Business Administration

Associate in Applied Science

Credits: 90 | Length of Program: 6 quarters

Business Administration - Associate in Applied Science

The Business Administration degree is designed for persons interested in entry-level administrative positions in many kinds of businesses. Graduates may also start their own business. Completion of a specialized Certificate can lead to increased employment opportunities as a Business Operations Coordinator.

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Career Opportunities

Opportunities and potential earnings vary with the geographic area and size of firm as well as past experience of the individual. The opportunities available in establishing one’s own business are limited only by abilities and desires. Jobs in management include planning and organizing operations, directing personnel and implementing control mechanisms to assure the smooth operation of the organization. Marketing jobs might include retail buying, selling and promotion. The skills learned can lead to career opportunities in employment as a Business Operations Coordinator and variety of government, private business, or not-for-profit settings. See Business » Business Administration for more career and employment information.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of the Business Administration Program, the successful student will be able to:

Analyze and evaluate alternatives that lead to successful accomplishment of organizational objectives
Create and deliver information in written, oral and symbolic forms to convey information
Formulate strategies to collect and evaluate quantitative and qualitative data to support organizational objectives
Recognize and assess ethical dilemmas in the workplace
Recognize and adapt interpersonal behaviors and communication styles to effectively collaborate in a multicultural world

Ed Plan / Class List

Required Courses

ACCT&201 Principles of Accounting I 5 Credits Search Schedule

Examines the basic structure of accounting, including receivables, payables, merchandise inventory, deferrals, accruals, depreciation and internal controls. Prerequisite: "C" or better in MATH 096 or above or OFTEC 170.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA

BUS&101 Introduction to Business 5 Credits Search Schedule

Provides an overview of current concepts and structures of American business. A general look at the functions of business: forms of ownership, management, personnel, marketing, production, finance, and the economic picture. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL& 101.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, SOCIAL SCIENCE, NURSING SOCIAL SCIENCE, AA-AAS-T-SOCIAL SCIENCE

BUS160 Principles of Marketing 5 Credits Search Schedule

Business activities concerned with planning, pricing, promotion and distributing goods and services. Fundamental principles and business cases are combined so the student may understand more clearly the functioning of marketing in our economy and internationally. Prerequisite: BUS& 101 (formerly BUS 101) or instructor's permission.

BUS&201 Business Law 5 Credits Search Schedule

A study of the American legal system; includes the Constitution, legislative, executive and judiciary branches. Examines system structure, concepts, procedures, terminology, ethical principles with an emphasis on principles and procedures applicable in the context of business contracts. Covers definitions, formation, interpretation and enforcement within the legal field. This course was formerly known as BUS 171, Business Law I. Prerequisite: Eligible to take ENGL& 101.

BUS240 Principles of Finance 5 Credits Search Schedule

Introduction to basic finance theory and decision making. Financial statement analysis; review of basic economic concepts; evaluating risk and return; sources of internal and external funds; the effect of monetary policy; securities and the securities market; and the effect of debt. Applicable to both small and large business. Prerequisite: BUS& 101 and BUS 104; ACCT& 201 strongly recommended.

BUS260 Principles of Management: Diversity 5 Credits Search Schedule

Analysis of the functions of management, including planning, problem solving, decision making, organizing, leading, directing, motivating and controlling. Special emphasis will be on current management issues including the importance of valuing diversity. Students will be expected to employ critical thinking skills to analyze and address typical workplace challenges. The case method, role playing, practical applications and exercises will be used. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL& 101. Completion of ENGL& 101 (formerly WRIT 101) is strongly recommended.
Distribution: AA, AAS, AS, DTA, DIVERSITY, AAS-HUMAN RELATIONS

BUS289 Integrated Business Applications 5 Credits Search Schedule

A capstone course that integrates accounting, data processing and business concepts to create solutions to complex business problems. Teambuilding, ethics and presentation techniques are considered. Ability to use a spreadsheet program is required. NOTE: BUS 289 should be taken by business and accounting students who are within two quarters of graduation. Prerequisite: Completion of two of the following with "C" or better: BUS& 101 or BUS 101, ACCT& 201 or ACCT 201, ACCT& 203 or ACCT 203.

OFTEC108 Introduction to Microsoft Office 3 Credits Search Schedule

Introduces the software components of Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Prerequisite: None.

