Associate Degree in Business Administration | University of Dubai

Program Overview

The University of Dubai's Associate Degree in Business Administration is a carefully designed foundation program that prepares students for success in higher education and the modern business world. This two-year program serves as a strategic bridge to our prestigious Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree, while simultaneously building essential academic skills, professional competencies, and career readiness.

Seamless Pathway to Success

Every credit you earn counts toward your future. Our Associate Degree is fully integrated with the BBA program, ensuring that your time and effort translate directly into bachelor-level academic progress—no duplication, no wasted effort.

Why Choose the UD Associate Degree?

🎓 Bridging Pathway to the BBA

  • Seamless progression into the full Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program
  • Credit-bearing courses that count toward your bachelor's degree
  • No duplication of coursework—every course moves you forward

📚 Foundational Academic Readiness

  • Strengthen essential competencies in English, Mathematics, and Digital Literacy
  • Build confidence in academic writing and critical thinking
  • Ensure full preparation for bachelor-level study demands

💼 Soft Skills & Career Readiness

  • Develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities
  • Build professional self-awareness and workplace competencies
  • Acquire the employability skills employers value most

🔄 Flexibility & Recognition

  • Clear pathway to Credit-Bearing Micro-Credentials
  • All credits count directly toward bachelor-level study
  • Nationally recognized qualification

🇦🇪 Aligned with National Priorities

  • Supports UAE Ministry's vision of inclusive education
  • Contributes to skills-based economic participation
  • Particularly empowers Emirati youth for future success

🌟 Student-Centered Excellence

  • Small class sizes for personalized attention
  • Dedicated academic support services
  • Modern learning facilities and resources

Program Structure

Core Academic Components

  • English Language Proficiency: Advanced communication skills for academic and professional contexts
  • Mathematics Fundamentals: Quantitative reasoning and analytical problem-solving
  • Digital Literacy: Essential technology skills for the modern workplace
  • Business Foundations: Introduction to core business concepts and practices
  • Professional Development: Career planning, resume building, and interview preparation

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Associate Degree, students will be able to:

  • Communicate effectively in written and oral formats for academic and business purposes
  • Apply mathematical and analytical thinking to solve business problems
  • Utilize digital tools and platforms for research, collaboration, and productivity
  • Demonstrate understanding of fundamental business principles and practices
  • Work effectively in teams and demonstrate professional workplace behaviors
  • Think critically and make informed decisions based on evidence and analysis

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent qualification
  • Minimum grade requirements as specified by the university
  • English language proficiency assessment
  • Mathematics placement test

Application Process

  • Complete online application form
  • Submit required documentation (transcripts, certificates, ID)
  • Attend admission interview (if required)
  • Complete placement assessments
  • Receive admission decision and enrollment guidance

Study Plan

The Associate Degree in Business Administration is structured over four semesters, totaling 60 credit hours. Each semester builds progressively on core competencies while introducing specialized business knowledge.

Semester 1 (15 Credit Hours)

Course Code Course Title Prerequisite Co-requisite C.H.
ADBA 101 English Basics for the Workplace None None 6
ADBA 102 Math Basics for the Workplace None None 6
ADBA 103 Digital Literacy None None 3
Semester Credits 15
Accumulated Credits 15

Semester 2 (15 Credit Hours)

Course Code Course Title Prerequisite Co-requisite C.H.
ADBA 104 Personal Development None None 3
BMAT 102 Business Mathematics None None 3
BBUS 103 Digital Skills for Business None None 3
BBUS 200 Introduction to Responsible Business None None 3
BESP 101 Business English None None 3
Semester Credits 15
Accumulated Credits 30

Semester 3 (15 Credit Hours)

Course Code Course Title Prerequisite Co-requisite C.H.
BBUS 202 Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship None None 3
BMNG 200 Management & Organization Behavior BESP 101 None 3
BECN 100 Microeconomics BMAT 102; BESP 101 None 3
BMRK 200 Principles of Marketing None None 3
BBUS 305 Business Law BESP 101 None 3
Semester Credits 15
Accumulated Credits 45

Semester 4 (15 Credit Hours)

Course Code Course Title Prerequisite Co-requisite C.H.
BACC 205 Principles of Financial Accounting None None 3
BMNG 315 International Business Management BESP 101 None 3
BECN 225 Macroeconomics BECN 100 None 3
BBUS 345 AI in Business BBUS 103 None 3
BBUS 302 Career and Personality Development None None 3
Semester Credits 15
Accumulated Credits 60

Total Program Credits: 60

Upon successful completion of all four semesters, students will have earned 60 credit hours, fulfilling the requirements for the Associate Degree in Business Administration and positioning them for seamless transition into the BBA program.

Career & Progression Opportunities

Academic Progression

The Associate Degree provides a guaranteed pathway to:

  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at University of Dubai
  • Credit-Bearing Micro-Credentials in specialized business areas
  • Advanced standing in related business programs

Career Entry Points

Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in:

  • Administrative and office support roles
  • Customer service and client relations
  • Sales and marketing support
  • Business operations assistance
  • Retail and hospitality management trainee positions