Associate of Science in Business (Adult Education)

There are different reasons why individuals choose to pursue an associate degree in business at Alvernia, either as a first step toward a bachelor’s degree, or as a goal in and of itself. Whatever your motivation, Alvernia University's Associate of Science degree in Business is a great way to stretch your intellect and gain practical skills.

Business students combine classroom learning with real world knowledge through a cooperative education experience. This broad-based approach prepares graduates to succeed professionally by developing their supervisory and managerial skills necessary for career advancement. Our degree helps individuals gain real knowledge about the new global economy, through the eyes of successful professionals in the field.

Getting Started

Where You Can Get a Degree

The Associate of Science in Business program is available at the following Alvernia University location:

Reading

Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective students may apply to Alvernia at any time. Multiple start dates throughout the year allow accepted students to begin a program of study at an accommodating time. We continually review applications and accept students for each of the six term starts (August, October, February, March, May, and July).

Keeping on track is important throughout the process. We encourage you to work with an admission team member to submit all materials and meet all deadlines. Our dedicated team will work directly with you to identify the best options that work for you and your unique situation.

Once your application is complete, you will not have to wait long for a decision. We continually review applications and notify students as soon as a decision has been made.

To get started, visit our Adult Education Application page for a list of instructions and documents needed.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

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Program Overview

Curriculum

The Adult Education Associate of Science degree in Business consists of 66 credits.

Liberal Arts Core (24 credits)

Composition and Research (3 credits)
Communications elective (3 credits)
Art, Music, or Literature (3 credits)
Mathematics (3 credits)
Science (3 credits)
Social Science (3 credits)
Philosophy (3 credits)
Theology (3 credits)

Business Core (42 Credits)

BUS 101 Financial Accounting (3 credits)
ECON 110 Current Economic Issues (3 credits)
BUS 200 Managerial Accounting -OR-BUS 250 Accounting Principles (3 credits)
BUS 206 Management Principles (3 credits)
BUS 207 Marketing Principles (3 credits)
BUS 208 Sales & Sales Management (3 credits)
BUS 218 Personal Money Management (3 credits)
BUS 280 Human Resource Management (3 credits)
BUS 293 Change Management (3 credits)
COM 115 Technology for the Workplace (3 credits)
COM 103 Fundamentals of Speech -OR-COM 131 Writing for the Media (3 credits)
ECON 248 Macroeconomics (3 credits)
ECON 249 Microeconomics (3 credits)
MAT 208 Introductory Statistics (3 credits)

Experiential Learning Opportunities

In the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, our business lab and Bloomberg Terminals provide financial real time, historical data, market moving news and analytics.
The O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship offers resources to students and businesses to assist with economic development. Students interested in starting a business or securing a patent have access to the O'Pake Institute business incubator.
Alpha Sigma Lambda is the premier national honor society for nontraditional adult students. Its aim is to recognize the special achievements of adults who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of home and work. For the nontraditional student, the Society stands as an inspiration for continuing scholastic growth, and is a builder of pride through recognition. The Alvernia University ASL Chapter serves as a vehicle for imparting appreciation for adult students’ academic achievements and contributions. Alpha Sigma Lambda is the oldest and largest chapter-based honor society for full- and part-time students.

Program Accreditation

Alvernia University’s Business Department programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP).
Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Career Outlook

After earning your Associate of Science in Business, you will be well-positioned for employment in entry-level or mid-level positions in private industry, non-profit organizations, and government, including: