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Ignite Your Business Career with an Associate Degree in Business Management from NECC

A student in the Business program at our NECC Campus

Why Pursue a Business Management Associate Degree?

Want an electrifying career in the fast-paced business world? If so, earning a Business Management Associate Degree from NECC could be the catalyst you need to catapult from entry-level skills to supervisory, business, and administrative leadership.

Unlock Your Business Potential and Level-Up with NECC!

NECC’s Business Management Degree program will provide the groundwork for you to succeed across a broad array of career paths, including marketing, sales, finance, or management. Once you’ve completed our program, you can enter the workforce or transfer credits towards a bachelor’s degree in business or a related discipline, saving you thousands of dollars on your education.

With the skills and knowledge you’ll gain, you can even work while earning your bachelor’s degree!

Business Management Associate Degree Program at NECC

View video on the NECC YouTube Channel.

What You’ll Get from Our Business Management Program

Successful Business Leaders Start Here

Explore the game-changing power of business management as you kickstart your career journey. At NECC, it’s more than just learning essential business principles – it’s about uncovering endless opportunities waiting beyond the realm of business leadership.

Do Cool Stuff, Not Just Homework

Forget about endless lectures. We’re talking about interactive classes and workshops where you practice what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios, as well as projects that connect you with fellow members of the business community. You’ll have the opportunity to join Alpha Beta Gamma, a prestigious national business honor society.

Gear Up for a Great Career in the Business Field

At NECC, we’re here to help you build a skill set that’s in high demand. Whether you see yourself as a strategic analyst shaping business decisions, a marketing guru driving brand success, or anything in between, we’ve got you covered. While guiding you every step of the way, our experienced instructors will show you how to:

  • An emoji version of the NECC Knight giving a thumbs upLearn the functional areas of business and how they impact success.
  • Gain real-world experience through internships at large corporations, small businesses, and local nonprofit organizations.
  • Build communication and problem-solving skills. (Great for interviewing!)
  • Connect with professional development and networking opportunities.
  • Begin working as a manager, supervisor, or trainee in a variety of industries, including automotive, insurance, finance, retail, hospitality, human resources, marketing, entertainment, and sales.
  • Transfer to a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree in business or a related discipline.

Your Schedule, Your Rules

Juggling life, work, and study? No sweat. With a mix of online and on-campus options, NECC makes it easy for you to fit study into your life, not the other way around.


Quote:

I enrolled at NECC and fell in love with the school and with learning again. I developed a whole new outlook on life … Without question, NECC advanced my career.”

TRICIA COLAMETA LYON, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT


Where This Journey Can Take You

An illustration of support for every student - students climbing a bar graphMany entry-level sales, marketing, and management jobs offer much potential for growth. In some ways, starting out with an associate degree is an advantage – you can begin working in the field and decide whether you like it before investing additional time and money obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

Imagine Yourself Serving in One of These Business Management Roles:

  • Applying skills learned towards launching a small business
  • Selling yourself for an exciting career in retail management
  • Tracking success with entry-level work in logistics or supply chain management
  • Serving others in a busy human resources department
  • Many more!

Why Choose NECC for Your Business Management Degree?

We Get It

At NECC, inspiring our students to succeed is our top priority. Modern, relevant, and engaging, our Business Management courses are designed with you in mind.

NECC’s dedicated faculty and staff help students develop the skills they need to advance in the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support, empowering students to thrive academically. We also offer a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising.

With over 60 credit programs, two convenient campuses, robust student support services, and a vibrant student life, NECC is committed to providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education for all.

Learn from the Pros

Our instructors aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced professionals who live and breathe business management and accountancy.

Experience Beyond the Classroom

At NECC, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and acquiring the tools necessary to chase your dreams. Our Haverhill and Lawrence campuses are home to a diverse range of clubs and organizations and activities that help students connect with peers who share similar interests.

Whether you choose to gain leadership experience, stay healthy and fit, join a club, or participate in varsity sports, and student activities, we’ll guarantee you’ll have fond memories of your time at NECC.

We Got Your Back

From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.

Career Services

Career Services

Career Services is here to assist you at every stage in your career development.
NECC Connect

NECC Connect

Networking and mentoring opportunities for NECC students and alumni.
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What Can I Do With This Major?

Map your NECC major to hundreds of career paths and opportunities.

