Think critically both conceptually and by using mathematical analysis; write and speak effectively; use basic computer applications; and understand human
behavior in the context of the greater society.
Potential Job Position Titles
Potential entry-level job position titles include account representative, accounting clerk,
accounts payable/receivable clerk, marketing representative, human resources representative,
client services representative, and office manager.
Program Length
The average length of time for a student taking a full course load is five semesters.
Program Content*
A minimum of 62 semester credit hours are required for graduation.
Required Core Courses
All courses, 24 semester credit hours, are required.
AC 107 Accounting I
This introductory course in accounting provides the practical application of the
principles of financial accounting for the service and merchandising business structure.
Topics include: an introduction to accounting; analyzing and recoding transactions
using the double-entry framework; working through the accounting cycle from
journalizing and preparation of the financial statements to post-closing trial balance;
and introduction to subsidiary ledgers and special journals. The class also provides an
overview of technology accounting software practices.
AC 216 Accounting II
This next course in financial accounting provides concepts and principles used in the
manufacturing business, with an emphasis on partnerships and corporations. Topics
include: accounting for uncollectable accounts; accounting for notes receivable and
payable; accounting for investing in long-term assets; preparation and analyzing the
statement of cash flows; and analyzing and interpreting financial statements.
BU 106 Introduction to Management
This course introduces the environment of American business with an overview of
various topics that serve as a foundation for further study of business. Topics include
the environments in which businesses operate, the organizational structures of
businesses, management functions in an enterprise, and the challenges of managing
marketing, operations, information technology, finance, and human resources.
BU 204 The Digital Firm and Business Communications
This course presents an overview of technology-based issues within a business
environment. Topic include the concept of digital firms and ERP systems in the areas
of marketing, operations, human resources, manufacturing, finance, social networking,
and supply-chain management. Additional areas to be discussed are privacy issues,
government regulations, and technology on a global scale.
BU 206 Business Law I
This course provides a study of the American legal system and its effect on business
and business organizations. Topics include an overview of the ethical issues that
businesses encounter, the foundation of the American legal system, business ethics, torts, intellectual property, criminal law, cyber crimes, contracts, and sales and leases.
BU 209 Leadership and Team Dynamics
This course provides students with a foundation of knowledge regarding leadership
practices and theories. The student should develop an operational understanding
of leadership concepts and theories to engage and reflect on leadership topics.
Course topics include leadership models, collaboration, management styles, handling
conflict, and ethical issues involved in leadership.
BU 220 Principles of Marketing
This course provides an overview of the principles and applications of marketing
in organizations. Topics include: the marketing process and strategic planning; the
global marketing environment; developing marketing opportunities and strategies;
developing the marketing mix through product development, pricing strategies,
distribution channels, and promotion techniques; and managing marketing through
customer relationships, social responsibility, and marketing ethics.
EC 111 Principles of Microeconomics
This course provides an overview of economics and the economy from a
microeconomics perspective. Topics include: economic analysis; factors in the market
system; market structure and pricing strategies; the availability of resource markets;
supply and demand; and the impact of public policy on markets.
Required Project Management
BU 345 Project Management
This course provides instruction in the principles and concepts of project management.
Topics include: project management concepts; needs identification techniques; proposed
solutions preparation; the project life cycle; the project manager's responsibilities and
skills; the composition of an effective project team; types of project organizations;
project communication and documentation; project planning, scheduling, and control;
resource planning; and cost planning and performance evaluation.
Required Internship or Research Project
BU 265 Internship
The course will cover the real-work experience along with classroom instruction about
entering the workplace. Topics will cover interviewing, networking, résumé preparation,
workplace etiquette, and learning on the job. Additional topics are employment
communications and management issues.
OR
BU 270 Research Project
Students select a topic or project, with instructor approval. This course prepares
students to understand the research project in the business environment. Students will
be required to complete a professional white paper and give an oral presentation.
Elective Courses
A minimum of 9semester credit hours is required.
Note: Electives are not continuously offered at all campuses, all the time.
* Program content subject to change. Please check with your local campus for any updates.
General Education Requirements
Students enrolled in associate degrees must complete a minimum of 21 semester credit hours in general education. *
1 Semester Credit Hour in Information Literacy
3 Semester Credit Hours in English Composition
3 Semester Credit Hours in Speech
4 Semester Credit Hours in Computer Applications
4 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics (College Algebra or Above)
3 Semester Credit Hours in Social or Behavioral Science
3 Semester Credit Hours in Science or Humanities with a Critical Thinking Focus **
* Transfer students may use three semester credit hour courses transferred from
other colleges to satisfy these discipline requirements. Any resulting deficiency in
the total of 37 semester credit hours required in general education may be made
up with general education electives from any of the listed disciplines.
** A course with a critical thinking focus would be a course that addresses the theories
and application of critical analysis with an emphasis on developing sequential
reasoning skills. Examples may be courses in critical thinking, philosophy, logic, or science.
Personal Development Courses
A minimum of two semester credit hours is required in addition to PD 214.
PD 100 Student Success Skills
This course provides instruction in the both theory and practice of personal growth that lead to successful life experience. Topics include research in critical self-analysis of student habits and attitudes; and psychological impediments to successfully setting and achieving personal goals. 1.0 credit hour. Prerequisite: None.
PD 120 Personal Financial Management
This course deals with the concepts of personal financial planning and financial control. Topics center on critical self examination of student planning techniques through analysis and research of personal financial legal documents, checking accounts and banking services; income tax procedures; savings methods; investment planning; risk
management and insurance; and credit records, credit law, and the cost of credit. 1.0 credit hour. Prerequisite: None.
PD 150 Client Services
This course provides a critical examination of issues embedded in the practice of providing client service. Topics include research about best practice in customer service and communication techniques; psychologically based methods for dealing with the management of customer complaints; and the roles of a customer service employee
and supervisor within ethical boundaries and common business practice. 1.0 credit hour. Prerequisite: None.
PD 200 Career Development Seminar
This seminar provides an opportunity for the student to apply critical self-examination techniques and processes for developing a career path and an awareness of the need to embed life-long learning into career management. Topics include career planning research, job searching, developing career search documents, and refining interview
and communication skills within an awareness of psychological boundaries implicit in this process. Successful completion of this course requires the creation of a professional resume suitable for e-mail. 1.0 credit hour. Prerequisite: None.
PD 214 AS/AAS/BS Internship Preparation
This course will assist students in finding and securing the elective internship experience for credit in either an Associate or Bachelor program. Students must pass this course in order to be cleared to start working at their internship site. Students will discover ways to approach a facility about an internship, access the tools they will need to successfully get your internship approved and successfully land an internship that correlates to your field of study.
(Courses are subject to change. Please call (330) 724-1600 or toll free at (800) 311-0512 to request the current course schedule.)
Check out one of our other programs:
Associate of Applied Science in Computer Networking and Security Technology
Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Billing & Insurance Coding
Diploma in Dental Assisting
Diploma in Medical Assisting
Diploma in Medical Billing & Insurance Coding
