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What careers can I have with an Associate Degree in Business?

An associate degree in business is a very popular degree to claim. More and more people are opting for this program over the more time-consuming and costly tuition of a bachelor’s degree in business.

Also, many employers are requiring their potential employees to have some sort of collegiate background on their resumes.


Take a look: The Fastest Online Associates Degrees in Business Management


Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

associate degree in business

Upon completion of the generally two-year time span it takes to complete an associate’s degree program, you have a choice to make.

  • Should you go straight to work or further your education?
  • Are the time and funds required to further your education going to yield you a high return on your investment? 
  • What careers are available with my associate’s degree?

When considering if an associate’s degree is worth the time and effort, you need to consider the advantages of having a degree in the first place.

Consider the time involved and the money you have to spend on your education. Perhaps a two-year associate degree in business may be a better option for you financially; you can go straight into the workforce and start your way up the corporate ladder while earning a steady income.

Maybe you would like to improve your job opportunities and expand your earning potential by obtaining your associate’s degree. Those with only a high school diploma are at a significant disadvantage compared to those with an associate’s degree.

In fact, you will not only be considered for more jobs, but you will also have the opportunity to increase your earnings as well.

Perhaps you are in a position already where you have “topped out” on the pay scale for the job you have, and you would like to take the initiative and show your employer you have ambition and desire to benefit the company and, therefore, increase your earnings, too.

Naturally, the next step would be to achieve an associate’s degree.

An Associate in Business is a Great Start

An associate’s degree in business provides you with a good foundation and academic stepping stone to build upon, whether it be now or in your future; you will be able to obtain a higher degree if you already have completed an associate’s program.

Some students, at this point, have not got their long-term career goals in place yet. If this describes you, then an associate’s degree will give you proper training to help you advance later in your academic endeavors when you have the opportunity.

The main curriculum focus of an associate’s degree is generally the foundational technical and academic knowledge that is required in entry-level positions. With an associate’s degree in business, you will become well-versed in computer system applications, economic principles, banking, and marketing, as well as basic principles of business.

What Kind of Career Can I Have with an Associate Degree?

associate degree in business

So, if you already have an associate’s degree, what’s the next step? This is a question many newly graduated students ask themselves upon graduation. What kind of career can I have with my associate’s degree?

There is a general consensus of opinion that you can’t have a lucrative, well-paying career unless you have a bachelor’s or above degree; however, that is simply not true.

There is an abundance of job opportunities for associate degree holders in business. In fact, some fields in technology and healthcare only require an associate’s degree to get you on your way to a rewarding career.

In general, an associate degree will prepare you for a wide range of possible fields to pursue, such as technical and trade careers, accounting and auditing clerks, sales, real estate, and administrative or office management positions. These are just a few of the areas of business that your two-year degree will provide you.

Although some of these fields may also be obtainable with only a high school diploma, when combined with on-the-job training, an associate’s degree will afford you more opportunities and greater compensation.

Combining your degree with another corresponding associate’s degree, like an associate in business with an associate in nursing, will potentially provide you with an advantage over others, as well.

Now that you know an associate’s degree is worth the investment, let’s explore, more specifically, some other potential careers to use with your associate’s degree in business.

Careers and Salaries

According to BLS.gov, the top careers are listed below, along with their annual mid-career earning potential.

  • Computer Hardware Engineering – $132,360
  • Economist – $113,940
  • Construction Manager – $101,480
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineer – $104,610
  • Engineer – $83,700
  • Dental Hygienist – $81,400
  • Computer Programmer – $97,800
  • Occupational Health & Safety Specialist and Technicians – $75,240
  • Mechanical Engineering – $96,310
  • Computer and Information Technology – $100,530
  • Civil Engineer – $89,940

Of course, as always, you should do your own research for any field you are interested in pursuing to check for median salaries in your area of the country.

associate degree in business

In Conclusion

An associate’s degree in business may not prepare you for the more lucrative higher-level careers, but it is certainly an excellent building block to consider. It will open doors for you that might not be possible with just a high school diploma.

However, if an associate’s degree is the end of your educational journey, then rest assured you will be awarded numerous career opportunities and earning potential.


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Rowan Jones
Chief Editor