Associate program

The American University Associate program Associate of Science in Business

Business foundations for entry-level roles and continued study.

About the program

Associate of Science in Business

Bridging Strategy and Justice: The Dual Power of The American University’s A.S. in Business

In today’s volatile global economy, the most effective leaders are those who possess the agility to manage complex organizations and the analytical depth to understand the societal frameworks in which those organizations operate. The American University’s Associate of Science (A.S.) in Business is specifically engineered to be a catalyst for this kind of professional excellence.

This program is more than a foundational degree; it is a bridge. Whether you are an aspiring professional looking to break into entry-level management or a seasoned employee aiming to sharpen your strategic toolkit, this curriculum provides the essential pillars—general education, practical business theory, and high-impact workplace skills—necessary to thrive.

Mastering the Managerial Core

The program moves beyond abstract concepts. Students are challenged to apply foundational managerial theories in real-world contexts, transforming the classroom into a laboratory for business decision-making. By dissecting organizational behavior, operational efficiency, and leadership dynamics, graduates leave the program not just with a degree, but with a refined capability to solve problems that businesses face every single day. This practical orientation creates a seamless transition for those who wish to pursue advanced business studies, ensuring that every credit earned acts as a stepping stone toward a Bachelor’s degree and beyond.

A Unique Perspective: The Intersection of Business and Justice

What sets The American University’s A.S. in Business apart is its commitment to creating well-rounded, socially conscious professionals. By integrating critical insights into the criminal justice system, the program offers a holistic view of the regulatory and ethical environments that shape modern industry.

Upon completion, graduates will possess a specialized skill set that allows them to:

Navigate Complex Systems: Evaluate the three main components of the criminal justice system, teaching students how large, bureaucratic institutions function and intersect.

Analyze Behavioral Dynamics: Examine the psychology of crime and the development of the criminal lifestyle, providing a nuanced understanding of human behavior that is highly transferable to corporate risk management and HR strategies.

Address Institutional Challenges: Evaluate the roles, hurdles, and social responsibilities of juvenile justice agencies, fostering a sense of civic leadership and institutional accountability.

Understand Interdependence: Explain the intricate interdependence between judicial processes, a skill highly valued in legal, corporate compliance, and public policy sectors.

Your Future, Accelerated

The American University understands that your career path is rarely linear. This program is designed to respect your professional background while pushing you toward your potential. By combining robust business acumen with a sophisticated understanding of justice and social frameworks, our graduates don’t just enter the workforce—they emerge as leaders who can navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and integrity.

Ready to elevate your career? Enroll in The American University’s A.S. in Business and turn your ambition into expertise.

Curriculum

How the curriculum is built

The Associate of Science in Business degree program offers a comprehensive educational foundation, equipping students with the essential general education, business acumen, and workplace skills required for professional success. Designed to accommodate both newcomers and working professionals, the curriculum prepares graduates for entry-level management roles while simultaneously enhancing the expertise of those already established in the workforce. By bridging theoretical managerial concepts with practical, real-world applications, the program ensures that students are well-prepared to excel in their careers and are fully equipped to pursue further, advanced business studies.

GENERAL EDUCATION | Total Required Semester Hours: 21

Requirements

Major Requirements| Total Required Semester Hours: 18

Requirements

English Composition

Course codeCourse title
EH 1010English Composition I
Requirements

Humanities and Fine Arts

Course codeCourse title
ART 1301ART APPRECIATION I
PHL 1010CRITICAL THINKING
Requirements

Mathematics

Course codeCourse title
MAT 1301LIBERAL ARTS MATH
Requirements

Natural Science

Course codeCourse title
BIO 1100Non-Majors Biology
BIO 1302ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Requirements

Social and Behavioral Science

Course codeCourse title
HY 1110AMERICAN HISTORY I
Requirements

Electives | Total Required Semester Hours: 21

Paying for school

Tuition and ways to save

Transfer credits are accepted. Textbooks are included. Payment options, the learning partners discount and scholarships are available. Admissions issues a written quotation before enrollment.

Credits

Transfer credits accepted

Previous study may count toward this program. Admissions reviews transfer credit.

Books

Textbooks included

Textbooks are included in the cost of the program.

Payment

Payment options

Choose a payment plan set out in your written quotation.

Savings

Scholarships and partner discounts

Ask Admissions about scholarships and the learning partners discount.

Flexible online learning

Study on your schedule

The program is designed for working professionals and anyone balancing study with other commitments.

LifePace

LifePace Learning®

Start any time. Progress through a course in as little as four weeks or as long as ten weeks. There are no required login times and no set start or completion dates.

Terms

Term enrollment

Work at your own pace within set course start and end dates. A term lasts about nine weeks, with weekly assignments to keep you on track. There are eleven term start dates each year.

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Next step

Start this program

Contact Admissions to confirm eligibility, transfer credit, and the next term start.