Moving into Business Management with an Online Degree

It sounds like the best degree for you would be an associate's or bachelor's degree in applied management. (Several programs titled 'administrative management' exist, but you'll find far more options if you search under the more common name 'applied management.' The programs are the same.) A related degree, with more emphasis on the general administration of an organization, is business administration.

Here's a quick comparison of these two fields to help you focus your search. While business administration programs prepare you to think critically and make business decisions, applied management gives you the communication skills and managerial strategies you need to lead a team of employees. Applied management courses are more likely to focus on strategies for motivating teamwork, hiring, and management ethics. Essentially, it helps you gain the skills that you'll use on a daily basis in a managerial position. Business administration will include some management training too, but it will also cover financial management and business strategy. In addition to finance, budgeting, and accounting, you'll learn how to analyze market trends and develop sales objectives.

Given your diploma in management studies, the next logical step would be a two-year associate's degree or four-year bachelor's degree in applied management. If in the future you decide to pursue your studies even further, you can broaden the scope of your business training with a master's degree in business administration (MBA).

Next Steps...
All of these degrees are readily available online. WorldWideLearn itself serves as a school directory. The challenge will be to navigate the multitude of options. If you plan to specialize in a certain area such as health care or technology, include these terms in your search. Other factors to consider include cost, length of time to complete degree, and transfer credits (some schools may give you credit for your current diploma).

With so many business programs online, you're sure to find one that suits you.