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Best online associate degrees in management 2022
An online associate degree in management provides students with a broad understanding of business operations and practices.
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
College | Program stats | How much? |
Georgia Northwestern Technical College Rome, GA |
| Avg. annual net price: $2,148 Application fee: $25 |
Panama City, FL |
| Avg. annual net price: $2,779 Application fee: $10 |
San Antonio, TX |
| Avg. annual net price: $4,986 Application fee: Free |
Colby, KS |
| Avg. annual net price: $9,905 Application fee: Not publicly available |
Northeast Mississippi Community College Booneville, MS |
| Avg. annual net price: $8,307 Application fee: Not publicly available |
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.
Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
1. Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Rome, Georgia
About the program: For GNTC's online associate degree in business management, students complete 63 credits at minimum. They can specialize in social media, service sector management, operations management, marketing, logistics, or human resource management.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 34%
- Avg. annual net price: $2,148
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
2. Gulf Coast State College
Panama City, Florida
About the program: Students pursuing GCSC's online associate degree in business administration complete 60 credits in courses like financial accounting, economics, and leadership.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 34%
- Avg. annual net price: $2,779
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Three+
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
3. Palo Alto College
San Antonio, Texas
About the program: PAC's online associate degree in business management requires learners to complete 60 credits. Students take courses in strategic management, customer relations, and organizational behavior.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 16%
- Avg. annual net price: $4,986
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
4. Colby Community College
Colby, Kansas
About the program: The online associate degree in business administration from CCC features 62 credits. Classes include principles of selling, customer service, and human resource management.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 42%
- Avg. annual net price: $9,905
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online, synchronous and asynchronous
5. Northeast Mississippi Community College
Booneville, Mississippi
About the program: Students in Northeast's online associate degree in business management technology earn 60 credits. The program includes training in entrepreneurial problem-solving, business communications, and computer applications.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 36%
- Avg. annual net price: $8,307
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
6. Morgan Community College
Fort Morgan, Colorado
About the program: MCC's online associate degree in business offers accounting and business administration emphases options. The 60-credit business administration concentration features courses in supervision and interpersonal communication.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 37%
- Avg. annual net price: $8,211
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online and synchronous
7. Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida
About the program: For FSCJ's 60-credit online associate degree in business administration, learners must complete courses in business statistics, public speaking, and microcomputer applications for business.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 35%
- Avg. annual net price: $3,916
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
8. Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, Georgia
About the program: CGTC's 63-credit online associate degree in business management has specialization tracks in general management, human resource management, operations management, service sector management, and small business management.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 36%
- Avg. annual net price: $1,954
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
9. Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, California
About the program: Students in Foothill's online associate degree in business administration complete 90 units. Core courses include investment fundamentals, web marketing, and foundations of leadership.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 24%
- Avg. annual net price: $3,859
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Four
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
10. Moraine Park Technical College
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
About the program: For MPTC's 65-credit online associate degree in business management, students train in business decision making, business and employee relations, and business logistics.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 33%
- Avg. annual net price: $9,143
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
11. Northwest Florida State College
Niceville, Florida
About the program: NWF State College's online associate degree in business administration includes courses in business calculus, microcomputer applications, and statistics.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 33%
- Avg. annual net price: $6,240
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
12. Lake Region State College
Devils Lake, North Dakota
About the program: Students pursuing LRSC's 63-credit online associate degree in business administration choose among concentrations in management, accounting, and marketing.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 48%
- Avg. annual net price: $9,564
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Two
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
13. Northeast Community College
Norfolk, Nebraska
About the program: For Northeast's 60-credit online associate degree in business administration, learners train in business law, microeconomics, and fundamentals of information technology.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 44%
- Avg. annual net price: $8,749
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Two
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
14. Lakeshore Technical College
Cleveland, Wisconsin
About the program: LTC's 60-credit online associate degree in business management includes courses in personal branding, human resource management, team-building, and problem-solving.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 54%
- Avg. annual net price: $10,780
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
15. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, Wisconsin
About the program: Students in NWTC's online associate degree in business management take courses in career planning, operations management, and supervision.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 51%
- Avg. annual net price: $10,340
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Two
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
16. Niagara County Community College
Sanborn, New York
About the program: The training for NCCC's 62-credit online associate degree in business administration includes courses in speech communication, management, and business law.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 34%
- Avg. annual net price: $5,491
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
17. Peninsula College
Port Angeles, Washington
About the program: PC's online associate degree in business administration features tracks in accounting, management, and entrepreneurship. Management track courses include managerial finance, principles of management, and international business.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 46%
- Avg. annual net price: $5,639
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: One to three
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
18. Dakota County Technical College
Rosemount, Minnesota
About the program: Students pursuing DCTC's 60-credit online associate degree in business administration take courses in managing diversity, project management, and principles of marketing.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 41%
- Avg. annual net price: $11,063
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
19. Northern State University
Aberdeen, South Dakota
About the program: Students in NSU's online associate degree in business administration can specialize in management information systems. The concentration includes courses in the legal environment of business, spreadsheet data analysis, and telecommunications and networks for business.
- Acceptance rate: 84%
- Graduation rate: 45%
- Avg. annual net price: $15,851
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: 470-620
- Minimum GPA: 2.6
- Enrollment periods per year: Three+
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
20. McHenry County College
Crystal Lake, Illinois
About the program: For MCC's 60-credit online associate degree in business management, students take courses in experiencing management decisions, professional selling, and creative leadership.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 34%
- Avg. annual net price: $7,048
- Time to completion: One to two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Two to four
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
21. Moberly Area Community College
Moberly, Missouri
About the program: The training for MACC's 62-credit online associate degree in business administration includes courses in management, human resource management, and payroll accounting.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 23%
- Avg. annual net price: $7,143
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
22. West Georgia Technical College
LaGrange, Georgia
About the program: WGTC's online associate degree in business management features specialization tracks in general, human resource, marketing, and service sector management.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 27%
- Avg. annual net price: $1,665
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
23. National Park College
Hot Springs, Arizona
About the program: Students in NPC's 62-credit online associate degree in business take courses in public speaking, business calculus, and business statistics.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 26%
- Avg. annual net price: $9,424
- Time to completion: 18-24 months
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 3.5
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online and hybrid
24. Eastern Florida State College
Melbourne, Florida
About the program: During EFSC's 60-credit online associate degree in business administration, students can specialize in management, marketing, and human resources.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 40%
- Avg. annual net price: $4,955
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online, synchronous and asynchronous
25. Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Worthington, Minnesota
About the program: The training for MWTC's 60-credit online associate degree in business management includes courses in business law, business communication, and human resource management.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 50%
- Avg. annual net price: $11,952
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Two+
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
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.
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.