School of Business & Technology · Associate degree
Associate of Arts in Small Business Management
Learn to plan, launch, and run a business.
Dreaming of your own business, or want practical business skills in about two years? MVU’s AA in Small Business Management covers accounting, management, marketing, business law, entrepreneurship, and economics, on campus or online.
60–69
credit hours
2 years
for full-time students
On campus or online
choose what fits
24 hours
of business courses
Why MVU for small business
Practical skills for running a business
Learn how every part of a business fits together, from the books to the customers.
Built for small business
Learn how to plan and organize a business, and how small businesses shape the economy and their communities.
A path to a bachelor’s
Earn it on its own or alongside a related bachelor’s degree, such as Business Administration or Management.
On campus or online
Take classes in the classroom or complete the degree online.
Is this program for me?
This program may be a great fit if you want to…
- Start or grow your own business.
- Build a business foundation before choosing a bachelor’s major.
- Add small business skills to a related bachelor’s degree.
- Earn a degree in about two years.
What will I learn to do?
Skills you’ll practice and grow
- Plan, organize, staff, lead, and control as a manager.
- Plan and organize a business.
- Explain the role small businesses play in society and the economy.
- Use the business core: accounting, economics, finance, business law, marketing, and quantitative analysis.
How the degree works
Three parts, one degree
Most students complete 60 to 69 credit hours, depending on the courses they choose.
01
General education core
At least 42 hours in social science, writing, speaking, science, math, and the humanities and fine arts.
02
Business courses
24 credit hours across accounting, management, marketing, business law, entrepreneurship, and economics.
03
Electives as needed
Add electives if you need more hours to reach at least 60.
Explore the curriculum
24 credit hours of business
Eight 3-credit courses, plus the general education core.
Accounting (6 credit hours)
- ACCT 210 Financial Accounting
- ACCT 220 Managerial Accounting
Management and entrepreneurship (6 credit hours)
- BNSS 212 Principles of Management
- BNSS 301 Entrepreneurship
Marketing and business law (6 credit hours)
- BNSS 232 Principles of Marketing
- BNSS 282 Business Law I
Economics (6 credit hours)
- ECON 206 Principles of Macroeconomics
- ECON 216 Principles of Microeconomics
General education core (at least 42 credit hours)
- Social and behavioral science (9 hours) from at least two subjects, including one constitution course: HIST 104, HIST 105, or POLS 100
- Written communication (6 hours): ENGL 130 Rhetoric and Composition, plus ENGL 160 or HONR 190
- Oral communication (3 hours), such as COMM 100 Public Speaking & Introduction to Communication
- Natural science (3 hours)
- Mathematics (3 hours)
- Humanities and fine arts (12 hours) from at least three subjects, covering the arts and creativity, ethics, and culture and society
- Additional general education (6 hours) from any area, to reach at least 42 hours
Graduation requirements
- Complete at least 60 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Earn a C or higher in every degree requirement, with no pass/fail grades in the major.
- Complete your last 15 credit hours at MVU.
- Complete the major assessment requirement.
- Apply for graduation (the degree isn’t awarded automatically) and pay the $100 graduation fee.
Getting started
Three steps to begin
Applying to MVU is free, and most students finish the application in a few minutes.
02
Send your transcripts
Send your high school transcript, plus official transcripts from any college or dual credit courses. Transferring? See the transfer steps.
03
Plan how you’ll pay
Explore scholarships, grants, and loans on Tuition & Financial Aid, or request information for current tuition.
How long does it take?
Small Business Management is a two-year degree for full-time students.
Can I take it online?
Yes. You can complete the degree in the classroom or online.
Can I earn it along with a bachelor’s degree?
Yes. You can earn the AA on its own or alongside a bachelor’s degree in a related business field, such as Business Administration or Management. Your advisor can help you plan both.
What do I need to graduate?
- At least 60 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- A C or higher in every degree requirement.
- Your last 15 credit hours at MVU.
- An application for graduation and the $100 graduation fee.
Talk with the Dean
Have questions about courses, online options, or pairing this AA with a bachelor’s degree? Reach out. We’re happy to talk through your goals.
AA in Small Business Management