Our homes, food, clothing, vehicles, and leisure activities are the products of the skill, dedication, and creativity of business professionals. Business people must be “world-class competitors” in order to maintain or improve the American standard of living.

Graduates in this degree program may pursue business careers in marketing, human resource management, labor relations, production management, office administration, finance, insurance, etc. Graduates may also work in hospitals, government agencies, or schools.

Designed for transfer into a 4-year institution.

Program Goals and Objectives

To provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level careers in business-related positions

Catalog Information

Curriculum Overview

Career information and opportunities

Business: Business Administration, A.A.S.

SUNY Niagara’s Business Administration A.A.S. teaches you management, marketing, accounting and communication skills for entry-level business jobs. It is also designed for transfer to a four-year school.

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Last updated: Oct. 21, 2026

What jobs can I get with a Business Administration A.A.S.?

Sales representative
Retail manager
Insurance agent
Administrative assistant
Office administrator
Small business team member with room to advance

These are entry-level business jobs. You can start working right after you graduate.

Which business areas can I work in?

Marketing
Human resources
Labor relations
Production management
Office administration
Finance
Insurance

Business skills work in almost every field, so you have options.

Sources

How much can I earn?

Median yearly pay in the U.S., May 2025
Job	Median per year
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives	$72,080
Insurance sales agents	$62,280
Secretaries and administrative assistants	$48,310
Human resources specialists (usually needs a bachelor’s degree)	$75,940
General and operations managers (usually needs experience)	$105,770
Sales managers (usually needs several years of sales experience)	$148,270

Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less. Insurance agents also need a state license.

Pay depends on the job, your experience, your education and the employer.

What is the job outlook?

Human resources specialists: Jobs are expected to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035. That is faster than average.
General and operations managers: Jobs are expected to grow 5%. That is faster than average.
Sales managers: Jobs are expected to grow 4%. That is about average.
Insurance sales agents: Jobs are expected to grow 3%. That is about average.
Sales representatives: Little or no change is expected, but there are about 123,400 openings each year.
Administrative assistants: Jobs are expected to drop 2%, but there are about 314,400 openings each year.

The average for all jobs is 3%. Most openings come from people retiring or changing careers, so entry-level jobs stay available.

Sources

Where do business graduates work?

Small businesses
Retail stores
Insurance companies
Banks and financial companies
Manufacturers
Hospitals
Government agencies
Schools

Every organization needs people who can manage, sell, communicate and keep the office running.

Can I grow with a small business?

Yes. In a small business, you often wear many hats, from sales to scheduling to hiring. That gives you a fast way to learn and move up. Your management, accounting and law courses prepare you to take on more responsibility.

Sources

How can I move up?

Learn management, marketing, accounting, law and communication.
Finish your 62-credit A.A.S. and start in an entry-level business job.
Gain experience and take on supervisor or manager roles.
Transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree for roles like human resources specialist or manager.

Many manager jobs need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience. Your A.A.S. gets you started on both.

Can I transfer to a four-year school?

Yes. The program is designed for transfer to a four-year school. Talk to your advisor about which schools fit your plans.

Which courses prepare me for these jobs?

ACC 116 Financial Accounting
ACC 117 Managerial Accounting

Business: Business Administration, A.A.S.

Program Overview

Program Goals and Objectives