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Pursue a Business Career with a Business Transfer Degree from NECC

A student in the Business program at our NECC Campus

Why Pursue a Business Transfer Associate Degree?

Business schools often seek associate degree transfers for their diverse perspectives and real-world experience and resilience. NECC business transfers bring unique backgrounds and practical skills that contribute to a dynamic learning environment, enhancing business education.

Unlock Your Business Potential and Level-Up with NECC

Want to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or a related discipline? If so, you can start at NECC and complete roughly 50% of the basic general education and business administration courses. As one of our top 10 most-enrolled-in programs, thousands of NECC alumni have successfully followed this career path after earning a Business Transfer degree.

Business Transfer Degree Program at NECC

View video on the NECC YouTube Channel.

What You’ll Get from Our Business Transfer Program

Start Here for Your Bachelor’s Degree

Prepare for diverse and exciting careers in sales, marketing, finance, or management. Maximize your education dollars as you explore endless opportunities in a business-related field that an NECC associate degree can help unlock.

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 a Business-Related 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 up
    Gain real-world experience by completing an internship at a local company or organization.
  • Take advantage of MassTransfer Pathways and other transfer agreements to earn your bachelor’s degree in a business-related field—saving thousands of dollars on the cost of your degree.
  • Prepare for diverse and exciting careers in sales, marketing, finance, or management.

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 saved a lot of money and figured out what I wanted to study without making a commitment to an expensive four-year school. I worked really hard and was able to transfer to a really great school.”

LUCAS LOMBARDO, NECC BUSINESS TRANSFER GRADUATE, transferred to Boston University


Where This Journey Can Take You

An illustration of support for every student - students climbing a bar graphImagine Yourself:

  • Meeting requirements for automatic transfer to the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst
  • Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, an MBA, or even a Doctorate from a college or university in Massachusetts and beyond
  • Becoming a business thought-leader in any industry

Why Choose NECC for Your Business Transfer Associate Degree?

We Get It

At NECC, inspiring our students to succeed is our top priority. Modern, relevant, and engaging, our Business Transfer Program 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.

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 Bachelor Degree Business Graduates North of Boston

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for Bachelor’s Degree holders employed in Business and Finance occupations is bright, with job growth anticipated to outpace most other occupations over the next seven to eight years.

At NECC, our Business Transfer Program graduates have an exceptional acceptance rate when transferring to private and public four-year business schools in Massachusetts and beyond. Many have gone on to enjoy successful careers in sales, marketing, finance, and management.

How Much Can I Expect to Make As a Business Professional?

The earning potential for individuals in business and financial occupations varies based on several factors, including education, role, experience, job skills, and employment setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median wage¹ for sales, marketing, finance, or management professionals with a bachelor’s degree was $79,050 as of May, 2023. Based on a recent U.S. News and World Report survey, the average annual compensation (salary + bonus) for MBA graduates in 2023 was $128,997.

With a bachelor’s degree in a business-related discipline, you’ll be qualified to pursue or advance your career in these roles:

Market Research Analyst

Gathers and interprets data to help businesses make informed decisions. MR analysts use statistical techniques and software to evaluate data and may also forecast future trends. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $70,763 as of June, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $64,094 and $78,834.¹

Finance Manager

Creates financial reports, directs investment activities, and develops plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $147,430 as of June, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $131,448 and $167,305.¹

Management Analyst

Conducts research, gathers relevant information, and analyzes data to identify problems and propose ways to improve an organization’s efficiency and increase profits. The median annual wage in Boston, Massachusetts for this role was $96,293 as of June, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $86,554 and $108,046.¹

Marketing Manager

Generates consumer interest in an organization’s products and/or services across various media channels to grow sales. The median annual wage in Boston, Massachusetts for this role was $134,984 as of June, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $118,235 and $154,469.¹

Financial Examiner

Helps prevent financial crises by ensuring financial institutions operate according to all applicable laws and regulations. The median annual wage in Boston, Massachusetts for this role was $60,937 as of June, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $53,572 and $69,988.¹

How to Get Started Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Near the Merrimack Valley

Feeling pumped? We thought so! Learn more about how to apply for the Business Transfer 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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