Got Prior Learning or Work Experience?

With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace, and graduate sooner! The best part is these credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.

Support for Every Student

NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.

Accommodations at NECC

As an ADA-compliant institution, NECC is committed to serving the needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities, including those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. We partner with multiple entities are dedicated to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all members of the NECC community.

Do you have a documented disability? Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing? If so, the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services (CARS) can connect you to the services you need to thrive at NECC.

Career Outlook for Business Management in Massachusetts

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for those in business-related occupations is bright, with available jobs projected to grow at a robust pace over the next seven to eight years. At NECC, our Business Management program graduates have an exceptional rate of employment while working in various industries, including automotive, insurance, finance, retail, hospitality, human resources, marketing, and entertainment. Others have gone on to start their own successful businesses.

How Much Can I Expect to Make Working in the Business Field?

The earning potential for individuals with a business management background in Massachusetts varies based on several factors, including education, role, experience, and employment setting. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median wage¹ for individuals employed in management occupations was $116,880 as of May, 2023.

With an Associate Degree in Business Management from NECC, you’ll be qualified to pursue or advance your career in these roles:

Small Business Owner

Create and manage business plans, develop marketing campaigns, and explore and implement ways to keep a company competitive and profitable. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $51,518 as of May, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $39,411 and $64,402.¹

Retail Manager

Responsible for overseeing every aspect of the day-to-day supervision of retail outlets, including sales, staff, stock, and resource management. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $84,565 as of May, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $69,835 and $108,080.¹

Logistics Manager

Oversee an organization’s supply chain, ensuring that products, inventory, and people move efficiently and cost-effectively. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $129,395 as of May, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $113,409 and $147,345.¹

Supply Chain Manager

Manage the entire process of a company’s goods, from identification to distribution. Responsibilities include coordinating and organizing all activities involved in the supply chain. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $136,696 as of May, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $120,827 and $154,839.¹

Human Resources Manager

Supervise employee relations, ensure regulatory compliance, and administer employee-related services such as payroll, training, and benefits. Oversee the department’s specialists and support staff and ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $130,844 as of May, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $116,084 and $146,995.¹

Financial Analyst

Help individuals and businesses make informed decisions about spending money to generate profit. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $72,314 as of May, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $66,080 and $79,771.¹

Marketing Manager

Generate customer interest in products and services across various media channels. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $130,679 as of May, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $99,702 and $166,715.¹

Inside Sales Representative

Sell products and services to customers remotely over the phone or online. Responsibilities include finding new clients, understanding customer needs, creating effective sales pitches, building relationships, and closing deals. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this entry-level role was $61,045 as of May, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $51,676 and $71,374.¹

How to Get Started in the Business Management Field Near the Merrimack Valley

Feeling pumped? We thought so! Learn more about how to apply for the Business Management Associate Degree program. Still unsure that it’s the right fit for you? Contact us to chat more about why this could be the best decision you’ll ever make!

Program Costs

For the 2024-2025 academic year, non-health for-credit courses have a cost of $263/credit for in-state students.

Program Info

A program pathway is the most efficient semester-to-semester sequence of courses recommended for students to complete their degree.

Transfer For A Bachelor's Degree
Faculty

Department Chair

Sheila Muller

Email: smuller@necc.mass.edu
Phone: 978-556-3342

Faculty Contact Information

Judith Pollock-Ciampi, Esq.

Office: C-304 A
Phone: 978-556-3304
Email: jciampi@necc.mass.edu

Adjunct Faculty Contact Information

Sheri Acevedo, BS, MS

Email: sacevedo@necc.mass.edu

Timothy Barnes, JD

Email: tbarnes@necc.mass.edu

Sandra Fuhs, BS, MS

Email: sfuhs@necc.mass.edu

Wayne Kibbe, BS, MBA

Email: wkibbe@necc.mass.edu

Sharon McDermot, BS, MS

Email: smcdermot@necc.mass.edu

Dianne McDermott-Cerasuolo, BS, MBA

Email: dmcdermottcerasuolo@necc.mass.edu

Pat Morrow, BA, MSM

Email: pmorrow@necc.mass.edu

Chuck Phair, BS, MBA, ABD

Email: cphair@necc.mass.edu

Bill Zannini, BS, MBA

Email: bzannini@necc.mass.edu

Info Sessions & Tours

Come to an upcoming information session on either the Lawrence or the Haverhill campus and get all of your questions answered.

