Getting an Associate Degree in General Business

An Associate of Arts (AA) degree can be the gateway to better earning potential and more career options. Getting an associate degree in general business is a good way to gain skills and knowledge that can be applicable to any business-related career. Once you earn a general associate's business degree, you can either continue your education in a specialized field or you can find an entry-level business-related job.
 
Most of the time, people who earn an Associate of Arts degree in general business studies do so to keep their options open for future education. If you’re not ready to commit to specific area of business but don’t want to put your learning on hold while you make up your mind, a general studies degree might be the right choice for you.
 

General Business Studies Coursework

Typically, an associate degree in business is a good choice for someone who enjoys working with numbers and is good at paying attention to small details. First, you will need to complete the required core curriculum (general education classes) of your college or university. If you choose to pursue this path, the study of general business will require you to take classes in:
  • Accounting
  • Business Law
  • Finance
  • Micro and Macro Economics
  • Speech
  • Statistics.
Some colleges may also require students to participate in accounting internships. Whether or not it is required for the completion of your associate degree, an accounting internship can give you hands-on experience that will increase your chances of getting a job as soon as you graduate.
 
If you decide to go to school full-time, you can earn an associate degree in business in about two years. However, for those who choose to work and attend college part-time, earning an associate degree can take up to five years.

Job Opportunities

Once you have earned an associate degree in business, you will be ready to apply to entry-level opportunities in fields such as:
  • accounting
  • auditing
  • banking
  • business management
  • finance.
An associate degree in business is also a good option for those already working in businesses. Keep in mind that pursuing further education can help you earn higher-paying jobs and build a successful business career.

Cost of Earning an Associate Degree in Business

Tuition, books and other fees vary from campus to campus. Usually, online classes, which students pay for on a class-by-class basis, cost much less than programs through traditional colleges or universities.
 
For a two-year degree at an accredited college or university, you will probably have to pay around $26,000 for your education. In contrast, online courses can cost up to $320 per credit or class.
 
With the job opportunities that open up to those who earn an associate in arts in general business studies, the cost of obtaining your associate’s degree will be well worth it.
 
Resources
 
Croix, Wendy (2008). Will Getting An Education Pay For Itself? Retrieved March 25, 2008, from the World Wide Learn Web site: http://www.worldwidelearn.com/education-advisor/indepth
/will-getting-an-education-pay-for-itself.php.
 
Education Portal (2008). Associate of Arts (AA): General Business Degree Overview. Retrieved March 27, 2008, from the Education-Portal.com Web site:
http://education-portal.com/articles/Associate_in_Business:_
General_Business_Degree_Overview.html.
 
San Diego City College (2008).Associate in Science Degree: Business Studies. Retrieved March 25, 2008, from the SDcity.edu Web site: http://www.sdcity.edu/voctech/acct/AS.asp.