Sunday, 20 May 2012

Online General Business Degrees by Program Level

Depending on educational experience, individuals may enroll in associate's, bachelor's or master's in business administration programs that focus on general business. Most required coursework is taken online. Students are prepared for careers in management and administration.

Online General Business Associate's Degree Program Overview

General business is a specialized study track within a business administration associate's degree program. Enrolled students learn the principles behind effective accounting, team management and service or product marketing. Related fields of study include healthcare management and public administration.

Program Information and Requirements

Most business associate's programs are available entirely online. A computer with Internet access is necessary in order to stream lectures or exams that utilize audio and video content. Many schools allow students to access course materials at their convenience through a private server. A typical associate's program takes between two and three years to complete.

List of Common Associate's-Level General Business Courses

General education requirements include English, math and communication courses. Business administration and general business courses are the primary focus of an online associate's program.

Business Accounting Course

Students examine the basic terminology and techniques of accounting in business. Topics include company assets, recurring debt and financial liability.

General Business Management Course

Case studies are used to illustrate effective practices in management. Students discuss concepts like team leadership, ethics in the workplace and on-the-job training.

Business Marketing Course

In this course, students explore the importance of marketing in business and society. Emphasis is placed on understanding consumer behavior, designing marketing campaigns and analyzing market-driven data.

Career Information for Graduates

Recipients of a business administration associate's degree may obtain positions as office managers or administrative assistants. According to Payscale.com, office managers earned between $33,000 and $51,000 in 2009 while administrative assistants made between $26,000 and $39,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that both the number of office-based managerial positions and the number of administrative assistant positions are expected to grow by 11% between 2008 and 2018.

Online General Business Bachelor's Degree Program Overview

Individuals interested in flexible general business training may enroll in online bachelor's in business administration (BBA) degree programs. The BBA core curriculum addresses topics in business like information systems, statistical analysis and basic managerial techniques. Because some programs are designed for students who have already received their business administration associate's degree, completion of general education coursework may be necessary before applying. Healthcare administration and nonprofit management are related fields of study.

Program Information and Requirements

Because most coursework is delivered using streaming video and audio applications, a computer with access to the Internet is required. Many bachelor's programs are fully available online, though some may ask students to complete a field-based internship. Depending on part- or full-time enrollment status, a bachelor's degree may be received in three to five years.

List of Common Bachelor's-Level General Business Courses

A typical BBA program includes general education courses like history, science and English composition. Some courses may be waived for students who possess associate's degrees. All other coursework focuses on issues related to general business.

Organizational Behavior in Business Course

Students examine the attitudes and attributes of employees that drive a company's performance. Team communication, personnel conflicts and motivational techniques are discussed.

Characteristics of International Business Course

In this course, students look at the various factors that effect global businesses. Concepts include regional politics, cultural norms, foreign investment and trade restrictions.

Business and Information Technology Course

The interaction between information systems and business administration is explored. Students discuss topics like software programming and computer applications.

Career Information

Graduates of a BBA program may find work as operations or retail store managers. In 2009, operations managers made between $44,000 and $70,000, while retail store managers earned between $34,000 and $55,000, as reported by Payscale.com. The number of employed operations managers is not expected to change between 2008 and 2018, according to the BLS. Employment of retail store managers is projected to increase by five percent during the same period.

Online General Business MBA Degree Program Overview

An online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a general business specialization is intended for students seeking flexible, advanced management training. Topics in a typical MBA program include economic theory, business law and operational management. Successful completion of a bachelor's degree program as well as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required before applying. Specializations in finance and marketing are closely related to general business.

Program Information and Requirements

An MBA degree may be received within two to five years of study. Many programs offer all coursework online using audio and video streaming technology. Enrolled students are required to have a computer with Internet capability; any additional software is often available for free download or at a discounted university rate.

Common MBA-Level General Business Courses

General education classes are typically not part of an MBA student's curriculum. Courses look at topics in general business and advanced management.

Economic Theory in Practice Course

Students explore the practical applications of macro- and microeconomic theories. Emphasis is placed on market-driven pricing models and international fiscal policy.

General Business Law Course

Topics like contracts, antitrust laws and rights of employees are discussed. Students learn how to avoid litigation and when to hire legal counsel.

Advanced Operational Management Course

In this course, students examine ways to measure and improve a company's operational performance. Concepts like product valuation, cost-cutting measures and new market opportunities are addressed.

Career Information

MBA graduates may obtain a variety of positions, including those of financial controller or information technology (IT) project manager. Payscale.com reports that in 2009, financial controllers earned between $67,000 and $99,000 while IT project managers made between $75,000 and $104,000. According to the BLS, the number of employed financial controllers will increase by an estimated eight percent between 2008 and 2018. Employment numbers for IT project managers will likely grow by 17% during the same timeframe.

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