Information on Associate Degree Program in Operations Management
Majors Overview June 18, 2013Operations management associate degree programs will prepare students to oversee the day-to-day operations of technical and manufacturing businesses. The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Operations Management is one of the most common degrees offered in the subject.
A.A.S. in Operations Management Degree Program
Courses in operations management are usually offered as part of a degree program in business management or business administration. Some vocational and community colleges offer associate degree programs that will prepare students for careers in operation management. The operation management associate degree program will provide students with the business education and technical skills necessary to oversee the management of manufacturing business operations.
Individuals who are enrolled in an operations management associate degree program learn about the practical elements of distributing and manufacturing goods, such as overseeing materials management, complying with safety standards, wage disputes and negotiating labor, training and hiring employees, making correct purchase orders, and overseeing quality control teams. Students are also expected to build strong written and oral communication skills, along with leadership and problem-solving skills.
Education Requirements
The academic requirements for associate degree programs in operations management are similar to those for associate degree programs in logistics, management, or business. Incoming students should have general knowledge of practical English and mathematics, as well as having their general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Program Course Topics
Along with basic educational courses, students who are enrolled in an associate degree program in operations management are required to take management courses along with practical courses related to technical operations. Program course topics may include the following:
•Business communications
•Labor relations management
•Human relations
•Statistical quality control
•Materials management
•Safety and health in a manufacturing setting
•Quality control and management
•College-level accounting
•Business law
•Management principles
Career Options
Operations management associate degree program will prepare students for entry-level management positions in different manufacturing industries. Individuals may obtain the following positions:
•Aviation operations manager
•Casino business operations manager
•Quality assurance manager
•Inventory control manager
•Distribution manager
•Transportation manager
•Manufacturing operations manager
Certification and Continuing Education Information
Graduates of an associate’s degree program in operations management who want to continue their education should consider enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program in supply chain management, logistics or operations management. Certification from the Association for Operations Managers (APICS – www.apics.org) can benefit operations managers in their chosen profession. From the association, professionals can seek credentials such as a Certified Supply Chain Professional designation or a Product and Inventory Management certification.
