Best Online Associate in Business Administration 2022
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How Will an Associate in Business Adminsitrion Help Students
An online associate degree in business administration allows graduates to compete for entry-level administrative and support roles.
The curriculum builds both professional experience and academic knowledge and opens the door to bachelor's in business administration programs while helping learners save money on tuition.
Students pursuing this degree enter a thriving field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that roles for administrative service managers will grow 6% between 2019-2029 — faster than the average for all occupations. This role also offers a substantial salary, as the median pay reached $96,940 in 2019. Note that some employers prefer a bachelor's degree for this role, but others will accept an associate degree.
Prospective students researching programs may notice several different types of business administration degrees. Associate of science (AAS) and associate of art programs both prepare learners to transfer to a four-year institution after graduation. An associate of applied science prepares graduates for professional roles and best meet the needs of graduates who want to immediately enter the workforce. These programs require fewer general education credits and include more business-specific classes. However, AAS graduates may not be able to transfer as many credits if they decide to pursue a bachelor's degree later.
Featured Business Administration Associate's Programs
The Best Online Associate's in Business Administration Programs
#1 Online College in Louisiana
Delgado Community College
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Graduation Rate | 7% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
39%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Accredited By: Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes
Louisiana's Delgado designs the associate of science in business administration as a transfer program. The online degree constitutes the first two years of a bachelor's degree. The curriculum's 60 credits include general education courses in English and college algebra.
Enrollees develop business skills in areas, such as financial accounting, marketing, and project management. Students can use elective credit to complete an internship. Participants can also learn how to start a new business or manage personal and family finances.
The school's articulation agreements with several colleges streamline the transfer process. Admission to this business administration associate degree requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Available Scholarships: Delgado Chancellor Scholarship Fund; Delgado Achievement Fund
#2 Online College in Kentucky
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Paducah, Kentucky |
| Graduation Rate | 53% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
39%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Concentrations Available: Accounting; HR management; management
Accredited By: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes
Students tailor WKCTC's online associate of applied science in business administration to meet their career goals. Enrollees can complete 61-67 hours in just 16 months. The transfer-friendly program provides the first two years of a bachelor's degree in business. All students take general education courses, such as business math and writing.
Students learn how to use computers and business computer technology. A technical core develops skills in general business areas, including marketing and managerial accounting. Students receive specialized training in one of three tracks: accounting, management, or HR management.
Admission to the online associate in business administration requires a high school diploma or GED certificate and SAT or ACT scores.
Available Scholarships: Work Ready Scholarship
#3 Online College in Maine
Central Maine Community College
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Auburn, Maine |
| Graduation Rate | 29% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
32%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Concentrations Available: Entrepreneurship or business ownership; supervision or management; computer applications; sports management
Accredited By: New England Commission of Higher Education
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
CMCC's business program allows students to earn a degree while they balance family and work obligations. Students complete the AAS in business administration and management online. The 60-61-credit degree introduces students to various business fundamentals and functions.
Participants develop entry-level skills in marketing, accounting, and small business management. All enrollees learn how to apply supervision principles in the workplace. Students develop specialized skills in an optional pathway, such as entrepreneurship or sports management.
Enrollees can use the online associate in business administration to transfer to a bachelor's program. Learners receive access to online tutoring. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Available Scholarships: Mainely Character; Maine State Grant Program and Maine State Grant Program for Adult Learners
#4 Online College in West Virginia
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Moorefield, West Virginia |
| Graduation Rate | 29% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
32%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
Eastern's associate of applied science in business management teaches students how to apply business skills in the workplace. Students complete the 60-credit degree in two years. The online curriculum includes a limited number of general education courses.
Students receive an introduction to accounting, marketing, and management principles. Participants can use elective credits to learn how to produce electronic presentations or use spreadsheet and database management software. A business management course in the final semester includes an internship component.
Students graduate from the online associate in business administration prepared for entry-level management positions. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Available Scholarships: Eastern Traditional Student Scholarship; Eastern Nontraditional Student Scholarship
#5 Online College in New York
Genesee Community College
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Batavia, New York |
| Graduation Rate | 32% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
31%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Accredited By: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
Students at New York's GCC can choose an associate of science or associate of applied science in business administration. Degree-seekers can complete either program entirely online. The AS was designed to seamlessly transfer to baccalaureate programs within SUNY's 64 colleges and universities.
