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About Our Accreditation
American Public University’s associate of arts in business administration enjoys accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP®).
ACBSP is one of the most widely recognized associations responsible for evaluating and accrediting various business degree programs. The council focuses on teaching excellence, determining student outcomes, and a continuous improvement model. ACBSP’s approach ensures that students gain the necessary skills from their educational investment as they pursue their college education.
Also, American Public University is part of American Public University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Why is accreditation important? When an accrediting body recognizes an institution of higher learning, it is validating that the programs and degrees meet the highest level of quality and rigor. This includes both in-person and online programs. Accredited universities enable qualified students to apply for financial aid and transfer credits to other schools. Employers often place value in recognizing degrees earned from accredited schools and programs.
ACBSP® is a registered trademark of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
An associate of arts in business administration provides an educational foundation for working in the business world across nearly all industries. Program requirements and electives are designed to introduce and prepare students with a strong base in areas such as:
- Accounting
- Economics
- Marketing
- Finance
- Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Hospitality
What type of student does this degree appeal to? Both the recent high school graduate and the working professional may find value in the broad-based education this degree provides.
The program aims to achieve two objectives: Helping you hone in on the skills required for entry-level responsibilities and preparing you to transition to a bachelor’s program.
Should you wish to advance your education further and pursue a bachelor’s degree, our associate’s degree paves the way with the foundational knowledge necessary to take your learning to the next level.
Why Choose American Public University for your AA in Business Administration?
American Public University’s School of Business is named after Dr. Wallace E. Boston, our former University president and CEO of American Public Education, Inc. During his tenure, he championed the flexibility, affordability, and accessibility that have become American Public University’s hallmarks. American Public University is extremely proud of this distinction.
Why else should you choose American Public University?
- Faculty with real-world experience: Faculty are experienced practitioners sharing their insight into the business world. They frequently offer tangible examples of real-world applications.
- Affordability: American Public University prides itself on value. The University is part of American Public University System, which a Georgetown University study1 ranked in the top 11% for return on investment. In keeping with a focus on value, this program features affordable per-credit-hour tuition, no-cost applications, no-cost transfer credit evaluations, and no-cost ebooks.
- Frequent start dates: Classes start the first Monday of every month. This puts the student in control with starting their education and planning their schedule in advance. This may be an advantage over some traditional brick-and-mortar schools that may start just in the fall, spring, or summer.
1 Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce report, Ranking 4,500 Colleges by ROI (2022), based on a 20-year return on investment, or net present value.
The Advantages of Online Learning
Learning online can have many benefits. Here are a few to consider:
- Flexibility: American Public University’s courses are asynchronous. That means there are no set login times for scheduled lectures or activities. You can set your own schedule to complete weekly assignments.
- Convenience: Study anywhere with an internet connection, anytime that fits your lifestyle. This is especially advantageous for working professionals who are continuing education during their free time.
- Diverse student body: Students and faculty are not limited by geographic location. You will gain insights from people across the country, even around the globe, who share unique perspectives. Through networking, you broaden your circle of connections and potentially learn about professional opportunities in different locations.
- Getting comfortable with technology: This program allows you to continue building skills in technology with professional workplace applications that enhance your ability to contribute at a higher level to business operations.
Financing Your College Education
At American Public University, we pride ourselves on affordable tuition and fees. Our online program provides you access to many advantages similar to on-campus programs, including advisors who can suggest options for obtaining financial aid. Here are solutions to consider:
- Federal Student Aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, available at studentaid.gov to determine your eligibility to receive federal student loans or financial aid
- Employee Benefits: If you are currently employed, check with your HR department to learn whether your organization partners with American Public University for educational benefits
- Transferring credits can save time and money to offset the cost of your degree. We award up to 45 transfer credits toward an associate degree, putting you that much closer to your degree. Transfer credits may be awarded for previous coursework, professional certifications, on-the-job training, or real-world experience1
Paying for your education doesn’t need to be complicated. We can help you evaluate your options. Simply email us at [email protected] or call to speak with an advisor at 877-755-2787.
Are you ready to get started? Request information from American Public University today.
Frequently Asked Questions
An associate of arts focuses on soft skills. This includes communication, creativity, critical thinking, detail management, leadership, interpersonal skills, and teamwork. These skills can typically be applied to responsibilities related to customer service, marketing, and sales.
An associate of science focuses on hard skills, such as quantitative and technical abilities. These often can be applied to responsibilities involving accounting, analytics, and budgeting.
You should choose a degree program that aligns with your strengths and interests to prepare you for opportunities in professional life or pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
An associate program serves as the first building block in your higher education experience. With an associate's degree, you can gain an understanding of entry-level roles in the work world.
This knowledge provides a valuable lens into higher-level responsibilities if you continue your education toward a bachelor’s degree. Plus, the credits you earn can count towards the credits you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s program.
Once you complete the associate’s degree, you can be well on your way to your next academic milestone, which could include entry into a bachelor’s degree program.
Time: The associate of arts will take about two years of full-time study to complete. It demonstrates to employers that you are serious about advancing your knowledge. It also enhances your ability to solve business problems and sets you up nicely for entry into a bachelor’s degree program. A BBA will take approximately four years of full-time study to finish.
Cost: Because it is shorter in duration, the associate’s degree is less costly than the bachelor’s degree.
Depth: The BBA is a bachelor’s degree and represents next-level learning. It provides more advanced knowledge of principles and practices, preparing an individual to contribute to an enterprise in more meaningful ways.
Future Goals: Some professional responsibilities will require a bachelor’s degree, particularly a management role or one that requires a high level of knowledge in emerging technologies. However, if you are eager to enter the work world, many companies provide hands-on training and mentoring, so an associate program may be adequate. Be certain to align your goals with market demands as you consider which degree path fits you best.
Students in an associate program typically will learn about accounting, finance, marketing, retail, and supervision.