The Associate Degree of Business is a two-year course (full-time or part-time equivalent) that develops academic skills in learning and business. The course includes core skills in business, plus a range of elective units that students can choose from to suit their areas of interest. The Associate degree equips students with skills and knowledge that enable eligible graduates to progress onto a Southern Cross University Bachelor degree in a range of business disciplines, to enhance their career opportunities. Graduates can progress to either the Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Business Administration.

Graduates of the Associate Degree of Business are suited to careers in the private and public business sectors across a range of industries and in fields such as general business, marketing, management, retail and other business services. Graduates who proceed to one of the pathway Bachelor degrees will gain further specialised knowledge and skills and be suited to a range of careers within the industry based on their study discipline and areas of focus.