An Associate of Arts in Business, or AA in Business, is an accessible yet valuable steppingstone for those seeking to enter the business world or enhance their existing careers. This two-year degree program offers a blend of foundational business knowledge and practical skills that can open doors to entry-level positions across industries or serve as a solid foundation for further academic pursuits.
Unlike more specialized business degrees, an AA in Business provides students with a broad understanding of core business concepts while also developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities through general education requirements. This balanced approach creates well-rounded professionals equipped to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the modern workplace.
What Business Degree Programs Are Available?
If you’re pursuing a business degree as the next step for furthering your education and career, there are several options to consider:
AA in Business
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Each degree has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to consider what is right for you and your education, as well as your professional goals. Let’s take a look at each business degree individually before you dive into the online business administration quiz.
- Associate Degree in Business: The Initial Entry Option
An associate degree in business serves as an efficient entry point into the business world. This two-year program provides several key advantages, including:
- Time efficiency: With only two years of study required, students can enter the workforce relatively quickly compared to longer degree programs.
- Cost effectiveness: Associate degrees typically cost less than bachelor's or master's degree programs, making them financially accessible for many students.
- Foundation building: The curriculum focuses on introductory business subjects that provide a solid foundation, including international business, business law, management accounting, finance, marketing, and leadership.
- Career flexibility: This degree can lead to entry-level positions such as human resources assistant or marketing associate, or serve as a steppingstone to further education.
- Credit transfer potential: Credits earned can often be applied toward a bachelor's degree, making it a strategic first step for those who may want to pursue advanced education later.
- Bachelor's Degree in Business: The Industry Standard
The bachelor's degree in business administration represents the standard qualification for many business positions and offers distinct benefits such as:
- Comprehensive education: This four-year program combines business fundamentals with specialized knowledge in chosen concentration areas.
- Specialization opportunities: Students can focus on specific areas like accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare administration, human resources, international business, marke
- ing, project management, public administration, or sports management.
- Well-rounded development: Programs typically include general education requirements that develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills.
- Career enhancement: Many managerial and administrative roles in business require at least a bachelor's degree, which may make it essential for career growth.
- MBA: The Leadership Pathway
The MBA or Master of Business Administration represents an advanced qualification designed for those seeking leadership positions that equips you with:
- Advanced knowledge: These 18-month to two-year programs focus on specialized areas with greater depth and complexity than undergraduate studies.
- Leadership development: Coursework emphasizes leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and high-level decision-making skills.
- Career opportunity: An MBA may help you to pursue executive, leadership, and other senior roles.
- Networking Opportunities: MBA programs often provide valuable professional networking opportunities with faculty, guest speakers, and fellow students who are business professionals.
Educational Format Considerations
The availability of online programs across all degree levels has revolutionized accessibility to business education thanks to:
- Flexibility: Online programs allow students to maintain work and family commitments while pursuing their education.
- Accessibility: These programs make education available to those in remote locations or without access to traditional campus settings.
- Matched quality: Online business degrees provide the comparable educational content and value as traditional campus-based programs.
- Technology integration: Students develop digital collaboration skills through teleconferencing with professors and peers.
Decision-Making Factors
When choosing between these degree paths, several factors should be considered, including:
- Time investment: Consider how quickly you need to enter or advance in the job market.
- Financial resources: Evaluate what you can afford in terms of tuition and living expenses during your education.
- Career goals: Align your educational path with your desired career trajectory and ambitions.
- Return on investment: Consider the relationship between educational costs and potential salary increases.
- Personal circumstances: Factor in your current responsibilities, geographic constraints, and learning preferences.
This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the business degree landscape, helping prospective students understand their options and make informed decisions based on their unique circumstances and goals.
Let’s look at the above information in a more summarized view below.
AA in Business
Duration: 2 years
Career Opportunities:
- Entry-level business roles
Key Benefits:
- Quick entry to workforce
- Lower cost
- Credits transferable to bachelor's degree
- Foundation for further education
BA in Business Administration
Duration: 4 years
Career Opportunities:
- Managerial positions
- Administrative roles
- Mid-level business positions
Key Benefits:
- Industry standard qualification
- Specialized knowledge
- Broader job opportunities
Well-rounded skill development
MBA
Duration: 18 months-2 years
Career Opportunities:
- Leadership positions
- Executive roles
- Senior management
- Specialized business consultants
Key Benefits:
- Advanced knowledge
- Leadership development
- Career acceleration
- Valuable networking opportunities
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Business Degree?
The time investment required to earn a business degree varies significantly depending on the type of degree you pursue, your enrollment status, and your personal circumstances.
An associate degree in business typically takes two years of full-time study to complete. This represents the quickest path to obtaining a business credential that can qualify you for entry-level positions or serve as a foundation for further education.
A bachelor's degree in business administration generally requires 4 years of full-time study. However, if you've already completed an associate degree, you may be able to transfer credits and complete your bachelor's in approximately two additional years.
For those seeking advanced credentials, a master's degree in business administration (MBA) typically takes between 18 months and two years to complete if attending full time. Many working professionals opt for part-time MBA programs, which can extend the timeline to three-to-five years but allow for continued employment.
It's worth noting many factors can influence these timelines:
- Part-time enrollment will extend completion time proportionally
- Accelerated programs may reduce the standard timeframe
- Prior learning assessment or transfer credits can shorten the path
- Online programs often offer flexible pacing options
- Work, family, or financial circumstances may necessitate taking breaks
Is a Degree in Business Administration Worth It?
The investment of time should be weighed against your career goals and financial considerations. While an associate degree offers the quickest entry into the workforce, bachelor's and master's degrees may open doors to more advanced positions and higher earning potential over time.
Ultimately, the question of "how long" should be balanced with "what value" each degree path provides for your specific situation and aspirations.