Stop by one of our Lawrence or Haverhill campus Career Planning and Advising Centers and meet with an enrollment counselor.

FAQs

How much does an associate degree cost?

Community college is now free for eligible Massachusetts residents!

For learners living in other New England states, we offer a reduced out-of-state rate. All others, including international students, pay the full out-of-state rate, before any financial aid awards are made. 

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

What types of financial aid are available?

There are three basic types of financial aid you can receive while attending NECC: grants and scholarships, loans, and work-study. Grants and scholarships are a gift and carry no work or repayment requirements. Loans, regardless of the lending source, are funds that must be repaid. Loan repayment terms vary, while the actual loan gives you an opportunity to borrow against future earnings.

Available in on-campus and off-campus formats, all work-study jobs are part-time and filled on an as-needed basis.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

How do I apply for financial aid?

At NECC, we understand that financial aid can make earning your college degree a reality. Many types of aid are available; funds that can be used to help pay for tuition and fees, books, and other personal costs. To qualify, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete the application process.

While you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at any time after October 1 to receive funds for the following academic year, we recommend you apply as early as possible since some grant funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The priority deadline for the state of Massachusetts is May 1. Although applications are accepted throughout the year, some state funds are awarded only to those who meet this deadline.

Please note: You must complete a FAFSA each academic year to be eligible for financial aid.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

How do I transfer credits to NECC from another school?

Tried another college but had trouble making it work? At NECC, we make it easy for students to transfer from another school to ours. Roughly one-third of all NECC students have previously been enrolled at other colleges and then found success here. We welcome you to join them so you can get your education back on track!

Transfer to NECC

How do I transfer my NECC credits to a four-year school?

At NECC, our transfer agreements help ensure you are taking the right courses and electives so you can seamlessly transfer to the four-year college or university of your choice. We offer over 100 transfer agreements with public and private institutions.

Contact the Transfer and Advising Center to learn more.

Does the school assist with job placement?

At NECC, we want you to get a career you love. Our Career Services department is here to assist you at every stage in your career development. From career exploration and internships to landing that first job or navigating career changes, we can help you get on the right path to a career you will love! Whether you are a currently enrolled student or a recent grad, contact us and we can help you.

Our job placement specialists are here to learn about your academic interests and discuss related careers. NECC welcomes you to participate in our various career events and workshops and use our free resources to help you identify the right career for you.

How does NECC support diversity and inclusion?

NECC offers a positive and supportive learning environment of cultural inclusion; one which challenges prejudice, celebrates differences, embraces all identities, and inspires all students, staff, and faculty to succeed. As a Hispanic Serving Institution, we are passionate about closing racial equity gaps and ensuring the success of Hispanic members of our college and community.

What learning options are available if I work full-time?

At NECC, our staff and faculty understand that many of our students work or have other responsibilities outside the classroom. That’s why we offer flexible traditional and nontraditional learning options, including on-campus, online, and hybrid programs. Our online programs offer the same high-quality education and support as our on-campus programs, ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to thrive academically.

Online: Whether you want to complete one online class or your entire degree or certificate online, NECC’s online associate degree and certificate programs make it easy for you to enhance your knowledge and achieve your goals. On-campus: Northern Essex Community College is easily accessible from throughout the Merrimack Valley region to either of our campus locations in Haverhill and Lawrence, MA.

What is the average class size?

At NECC, inspiring our students and graduates to succeed is our top priority. That said, we understand that smaller class sizes help ensure that each student receives the personalized attention they deserve. Presently, our average class size is 16.3 students.

Does NECC have a study abroad program?

Are you interested in other cultures? Would you like to earn a degree while studying abroad? NECC understands that increasing your global awareness can help you gain an edge in the job market when you graduate. For students interested in other cultures or who want to travel and see new places, we offer an International Studies program.

Once accepted into the program, you can take advantage of short course opportunities to visit another country, study abroad for a semester, or increase your global awareness right here on campus by participating in One Geographic Region events or becoming a Global Scholar.

International Studies at NECC

Sources and Citations: ¹Salary information provided on this page is sourced from Salary.com. The data reflects estimates based on employer surveys and job listings. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.

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