Studying Management: Degrees at a Glance
Business management professionals work in a range of sectors in multiple capacities. Specialists in the industry work in transportation, facilities and general management, to name a few. Management careers offer a complex set of responsibilities, including financial and general operations tasks. Employers prefer candidates with strong communication, technical and organizational skills.
The associate's degree program delivers the foundation required for entry-level or assistant management positions. The bachelor's degree program prepares students for careers in upper management through advanced coursework. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that management positions will experience slower-than-average to much-faster-than average job growth over the 2010-2020 decade. General and operations managers would see between 3% and 9% growth, while management analysts could expect 22% growth.
| Associate's | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Individuals seeking entry-level jobs in multiple sectors | People interested in an upper-management career |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | - Administrative services manager ($80,000)* - General and operations manager ($95,000)* | - Social and community service manager ($60,000)* - Management analyst ($79,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 2 years full-time | 4 years full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Roughly 60 credits | - Roughly 120 credits |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
Associate's in Management
The associate's degree program delivers training in the common processes used in a business environment. You will learn accounting, marketing and economic principles, to name a few. Schools design programs to deliver a strong foundation in labor relations, human resources and business finance. Coursework builds strong skills in communication, organization, problem solving and teamwork. Some programs offer classes that prepare students for common certifications, such as the Certified Business Analyst credential.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- General and operations managers earned competitive medial annual wages of $95,000*
- Programs offer a curriculum that might transfer to a bachelor's degree program
- Employers look for candidates with postsecondary education
Cons
- General and operations managers would only see between 3% and 9% job growth over the 2010-2020 decade**
- Competition against bachelor's degree holders will present a challenge for some opportunities
- Upper-level administrative services management positions might be limited and competition will be keen
Courses and Requirements
The associate's degree program delivers training that prepares students to use technology as a problem-solving tool, identify legal business concerns and abide by ethical standards. You will take classes that explore the fundamentals of computers, organizational behavior and business law, among others. The associate's degree program requires roughly 60 credits of general education and subject-matter courses. Following are some common courses offered by the programs:
- International business
- Principles of marketing
- Project management
- Financial accounting
- Organization and management
- Human resources management
- Managerial accounting
Online Course Info
The online associate's degree program delivers an education similar to traditional options. Many schools provide a program you can complete 100% online. You might find programs that offer specialized courses in business analysis or decision-making. Online programs are generally designed for working professionals seeking advancement; many are delivered in an accelerated format.
Stand Out with This Degree
Flexibility can influence access to higher-level positions; the BLS revealed that the ability to manage a range of responsibilities might improve job prospects. Consider taking elective courses that explore an assortment of management tasks, including business analysis, finance and facilities management. Take advantage of internships and projects to build your practical skills; employers might prefer candidates with some experience. If you do specialize, consider pursuing industry-standard certifications, which will validate your experience, knowledge and education.
Bachelor's in Management
The bachelor's degree program provides courses similar to the associate's program; although schools design programs to deliver advanced coursework and a number of electives. In addition, some schools encourage students to pursue a minor that supports career goals. You will learn a range of financial, social responsibility and operations concepts and some programs may offer concentrations in quality, industrial or human resources management.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Management analysts earned a relatively competitive median annual wage of about $79,000*
- Social and community services managers would see a 27% increase in positions over the 2010-2020 decade**
- Programs provide the foundation required to pursue a master's degree
Cons
- Competition against master's degree holders might present a challenge for management analyst positions
- You might face strong competition for management analyst positions; many people are attracted to the position's earning potential
- Pursuing certification will require a commitment of time and money over the lifetime of your career
Courses and Requirements
The bachelor's degree program can prepare you for mid-management opportunities through a curriculum that emphasizes reasoning, communication and business management skills. Some programs require that students possess an associate's degree in a technical field. You can expect to take courses in strategic management, organizational leadership, marketing, business law, corporate accounting, quality assurance and industrial psychology.
Online Course Info
The online bachelor's degree program provides advanced coursework in a range of management, leadership and business topics. You might find that some programs offer courses in supply chain management, consumer behavior or negotiation skills. You can finish an online program in 4 years unless you select a fast-track curriculum, which delivers courses in an accelerated format.
Stand Out with This Degree
Experience and certification might improve your employment prospects for some positions. For example, social and community service manager positions might require several years of experience in social work or a related occupation. You might gain easier access to management analyst opportunities if you pursue certification. Consider participating in internships, cooperative education opportunities and field experiences to gain an appropriate level of experience during your studies. In addition, pursue the Certified Management Consultant certification, offered by the Institute of Management Consultants, if you plan to pursue management analyst positions.
