Associate of Arts in Business Administration

If you are a working adult interested in pursuing a career in business or transferring to a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or other business specialization, our AA degree program in Business Administration can be the first step to achieving your dreams.

Empowered to Succeed

As a graduate of the AA in Business Administration degree program*, you will be prepared to:

  1. Identify the accounting standard principles and be able to prepare basic financial statements.
  2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of business organization concepts and theories, and decision-making skills.
  3. Describe the basic macro and microeconomics theories and market structures to describe their implications related to government, business, and individuals.
  4. Complete a business plan demonstrating the application of the basic principles of business organization, operations management theories, and accounting, finance, and marketing concepts.

*The general education core for this degree complies with guidelines of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI).

 

Why Choose a Business Administration Associates from St. Augustine College?

Pursuing an Associate of Arts in Business Administration at St. Augustine College provides a solid foundation for students aiming to enter the business world or continue their education in a bachelor’s program. The program is designed to equip students with essential business knowledge and skills, preparing them for various roles in the business sector.

Our associate in arts business administration program is designed to be flexible, affordable, and aligned with today’s job market. You’ll learn how business operate, how to think strategically, and how to communicate effectively in a professional setting, the skills that employers are looking for in entry-level business hires. 

As a student in the business admin associates program, you’ll benefit from: 

  • Small class sizes and personalized instruction 
  • Experienced faculty with real-world business backgrounds
  • Transferable credits to bachelor’s programs across Illinois and beyond 
  • Day, evening, and weekend classes to fit your schedule. 

The Associate’s in Business Admin curriculum covers fundamental areas such as accounting, economics, management, marketing, and business law. This comprehensive approach ensures that students develop a well-rounded understanding of business operations and practices. Additionally, the program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, which are vital for success in any business environment.

One of the unique features of St. Augustine College is its commitment to bilingual education. Students have the opportunity to start their studies in Spanish and transition to English, facilitating a smoother learning experience for non-native English speakers. This bilingual approach not only enhances language proficiency but also prepares students to operate effectively in diverse, multicultural business settings.

Furthermore, St. Augustine College offers flexible scheduling options, including day, evening, and weekend classes, to accommodate the needs of working adults and nontraditional students. The supportive learning environment, combined with dedicated faculty and staff, ensures that students receive the guidance and resources necessary to achieve their academic and career goals.

Graduates of the Associate of Arts in Business Administration program are well-prepared to pursue entry-level positions in various business fields or to continue their education by enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program. The skills and knowledge acquired through this program serve as a strong foundation for future academic and professional endeavors.

The First Step Towards a Business Career 

St. Augustine College supports your goals with dedicated career services, academic advising, and an inclusive learning environment. For recent high school graduates, returning students, or working adults, our associates of arts in business administration program offers a practical and affordable path forward.

Associate of Arts

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Associate of Arts Business Administration Full Course List List

List of Classes and Credit Hours for AA Business Administration
Associate of Arts in Business Administration CREDIT HOUR REQUIREMENTS
REQUIREMENTSCREDIT HOURS
General Education Requirements48
ENG 160 Composition I4
ENG 162 Composition II4
ENG 165 Speech4
MAT 200 Finite Mathematics OR MAT 225 Introductory Statistics4
BIO 102 Human Biology OR BIO 108 Anatomy and Physiology I4
CHM 115 Basic Chemistry OR PHY 103 Earth Science4
HUM 204 Music Appreciation OR HUM 205 History and Appreciation of Art4
PHI 220 Ethics OR any unduplicated Humanities or Fine Arts course4
SPA 222 The Hispanic-American Experience through Literature or HUM 2024
HIS 105 Survey of U.S. History from 1865 to Present OR HIS 104 Survey of U.S. History to 1865 OR PSC 103 American Government and Politics4
ECO 101 Principles of Macroeconomics OR ECO 102 Principles of Microeconomics4
PSY 101 General Psychology4
Major Requirements12
ACC 101 Principles of Accounting4
ACC 161 Financial Accounting4
BUS 110 Introduction to Business4
CIS 115 Spreadsheets for Business 4
ACC 162 Managerial Accounting 4
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS/COURSES68

Business Administration Faculty

Meet our dedicated Business Administration faculty below.

