How Do I Get an Associate's Degree in Management?

An associate's degree in management can help you get promoted in your current job or find a better-paying one. Before you can begin earning associate degree credits, you need to finish high school or obtain a general equivalency diploma (GED). After this, you may need to take a college entrance exam such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT). You may elect to take classes at a local campus, but pursuing an online associate degree is also an option to consider.

In order to begin taking classes towards an associate's degree in management, you will first need to graduate from high school. A GED is normally accepted as well, so if you have not graduated from high school, you may want to take this exam. If you already have a high school diploma or GED, it is helpful to locate a copy of this document so you can attach it to your application for admission.

Many colleges require potential students to take a placement exam before beginning an associate degree program. You should check with an admissions counselor at your school to find out if one is needed at that institution. If you have not taken one of these tests, the counselor can often schedule you for one of these exams and give you pointers for achieving a good score as well.

You should decide how and when you would like to take classes toward your associate's degree in management. If you already work in management, it may be tough to schedule regular classes on a college campus. In this instance, an online associate degree may be a better option. Some colleges have weekend courses available, and this could be a good option if you typically only work weekdays.

When you first begin your associate's degree in management, you may be asked to take core subjects relating to English or math. English courses that develop your speaking and writing skills can be useful in a management position because you will often be asked to write reports or speak to small groups. For these reasons, English composition and public speaking are two good classes to consider. Some of the math skills you might need in a business environment may be different from the basic math you learned in high school, which means business math could be a useful choice in this area.

After finishing your core subjects, you may be able to choose from a variety of electives. Some you may want to consider are human resources, conflict resolution, or critical thinking. By remaining diligent in your studies, you will be able to earn a professional degree, which can help you become a manager in many different types of businesses.