OFTEC141 Excel 5 Credits Search Schedule

An introduction to Excel for worksheet applications. Creating simple worksheets using numbers, dates, text, formulas, desktop features, formatting, charting, printing, and file handling. Techniques include copying, moving, relative, and absolutes cell references, using functions in formulas, file linking, multiple windows, and range naming. More advanced topics such as database and macros will also be introduced. Prerequisite: OFTEC 108 or OFTEC 100 and MATH 094.

and choose one of the following:

ENGL&102 Composition II 5 Credits Search Schedule

Develops reading, writing and critical thinking skills at the advanced level. Teaches how to write academic papers by conducting research; analyzing, evaluating and constructing arguments; documenting sources and using appropriate writing conventions. Prerequisite: Completion of ENGL& 101 with a "C" or better.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, COMMUNICATION, AA-AAS-T-COMMUNICATION

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ENGL&235 Technical Writing 5 Credits Search Schedule

The study of effective technical and professional communication. Development of skills in proposal writing, technical report writing, business correspondence, oral presentations, online communication, group problem solving, professional portfolio development and basic research techniques. This course was formerly known as TCOM 106, Technical and Professional Communication. Prerequisite: ENGL& 101 (formerly WRIT 101). Word processing skills recommended.
Distribution: AA, AAS, AS, DTA, COMMUNICATION, AAS-SPEAKING-LISTENING, GER-CIS, AA-AAS-T-COMMUNICATION

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OFTEC260 Business Communication 5 Credits Search Schedule

Explores the principles of effective communication in business emphasizing the human relations factor, through correspondence, report writing, and an oral presentation. OFTEC 160 recommended. Prerequisite: ENGL& 101 with a "C" or better.

Recommended Electives

Select a minimum of 19 credits from the following list with the assistance of an advisor

ACCT&202 Principles of Accounting II 5 Credits Search Schedule

Examines current liabilities, payroll systems, partnerships, corporations, stocks and bonds, preparation of statement of cash flows, and financial statement analysis. Prerequisite: ACCT& 201 with a "C" or better.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA

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ACCT&203 Principles of Accounting III 5 Credits Search Schedule

Examines the development of costs for manufacturing concerns, determination of net income, development of managerial information and evaluation of performance. ACCT& 202 with a "C" or better.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA

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ACCT206 General Ledger Computerized Accounting 3 Credits Search Schedule

Introduces a computerized general ledger system to develop and maintain accounting records. Prerequisite: "C" or better in ACCT& 201 and OFTEC 108.

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ACCT239 Payroll Accounting and Business Taxes 3 Credits Search Schedule

Preparation of payrolls. Study of taxes affecting businesses, preparation of federal, state and local business tax forms. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" (2.0) or higher in OFTEC 170 (formerly CIS 107), or ACCT& 201 or ACCT 201.

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BUS140 Customer Service 5 Credits Search Schedule

Focuses on creating and maintaining positive customer relations. Emphasizes the importance of developing a service-oriented organization whose practices foster customer retention and loyalty. Develops skills in problem-solving, communication both oral and written, critical thinking and decision-making in order to identify and respond to customer needs. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL& 101.

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BUS202 Business Law II 3 Credits Search Schedule

Expands and develops principles of American substantive and procedural law learned in BUS& 201 with a concentrated focus on specific areas of law of particular importance to accountants and other business professionals working in legal areas: accountants' responsibilities and liability; the Uniform Commercial Code relating to sales; negotiable instruments; secured transactions and banking; real estate; insurance; estate planning; bailments; intellectual property; bankruptcy; labor law; and consumer law. This course was formerly BUS 172. Prerequisite: BUS& 201 (formerly BUS 171).

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BUS220 Starting and Managing a Small Business 5 Credits Search Schedule

An exploration of entrepreneurship. Examines how to define and develop business ideas, conduct basic research, and identify markets. Covers the steps in business planning and development of the business plan. Financing and a variety of management issues are addressed. BUS& 101 (formerly BUS 101) recommended. Prerequisite: None.

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ECON&201 Micro Economics 5 Credits Search Schedule

Develops a framework for understanding the fundamentals of price theory by applying practical applications of microeconomic analysis and general equilibrium models. Includes the analysis of government intervention in a free market and explores concepts in market welfare. Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 097 or appropriate placement test.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, SOCIAL SCIENCE, NURSING SOCIAL SCIENCE, AA-AAS-T-SOCIAL SCIENCE

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ECON&202 Macro Economics 5 Credits Search Schedule

Organization and operation of the American economy from an aggregate point of view, emphasizing the government and foreign sectors. Includes problems of inflation, unemployment, taxation, analysis of Gross Domestic Product, fiscal and monetary policy, money and banking, and international trade and finance. This course was formerly known as ECON 101, Macroeconomics. Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 097 or appropriate placement test.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, SOCIAL SCIENCE, NURSING SOCIAL SCIENCE, AA-AAS-T-SOCIAL SCIENCE

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OFTEC125 Digital Productivity Tools 4 Credits Search Schedule

Introduces web-based tools used for office productivity and workflow management. Includes personal information systems and file sharing. Prerequisite: None.

