Degree Overview: Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) – Business Administration
Majors Overview June 4, 2013Students enrolled in an associate degree in business administration are provided with the skills and knowledge needed to seek an entry level job in a business setting. Students can either enter the workforce immediately upon completion of the degree program or transfer to a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Schools offer the program under various titles such as Associate of Business Administration (A.B.A.), Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.), Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), or Associate of Occupational Studies.
Associate Degree Program in Business Administration
Students can use the program to gain instruction in academic subject areas that would help them understand management concepts, and business organizations and operations. Programs typically have a liberal arts orientation and students are provided with well-rounded instruction and are allowed to specialize in specific subject areas such as accounting, operations management or marketing. Students enrolled in these programs can also acquire skills related to professionalism, communication and critical thinking. There are no prerequisites for admission in most schools.
Program Coursework
Business administration associate degree program curriculum usually concentrates on helping students build basic skills, along with skills specific to business. Depending on the degree programs, some will allow students to select a specialization field and take courses in that field. Students can take some basic educational courses, including mathematics and communications, as well as core business courses. Program course topics may include the following:
•Business ethics
•Business law
•Management
•Accounting
•Marketing
•Economics
Career Options
Students will be prepared to enter the workforce upon completion of the associate degree program in business administration. Jobs can be found in non-profit and profit businesses. Graduates can qualify for entry-level positions such as accounting, marketing, and management. They may earn the following job titles:
•Sales representative
•Marketing associate
•Manager
Information on Continuing Education
An Associate of Science program will prepare students to enter the job market without having to pursue further education. However, some associate degree programs are specifically designed to allow students to transfer credits earned to a four-year bachelor degree program. Students who want to further their education should consider enrolling into a bachelor degree program in business administration that may include specialization options in management, marketing, finance, or accounting. Students can pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Ph.D. degree in business once they have completed the four-year bachelor degree program.