Download our free 10-page comprehensive guide!
This free guide is a downloadable resource for individuals interested in starting a career in business, ranging from management to entrepreneurship. East Ohio College has compiled what you need to know about a career in business administration into a downloadable guide, including an overview of our training program, possible career paths, the skills you need to succeed, industry certifications*, frequently asked questions, and more.
Don’t miss out on this valuable resource! Download your free copy of our business administration career guide by filling out the form below.
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding certification exam.
About East Ohio College
East Ohio College (EOC), previously known as Ohio Valley College of Technology (OVCT), has been operational for over a century, providing career-focused training to the Northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania regions. Since its establishment in 1886 in East Liverpool, Ohio, East Ohio College has developed and expanded to meet the evolving needs of regional healthcare and professional service employers.
In 2022, East Ohio College launched its online platform to bring virtual and hybrid training options to students in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. This shift to virtual learning allows students some added flexibility to balance family and work while achieving their educational goals.
East Ohio College’s approach to education provides each student with exceptional support and training that improves their overall academic experience. With the student in mind, each EOC team member is held to the highest standards and embodies the institution’s core values: Work Ethic, Exemplary, Caring, Accountability, Responsibility, and Excellence (WE CARE). Our commitment to student success allows EOC to fulfill its mission of empowering change by creating opportunity.
In This Guide
East Ohio College Accreditation & Licensing
East Ohio College is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, 6116 Executive Blvd, Suite 730, North Bethesda, MD 20852 (ABHES). Phone: (301) 291-7550.
The College is registered with, and its degree programs are authorized by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools, 30 East Broad Street, Suite 2481, Columbus, Ohio 43215-3138, Phone (614) 466-2752, John Ware, J.D., Executive Director. Registration #1555B. The Boardman Training Center is also registered with and its programs are authorized by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. Programs offered at the Boardman Training Center are NOT ABHES accredited.
Each state and US territory has its own standards to sit for the professional certification/licensure exam and/or to transfer a license from one state/territory into its state/territory. The document linked HERE provides you a list of those states and territories where this institution has made the determination that its curriculum either meets the educational requirements for certification/licensure or does not meet the educational requirements for certification/licensure.
What Is Business Administration?
Business administration is a broad career path with many opportunities, including in management, human resources, accounting, entrepreneurship, marketing, and more. This multifaceted career is an excellent choice for driven, creative problem-solvers who want to make an impact on the world.
Formal business administration training prepares students to embark on careers in government, non-profits, and private businesses, among others. Obtaining an associate degree in business can also help individuals advance their current careers to take on managerial or specialized roles.
Business administration students are trained in a multitude of areas that keep businesses running smoothly behind the scenes. With the help of East Ohio College’s Business Administration program, you can be the person who helps companies grow and succeed.
East Ohio College’s Academic Process
East Ohio College has been providing career-focused education and training for more than a century and has developed an academic strategy that guides students throughout their education. This academic process follows six steps: Plan, Equip, Learn, Enhance, Apply, and Succeed.
Step One: Plan
Students who contact East Ohio College for information will be connected with an admissions team member who will walk them through the admissions process. Admissions team members provide essential information about the institution and program, assist with completing the application, and fulfill any other admissions requirements. To assist students in achieving their academic, career, and financial goals, the admissions team member works with the student to create a personalized plan.
Step Two: Equip
After meeting with their admissions team member and deciding to proceed with the enrollment process, students will virtually meet with a financial aid team member to discuss financing their education. The EOC financial aid^ team will assess the individual’s financial situation, help them fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and provide additional resources to fund their education, including institutional grants*, external scholarships, and student loans.
Step Three: Learn
Once the financial aid process is completed, an admissions team member will assist the student in finalizing their enrollment and registering for New Student Orientation (NSO), where they will learn more about the institution, their chosen program, and the resources available to them as East Ohio College students. Upon completing the NSO course, students will be prepared to enter classes directly related to their field of study.
Step Four: Enhance
At this stage in their education, students will have completed the learning requirements for their program and will be prepared to sit for industry-specific certification** exams. Successfully passing the certification examination proves to potential employers that a student meets nationally recognized standards for skills and knowledge in their industry.
Step Five: Apply
Students will then put their skills and knowledge into practice during an externship experience organized by the East Ohio College career management department. This experience will provide valuable insight into the professional world, develop relationships with regional employers, and broaden a student’s skill set before entering their career.
Step Six: Succeed
The culmination of learning, industry-specific certification**, and the externship experience fully prepares students for their professional careers. Graduates will be qualified to enter the workforce by earning their associate degree or diploma.
^For those who qualify.
*For those who qualify. See catalog for detailed eligibility requirements.
**Certification is contingent on passing this industry certification exam.
Earning Your Associate of Applied Business Administration Degree
East Ohio College’s Business Administration program is designed to give students a broad understanding of business fundamentals and a wide range of skills that they can apply to careers in many industries. EOC’s accelerated, online business administration training program prepares students to start entry-level business positions or advance their current careers in just 18 months.
