What are the Benefits of an Associate Degree in Business?

Today, more students are pursuing short term degrees, like an associate degree. In fact, The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that the percentage of individuals who completed an associate degree or higher is now at 49 percent, up from 41 percent in 2010.

There are many benefits to doing so. Earning an associate degree, like a Business Administration associate degree, is less time consuming, more cost effective, and often a very flexible degree pathway for college learners.

And, the quality of education is still high for associate degree programs. An associate degree in Business Administration, for example, can lay the foundation for a successful career while increasing the job prospects and potential earnings available to you upon graduation. Currently, national statistics show that projected employment growth for jobs needing associate degrees are as high as 36 percent, between 2020-2030.

Let’s explore five, key benefits of a Business Administration associate degree.

1. Shorter Time to Completion

Suppose your ultimate goal for your education is to get a job in business. An associate degree in Business Administration allows you to get in the field.

A Business Administration associate degree can be completed in as little as two years. This shorter duration makes this particular academic path attractive to many students. It means they will graduate and begin earning income two years faster.

At University of Bridgeport (UB), our associate degree in Business Administration curriculum consists of 60 credit hours and can be completed in two years.

2. Lower Cost Investment

As mentioned, college tuition costs continue to increase each year. Thus, many students are weighing their options on funding their postsecondary education and have less debt by the end of their schooling.

A Business Administration associate degree generally costs less than a bachelor’s degree, given the reduced number of credits required to complete the degree and the reduced cost per credit. Thus, an associate degree in Business Administration is a surefire way to save money.

3. Positive Foundation for a Career

An associate degree in Business Administration lays a solid foundation for a business career. By earning this degree, you will be able to enter the workforce sooner, and if you decide to pursue more courses, you will likely be able to pick and choose ones that will advance and further your career.

Students also gain marketable business skills that help them understand how businesses work. In a Business Administration associate degree program, you’ll learn all about the basic principles of business, but also have the opportunity to cover specific topics such as:

• Human resource management
• Performance evaluation methodology
• Customer-focused management
• Sales and marketing principles
• Legal and ethical business practices

Earning an associate in Business Administration demonstrates to potential employers that you are serious about your career and are ready to pursue it as soon as possible. This, in turn, allows you to stand out from other applicants since you will likely require less training than others.

4. Career-focused Coursework

An associate degree in Business Administration allows students to immediately jump into the vital courses needed for their education, such as management theory and accounting principles.

These types of programs equip students with the background and business acumen needed to pursue a variety of positions with courses in:

• Principles of Accounting
• Statistics
• Business Law
• Multicultural Management
• Computer Concepts

A versatile and varied curriculum offers students a well-rounded education. It provides them with skills that will serve as a solid foundation throughout their business career.

5. Increased Potential Earnings

It’s no secret that degree holders enjoy higher employment levels and salaries than non-degree holders.

Why? Because employers are willing to pay qualified and educated employees better wages. Thus, by spending the money and taking the time to invest in yourself and your associate degree in Business, you will likely see your hard work pay off through a higher salary.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, associate degree holders in 2018 earned an average of $6,864 more annually than those with only a high school diploma. Additionally, students can earn an associate degree first, then apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree in order to further advance their careers.

If you want a career in business for a fraction of the time and money, then an associate degree in Business Administration might be the perfect degree for you.

At UB, our Business Administration associate degree program empowers you with the skills and knowledge for success in any business setting. Don’t wait to start your future today. Apply now and join the Purple Knight family!