Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Business Technology

Catalog

Print Options

Download entire catalog

Business Technology

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

The degree is designed to develop advanced skills needed for upper-level administrative support and office management careers. The course work includes communication skills, organizational management, business documents and projects, teamwork, financial data, ethics, and a variety of computer and office technologies.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

A.A. in Administrative Professional
A.A. in Virtual Administrative Professional
Business Information Worker Certificate
Law Office Clerical Assistant Certificate
Office Technology Certificate
Virtual Office Professional Certificate
Office Assistant Certificate

Division Dean Kirsten Corbin
Department Chair Heidi Bennett
Phone (916) 484-8361
Email bcsclerk@arc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Administrative Professional

This degree is designed to develop advanced skills needed for upper-level administrative support and office management careers. The course work includes communication skills, organizational management, business documents and projects, teamwork, financial data, ethics, and a variety of computer and office technologies.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
ACCT 101	Fundamentals of College Accounting (3)	3 - 4
or ACCT 301	Financial Accounting (4)
BUS 300	Introduction to Business	3
BUS 310	Business Communications	3
BUSTEC 101	Computer Keyboarding: 10-Key	1
BUSTEC 110	Business Procedures for Professional Success	3
BUSTEC 126	Outlook: Basics (1)	1
or CISA 126	Outlook: Basics (1)
BUSTEC 127	Outlook: Tools (1)	1
or CISA 127	Outlook: Tools (1)
BUSTEC 300.1	Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning	1
BUSTEC 305	Introduction to Business Information Technology	3
BUSTEC 310	Introduction to Word/Information Processing	3
BUSTEC 313	Web-based Conferencing and Presentations for the Business Professional	2
BUSTEC 332	Integrated Business Projects	3
CISA 315	Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets	2
CISA 320	Introduction to Database Management	1
MGMT 300	Introduction to Leadership in Action (3)	3
or MGMT 304	Principles of Management (3)
Total Units:		33 - 34

The Administrative Professional Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

manage office operations including employee supervision, records management, supplies and equipment, administrative support, financial statements, and customer service.
evaluate business projects, generate task lists, and prioritize completion of work.
integrate word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and electronic information management systems to complete business projects.
create, revise, and evaluate verbal and written business messages demonstrating business communication techniques.
utilize critical thinking, problem solving, and organizational management skills to complete work independently or in a group.
analyze ethical dilemmas, utilize ethical decision-making processes, and determine appropriate ethical behavior.

Career Information

Typical career opportunities include clerical, administrative support, and executive assistant positions with private industry, non-profit organizations, and government entities.

A.A. in Virtual Administrative Professional

This degree offers enterprising individuals an opportunity to develop their own business ventures to perform administrative tasks using new technology and the Internet. The current trend toward "outsourcing" work supports the growing need for virtual professionals. Confidence in being customer focused and creative are essential activities of this program. The goal of the virtual administrative professional degree is to assist students in developing a niche that meets the needs of today's employers.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
BUS 105	Business Mathematics	3
BUS 216	Essential Records for the Small Business (1)	1
BUS 224	Customer Service	1
BUS 310	Business Communications	3
BUS 350	Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship	3
BUSTEC 110	Business Procedures for Professional Success	3
BUSTEC 300.1	Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning	1
BUSTEC 300.2	Keyboarding/Applications: Document Formatting	1
BUSTEC 300.3	Keyboarding/Applications: Advanced Document Formatting	1
BUSTEC 310	Introduction to Word/Information Processing	3
BUSTEC 332	Integrated Business Projects	3
BUSTEC 350	Virtual Careers and Technologies	3
CISA 315	Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets	2
CISA 320	Introduction to Database Management (1)	1
CISC 305	Introduction to the Internet	1
A minimum of 2 units from the following:		2
BUS 498	Work Experience in Business (0.5 - 4)
Total Units:		32

The Virtual Administrative Professional Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

categorize essential records into an adequate record keeping system.
compose written communications and deliver oral presentations for business proposals and projects that focus on the audience.
explain the importance of a business plan, financial plan, and marketing plan for a business.
create, arrange, and edit business documents using word processing features.
select different technologies and software to complete business projects.
design a virtual office atmosphere which includes marketing oneself, satisfying clients, and managing resources and capital.
manipulate and format data into a worksheet and database.
choose appropriate search strategies when using the Internet.

