course. In this course, students learn about the legal framework that business organizations must adhere to.
4. Macroeconomics
Economics is taught to students as they learn how resources are distributed among members of a society. Additionally, students study American capitalism, consumer behavior, and diverse market structures.
5. Human Resource Management
In human resource management courses, students learn about administrative policies and clerical duties. Students learn how to maintain an effective team by studying topics related to international human resource management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do students develop as an online Associate in Business Management?
Students who pursue an online associate degree in business management get business abilities that are applicable across a range of industries. Graduates of the program are ready to take on typical operational management and people management difficulties in the workplace.
You’ll have foundational business skills and soft skills integral to any job role you have in any industry. Furthermore, you can apply all the knowledge and expertise you’ll earn as you decide to open or pursue your own business.
What other paths should students take after an online Associate degree in Management?
After receiving their associate degree, students may think about continuing their education by enrolling in further degree programs, such as an online bachelor’s degree, master’s, or doctoral program in business management.
With each advanced degree, students are able to explore a wider range of job options and earn more. Bachelor’s degrees in business management and associate degrees in the same subject are complementary.
The career opportunities available to graduates with a bachelor’s degree can be enhanced. Furthermore, business management master’s degrees offer students the possibility of focusing on specific areas of business, such as marketing, human resources, or operations management. After graduation, you can pursue more specialized careers.
As for a Doctoral Degree in Business Management, this can be perfect if you want to gain a research-based career. It is also the best pathway if you want to be an educator in the field of management.
What are the differences between an Associate degree in Management and an Associate online Business Administration degree?
An Associate in Business Administration online focuses on honing business skills like communication, computer, accounting, and business operations. With a Business Administration program, you’ll have the option of working in sales or finance in corporate environments.
An associate’s degree in Business Management, on the other hand, emphasizes the skills of decision-making and problem-solving. An education in this field will enable students to manage teams and projects more effectively.
Summary Points
- Enrolling in an online associate degree in Management is a quick approach to studying the ins and outs of fundamental business management. At the end of the program, you’ll be well-versed in business law, corporate finance, financial management, retail management, accounting, economics, marketing, sales, and human resources.
- A foundation in leadership, company operations, and critical thinking are all developed among associate degree holders through online associate degree programs in business management. It also presents the best foundation if you wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
- In two-year online associate degree programs in Business Management, students are prepared to work as business professionals, supervisors, managers, or owners of small businesses.
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