Best online associate degrees in management 2021 | ZDNet

Management programs provide 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 associate degree in management and the best available programs in the discipline. 

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.

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 management can 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.