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Associate in Business

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Advance your journey with an associate degree in business

Businesses are a vital thread in the fabric of society. They create solutions for unmet needs, help communities prosper, and fundamentally propel human progress. Startups, nonprofits, and global enterprises alike all rely on people with strong critical thinking, communication, and operational skills to drive business forward.

When you earn an Associate in Business here at DeVry, you’ll build a strong foundation in business principles such as marketing, accounting, management, technology, and more. Equipped with these practical skills, you’ll be ready to help businesses grow and adapt in today’s dynamic marketplace:

  • Build core knowledge: Gain essential insights into accounting, strategic planning, operational management, and marketing in our Business Core classes, designed around real-world business needs.

  • Develop job-ready AI fluency: Get hands-on experience using AI integrations across essential industry tech tools like Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

  • Tailor your journey: Choose from several specializations like Project Management, Human Resources, and more. Want the freedom to find your fit? Our Undecided Option1 allows you to explore a variety of topics before committing to one area of focus.

  • Gain new skills while getting ahead: Automatically earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Business Essentials2 as part of this program. You can also apply qualifying credits toward a related bachelor’s program in the future.3

Classes start every 8 weeks

Boost your business plan today — reach out to us to get started. 

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Call 866.338.7934
  • 01 Curriculum
  • 02 Specializations
  • 03 Accreditation
  • 04 Ways to save
  • 05 Careers
  • 06 FAQs

What you'll learn in our Associate in Business program

Earning your Associate in Business here at DeVry provides you with the essential business skills you’ll need to enter the workforce or take the next step in your career journey. Learn about communication, teamwork, finance, artificial intelligence, marketing, and management while gaining confidence in your abilities.

Problem-solving

Build an understanding of key business and management principles and apply them to solve administrative and operational challenges.

AI application

Get hands-on experience with AI-assisted tools in the Microsoft Office suite for analysis, reports, and communications.

Technology skills

Get hands-on experience with Microsoft Office tools for analysis, reports, and communications.

Communication

Learn how to communicate effectively with different audiences and media to support business initiatives.

Collaboration

Develop the ability to work together productively and respectfully in a wide range of settings to foster teamwork and build better solutions.

Ethics

Gain knowledge of your legal and social responsibilities so you can support employees through ethical business practices.

Finance and accounting

Interpret financial metrics and statements using GAAP guidelines to shape agile business strategies and run a lean operation.

Marketing and advertising

Cultivate essential marketing skills to identify customers and their needs so you can communicate value through research and branding. 

Associate in Business classes and credits

Classes

19

Credits

61

Semesters

44

Build a strong professional foundation in business courses such as:
COMP121
Computer Applications with AI for Business
BIS155
Data Analysis with Spreadsheets with Lab
BUSN115
Introduction to Business Technology
LEAD150
Leadership and Facilitating Change
BUSN219
Marketing Fundamentals

Learn more about the details of our Associate in Business degree in the program guide.

 

View program guide
Your program perks

  

Use industry-recognized software: Stand out to hiring managers by getting hands-on experience with software used every day in companies big and small.

Access 24/7 online tools: Explore virtual tutoring resources, e-books, and audiobooks that support your learning.

Gain meaningful workplace insights: Learn from expert faculty with years of experience in the business world to gain an understanding of what it’s like to work in the field. 

Pick your Associate in Business specialization

A business degree can open doors. To match your goals, you can choose a specialization that turns your passion into market-ready skills.

Budgeting and Forecasting

Gain an in-depth understanding of core accounting principles and statistical analysis to support business goals and drive organizational success:

  • Analyze data and assess financial functions to form strategic insights that inform decision-making and business strategies.

  • Design effective budgets and long-range forecasts to help organizations grow and pivot.

  • Monitor cash flow trends for predictive analysis in support of business initiatives.

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General Business

Help businesses run smoothly by building effective management skills and exploring specialized topics through focused coursework. You can also apply qualifying transfer credits to complete your academic goals efficiently:

  • Analyze financial and statistical data to make informed business decisions.

  • Combine theory and practical application to identify risks and solve problems.

  • Allocate finances to identify business opportunities for sustained success.

  • Customize your curriculum with elective courses that match your interests and career goals.

Request info Program guide

Healthcare Business

Build foundational business knowledge, study the administrative side of healthcare, and explore how the two fields intersect:

  • Learn fundamental business strategies and examine how they can be used strategically in healthcare services to adapt to an ever-changing and rapidly developing field.

  • Become familiar with the rules and regulations governing health administration. to identify risks and solve problems.

  • Learn the structure of the U.S. healthcare system and its role in business.

  • Study essential medical terminology and learn how it’s used in healthcare.

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Human Resources

Gain vital skills in communication, management, and HR procedures so you can help foster a thriving work environment and learn to support organizations:

  • Build a foundational understanding of key HR responsibilities such as recruitment, employee relations, training, and development.

  • Explore strategies for healthy conflict resolution and how they are used in modern workplaces.

  • Understand ethical HR practices that contribute to employee well-being.

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Project Management

Turn ideas into actionable plans and deliver measurable results through effective communications and core project management principles:

  • Create project planning documents that facilitate smooth project execution and clarity.

  • Drive initiatives from conception to completion by applying foundational methods to plan the creation and development of a project.

  • Learn how to analyze data to improve business strategies and decisions.

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Retail Management

Dive into product merchandising, retail sales, customer service, and more key concepts needed to be effective in a retail setting:

  • Learn to develop a strategic consumer relations program to help increase a company’s sales.

