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Online associate degree programs and other education options beyond business school

20th February 2014 Print

So you want to go into business, but you don't have the right education. Maybe you want to become an entrepreneur, but know you need to learn a lot more about business and accounting. Maybe you got a bachelor's degree in English or history, and now want to add some coursework to your resume that will make you more marketable in an office environment. Maybe you went straight to work after high school and did not complete a college degree, and now you find your employment opportunities limited.

You know that business school is one option, but you don't have the resources or the interest in pursuing a formal MBA. That's fine, because there are many other options to help you get the education and skills you need.

Online associate degree programs

Associate degree programs are great for students looking to get into the working world as fast as possible, as well as for adults who did not complete a bachelor's degree after high school. An associate degree in business, especially with a focus on entrepreneurship, is also a good option for someone who hopes to start a small business of their own someday.

Online associate degree programs have many benefits, the primary benefit being that you can take classes while keeping your full-time job or managing your other life responsibilities. Unlike "traditional" colleges, you do not have to drop everything else to enroll. Take classes when you want, study on your own time, and complete your degree often within two years or less.

There are numerous online associate degree programs; the list at bryantstratton.edu/online/degree-programs/associates, for example, includes associate degrees in business, office management, interactive media design, accounting, and information technology, among others. These types of degrees teach you real-world applicable skills that can help you start your own business, get hired, or even get promoted.

Certification programs

For people who already have an entry-level or assistant job at a company, a certification can help them advance to the next level. If you're looking to advance in HR, for example, getting an advanced HR certification such as the Professional in Human Resources certification can help your career progress. According to Workplace Insights, "Between 40 and 60 percent of open mid-level or higher HR positions either 'require' or 'prefer' certification." That means if you don't take the time to get certified, you may not be seriously considered for a mid-level or higher position.

Same goes for certification programs in accounting, office management, project management, and other areas of business administration. If you already have the background knowledge and want to advance your career, sometimes getting a certification is all you need.

Continuing education courses

Continuing education courses are best for people who are hoping to strike out on their own, whether as freelancers, self-employed individuals, or small business owners. They are inexpensive, short-term courses designed to teach you skills quickly. They are unlikely to be viewed as advancement material within a larger company, because they do not result in a degree or certification.

However, if you're looking to boost your knowledge in a subject area, you can take a continuing education course in online marketing, social media, proposal writing, and even "how to start a business." Look for these courses at your local community college. Once you become established in your field, you can also earn extra money by teaching a continuing education course of your own.

Free educational resources

Yes, you can pull a Good Will Hunting and learn anything you want by using free resources on the internet or at your local library. This is another good tool for people who are looking to start their own businesses or go into freelancing, as this method will get you a lot of education, but won't give you a degree or certification. Some of the most popular free programs include Khan Academy and various universities' OpenCourseWare services. Simply going to your local library and asking a librarian for help can also point you in the right direction.

This type of plan is good for people who are self-motivated and willing to explore a subject on their own. You can learn a lot by just using free resources, including basic accounting skills, marketing skills, business planning skills, and other tools that will put you on the path to starting your own business.

In short: if you're looking for a professional educational program to help you advance in a business or company, a certification or an associate degree is your best bet. If you're looking to learn more without getting a degree, look at continuing education courses or free resources. These are all great alternatives to a formal MBA, especially when you need quick, specialized knowledge in one area of business. Best of luck -- and happy learning!