Online Education

With competition rising for every job, people are looking for different means to get an edge over their rivals. And as expectations from employers increase, professionals are trying to find ways to not just remain employable, but also increase their worth to their companies.

Against such a backdrop, it should hardly be a surprise that more and more people are turning towards continuing education to retain their competitive edge. Sloan Consortium, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of online education, said in its annual report that a tough economic condition often has a positive impact on education.*

When it comes to continuing education, business degrees are amongst the top choices of many professionals and students. The reasons could be many ??? increased earning potential, greater responsibility, faster advancement, etc.

All these reasons aside, business degrees are perhaps the most practical and globally relevant degree programs as they train students not just in business and management concepts, but also real world experience and life skills that can be applied to any industry. With access to a large number of online business degrees, it has become easier than ever for aspiring candidates to pursue this dream.

Students can choose from a variety of online and distance learning business degrees depending on their personal goals. Let’s take a look at some popular business degree programs available online and at a distance.

Master’s Degree

Who should do it: Professionals who are looking for fast-track growth in their careers and want to become leaders in their respective fields are ideal candidates for a Master of Business Administration degree. Though eligibility criteria may vary from school to school, but most programs need candidates to have a bachelor’s degree and some full-time work experience.

What to expect: A master’s degree can take up to two years of coursework and armed with this degree, professionals can advance to the ranks of middle and senior management. The program itself trains students in the various aspects of business administration such as accounting, economics, finance, marketing, etc., besides helping them develop skills like communication, decision-making, etc.

Bachelor’s Degree

Who should do it: A bachelor’s degree in business administration has emerged as a popular choice of students looking for entry-level business careers and professionals returning to school to enhance their skills and advance to supervisory roles or switch careers. The eligibility criteria are usually a high school diploma or GED certificate.

What to expect: You should be prepared to spend about four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. Through the program, you’ll be trained to pursue opportunities in variety of business areas such as finance, marketing, business law, human resources, etc.

Associate’s Degree

Who should do it: If you cannot commit four years to school, then an associate’s degree in business administration is more appropriate for you. These business degrees are ideal for those looking for basic management or administrative roles in a variety of fields such as sales, customer support, marketing, recruiting, etc.

What to expect: An associate’s degree usually takes about two years to complete and gives students a solid understanding of business concepts and management principles such as accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, information technology. With an associate’s degree, students greatly enhance their employment opportunities and also lay the groundwork for future educational advancement through bachelor’s business degrees.

Certificate

Who should do it: Working professionals looking for career and educational advancement or those who need training in and knowledge of a specific business area are ideally suited for a certificate program in business.

What to expect: These are concise programs with concentration on specific business essentials such as accounting, information technology, management principles, marketing, finance, etc.

*www.sloan-c.org/publications/survey/pdf/learningondemand.pdf

Tags: "human resources" tech, Accounting, Advancement, associate, backdrop, Boost, business, business administration degree, business degree programs, business degrees, career, Degrees, Distance, economic condition, education, Education & Business, eligibility criteria, Employer, full time work, Impact, job, Life, management concepts, master of business, master of business administration, master of business administration degree, online, Online Education, organization, pdf, personal goals, recruit, relevant degree, Report, Technology, top choices, world experience