Essential Information
An associate's degree in business administration provides students with a background in areas such as finance, marketing, and more. Programs may also include instruction in sales, customer service, professional communication, among other skills. Specializations in fields such as accounting and management are available. An internship may be required for graduation, and credits earned in the program may be transferred into a bachelor's degree program. A high school degree or GED is required for enrollment in an ABA program.
Associate of Business Administration
A core business curriculum in general topics is typically mandatory in ABA programs, alongside elective coursework in more specific areas. Some common course topics may include:
- Economics
- Business writing
- Business spreadsheets
- Professional ethics
- Information technology
- Business law
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
Reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that retail sales workers are projected to see little or no change (0%) in employment opportunities between 2019 and 2029. Over the same decade, a 2% employment decline was also expected for customer service representatives. The BLS stated in May 2020 that these reps earned a median annual wage of$35,830, while retail sales workers earned a median of $27,320 per year.
Continuing Education Info
A graduate of an associate's degree in business program may enter a bachelor's degree program in areas including accounting, business administration, finance, management and marketing. Beyond the undergraduate level, individuals may decide to continue their education into a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. In an MBA program, students can continue to specialize in one of multiple areas such as accounting, entrepreneurship, health care management and global business.
An associate's program in business administration typically includes core business courses, like economics and marketing, and may allow students to complete real-world experiences as well. Graduates are prepared for entry-level careers, or they can further their education in a bachelor's program.