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OFTEC170 Practical Accounting 5 Credits Search Schedule

Covers the fundamentals of accounting for the office worker who will assist in accounting procedures. Prerequisite: MATH 094 or BUS 104.

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PHIL102 Ethics 5 Credits Search Schedule

Studies historical and recent views on such issues as the nature of good and evil, right and wrong, justice, rights, the rational grounds for moral responsibility and moral decision making, and the objectivity of moral values. Addresses both traditional and contemporary moral problems. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL& 101.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, HUMANITIES, NURSING HUMANITIES, AA-AAS-T-HUMANITIES

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PSYC116 Psychology of Human Relations: Diversity 5 Credits Search Schedule

An introduction to the study of human relations, self-concept and the internal influences on one's thoughts, feelings and behaviors. An examination of the external and sociocultural influences on our personal and professional relationships. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL& 101.
Distribution: AA, AAS, AS, DTA, DIVERSITY, SOCIAL SCIENCE, NURSING SOCIAL SCIENCE, AAS-HUMAN RELATIONS, AA-AAS-T-SOCIAL SCIENCE

8 unrestricted elective credits

General Education Requirements

Communication:

ENGL&101 English Composition I 5 Credits Search Schedule

Develops writing skills by focusing on strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas, evaluate information, make a point, and participate in multiple discourse communities. Emphasizes both the process and the product of writing. This course was formerly known as WRIT 101, College Writing I. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement test scores OR appropriate completion of ENGL 095, ENGL 095X, or ENGL 098 OR concurrent enrollment in ENGL 110 with instructor's permission.
Distribution: AA, AAS, AS, DTA, COMMUNICATION, GER-CIS, AA-AAS-T-COMMUNICATION, AAS-COMMUNICATION: Reading/Writing, AAS-READING-WRITING

Additional Communication:

CMST&220 Public Speaking 5 Credits Search Schedule

Introduction to oral communication theory and to public speaking/listening practice as applied to a variety of settings and audiences. Students will learn to verbally inform and/or demonstrate and persuade an audience using a variety of speech types. Covers speech preparation, critical listening and thinking, and individual and group presentation techniques. This course was formerly known as SPCH 101, Introduction to Public Speaking. Prerequisite: None.
Distribution: AA, AAS, AS, DTA, COMMUNICATION, AAS-SPEAKING-LISTENING, AA-AAS-T-COMMUNICATION

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CMST240 Intercultural Communication: Diversity 5 Credits Search Schedule

The study of intercultural communication theory and cultural adaptation processes, and the development of skills in transmitting and receiving oral and written messages within a cross-cultural context. Covers selecting a communication style and strategies appropriate to a specific audience and setting. Examines how differences in cultural background influence communication patterns in families, communities, schools, and the workplace. This course was formerly known as SPCH 105. Prerequisite: ENGL& 101 eligible or instructor's permission.
Distribution: AA, AAS, AS, DTA, COMMUNICATION, DIVERSITY, HUMANITIES, NURSING HUMANITIES, AAS-SPEAKING-LISTENING, AAS-HUMAN RELATIONS, AA-AAS-T-COMMUNICATION, AA-AAS-T-HUMANITIES

Computation

BUS104 Business Math 5 Credits Search Schedule

Emphasis on solving practical problems in business, including percentages, payroll, simple and compound interest, annuities, discounts, markups, using a calculator. Prerequisite: MATH 094 or higher with a grade of "C" or better and eligible for ENGL& 101.
Distribution: AAS, AAS-COMPUTATION

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MATH&146 Introduction to Statistics 5 Credits Search Schedule

Covers basic probability, descriptive and inferential statistics. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or a "C" or better in MATH 096 or MATH 097 or MATH 099.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, NATURAL SCIENCE, QUANTITATIVE, AA-AAS-T-QUANTITATIVE, AA-AAS-T-NATURAL SCIENCE

Effective Catalog Year 2018 – 2019

Length of Program

Full-time students typically complete this program in six quarters, if basic skills and/or pre-college are complete.

Admission Requirements

Students may begin the Business Administration Program every quarter.

Students entering the Business AAS program should take the Placement test prior to enrolling in the program. This test will determine whether students need to take basic skills courses. Please call (360) 754-7711, ext. 4625 for additional information.

Application Process / How to Apply

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Additional Information

An Associate in Applied Science will be awarded upon successful completion of a minimum of 90 credits. All core and general education requirements must be met.

The Accounting Clerk Certificate or a Business Operations Coordinator Certificate can be earned concurrently with the Business AAS degree by choosing specific courses from the Business AAS Choice List and Electives. Please see the appropriate Program Planning Guides for details.

Revision Date:

March 20, 2018