Business Administration

Associate in Applied Science

Credits: 93  |   Length of Program: 6 quarters

Subject: Business Administration

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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, Finance & Office Administration » Business Administration for more career and employment information.

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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Program Student Learning 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

CCS101 Pathways to Success 3 Credits Search Schedule
Cultivates the mind-set and skills necessary for students to become confident, reflective, self-directing, and successful learners. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 090 or higher.

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 092 or "C" or better in OFTEC 170.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA
BUS&101 Introduction to Business 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces current concepts and structures of American business. Covers the functions of business: forms of ownership, management, marketing, production, finance, and the economy. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 098 or ENGL& 101.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, SOCIAL SCIENCE, NURSING SOCIAL SCIENCE, AA-AAS-T-SOCIAL SCIENCE
BUS160 Principles of Marketing 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces fundamental principles of marketing with an emphasis on application of the concepts. Prerequisite: BUS& 101 or instructor's permission.
BUS&201 Business Law 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces the American legal system from the business perspective. Examines system structure, concepts, procedures, terminology, and ethics with an emphasis on principles and procedures applicable in the context of business. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 098 or ENGL& 101.
BUS240 Principles of Finance 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces basic finance theory and decision making. Covers financial statement analysis, review of basic economic concepts, evaluating risk and return, sources of internal and external funds, and the effect of debt. Prerequisite: BUS& 101 and ACCT& 201.
BUS260 Principles of Management: Diversity 5 Credits Search Schedule
Describes the functions of management with an emphasis on current management issues, including the impact of diversity in the workplace. Prerequisite: BUS& 101.
Distribution: AA, AAS, AS, DTA, DIVERSITY, AAS-HUMAN RELATIONS
BUS289 Integrated Business Applications 5 Credits Search Schedule
Integrates accounting, data analytics, and business concepts to create solutions to complex business problems. Prerequisite: For all students: 50 or more college level credits and completion of BUS& 101. Additional prerequisite: BUS 160; or BUS 240; or CIS 284; or "C" or better in ACCT 231.
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
Covers Excel worksheet and workbook concepts and functions. Advanced topics such as database functions and macros will be introduced. Prerequisite: OFTEC 108 or OFTEC 100 and MATH 092.

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
-OR-
ENGL&235 Technical Writing 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces technical writing skills necessary to communicate effectively in the workplace. Emphasizes written documents, successful teamwork strategies, and ethical considerations in workplace communication. Prerequisite: ENGL& 101 with a "C" or better.
Distribution: AA, AAS, AS, DTA, AAS-SPEAKING-LISTENING, GER-CIS, AA-AAS-T-COMMUNICATION, AAS-ADDITIONAL COMMUNICATION
-OR-
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.
Distribution: AAS-ADDITIONAL COMMUNICATION, AAS-SPEAKING-LISTENING

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
-OR-
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
-OR-
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.
-OR-
ACCT239 Payroll Accounting and Business Taxes 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces taxes affecting businesses, including the preparation of payroll registers and payroll related documents and tax forms. Prerequisite: OFTEC 170 or ACCT& 201 with a "C" or better.
-OR-
BUS140 Customer Service 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces the importance of developing a service-oriented organization whose practices foster customer retention and loyalty. Develops skills in problem-solving, communication in both oral and written form, critical thinking and decision-making in order to identify and respond to customer needs. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 098 or ENGL& 101.
-OR-
BUS220 Starting and Managing a Small Business 5 Credits Search Schedule
Describes the steps in business planning through the development of a business plan. Prerequisite: None.
-OR-
CMST110 Introduction to Social Media 5 Credits Search Schedule
Investigates how social media, platforms, and applications shape human behavior and communications. Students will develop skills analyzing and using social media for personal, strategic, and professional purposes. Prerequisite: None.
Distribution: AA, DTA, AA-AAS-T-HUMANITIES
-OR-
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
-OR-
ECON&202 Macro Economics 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces fundamental models of macroeconomics and illustrates macro principles through U.S. experience in the global economy. Prerequisite: MATH 097.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, SOCIAL SCIENCE, NURSING SOCIAL SCIENCE, AA-AAS-T-SOCIAL SCIENCE
-OR-
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.
-OR-
OFTEC150 Formatting I 4 Credits Search Schedule
Covers basic formatting of business letters, memorandums, tables, and reports using word processing software, including keyboarding skill development and language arts concepts. The ability to type 30 words per minute (wpm) by touch is recommended. Prerequisite: OFTEC 108 or OFTEC 136.
-OR-
OFTEC170 Practical Accounting 5 Credits Search Schedule
Covers the fundamentals of accounting for the office worker who will assist in accounting procedures. Prerequisite: MATH 092 or BUS 104.
-OR-
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 098 or ENGL& 101.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, HUMANITIES, NURSING HUMANITIES, AA-AAS-T-HUMANITIES
-OR-
PSYC116 Psychology of Human Relations: Diversity 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces students to the psychology of human relationships. Examines how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors impact communication in a multicultural world. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 098 or 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, AAS-SPEAKING-LISTENING, AA-AAS-T-COMMUNICATION, AAS-ADDITIONAL COMMUNICATION
-OR-
CMST240 Intercultural Communication: Diversity 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces intercultural communication theories and concepts with applications. Explores the communication processes when people enter new cultural context or interact with people who have different cultural identities. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 098 or ENGL& 101 or instructor's permission.
Distribution: AA, AAS, AS, DTA, DIVERSITY, HUMANITIES, NURSING HUMANITIES, AAS-SPEAKING-LISTENING, AAS-HUMAN RELATIONS, AA-AAS-T-HUMANITIES, AAS-ADDITIONAL COMMUNICATION

Computation
BUS104 Business Math 5 Credits Search Schedule
Emphasizes solving practical problems in business, including percentages, payroll, simple and compound interest, annuities, discounts, and markups using a calculator. Prerequisite: MATH 092.
Distribution: AAS, AAS-COMPUTATION
-OR-
MATH&146 Introduction to Statistics 5 Credits Search Schedule
Covers basic probability, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in or completion of MATH 095 and 096 with a "C" or better or appropriate placement.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, NATURAL SCIENCE, QUANTITATIVE, AA-AAS-T-QUANTITATIVE, AA-AAS-T-NATURAL SCIENCE

 

Diversity Requirement 
Diversity-designated courses at South Puget Sound Community College provide opportunities for students to develop awareness of their own social and cultural identities, seek understanding of others, and cultivate skills to communicate across cultures and differences. All programs require the completion of a diversity course.

 

Effective Catalog Year 2020 – 2021

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: 
May 1, 2020