Two Business Pathways. One Strong Start.

Glen Oaks offers two associate degrees in business—each designed to meet different goals. Whether you're planning to transfer to a university or head straight into the workforce, you can build a solid foundation at GOCC with small classes, expert instructors, and local support.

Which Business Degree Is Right for You?

Glen Oaks offers two business associate degrees to match your goals:

  • Choose the Business Associate of Business (AB) if you're planning to transfer to a university and complete a bachelor's degree in business, accounting, marketing, or management.

  • Choose the Business Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) if you're looking to gain practical, job-ready skills and enter the workforce after graduation.

Female students sitting at a table in front of her laptop, smiling and facing the camera, wearing a striped turtleneck

Side-by-Side Program Comparison

  Business Associate of Business (AB) Business Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS)
Best For Students planning to transfer to a 4-year university Students preparing to enter the workforce after graduation
Goal Seamless transfer to a bachelor’s degree in business Develop job-ready skills for business careers
Focus Areas General education, accounting, economics, business core Management, marketing, technology, communication
Ideal for Students planning to complete a bachelor's degree Students seeking a job-ready credential in 2 years
Transfer-Ready? Yes, fully aligned with Michigan Transfer Agreement Some courses may transfer; not designed for full transfer
Credits Required 60 60
Online Availability Course options are available in person, online, and hybrid. Both business programs can be completed fully online. Check the current course schedule for options Course options are available in person, online, and hybrid. Both business programs can be completed fully online. Check the current course schedule for options
Time to Complete Typically 2 years (full-time) Typically 2 years (full-time)
Applies Toward a Degree? Yes – Designed to transfer into a bachelor’s program Yes – Can lead directly into career or stack with certificates

 


Compare Business Programs

Here are a few of the key courses in the program: 

  • ACCT 109: Payroll Accounting
  • BUS 104: Introduction to Business
  • ECON 203: Principles of Economics-Micro

Business Associate of Business (AB)                      Business Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Explore full course listings and degree requirements in the official Glen Oaks catalog:


What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn the core principles of how businesses operate—from planning and decision-making to budgeting, marketing, and team leadership. The focus is on practical knowledge you can use in a variety of industries, from retail and service to logistics and entrepreneurship.


Stackable Certificates

Many students begin with one of our business certificates and then apply those credits directly into the AAS degree. Options include:


FAQs

Q: Can I take these programs part-time?
A: Yes. Many students balance school with work or family responsibilities.

Q: Will my credits transfer to a university?
A: The AB degree is built for transfer. The AAS may transfer in part, but it is intended for workforce preparation.

Q: Are classes available online?
A: Course options are available in person, online, and hybrid. Both business programs can be completed fully online. Check the current course schedule for options

Q: Can I earn a certificate first and then complete a degree?
A: Yes. Certificates like accounting, supervision, or marketing stack directly into the AAS in Business.