Accounting Online Degree

Many companies navigating the uncharted waters of the business world today are the result of the entrepreneurial spirit that has pervaded American culture sine the dot com boom of the mid nineties. For startups, the quick realization that bringing ideas to fruition requires more than good intentions can be a rude awakening. Entrepreneurs from all walks of life and in all types of industries are often sidetracked by inadequate preparation and a lack of understanding concerning the business side of doing business. Not all, however, are willing to risk their ideas without at least simultaneously acquiring the fundamental business knowledge necessary for streamlined success.

Sara Pierce is a business major attending college online, and also owns and operates a small boutique in Houston, Texas where she sells clothing she herself designs. “The biggest issue for me was not knowing how to get started or what to expect from owning a business,” offers Pierce. “For me, the associate’s track gave me instruction on business issues that I would have been oblivious to and made it possible for me to quickly get my company off the ground. I chose to attend online so that I could have the freedom to choose how I would organize my schedule to allow for a personal life, business pursuits and education.”

The curriculum in most business administration associate degree programs is designed to give the student an introduction into several facets of business, from management and marketing to finance and accounting. “Some of the things I learned early on definitely helped me in a very direct way,” continued Pierce. “An introductory course in finance that covered investment capital helped me to get the money for an initial production run based on my designs, and the two accounting classes I’ve taken have covered two topics that I deal with on a daily basis in taxes and bookkeeping. My business is a one woman operation right now, but my hope is to expand and put the managerial practices I’ve learned to good use.”

Among the students she takes classes with, many of whom are spread out across the U.S., Pierce is not alone in her business venture. “I had the misconception that going to school online would lead to very little interaction between myself and the faculty and other students. Fortunately, the level of interactivity is high, and through my associations with classmates, I’ve learned that many are also developing or running their own businesses. I don’t at all feel that I’m alone in choosing to take an associate’s in business administration online because it fit my professional goals.”

An Associate’s degree is an academic degree that is usually awarded through community colleges, junior colleges and some four-year colleges and universities. To get an associates degree at most colleges, you need to at least 60 undergraduate credit hours.

On average, if you take classes full-time, you can earn your associates degrees in about two-years. However, part-time students enjoy are quite flexible with online classes and have a broad selection of classes that they require to complete their program of study. There are two main types of associate’s degrees: Those that prepare you for your professional degree and those that you can use to earn your four-year degree as transfer courses. The second type helps you work toward your general education (Gen. Ed.) courses or foundational coursework. Typically, programs are made up of general education requirements, major requirements, and electives. Full time study is equal to 4 semesters or 15 semester credit hours. Some accelerated distance two-year programs are also available online and most associate degrees online have many of the same requirements as on-campus or in-classroom courses.

Two-year virtual learning is available in business, liberal arts, and other disciplines. Many associate degrees online will accept transfer credits from two-year programs. Some areas of study within associate degrees online are: Accounting, Arts and Humanities Business & Management, Criminal Justice, Design, Early Childhood Development, Education, Engineering, Computers and Technology, Graphic Design, Health Sciences, Hospitality Management, Human Resources Management, Law and Paralegal, Marketing, Social Sciences, and Telecommunications to mention a few.

General education courses are an integral part of most associate degrees online and include coursework in Communication, Natural Sciences/Mathematics, Humanities, and Social Science. You can earn an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree program, an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program or an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree programs depending on whether you pursue arts or science track.

Occupational and professional Associate’s degrees allow graduates to get entry level positions in areas such as computer programming, criminal justice, graphic design, paralegal areas, nursing, and medical assistant. Thus, associate degrees offer a flexible platform for quick entry into many professions.

Generally, you will be required to have a high school diploma or GED. You also need a good GPA and some schools may want to see your SAT or ACT scores. Other colleges will accept relevant work experience in lieu of a diploma to qualify the student for entry.

As many working adults continue to enroll in college, there is a growing demand for online degree programs. You can research many of these schools online. Many have great programs and they give students the option to apply for financial aid and scholarships.