This degree prepares graduates for different managerial roles in the various business departments and sectors. An associate degree in management provides comprehensive introductory knowledge in accounting, marketing, and human resources. Demand for well-rounded business professionals grows with the economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the addition of more than 750,000 new jobs between 2020 and 2030. Here, we explore the top associate degrees in management and the best available programs in the discipline.
Top 5 online schools for associate in management degrees
The best online associate in management degrees
The ranked list below was created using ZDNet’s ranking methodology. We weighed information curated from publicly available and federally-reported datasets. ZDNet also leverages expert insight from industry and educational professionals. Rome, GA Application fee: $25 Panama City, FL Application fee: $10 San Antonio, TX Application fee: Free Colby, KS Application fee: Not publicly available Booneville, MS Application fee: Not publicly available Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
What to expect in an online associate in management degree program
Management programs provide leadership training and business foundations. In an accredited program, students learn the principles of business sectors, including finance, sales, and economics. They also develop analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 34%Avg. annual net price: $2,148Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 34%Avg. annual net price: $2,779Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: Three+Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 16%Avg. annual net price: $4,986Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 42%Avg. annual net price: $9,905Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online, synchronous and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 36%Avg. annual net price: $8,307Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 37%Avg. annual net price: $8,211Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 35%Avg. annual net price: $3,916Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 36%Avg. annual net price: $1,954Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 24%Avg. annual net price: $3,859Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 33%Avg. annual net price: $9,143Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 33%Avg. annual net price: $6,240Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 48%Avg. annual net price: $9,564Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 44%Avg. annual net price: $8,749Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 54%Avg. annual net price: $10,780Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 51%Avg. annual net price: $10,340Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 34%Avg. annual net price: $5,491Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 46%Avg. annual net price: $5,639Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: One to threeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 41%Avg. annual net price: $11,063Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 84%Graduation rate: 45%Avg. annual net price: $15,851Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: 470-620Minimum GPA: 2.6Enrollment periods per year: Three+Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 34%Avg. annual net price: $7,048Time to completion: One to two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: Two to fourCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 23%Avg. annual net price: $7,143Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 27%Avg. annual net price: $1,665Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 26%Avg. annual net price: $9,424Time to completion: 18-24 monthsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 3.5Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online and hybrid
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 40%Avg. annual net price: $4,955Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.0Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online, synchronous and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 50%Avg. annual net price: $11,952Time to completion: Two yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: Two+Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Associate-level training typically combines theoretical and practical learning. Students learn concepts and then practice them via projects and internships. They may work with spreadsheets, business information technology systems, and case studies. Students pursuing an associate degree in management may have the option to formally specialize in a management subdiscipline, such as human resource or marketing management. Learners can also strategically choose electives to create a similar outcome. The independence of online learning may call for additional self-motivation and ambition from certain students.
Associate degree in management courses
A business management degree at the associate level equips learners with well-rounded entry-level skills. Students can then build on this knowledge and specialize through experience and additional training. Courses in an associate degree in management familiarize students with standard roles, practices, and operations within a business. Degree-seekers also learn to analyze data, manage people, and communicate effectively. Principles of accounting This course teaches students basic accounting duties, including working with spreadsheets, using software, and analyzing the financial health of an individual or organization. Marketing foundations In this course, students learn how to examine and analyze markets, develop marketing strategies, and implement effective communication campaigns. They also learn how to evaluate consumer satisfaction and brand strategies. Principles of management Students in this course learn how to analyze a business’s operations and performance and plan and strategize its upcoming steps. The training also explores effective communication and leadership strategies and motivational and training techniques. Microeconomics This course teaches students microeconomics fundamentals, including the basic concepts, theories, and analysis methods. Learners look at supply and demand, consumer behaviors, and other market forces in play.
Management degree levels
Degree-seekers can pursue management programs at every level. The depth of training and the postgraduate career opportunities grows with each subsequent degree. Associate and bachelor’s degrees often prepare graduates for entry-level positions, whereas advanced degrees prepare graduates for management and teaching roles. The following section looks at the main training paths available.
Certificate in management
Length: 2-12 months Cost: Free-$10,000 Post-grad careers: Bookkeeper, financial advisor, and project manager Management certificates may offer introductory lessons or graduate-level training. They may also explore more general business management practices or focus on a subdiscipline, like human resources and accounting. Certificates usually feature condensed and practical training for maximum postgraduate applicability. Depending on the level of training, certificates may provide graduates with access to entry-level positions or help experienced professionals advance their existing careers.
Associate in management
Length: One to two years Cost: $11,389/year in 2018-19 Post-grad careers: Customer service representative, claims adjuster, and financial clerk Students take introductory lessons in various business sectors for an associate degree in management, including marketing, economics, and sales. They also develop leadership and communication skills to establish their management potential. Most business and financial occupations require a bachelor’s degree, but associate degrees can lead to support and administrative positions. Graduates can also continue their training in a bachelor’s program.
Bachelor’s in management
Length: Three to four years Cost: $28,123/year in 2018-19 Post-grad careers: Human resources specialist, accountant, and financial examiner An online management degree at the bachelor’s level covers business topics like finance, human resources, accounting, and marketing. Students learn the subdisciplines’ fundamentals, along with specific management strategies for each. Through hands-on assignments and internships, learners develop practical skills they can apply to their careers. Graduates qualify for most business and financial occupations, including administration, analyst, and management roles.
Master’s in management
Length: One to two years Cost: $19,792/year in 2019-20 Post-grad careers: Human resources manager, financial analyst, and management analyst Within a master’s in management program, students delve into advanced business theories and practices. They build on undergraduate training, learning specific management strategies, analysis methods, and communication techniques. Master’s programs feature substantial practical training via projects, workshops, and internships. At this level, most management programs come in the form of a general MBA, though subdiscipline specializations are available. Graduates can qualify for most business and financial occupations, along with management and consulting positions.
Doctorate in management
Length: Three to six years Cost: $19,792/year in 2019-20 Post-grad careers: Postsecondary teacher, top executive, and economist A management program at the doctoral level provides the most advanced business training available. Students typically develop a specialization and aim to contribute something new to the field through their research and dissertation projects. Students pursuing a doctorate in managementcan pick between a doctor in business administration (DBA) or a Ph.D. The former focuses primarily on practical training, whereas the latter emphasizes research. DBA graduates tend to pursue top executive and consulting roles, whereas Ph.D. graduates pursue teaching and research careers.
In conclusion
Management programs like those ranked above deliver broad and applicable business training in many fields. Students learn how each business sector functions and operates daily. They also develop some management strategies for each subfield. If you want more information about any of the listed programs, reach out to the schools directly.
