An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Operations Management provides a strong foundation for students looking to manage and improve business operations. This degree focuses on planning, organizing, and streamlining processes to help organizations deliver products and services efficiently.
Students develop technical, managerial, and analytical skills needed to lead teams and oversee daily operations across various industries.
What to Expect from an AA Program in OM
A typical Operations Management associate program is fully online and designed for flexibility. Students learn how businesses produce goods and services, and how to manage resources effectively. Core studies include finance, accounting, communication, and management practices tied directly to business operations.
The program prepares graduates for career advancement or smooth transfer into bachelor’s degree programs in areas like business management, operations management, or supply chain logistics.
Typical Courses You Will Study
Students in an AAS Operations Management program usually complete courses such as:
- Principles of Accounting I and II
- Business Communications
- Legal Environment of Business
- Macroeconomics and Microeconomics
- Applied Probability and Statistics
- Introduction to Management and Organization
- Introduction to Human Resources Management
- Introduction to Materials Management
These courses help students build knowledge in financial decision-making, leadership, operations planning, human resources, logistics, purchasing, inventory control, production planning, and continuous improvement.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions into an Operations Management AAS program typically require:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Application submission, which may include transcripts.
- Some schools recommend introductory coursework in English, math, and basic computer skills.
For example, Georgia Military College (GMC) requires applicants to complete a straightforward application and submit official transcripts.
How Much an Operations Management Associate Degree Costs
The estimated annual cost for an Operations Management associate degree is around $8,280. This estimate covers tuition, textbooks, and materials for approximately 45 quarter credit hours. Costs may vary based on school policies, financial aid eligibility, and residency status.
Programs like those at GMC Online offer affordable tuition, allowing students to transfer credits later to four-year institutions and save money overall.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates with an AAS in Operations Management are prepared for roles such as:
- Management Analyst
- Operations Research Analyst
- Production Planner
- Project Coordinator
- Logistics Supervisor
- Supply Chain Analyst
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, operations research analyst jobs are projected to grow 23% through 2033, and median salaries often range from $85,000 to $100,000 depending on position and location.
Transfer Pathways
Students completing their associate degree can transfer credits into bachelor’s programs such as:
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Operations Management at Arizona State University Online
- Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management at Western Governors University (WGU)
These transfer pathways help students continue their education smoothly and expand career opportunities.
Why Choose an Operations Management Degree?
An Operations Management AAS degree offers a direct path to high-demand business careers. It builds skills in leadership, finance, technology integration, and process optimization, making graduates valuable assets in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, government, and service sectors.
Schools like GMC Online emphasize leadership development and character education alongside technical learning, helping students not only launch careers but also stand out as strong professional leaders.
Top Schools
If you’re interested in a career that blends leadership, logistics, and problem-solving, a degree in Operations Management can open the door to a wide range of opportunities. From overseeing supply chains to optimizing business processes, professionals in this field are in high demand across industries.
Whether you’re looking for a flexible online program, a fast-track to employment, or a transfer-friendly degree that leads to a bachelor’s, the following schools offer strong Associate and Bachelor-level options tailored to your goals.
Below, we highlight colleges across the U.S. that provide practical, affordable, and career-focused Operations Management programs to help you take the next step in your professional journey.
| School | Location | Degree Offered | Format | Tuition / Credit Hours | Unique / Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Military College | Milledgeville, GA | AAS in Operations Management | Online & On-Campus | $8,280 total | Designed for seamless transfer into BAS programs |
| Spoon River College | Canton, IL | AAS in Logistics & Operations Management | On-Campus | 61–65 credit hours | Includes truck driving certificate option |
| Greenville Technical College | Greenville, SC | AAS in Operations Management | Day, Evening, Online, Hybrid | Varies by residency | Offers embedded certificates during degree |
| Palo Alto College | San Antonio, TX | Bachelor of Applied Technology in Operations Management | Fully Online, Accelerated (8-week) | $109 per credit hour (TX residents) | Multiple entry points per year; ideal for working adults |
| KCTCS | Versailles, KY (statewide) | AAS in Logistics & Operations Management | Varies by campus | 61–66 credit hours | System-wide transfer options with hands-on focus |
| Cleveland Community College | Shelby, NC | AAS in Business Admin – Operations Management | On-Campus / Hybrid | 65–66 credit hours | Focuses on leadership and supervisory skills |
| Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ | BAS in Operations Management (Online) | Fully Online (7.5-week sessions) | 120 total credit hours | Transfer-friendly for AAS grads; accepts up to 75 credits |
Georgia Military College
https://www.gmc.edu/degree-programs/operations-management/
Milledgeville, GA
Program Overview
Georgia Military College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Operations Management designed to provide a solid foundation in both the technical and managerial aspects of business operations. The curriculum includes training in designing, producing, and delivering products and services—skills that are essential for success in the operations and supply chain industry. With a focus on practical knowledge, the program prepares students to contribute meaningfully to organizations and communities. This program is especially well-suited for students who plan to continue their education, as it transfers seamlessly into a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program in business, operations management, or supply chain management/logistics.
Length, Cost, and Outcomes
This affordable associate degree is structured to be completed in approximately two years and comes at an average cost of $8,280. Upon graduation, students will have the credentials and knowledge to enter the workforce or transition into a bachelor’s degree program. The college emphasizes credit transfer opportunities within GMC, enabling students to pursue further education without losing momentum. Graduates are positioned for entry-level employment in operations management or continued advancement in academic and career pathways.
Spoon River College
https://www.src.edu/academics/career-programs/logistics-operations-management
Canton, IL
Career-Focused Training in Logistics and Operations
Spoon River College’s Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Logistics and Operations Management is a two-year program that prepares students for entry-level roles in distribution, logistics, and warehouse operations. The curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on skills necessary for transportation and supply chain careers within the growing logistics sector.