East Ohio College’s goal is to produce well-trained, prepared business graduates who are ready to apply their skills in organizations. During the program, students will complete virtual classes and peer discussions, paired with customized online simulations that mimic scenarios they may encounter in the workplace. Toward the end of the program, students will complete an externship with a regional business, gaining valuable hands-on experience before graduating.
At the end of the program, students will have been exposed to essential business skills and concepts, including the following:
- Sales
- Marketing
- Basic Accounting
- Customer Service
- Office Management
- Consumer Behavior
- Business Law Essentials
- Small Business Operations
For a complete list of classes that Business Administration students will take at East Ohio College, visit page 4 of our downloadable guide.
Externship and Certifications
At East Ohio College, the business administration training program is designed to give students more than just theoretical knowledge; it also provides them with real-world experience through an externship. During the externship experience, students apply the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom while working in a professional business environment. Not only does this give students invaluable experience, but it also helps build meaningful connections with regional employers and provides familiarity with the inner workings of a real business. Many students find that their externship helps open the door to career opportunities after graduation.
In addition to the externship, East Ohio College’s business program incorporates preparation for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications* in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These optional certifications can demonstrate a deeper understanding of technical skills and proficiency with some of the tools commonly used in business settings. By choosing to sit for these certifications, students can strengthen their resumes and stand out to potential employers.
Combined with externship experience, these certifications can help East Ohio College graduates enter the workforce as confident, capable, and career-ready business professionals.
*Certification is contingent on passing the corresponding certification exam. Optional at own expense.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to East Ohio College in any manner.
Business Administration Career Paths
Because there are administrative needs in every business in every industry, you may be wondering what you can do with a business administration degree. Graduates of EOC’s business administration training program can apply their skills to government entities, private companies, non-profit organizations, corporations, entrepreneurial endeavors, and more. Businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations and increase profitability, creating career opportunities for professionals with problem-solving skills, creativity, and attention to detail.
The accelerated Business Administration program prepares students for potential careers in the following positions, including but not limited to:
- Bookkeeper
- Management
- Sales Associate
- Human Resources
- Marketing Coordinator
- Small Business Owner
- Data Collection and Analysis
- Accounts Payable/Receivable
- Customer Service Representative
The need for qualified business professionals is consistently growing, making now an excellent time to start your educational journey toward a career in business. Let East Ohio College help you get started today!
Why Choose East Ohio College?
East Ohio College offers a unique educational experience in a supportive, welcoming, and student-centered environment to help individuals start their careers in allied healthcare, nursing, and professional services with confidence. With a combination of online classes, interactive simulations, and real-world training opportunities, EOC students gain the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to start successful careers. The EOC team understands that many students must balance family, work, and school responsibilities, which is why we prioritize providing support resources at every step.
One of the standout advantages of choosing East Ohio College is our accelerated, direct-admission class structure. Once accepted into the program, students will begin taking classes in their chosen field right away, saving time and money and bypassing unnecessary prerequisite courses. Our classes are arranged in six-week sessions, allowing students to stay focused and progress through the program at a more accelerated pace. At EOC, students will complete their program in two years or less, helping them enter the workforce sooner. While an accelerated program can be academically demanding, the East Ohio College team is dedicated to supporting each student throughout their education.
From enrollment to graduation and beyond, East Ohio College students will have access to the EOC Career Management Team, whose services are designed to help students reach their academic and career goals. The career management department provides support, including resume writing, externship organization, tutoring, interview preparation, and more. The EOC team also connects students with external resources to support their personal well-being when needed. From the start, EOC students can feel confident knowing that their school is invested in their success.
However, the support does not stop after a student graduates. East Ohio College alumni also continue to have access to the career management team for services such as job placement, networking events, and industry refresher courses* at no additional tuition cost.
Students at East Ohio College gain hands-on experience through personalized instruction and applied learning. Lectures build foundational knowledge, while virtual simulations help students apply what they’ve learned in realistic, practical scenarios. Toward the end of the program, students will complete a several-week externship with a regional employer to solidify their knowledge and gain real-world experience.
At East Ohio College, we believe that education should be both high-quality and supportive. Our mission is to provide every student with the tools, training, and encouragement they need to succeed, from the first day of class through graduation and into their careers.
Start your journey toward a rewarding career by requesting information from East Ohio College.
*Career Management Services are subject to specific conditions and requirements and continued campus operations. Please see the campus catalog for complete details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is business administration?
A: Business administration is training for individuals who keep organizations running smoothly behind the scenes, often focusing on areas such as management, human resources, accounting, and others.
Q: What can you do with a business administration degree?
A: Individuals with formal business education can apply their skills to government entities, private companies, nonprofit organizations, corporations, small businesses, and more.
Q: What do you learn in business administration?
A: Students in EOC’s Business Administration program are exposed to essential business topics from sales and marketing to business law and management, among others.
Q: How long does it take to get a business administration degree?
A: At East Ohio College, students can complete their business training and earn an Associate Degree in Business Administration in 18 months.
Do you still have questions? Our admissions team has answers! Connect with your East Ohio College admissions team member today by requesting information.
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Grant/Scholarship Information
Grants/Scholarships are available for many of our programs and vary by location.