  • Explore basic management processes like merchandising, inventory, and store layouts.

  • Study the role and impact of ethical employee relations and legal considerations in an organization.

  • Discover marketing and promotional strategies that appeal to the consumer mindset and support the customer experience.

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Sales and Customer Development

Gain key insights on consumer psychology and develop practical techniques that enhance the customer experience to fuel sales:

  • Analyze and identify consumer behavior and needs to build customer loyalty and trust.

  • Cultivate communication and interpersonal skills to nurture positive customer relations.

  • Study the sales strategies that drive profits and retain customers.

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Level up your learning

Earn an education you can put to work right away, and when you’re ready to advance, your qualifying credits count toward your next degree.3 When you earn an Associate in Business, you’ll automatically earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Business Essentials along the way.2

What’s more, qualifying credits can also be applied down the road to one of the following bachelor’s:3

Here at DeVry, you can celebrate your growth at every step — honing your knowledge while reaching your goals efficiently.

 

 

DeVry Stackable Programs
DeVry Stackable Programs

Accreditation matters

Being accredited means we’ve met rigorous quality standards and are committed to giving you the education you deserve. Our accreditations and recognitions include:

  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP): Our Associate of Applied Science in Business program is accredited by ACBSP, acbsp.org, demonstrating it has met standards of business education that promote teaching excellence. Learn more about program outcomes and student achievement.5

  • The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): Our Associate of Applied Science in Business program with a Human Resources Concentration is acknowledged by SHRM and aligned with their HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.

  • The Higher Learning Commission (HLC): Institutionally, DeVry University is accredited by HLC, www.hlcommission.org. Our Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation.

Learn more about our
accreditations

Business careers 

When you're pursuing an Associate in Business, you’ll have a range of job options to consider, from managing the day-to-day activities of a small company to launching a career in healthcare services.

Our Associate in Business prepares you to pursue many entry-level roles, including:

  • Accounts associate

  • Assistant manager

  • Assistant marketing analyst

  • Human resources assistant or specialist

  • Information clerk

  • Inventory associate

  • Junior staff accountant

  • Media buyer

  • Project coordinator

  • Sales representative

As a DeVry student, you’ll have access to robust Career Services like personalized coaching, networking opportunities, and expert guidance for every stage of your career — even after you graduate.

Ways to save

Explore options to help make your education more accessible.

Scholarships and grants

Save money with a variety of scholarship and grant opportunities.6

Browse scholarships

Transfer credit

Your hard work matters: Find out how to transfer your qualifying credit hours.

Review transfer credits 

Employer reimbursement

Find out if your employer offers tuition savings or reimbursement.

Find your employer

Military and veteran benefits

Learn about savings for veterans, active-duty U.S. military members, and their spouses.

View benefits

Get started with a business associate degree

Your journey to a rewarding business career begins here — contact us today.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of having an associate degree in business?

An associate degree in business gives you a solid foundation in key business principles, with plenty of opportunities to gain practical knowledge. Data analysis, budget management, marketing strategy, and inventory management are a few applicable skills you'll practice that will allow you to prepare to pursue entry-level positions in business.

Plus, those with an associate degree reported earning 18.2% more than the median pay received by those with only a high school diploma, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.7

Is a 2-year business degree worth it?

Yes, a 2-year business degree is worthwhile for many people. It's a focused and efficient way to enter the business world, giving you hands-on training in core business functions such as finance and marketing. 

When you enroll in our Associate in Business program, you’ll gain access to our Career Services, which connects you to a network of business professionals, job search resources, and more. 

How long does it take to get an associate degree in business?

You can earn an Associate in Business here at DeVry in:

  • As little as 1 year and 4 months with an accelerated schedule8
  • Less time with qualifying transfer credits
  • 2 years with a normal schedule8

What is an associate in business?

An associate degree in business is a program designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of business operations. It’s typically pursued after earning a high school diploma or GED. The curriculum covers areas such as accounting, AI, people management, and durable skills like communication, giving you the knowledge needed to embark on or grow a career in business.

How do I apply to DeVry?

Applying is quick and easy:

  1. Talk to an admissions representative: Fill out a brief form, and we’ll reach out to walk you through the process.
  2. Submit your application: We’ll take you through the application over the phone. If you prefer, you can apply online. It only takes 5-10 minutes.
  3. Enroll in your first courses: Once you have applied and are accepted, we’ll help you build your schedule.

Learn more about admissions.

1Students can start the program in “Undecided” status. A specialization must be chosen before the completion of 30 credit hours.

2Future programmatic changes could impact the ability to earn additional credentials en route to an eligible degree program at DeVry. Refer to the academic catalog for details.

3At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credit will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied. Future programmatic changes could impact the application of credits to a future program at DeVry. Refer to the academic catalog for details.

44 full-time, assuming enrollment in 12-18 credit hours per semester; enrollment in additional credit hours may be needed in some semesters.

5Conferral and Assessment data is available for all DeVry and Keller ACBSP-accredited programs. For a full list of our ACBSP-accredited programs, visit our Accreditation page.

6Scholarships are available to those who apply and qualify. Visit our scholarships page to learn about requirements and restrictions. Scholarship and grant terms.

7The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that those with an associate degree earn a median of 18.2% more than those with only a high school diploma. https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm

8Accelerated schedule does not include breaks and assumes 3 semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment at 12-18 credit hours a semester per 12-month period. Normal schedule does not include breaks and assumes 2 semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment in 12-18 credit hours a semester per 12-month period.