The 62-credit AAS and 63-credit AS require GCC's liberal arts and sciences core curriculum. All enrollees develop financial and managerial accounting skills. They also learn business law principles.
The AS explores additional business areas, such as marketing and the use of microcomputer applications. The AAS allows students to pick concentration areas like professional sales. AAS students also complete a cooperative work experience.
Admission to either online associate in business administration requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Available Scholarships: GCC President's Scholarship; GCC Foundation Scholarship
#6 Online College in Pennsylvania
Delaware County Community College
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Media, Pennsylvania |
| Graduation Rate | 20% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
39%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Accredited By: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
Delaware County Community College's associate of science in business administration transfers to bachelor's programs at participating colleges in Pennsylvania. The fully online curriculum requires 61-62 credits. Students learn core skills, such as financial and managerial accounting. They also learn how to develop marketing strategies for products and services.
The business administration associate degree teaches enrollees how to apply management theories and practices in the workplace. Students develop effective oral and written communication skills. All students pay very affordable tuition rates. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Available Scholarships: Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency State Grant Program
#7 Online College in Maine
York County Community College
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Wells, Maine |
| Graduation Rate | 27% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
45%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Concentrations Available: Finance
Accredited By: New England Commission of Higher Education
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
Located in Wells, Maine, YCCC offers an associate of applied science in business administration that provides a well-rounded business education. Enrollees prepare for entry-level jobs and to start their own business. The 60-credit curriculum teaches accounting, marketing, and finance principles. A course explores small business management.
YCCC offers the 60-credit AAS in business management with a finance concentration. This track provides additional coursework exploring financial markets and money and banking. Students in either business administration associate degree complete a capstone course
Both degrees offer accelerated, seven-week options. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Available Scholarships: Maine Community College scholarships
#8 Online College in North Carolina
Robeson Community College
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lumberton, North Carolina |
| Graduation Rate | 21% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
63%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Accredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
Students learn various aspects of business operations in RCC's associate of applied science in business administration. The 67-68-credit curriculum provides training in financial accounting and marketing. Students learn how to complete payroll and use accounting software applications.
A course introduces students to HR management functions, such as recruitment and selection. Enrollees explore how to start and run a small business with the aim of developing their own business plan.
A professional development course teaches image-building and job-seeking skills. Students can use elective credits to tailor the curriculum for college transfer. Admission requires a high school diploma, or the equivalent, and placement tests.
Available Scholarships: NC Community College Grant; North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship; RCC Foundation scholarships
#9 Online College in Virginia
New River Community College
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Dublin, Virginia |
| Graduation Rate | 33% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
49%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Accredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
New River offers an associate of arts and sciences (AA&S) in business administration and AAS in business management. Students complete the 60-61-credit AA&S in preparation to transfer to a four-year college. The AA&S provides a well-rounded education in the liberal arts. Students develop business skills in a limited number of areas, such as accounting and business law.
The 67-credit AA&S offers additional business training for students preparing to enter the workplace after college. Students learn marketing, accounting, and financial management skills. An entrepreneurship course explores the various steps to start a business.
Admission to either online associate in business administration requires a high school diploma or GED certificate and placement tests.
Available Scholarships: New River Foundation Endowed Scholarship Program
#10 Online College in Virginia
Rappahannock Community College
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Glenns, Virginia |
| Graduation Rate | 34% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
47%
|
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Accredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
RCC designs an associate of arts and sciences (AA&S) transfer degree with a business administration specialization. The 60-credit program meets lower-division requirements for business bachelor's degrees at a variety of colleges.
Students complete coursework in math, writing, and history. They explore principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Participants learn accounting skills such as financial reporting and product costing. Students can use elective credits to enhance their business skills as part of the business administration associate degree.
Students receive online tutoring and can participate in college success workshops. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate and placement tests for some applicants.
