Associate of Arts in Business

Earn your Associate of Arts in Business degree from Ashford University and you'll prepare yourself for entry-level work in the field of business and be on a path to a better future. You'll find this 67-credit program is a perfect stepping stone to help you build a foundation in the business world.

Degree Focus
Your courses 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.

Associate of Arts in Business

Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Associate of Arts in Business degree program will be able to: 

• Communicate information and ideas at a competency level acceptable in business through written, verbal, and technological means;
• Demonstrate skill in quantitative reasoning and data interpretation at a level useful in decision-making activities; 
• Understand critical thinking processes and apply strategies that demonstrate competent use of logic in problem solving; 
• Apply basic skills in management, marketing and accounting; 
• Evaluate significant contributions to knowledge of self and knowledge of society that are expressed through psychology, literature, history, science, and religion; and 
• Interpret important social, corporate and global issues and begin to develop a personal world view that integrates conclusions reached about these issues.

Program Requirements

• Completion of University's general education requirements, including competencies 
• Completion of 67 credits with a cumulative 2.00 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.

Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.

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 
• Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.

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; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users);
•  Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome; 
•  Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem; 
•  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); 
• Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.
• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher; 

•  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.

Online Format
You will take your courses 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 $390 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. 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 on or before 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 Admissions Counselor 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 Veterans Affairs benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Associate of Arts in Business

Take the first step toward breaking in to the world of business when you embark on your Associate of Arts in Business degree program. Within this 67-credit program, you'll complete general education requirements that you may then transfer toward a Bachelor's degree with Ashford University.

Courses
(67 credits, all courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted.)

Introductory Courses*

EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.

PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.

* EXP 105 and PSY 202 are required as core courses in the major and must be taken by all Associate of Arts students.

Core Course Requirements

ENG 121 Composition I
The course is designed to enable students to develop competence in analyzing, organizing, and developing ideas; to locate and use library resources for supporting ideas; and, to adapt one's writing to various audiences. Instruction and practice in writing and critical reading is a focus in this course.

ENG 122 Composition II
This course provides instruction and practice in writing effective expository and persuasive essays. The techniques for doing research and writing research papers are explored. Attention is given to the development of library research skills.

COM 200 Interpersonal Communication
This course is designed to aid students in understanding the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Verbal and nonverbal communication patterns between people in personal, social, academic, and professional settings will be examined, and the nature of those interactions will be evaluated using contemporary communication theory. The course will enable students to identify their interpersonal communication behaviors and to more critically evaluate their own oral communication and that of others. A primary goal of the course is to improve the quality of students' communication in their personal and professional relationships.

INF 103 Computer Literacy
This course is a study of personal computer applications and the Internet as information processing tools in business and academic environments. Students will explore the World Wide Web, learn basic computer concepts, and use productivity tools to create text documents, spreadsheets, and presentation graphics with the Microsoft Office applications.

HIS 103 World Civilizations I
This course is a study of the origins and development of the world's major civilizations from their beginnings through the seventeenth century. Emphasis is placed on the salient socio-economic, political and religious characters of the civilization and the patterns of interaction among them.

HIS 104 World Civilizations II
This course is a study of the development and interaction of the world's major civilizations from the seventeenth century to the present. Emphasis is placed on the rise and decline of European global dominance.

ENG 125 Introduction to Literature
This course is an introduction to the basic elements of fiction, poetry and drama. Emphasis is on reading literature to perceive the techniques used in each genre, to understand the basic theoretical approaches to literature, to acquire the vocabulary associated with literary criticism, and to analyze and evaluate literature.

BUS 201 Principles of Management
This course is an introduction to the nature and problems of management and organizations, leadership and control. The relationships between the needs of the individual, the organization and society are examined.

POL 201 American National Government
A survey of government at the national level. Emphasis is placed on the constitutional basis of American government, federalism, the sources and forms of political behavior, the operation of the three branches of government, and the making of national policy.

