The first cohort for the University of St. Thomas-Houston’s completely online Associate of Applied Science Degree in General Business program is going into their second year. Focusing on in-demand skills, the two-year business degree through The Kolbe School of Innovation and Professional Studies positions students for success.

Gain Relevant Knowledge

“It’s as if the classes are talking directly to me about what’s going on at work now,” Margaret Flores, administrator at St. Anne’s Catholic School, said. “At work, we’re dealing with communications, leadership, management and accounting. So, this degree program came at a perfect time for me.”

Flores is a wife and mother to grown children. The nontraditional student said an associate degree will add to her professional options while expanding her business knowledge.

Build Stackable Credentials

Associate Dean for the Cameron School of Business, Dr. Vinita Ramaswamy, said, “Within the associate degree, students are also getting mini-credentials—certificates and badges—which can stack on top of one another for expanded knowledge and competencies. They take their basics like accounting, economics, management, marketing and business fundamentals. Then, they build on that accounting knowledge by getting badges for Excel and QuickBooks. In addition, they enlarge their management knowledge with valuable add-ons for statistics, human resources and entrepreneurship. So, they’re building unique, stackable credentials.”

Improve Job Prospects

Ramaswamy adds there are plenty of job openings for an associate degree in business.

“They could become managers of retail stores, go into sales, become an administrative assistant, perform accounting or embark on entrepreneurship,” she said. “They may have their own business or want to start their own, so we give them the tools and skills.”

Degree Options

Given her progress in the program, Flores is starting to believe a B.A. is realistic for her. She is considering transitioning to UST’s 4-year program. Some other students may go for the 5-year program, which includes an MBA.

“The availability and encouragement of my professors mean a lot,” Flores remarked. “Plus, the technology of online courses works well for me. I can listen to a chapter and comprehend it much better than if I only read it. Also, doing things at my own pace makes the program possible for me.”

All UST business programs feature one of the hallmarks of St. Thomas—a strong emphasis on ethics in leadership.

Dean of The Kolbe School, Dr. Nicole McZeal Walters, said, “We are very pleased to offer this two-year program in General Business in partnership with our friends in the Cameron School of Business.”