Flexible Credentials and Career Opportunities
The program includes pathways for both degree and certificate options, such as a Truck Driving Certificate, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career goals. With demand increasing for professionals who can improve operations and logistics efficiency, graduates of this 61–65 credit hour program are equipped for immediate job placement and advancement within the logistics industry.
Greenville Technical College
https://catalog.gvltec.edu/school-business-computer-technology/operations-management/operations-management-aas/
Greenville, SC
Broad-Based Training in Operations Leadership
Greenville Technical College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Operations Management, a program built to train students for entry-level positions in operational oversight. Students are taught how to manage organizational processes, ensure safety, and enhance efficiency in various business settings. This includes exposure to regulatory issues, team development, and business strategy.
Embedded Credentials and Career Outcomes
Students can earn embedded certificates automatically while completing the degree, unless they opt out. Courses are offered in day, evening, online, and hybrid formats to accommodate different schedules. Graduates, who must earn a grade of “C” or better in all coursework, are prepared for roles such as Operations Manager, Quality Manager, or Warehouse Supervisor—making this a flexible and practical launchpad for operational careers.
Palo Alto College
https://www.alamo.edu/pac/academics/search-programs/professional-and-technical/operations-management/
San Antonio, Texas
Fully Online and Accelerated Bachelor’s Program
Palo Alto College offers a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Operations Management that’s ideal for students ready to lead in business, logistics, or service industries. The program is 100% online and features 8-week accelerated courses with multiple entry points throughout the year. With a total of 120 semester credit hours, students engage in real-world business projects and gain hands-on leadership and analytical skills.
Designed for Working Adults and Career Advancement
Courses are taught by online-certified faculty and supported by dedicated career services. Students learn to create and manage teams, analyze data, and develop strategic business plans. Tuition is competitive, with Texas residents paying as low as $109 per credit hour online. This program is especially valuable for working professionals seeking flexibility, upskilling, and advancement into management roles.
Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)
https://catalog.kctcs.edu/programs-of-study/aas/logistics-operations-management/logistics-operations-management-aas/
Versailles, KY
Comprehensive Training in Supply Chain Operations
KCTCS offers an Associate in Applied Science in Logistics and Operations Management that includes 61–66 credit hours of coursework focused on sourcing, procurement, and logistics systems. The program prepares students for careers in the production and delivery of goods and services across various industries.
Practical Skills for Real-World Jobs
This degree is ideal for students seeking a hands-on education that aligns with current business demands. With strong emphasis on supply chain concepts, logistics operations, and process improvement, graduates are ready for roles in procurement, distribution, and operations planning upon completion.
Cleveland Community College
https://clevelandcc.edu/program-finder/business-administration-operations-management-aas-a25120o/
Shelby, NC
Management-Focused Business Training
Cleveland Community College’s AAS in Business Administration – Operations Management prepares students for leadership in both manufacturing and service sectors. With a curriculum totaling 65–66 credit hours, the program covers areas such as quality control, organizational effectiveness, and financial analysis.
Pathway to Supervisory and Planning Roles
Graduates gain skills in supervision, logistics, inventory management, and human resources, positioning them for various team leadership or mid-level management roles. The program emphasizes continuous improvement and analytical thinking—skills that are crucial in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.
Arizona State University
Online BAS for AAS Graduates
Arizona State University offers a fully online Bachelor of Applied Science in Operations Management designed for students who’ve already completed an AAS degree. With 120 total credit hours and 20 courses delivered in 7.5-week sessions, students gain advanced knowledge in strategy, communication, and critical thinking, preparing them for leadership roles.
Strategic, Transfer-Friendly Curriculum
This program allows AAS graduates to transfer up to 60–75 credits, depending on location and institution. Students develop practical skills in motivation, resource management, and operations planning, making this degree a strong choice for professionals aiming to climb the operational and managerial ladder across industries.
Georgia Military College
https://online.gmc.edu/programs/operations-management/
Milledgeville, GA
Flexible Online Learning with a Focus on Business Operations
Georgia Military College offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Operations Management, designed to provide a solid foundation in both the technical and managerial aspects of business operations. This affordable program is ideal for students aiming to begin a career in operations while maintaining the flexibility of online learning. The curriculum emphasizes the processes behind designing, producing, and delivering goods and services in business environments.
Transfer-Friendly and Budget-Conscious
With an estimated annual cost of $8,280 (including tuition, fees, and textbooks), the program offers a cost-effective path to higher education. It is structured to support transfer into a Bachelor of Applied Science program in related fields such as business management or supply chain and logistics. Students gain practical skills applicable to many industries, ensuring readiness for both immediate employment and continued academic advancement.
Paying Off Your Degree
When considering an associate or bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, one important question is how long it might take to pay off the investment. Based on the schools profiled in this article, the average tuition cost is approximately $8,500 for an associate degree and $20,000–$25,000 for a full bachelor’s degree, depending on the program and residency.
Assuming a starting salary of $45,000—a reasonable average for entry-level roles in operations, logistics, or supply chain—here’s how long it could take to pay off $8,500 in student loan debt if you dedicate a fixed percentage of your gross annual income toward repayment:
| % of Salary Dedicated | Amount Paid Annually | Time to Pay Off $8,500 |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | $2,250 | 3.8 years |
| 10% | $4,500 | 1.9 years |
| 15% | $6,750 | 1.3 years |
| 20% | $9,000 | 11 months |
These estimates don’t include interest, but they offer a useful snapshot of how manageable repayment can be with a steady income. With many programs designed for affordability and flexibility—especially those that offer online or accelerated formats—students can feel confident that their investment in operations management education can lead to a rewarding and financially feasible career path.