Is a business associates degree worthless?

Question

I may or may not attend a 4 year university.... I want to go into business for myself in a way of partnership, limited partner, franchisee, real estate, investing, sole proprietor, etc. -(something of that nature)

Is an associates degree essentially worthless?

Answer 1

I hesitate to use the word "worthless" here, because a business associate's degree will serve certain purposes. However, I don't think it will serve yours. The associate's degree is designed to prepare students for low-level jobs in business, where they'll be competing with BBAs and MBAs for advancement. It doesn't prepare students to strike out on their own as entrepreneurs.

Find out if your community has a Small Business Development Center. They have business advisors who can tell you more about establishing and running a successful business. After talking to them, you'll be in a better position to decide what your educational goal should be.

Answer 2

Many people don't realize there are essentially two different kinds of associates degrees. One that is designed to transfer to a 4 year school, and another (usually called an Applied Associates Degree) that is designed to put you to the real world of work.
If you are going into business for yourself then you don't need to know if someone will hire you with this degree. What you need to know is will it provide you with enough information to help you succeed in starting and running your own business. Check out the degree requirements and course descriptions of the associates degree you are considering. If all you are taking history, government, and such... well... think about it. If you are taking business law, accounting, and others, well there is your answer.
Good Luck.

Answer 3

An Associates degree is not worthless. If your aim is to go into business for yourself or in partnership with someone else this is a program that can allow you to gain the skills and knowledge necessary without the expense and time of a four year degree. I would highly recommend an AS or AAS degree program so that you also have access to general education courses should you at some point decide to transfer to a 4 year program. In addition many 2 year schools have articulation agreements with 4 year schools guaranteeing credit transfers for both general education and technical courses.

If you want further information:
The American Association of Community Colleges: http://www.aacc.nche.edu/

Additional listings of Two Year Colleges and related resources:
http://cset.sp.utoledo.edu/twoyrcol.html#Other

Answer 4

Its better to get a 4 year degree because 2 year degrees are becoming a thing of the past. A 4 year degree is more valued by many now.

Answer 5

Essentially, yes. A degree is only good if someone hires you to do what you learn in a degree; or, if you can go into business for yourself.

Answer 6

an associate degree is a gateway degree, its meant to transfer to a university and work toward a bachelors or something higher