Ashford University student working on her Associate's Degree

Associate of Arts in Business

Earn your Associate's degree online and get started on a path to a better future. Discover the perfect stepping stone toward success in the business world with your Associate of Arts in Business degree.

Degree Focus

Your classes will focus on topics that are important in today's workplace, such as communications, management, marketing and computer literacy. You'll find this degree will form the foundation of a Bachelor's degree should you choose to continue with your education.

Career Opportunities

Prepare yourself for entry-level work in the field of business with this 64-credit program.

Admission Requirements

  • Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
  • Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process.
  • English Language Requirement

Technology Requirements


Competencies
Students must possess the following online competencies:
  • Ability to access course and program material on the Internet;
  • Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and
  • Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus-free.
System requirements
The following minimum system configuration and software are required:
  • Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher;
  • Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space;
  • Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher;
  • Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher, Safari 3.0 or higher;
  • Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem; and
  • Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.
Recommended for optimal performance
  • Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher;
  • Networking: Broadband internet connection (DSL, Cable, or other).
Additional requirements for ebooks
    The following additional platform and hardware requirement apply when using ebooks:
  • Platforms: Mac OS X 10.4 or higher, Windows XP with service pack 2 or higher, or Vista;
  • Hardware: 512 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, 1 gHz processor, and 1 Gb free disk space; 1024x768 screen resolution or larger.

Transferability

  • Credits with grade of C- or above from a regionally or approved nationally accredited college or university.
  • A maximum of 46 semester credits of combined nontraditional learning and transfer credits from a regionally or approved nationally accredited college or university.
  • A maximum of 30 semester credits can be transferred through any combination of military, National Testing Programs and non-collegiate instruction with ACE credit recommendation.

Degree Requirements

  • Completion of University's general education requirements, including competencies
  • Completion of 64 credits with a cumulative 2.0 GPA - You must earn a minimum of 18 credits at Ashford University (residency requirement).

Upon completion of your Associate's degree at Ashford, you can transfer your credits towards earning any one of Ashford's Bachelor degrees.

Online Format

You will take your classes one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.

Cost*

You will appreciate that Ashford offers one of the lowest tuition rates available online. Your tuition is $372 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. Call today to learn more at 866-711-1700.

* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.

Payment Options

  • Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid prior to each course start date
  • Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education
  • Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an enrollment advisor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify
  • Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option
  • Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active duty service and Veteran's Administration Benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab if you qualify. Click here for more information on military benefits

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866-711-1700 to learn more, or click here to request additional information.