If you’re wondering what you can do with an associate degree in business administration, you’re likely already aware of the appeal of a business degree. But which degree is right for you — an associate degree? A bachelor’s? Choosing the one that’s best for you depends on many factors, ranging from how quickly you want to begin your business career to what your long-term career goals look like.
Many students interested in a business career begin by earning an associate degree, like the Associate of Science (A.S.) in business administration from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). This path allows you to gain a solid foundation in business that prepares you for a wide range of business administration jobs.
By going this route, you can also enter the workforce in just two years and begin earning a good salary with a business administration associate degree salary. You can build skills in an established business, become an entrepreneur, or transfer to a four-year program to earn your bachelor’s degree. When you start with an associate degree in business administration, you’re also creating an affordable path to success in business.
A Clear Path to Associate Degree Business Administration Jobs
An associate degree in business administration can prepare you for entry-level jobs in business, technology, healthcare and a variety of other industries. You’ll gain real-world experience as you position yourself to move up in an organization and develop your professional skills and expertise.
Some jobs with an associate degree in business administration include:
- Administrative support, like administrative assistant, office manager or customer service specialist.
- Business operations and sales, like sales rep, retail store supervisor or account manager.
- Finance and accounting roles, such as bookkeeper, payroll specialist, bank teller or financial clerk.
- Marketing roles, like marketing assistant, social media coordinator or market research assistant.
- Human resources roles, such as human resources assistant or recruitment specialist.
- Logistics jobs, such as supply chain coordinator, distribution specialist or logistics associate.
- Entrepreneurship roles, like franchisee or business owner.
With a strong foundation in business, accounting, economics, marketing and other areas, an associate degree program like NOVA’s can help move your career forward — or set the stage for your bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.
Begin Earning a Good Business Administration Associate Degree Salary
Jobs that utilize an associate degree in business administration can provide you with a salary and benefits far exceeding jobs that require only a high school diploma. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), annual median salary figures for business-related jobs for graduates with an associate degree include:
- Administrative assistant: $46,010
- First-line retail sales supervisor: $46,730
- Bookkeeping, accounting or auditing clerk: $47,440
- Insurance sales agent: $59,080
- Human resources assistant: $47,710
Salaries depend on many factors, including location and organization type. While jobs available to those with an associate degree in business administration are often considered “entry level,” they provide real work experience and prepare you to move up in any organization. Work experience will also help you if you decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Preparation to Become an Entrepreneur or Small Business Owner
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, the business foundation you’ll develop by obtaining your associate degree can prepare you to forge your own career path. There are many entrepreneurial opportunities to explore. Here are some great options:
- Service-based businesses ranging from virtual assistant to bookkeeping or event planning.
- E-commerce and online businesses like dropshipping, print-on-demand or affiliate marketing.
- Home-based services such as personal shopper or errand services, landscaping or pet care.
- Freelancing and consulting in marketing, graphic design, photography or online content creation.
- Food and hospitality offerings like catering, meal prep service or a baking business.
- Brick-and-mortar store owner offering products based on local needs.
Starting and operating your own business can be an exceptionally rewarding career path, offering financial freedom and more control over your own work/life balance. You’ll develop leadership, problem-solving, financial management and decision-making skills as you take on challenges and grow your business.
Build on Your Associate Degree to Further Your Education
Students who earn their associate degree are often inspired to continue their education. In fact, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business can offer you access to more extensive educational and career networks, a wider range of career opportunities and higher earning potential.
By earning your associate degree at NOVA and then transferring into a four-year program, you open the door to: