Applied Management Associate and Bachelor's Degrees at a Glance
Applied management, simply put, is the science of making decisions. In today's competitive business climate, a poor business decision can have disastrous consequences. An undergraduate program of study in applied management can provide you with the analytical, statistical and quantitative modeling skills you'll need to assess business data and use it to make informed decisions.
The job outlook for these management positions varies based on the industry. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that from 2010-2020, employment for administrative services, training and development managers would increase by 15%. Over the same period, lodging management employment would increase by eight percent, while property, real estate and community association managers would see only a six percent increase.
| Associate | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | People who want to work in entry-level management positions or continue their education | Individuals interested in management positions in a variety of industries in both the private and public sector |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | - Administrative services manager ($87,000)* - Lodging manager ($55,000)* - Property, real estate, and community association manager ($63,000)* | - Compensation and benefits manager ($101,000)* - Financial manager ($120,000)* - Human resources manager ($109,000)* Sales manager ($117,000)* Training and development manager ($99,000)* Social or community service manager ($63,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 1-2 years full-time | 2-4 years full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Roughly 60-80 credit hours - Exams and essays - General, core and elective coursework | All (or most) associate degree requirements, as well as: - About 60-80 more credit hours - Emphasis or concentration - Internships and seminars (in certain programs) |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or a GED | Although a high school diploma or a GED may be an option in rare circumstances, most programs require an associate degree, prerequisite coursework or a certain amount of work experience in the field |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
Associate in Applied Management
As a student in an associate degree program in applied management, you can learn how to apply general knowledge of business trends and marketing principles to arrive at solid business decisions. You may also gain specific skills in data assessment, crafting projections, quantitative and qualitative analysis, decision-making and identifying areas of maximum potential.
Associate degree programs in this field are typically designed to prepare you for entry-level managerial positions in small businesses and office situations, as well as a bachelor's degree program. This is because many careers in this field require a higher degree and level of expertise than a terminal associate degree can provide.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A 2-year applied management degree can prepare you for entry-level administration and management positions in a wide variety of industries
- You will only need a high school diploma or GED equivalent to pursue an associate degree program in this field
- This 2-year program is available online
Cons
- Many management positions require a bachelor's degree
- A typical associate degree program in this field won't provide you with the work experience required by many employers
- All of the credits from an associate degree programs in applied management won't necessarily transfer to the bachelor's degree program of your choosing
Courses and Requirements
Classes in a 2-year applied management program are designed to increase students' knowledge and understanding of statistics, managerial communications, data analysis and leadership. You will also study how to utilize these skills in conjunction with sound decision-making practices. A few course topics you might study include:
- Financial management
- Business ethics and law
- Introduction to enterprise
- Business income tax accounting
- Management principles
- Group dynamics
- Advertising
- Accounting
- Organizational development
- Salesmanship and customer care
Online Degree Options
If you're currently employed in a management position or are on a management track, you may not be able to attend an on-campus program. If this is the case, then an online associate degree program in the field may be a solid option for you. These online programs typically cover similar topics, including business law and management principles. You can find 100% online programs, and you may look for programs that are offered by accredited or nationally recognized academic institutions.
Getting Ahead With This Degree
There are numerous steps that you can take to get ahead while still earning your associate degree in applied management. A solid way to build up your resume can be to earn the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation from the Institute of Management Consultants USA (IMC USA). To pursue the CMC credential, you'll first need several years of work experience, particularly if you don't yet have a 4-year degree. You'll also need to provide work references, client recommendations and complete exams based on the IMC Code of Ethics.
Bachelor's in Applied Management
Most bachelor's degree programs in applied management require that you first complete postsecondary training, including an associate degree or two-year certificate. Sometimes, significant work experience can also qualify you to enroll. Program structures vary and some allow you to focus on a specific management area. For example, you could choose to focus on marketing, management information systems or management principles. Some programs are designed to supplement and complete specific technical associate degrees.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Some bachelor's degree programs in applied management offer internship opportunities that can help you gain necessary experience in the field
- You may be able to focus your studies on a specific area of management
- Employers require a bachelor's degree for most management positions
Cons
- Most applied management bachelor's degree programs require at least two years of prerequisite studies
- You may be competing for positions against applicants with a master's degree or a lower degree and more experience
- After earning your bachelor's degree, you may still not have the work experience required by some employers
Courses and Requirements
The courses that you'll take in a bachelor's degree program in applied management may vary greatly depending on the program and your chosen area of emphasis. You could elect to focus on topics as diverse as economics, technical writing, information systems, marketing and human resource management. A few classes you could end up taking are:
- Analysis of financial accounting
- Management processes and strategies
- Business statistics
- Organizational and professional communications
- Information design and analysis
Online Degree Options
Similar to associate degree programs, there are also a number of online options you can choose from to earn your bachelor's degree. Fully online programs are available and cover topics like business ethics and technology. In addition to taking similar courses to a campus-based program, you will also be able to interact with your professors and complete assignments in a more flexible format.
Stand Out With This Degree
According to the BLS, many of the possible careers in applied management are projected to experience average and below average job growth. For this reason, it can be integral to take measures to stand out in the job market. It can be useful to stay abreast of the latest business and management technologies. Computer literacy and knowledge of programs like Microsoft Office are often sought after skills, based on job postings from September 2012.
You may also look for bachelor's degree programs that offer internship opportunities where you can you gain some of the experience required by many employers. Pursuing professional certification, such as the CMC credential, can also help you stand out amongst other applicants with a bachelor's degree.
