How an Associate of Arts Degree Can Advance your Business Career

An associate degree in business is an academic degree granted upon completion of a two-year course of study, usuallyat a community, junior or business-college level. It can also be considered the first two years of study for a Bachelor's degree program.
 
Compared to the other types of degrees (namely bachelor's and master's degrees), associate programs are typically considered "transfer" degrees, although they can also stand alone as terminal degrees. Associate degrees consist of less coursework and take less time to complete than the other types of degrees.
 
With an associate degree, jobs in any field will be easier to land right out of college. A student with an associate degree can also choose to continue schooling to earn a bachelor's degree.
 

Earning an Associate Degree

Anyone, even those with busy schedules or full-time jobs, can earn an Associate of Arts degree. Online associate degree programs are flexible and cheaper than campus-based studies. Earning your degree online affords you the opportunity to tailor your degree according to your needs and current schedule or workload.

Why You Need an Associate Degree

As an "entry-level" degree, an associate degree programs will help you get your foot in the door so you can start your new career. You can find courses available online for:
  • accounting
  • administrative assistant
  • business
  • consulting
  • customer service
  • human resources
  • management
  • sales.
There are even specialty schools for specific career paths, including associate nursing schools that offer programs for various types of nursing.

Associate of Arts in Accounting

An Associate of Arts in Accounting teaches students how to work effectively in a variety of business settings, providing students with a solid foundation in financial and business strategy, management and ethical issues. Graduates can apply credits earned towards future studies, meaning that they can go on to earn their Bachelor's or Master's degrees in accounting.

Associate of Arts in Communication

This degree focuses on telecommunications, ethical concerns in the journalistic culture and standards of social responsibility in today’s media. Coursework also includes:
  • problem-solving skills
  • review of information sources and print both on the Web and through broadcast delivery
  • speculation on the role of the media in future news presentations.
Students considering earning Associate of Arts degrees have a number of choices. Earning an associate degree can increase your chances of employment, promotion and further education. Depending on your current situation, you may consider earning your degree online, especially if you are looking to save time and money.
 
Resources
 
eLearners (n.d.). Associate of Arts in Accounting. Retrieved March 24, 2008, from the eLearner’s Web site: http://www.elearners.com/online-degree/6794/Associate/
AS/Associate-of-Arts-Accounting/University-of-Phoenix.
 
eLearners (n.d.). Associate of Arts in Communication. Retrieved March 24, 2008, from the eLearner’s Web site: http://www.elearners.com/online-degree/8834/Associate/AS/
Associate-of-Arts-Communications/University-of-Phoenix.
 
Guide to Online Schools (n.d.). Associate in Business Degree Online. Retrieved March 24, 2008, from the Guide to Online Schools Web site: http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/associate_business.html.