Business Professor, Dr. Asif Ashiqali
Dr. Asif Ashiqali is a seasoned academic leader and business professional with over 20 years of experience spanning academia, business…
Read More

Careers You Can Pursue with an Associate of Arts in Business Administration

From small business to larger corporations, an associate of arts degree in business administration gives you the versatility to grow your career with confidence.

Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistants play a crucial role in managing office operations and supporting executives or department teams. With your associate of arts business administration degree, you’ll be prepared to handle scheduling, correspondence, recordkeeping, and project coordination. Strong communication and organizational skills make this a great entry-level role for business graduates looking to grow within a company.

Customer Service Representative

Customer Service Representative

This role involves interacting with customers to resolve issues, answer questions, and ensure satisfaction. Graduates with an AA business degree are well-equipped to thrive in this position thanks to their understanding of business operations, client communications, and conflict resolution. It’s also a versatile job that exists across nearly every industry.

Office Manager

Office Manager

Office managers oversee daily operations, manage administrative staff, and ensure workplace efficiency. Your associate of arts in business administration degree gives you the foundation in leadership, budgeting, and operations management needed for this supervisory role. It’s an ideal fit for organized, proactive individuals who enjoy coordinating people and processes.

Sales Associate or Account Representatives

Sales Associate or Account Representatives

In sale roles, professionals are responsible for connecting customers with products or services, meeting sales goals, and maintaining client relationships. With a background in business administration, you’ll bring valuable skills in negotiation, customer relationship management, and strategic thinking to drive results. These positions often offer commissions or bonuses in addition to base salary.

Marketing Assistant

Marketing Assistant

Marketing assistants help develop campaigns, conduct market research, and track analytics to support brand or sales initiatives. The business knowledge gained through your AA business administration degree will be especially useful in understanding consumer behavior and interpreting performance metrics. This role is a great stepping stone into digital marketing, advertising, or brand strategy.

AA in Business Administration FAQ

How long is the Business Administration Associate’s Program?

This 2 year program is compiled of 68 total credit hours that can be taken at your leisure.

Is the Business Administration Associate Degree Program offered online or at one of the campuses in Chicago?

The AA in Business Administration program is offered both online and in person. Our online model is a real-time livestream of the courses, so students have the flexibility to to learn completely online, in-person, or a combination of both.

Why Get an AA in Business Administration?

An AA in Business Administration allows students to quickly receive a college degree and enter a field of business with a strong foundation in economics, accounting, management, and project planning.

What is an Associate of Arts in Business Administration?

An Associate of Arts in Business Administration is a two-year degree designed to build a strong foundation in core business principles such as accounting, management, marketing, and economics. This program is ideal for students who want to start working in business roles or plan to transfer to a four-year institution. Earning an AA business administration degree can help you pursue a wide range of entry-level roles across industries.

What can you do with an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration?

Graduates with an associate of arts degree in business administration often find jobs in roles such as administrative assistant, office manager, sales associate, customer services representative, or business support specialist. Many also continue their education to earn a bachelor’s degree, which opens doors to higher-paying leadership positions. The degree prepares students for a variety of associates in business administration careers in both corporate and nonprofit sectors.

Is an AA Business Degree worth it?

Yes, an AA business degree is a cost-effective, time-efficient way to gain essential business skills and improve your earning potential. It also provides flexibility if you want to enter the workforce immediately or transfer into a bachelor’s program. Employers value the practical training and soft skills that come with a business-focused associate in arts program.

What’s the difference between an Associate of Arts and other business degrees?

An Associate of Arts business administration degree typically focuses more on general education courses alongside core business topics, making it ideal for transfer to a four-year college. In contrast, an Associate of Science or Applied Science may be more technical. The associates of arts in business administration offers the academic flexibility many students need to advance toward a bachelor’s degree.

Can I transfer credits from an Associate in Arts Business Administration degree?

Yes, most credits from the associate in arts business administration degree of St. Augustine College are transferable to many four-year universities. This seamless transition allows you to continue your studies without losing momentum, making it a strategic stepping stone towards a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field.

Additional Resources

Success Stories

As the number one school in Illinois in raising students’ income, and having a second higher graduation rate than comparable institutions in Chicago, we are proud to present a few of our outstanding students below who have stood out and demonstrated St. Augustine’s dedication to success. Learn more here.

Career & Transfer Center

St. Augustine is not just a college, it’s a launchpad for you and your career. Contact our staff to receive assistance related to jobs, interviews, or internships.

Community

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