The associate degree program in Business Administration is a management-focused program that develops skills through course work in mathematics, communication, and general education, and through course work in the business disciplines. Graduates should be prepared for a variety of entry-level positions in the broad career field of business. They will have the necessary skills to lead and supervise people, organize tasks and solve financial problems. Jobs are found in business, local and state government, health care, hotels, real estate, banking, restaurants, not-for-profit organizations, insurance, and sales.
Job Market
The employment of Business Administration graduates with an associate degree is spread through many jobs in various career fields. Overall, employment opportunities for qualified managers are expected to be excellent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Total jobs in management are expected to increase by 19 percent through 2008, which is higher than the average for most positions. Projected growth does vary, however, among industries. For example, significant opportunities are expected in service industries, while fewer jobs are anticipated in finance, insurance, and real estate. Declines are expected for managers in the manufacturing industries.
Job Settings
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, two-thirds of all general business graduates work for businesses and corporations in the private, for-profit sector of the economy. Another 15 percent are self-employed. The government employs one out of 10 graduates and 4 percent work in education. The remaining 3 percent of graduates work for private, nonprofit organizations.
Job Title
There are many entry-level opportunities for graduates of the program. Examples of job titles include: Account Executive, Business Manager, Department Manager, Teller, Administrative Assistant, Insurance Processor, Claims Representative, Customer Service Representative, Auditor, Accountant, Bookkeeper, Human Resource Assistant, Assistant Manager, Convention Service Manager, Office Manager, and Retail Store Manager.