SCI 207 Dependence of Man on the Environment (4 credits)
In this course learners deepen their understanding of the importance of natural resources to mankind. Students explore the physical, biological and ecological principles, how human alterations affect the environment, reflect on the controversies surrounding various approaches to addressing environmental problems and the steps some communities have taken to address these challenges.

PHI 103 Informal Logic
This course is a study of correct and incorrect reasoning involved in everyday activities. The fundamentals of language and argument, deductive and inductive reasoning and other aspects of practical reasoning are examined.

CGD 218 Visual Literacy in Business
This course examines the evolution and trends in digital media utilized in the business environment. Course content and activities will focus on message content and creation and the visual principles and theories that shape effective visual communication in the business environment. Legal and ethical issues relating to visual communication will be introduced and incorporated into projects that develop visual literacy and visual problem-solving skills.

MAT 221 Introduction to Algebra
This course establishes a strong base for an Algebraic exploration of mathematical topics. Student understanding is built up through learning the basics of real numbers and Algebra terminology, writing, solving, and graphing equations, and manipulating polynomials through various operations. Students will develop a familiarity and ease of working with the language and notation of Algebra while learning to think logically through algorithms and solving methods. Emphasis will be placed on developing an awareness of the use of mathematics as it exists in the world today.

MAT 222 Intermediate Algebra
In this course students will explore a wider range of Algebra topics beyond the introductory level. Topics will include polynomials, functions, rational expressions, systems of equations and inequalities, operations with radicals, and quadratic equations. Emphasis will be placed on developing an awareness of the use of mathematics as it exists in the world today. Prerequisite: MAT 221 or equivalent.

BUS 235 Introduction to Marketing
This course is an introduction to marketing principles, concepts and theories that define the marketing discipline. Basic marketing strategies relating to product, price, promotion and distribution, cultural trends, societal behavior, technology, and legal environments that influence effective marketing decisions are examined.

ECO 100 Survey of Contemporary Economic Issues
Contemporary economic issues are discussed and relevant economic theory is introduced throughout this course of study. The economic theories of supply and demand, competitive markets, and price elasticity are explored.

ACC 201 Principles of Financial Accounting
This course is an introduction to financial accounting for non-accounting business majors. Emphasis is on accrual accounting procedures and the development and use of financial statements.

ACC 202 Principles of Managerial Accounting
This course is an introduction to managerial and cost accounting concepts for the non-accounting business major. Emphasis is placed on managerial planning and control, cost behaviors, budgeting, and performance analysis.

PHI 208 Ethics & Moral Reasoning
This course explores key philosophical concepts from an ethical perspective. Students will analyze selected assertions of knowledge and the methods of reasoning humans use to justify these claims. Through research into theories of science and religion, as well as the theoretical and empirical challenges these institutions of thought face, students will also investigate how the mind constructs and understands reality. This will provide a foundation for an exploration into questions of morality, in which students will look at traditional and contemporary ethical theories, and apply these theories to contemporary moral issues.

BUS 250 Corporate & Social Responsibility
This course explores philosophic perspectives for understanding the meaning of corporate responsibility in society, and considers the leadership roles of managers in implementing corporate and social responsibilities. Topics include uses of power, government regulations, environmental issues, employee rights and responsibilities, consumer protection, and ethical integrity.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

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With your full schedule, you may not have a lot of time to spare. Whether you are a busy parent, a working adult, or just short on time, you can still get the information you need to explore your options for higher education. Now you can take advantage of Ashford University's LiveChat function to speak with an Admissions Counselor in real time from the comfort of your desktop. In just a few minutes, you can: discover Ashford's affordable tuition rates; find out how to earn your Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's degree in less time than you think; see how conveniently online courses can fit with your schedule; choose the degree program that's right for you; and have all your questions answered quickly Make an informed decision regarding your education. Click the link above to speak live with an Admissions Counselor right away, or have an Admissions Counselor call you at the time that works best for you. * Admissions Counselors are available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, PST and Saturday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, PST.