Available Scholarships: RCC foundation scholarships
Online Associate in Business Administration Programs Ranking Guidelines
We selected the following schools based on the quality of their online associate degree in business programs, the types of courses offered, and their faculty, rankings, awards, and reputations, including each school's reputation for effectively providing quality online programs.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
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Featured Business Administration Associate's Programs
Why Get an Associate Degree in Business?
Earning an associate degree in business online helps first-time college students seeking an introduction to the field. The curriculum includes approximately 60 credits focused on both general education and core degree topics. Common courses include introduction to international business, human relations in administration, business systems analysis and design, and financial accounting.
Graduates should have a basic yet thorough understanding of cornerstone business concepts in marketing, human relations, finance, accounting, and management.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree in Business Administration?
An online associate degree in business administration typically takes full-time learners two years to complete. However, several factors can affect this timeline. For example, students with previous college or AP credits may graduate more quickly.
Working professionals or parents may need to enroll on a part-time basis, slowing their progress. These individuals usually graduate within three years. Other factors worth considering include testing out of courses or taking courses year-round.
What Can You Do With an Associate Degree in Business Administration?
With an associate degree in business, graduates can pursue both professional and academic opportunities. Some students may enter the workforce. Others move directly into a bachelor's of business administration or a bachelor's of business management. Each business degree can help graduates expand their careers in business.
Job Options if You Have an Associate Degree in Business Administration
With an associate in business administration degree, you can get jobs like a sales manager position, a project assistant position, an office manager position, or a support specialist position. Individuals with an associate in business administration typically seek the following jobs:
- Administrative Assistant
- Administrative Services Manager
- Assistant Director of Operations
- Assistant Manager
- Auditing Clerk
- Business Assistant
- Business Service Specialist
- Customer Service Supervisor
- Event Planner
- Executive Assistant
- Food Service Manager
- General Office Administrator
- General Office Clerk
- Human Resources Administrative Assistant
- Human Resources Coordinator
- Information Clerk
- Inside Sales Representative
- Inventory Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Media Sales Representative
- Office Manager
- Office Support Specialist
- Operations Manager
- Payroll Coordinator
- Procurement Coordinator
- Project Assistant
- Purchasing Manager
- Retail Manager
- Sales Manager
Salary Potential For an Associate's in Business Administration
Online associate in business administration graduates qualify for managerial roles across several industries. The position each graduate pursues depends on their individual interests and career goals. We highlight a few popular options below.
| Median Salary: $96,940 | Projected Job Growth: 6% |
|---|
Administrative service managers typically work in administrative positions for companies, meaning they're responsible for internal organization, supply management, record-keeping, or facility management.
| Median Salary: $126,640 | Projected Job Growth: 4% |
|---|
Sales managers typically work for public-facing businesses where sales are a major source of revenue. These professionals oversee other employees, helping keep them organized and providing resources to make their jobs easier.
| Median Salary: $55,320 | Projected Job Growth: 1% |
|---|
A food service managers is in charge of keeping a restaurant or other food-related business running. This can mean managing employees, tracking inventory, or interfacing with the public to ensure that customer service is held to a high standard.
| Median Salary: $54,430 | Projected Job Growth: -12% |
|---|
Also known as hospitality managers, lodging managers are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of hotels, motels, inns, and other hospitality organizations. Their responsibilities can include managing staff, responding to customer service needs, or organizing company records.
Featured MBA Programs
Common Questions About Associate's Degree in Business Administration
What Is an Associate Degree in Business?
An associate degree in business is a two-year program that provides a gateway to professional roles or additional academic pursuits.
What Can You Do With an Associate Degree in Business Administration?
This degree allows graduates to pursue entry-level roles in business administration, with the potential to climb the employment ladder over time.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree in Business Administration?
Full-time learners working toward an associate degree in business typically graduate in two years.
Can I Get an Associate Degree in Business Administration?
Admission requirements for these programs usually include a high school diploma or GED.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Associate Degree in Business Administration?
Graduates often qualify for entry-level positions focused on administration, management, and executive support.
How Much Do You Make With an Associate Degree in Business?
Salaries fluctuate substantially based on geographic location, industry, role, and experience. According to the BLS, the median salary for administrative service managers in 2018 was $96,180.
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