A business associate's degree is the first entry level type of business degree. Typically, this degree takes two years to achieve and will prepare the student for low-level managerial or assistant positions. An associate's degree is a stepping-stone for higher business degrees.
A business bachelor's degree is the next step up from an associate's degree and covers topics necessary in to get ahead in a business environment. The business bachelor's degree is ideal for students who are already in a business environment and want to advance their careers. Everything from finance to project management are covered, and successfully getting a business bachelor's degree can lead to jobs such as office or department manager. The average time to complete the course work for a bachelor's degree is four years.
A master's degree in business is more marketable in the workplace than a bachelor's and usually allows the bearer to start at a management level. The course typically takes between one and three years to complete with instruction geared toward more specific skills such as business strategies and concepts. Business-related work experience is often required for acceptance in this type of course.
A doctorate degree can take up to seven years to achieve and involves mostly independent research. This is an advanced degree, and besides publishing his own material, it allows the bearer to work as a consultant. Few practicing business people possess a doctorate degree.