The Career
Merriam-Webster defines business administration as “a program of studies in a college or university providing general knowledge of business principles and practices.” ECC students interested in this field can choose from a number of career paths.
Employment opportunities include accounting, economics, finance, marketing, management, retail, government, insurance, agribusiness, purchasing and human resources. Those who complete their associate degree in business administration are prepared to enter into an undergraduate major leading to training in these areas.
Employment and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in business administration are currently in high demand. Depending on education and experience, professionals have a variety of opportunities open to them. These are just a few examples of business administration careers and their average annual salary as of 2012:
| |
Sales Management |
$101,640 |
| |
Accounting |
$61,690 |
| |
Finance Management |
$103,910 |
| |
Human Resources Management |
$99,180 |
| |
Hospitality Management |
$46,880 |
| |
Healthcare Administration |
$84,270 |
| |
Marketing Management |
$116,010 |
Professional Traits
Those choosing employment in this field should:
- Have strong communication, listening and people skills
- Be ethical, honest and trustworthy with confidential information
- Pay close attention to details
- Be punctual, reliable and self-motivated
- Have the ability to set and meet goals
The Program
This Associate of Arts curriculum provides both the theoretical and technical skills students need to enter a baccalaureate program in business or a related field. Those who express an interest in business administration have several course options and electives available. Assuming appropriate placement scores, it is a two-year degree, with flexibility to customize the program of study toward the student’s chosen career.
To earn this degree, students must complete the 43-credit hour general education core required of all transfer degrees plus the necessary electives in accounting, business and economics. Elective coursework should be chosen based on the requirements of the transfer institution and the student’s area of interest.
East Central College also offers two related workforce preparation degrees: the Associate of Applied Science in both business and accounting.
Admission Requirements
To enter the program, students must have completed:
- High school diploma or the equivalent (documentation must be sent to the registration office)
- Application for admission
- A placement test as specified by the college (please note: some coursework requires minimum placement results)
Transfer Options
Many of the credits, particularly the general education electives earned with this degree, are accepted as transfer credits by four-year colleges and universities. These decisions are made solely by the bachelor degree-granting institution.
Students seeking to transfer should communicate often with their faculty advisors and the East Central College transfer advisor. They should also make early contact with the four-year institution of their choice regarding the transferability of ECC credits and coursework.
Accreditation
East Central College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
800-621-7440
Contacts