Career Information

Typical career opportunities include administrative professional, executive and/or personal assistant, real estate virtual assistant, online assistant, meeting planner, travel planner, desktop publisher, graphic designer, clerical recruiter, newsletter editor, virtual meetings organizer, and virtual assistant. Industries that virtual professionals support are sales, law, finance, church, Internet enterprises, marketing firms, public relations, direct mail, concierge, authors, contractors, and therapists.

Certificates of Achievement

Business Information Worker Certificate

This certificate prepares students for entry-level office, computer, and administrative support positions in a variety of industries.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
BUS 100	English for the Professional	3
BUS 224	Customer Service	1
BUS 310	Business Communications	3
BUSTEC 101	Computer Keyboarding: 10-Key	1
BUSTEC 126	Outlook: Basics (1)	1
or CISA 126	Outlook: Basics (1)
BUSTEC 300.1	Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning	1
BUSTEC 305	Introduction to Business Information Technology	3
BUSTEC 310	Introduction to Word/Information Processing	3
BUSTEC 332	Integrated Business Projects (3)	3
or BUS 312	Workplace Behavior and Ethics (3)
CISA 315	Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets	2
Total Units:		21

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

demonstrate proficiency in business technology applications.
demonstrate proficiency in business administration skills.
demonstrate proficiency in business communication skills.
apply customer service skills in a business environment and provide a positive customer service experience.

Career Information

Students who successfully complete this certificate are prepared for entry-level positions in office, computer, and administrative support positions in a variety of industries.

Law Office Clerical Assistant Certificate

This certificate provides the skills needed for entry-level clerical positions in law offices. The course work emphasizes workforce skills including an introduction to the use of terms particular to the legal field.

This Law Office Clerical Assistant certificate is not approved by the American Bar Association and does not prepare students to work as paralegals or legal assistants under California state law.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
BUS 312	Workplace Behavior and Ethics	3
BUSTEC 100.1	Keyboarding Skills: Beginning (1)	1
or BUSTEC 300.1	Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning (1)
BUSTEC 100.2	Keyboarding Skills: Intermediate (1)	1
or BUSTEC 300.2	Keyboarding/Applications: Document Formatting (1)
BUSTEC 305	Introduction to Business Information Technology	3
BUSTEC 310	Introduction to Word/Information Processing	3
LA 300	Introduction to Law and the American Legal System	3
LA 350	Law Office Management	3
Total Units:		17

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

demonstrate keyboarding competence in the legal workplace.
solve common office problems using current business technology and software applications.
practice effective communication with law office personnel and clients.
apply appropriate ethical standards to the special situations encountered in a law office.
produce written documents in appropriate formats using typical legal office technology.

Career Information

Typical career opportunities are entry-level clerical positions in a law office. In order to earn an A.A. or a Certificate to become a Legal Assistant/Paralegal, see the Legal Studies Program requirements in the Behavior and Social Sciences Division.

Office Technology Certificate

This certificate offers technological skills in preparation for first-time employment, re-entry, or career advancement in a variety of office careers. Program topics include keyboarding/word processing, integrated office applications, organization and supervision of office activities, office procedures, business communications, critical thinking, and report writing.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
BUS 100	English for the Professional (3)	3
or ENGWR 300	College Composition (3)
BUS 310	Business Communications	3
BUS 312	Workplace Behavior and Ethics	3
BUSTEC 101	Computer Keyboarding: 10-Key	1
BUSTEC 126	Outlook: Basics (1)	1
or CISA 126	Outlook: Basics (1)
BUSTEC 127	Outlook: Tools (1)	1
or CISA 127	Outlook: Tools (1)
BUSTEC 300.1	Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning	1
BUSTEC 300.2	Keyboarding/Applications: Document Formatting	1
BUSTEC 305	Introduction to Business Information Technology	3
BUSTEC 332	Integrated Business Projects	3
CISA 315	Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets	2
CISA 320	Introduction to Database Management	1
A minimum of 3 units from the following:		3
BUSTEC 310	Introduction to Word/Information Processing (3)
BUSTEC 313	Web-based Conferencing and Presentations for the Business Professional (2)
CISC 300	Computer Familiarization (1)
CISC 306	Introduction to Web Page Creation (1)
Total Units:		26

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

compose and format business documents.
demonstrate effective writing techniques for business documents.
integrate the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and electronic communication software to business tasks.
incorporate technological, communication, and problem-solving skills in the business setting.

Virtual Office Professional Certificate

This certificate offers preparation as an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative, and technical services to clients in virtual environments. This emerging profession encourages working from home.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
BUS 100	English for the Professional (3)	3
BUS 312	Workplace Behavior and Ethics (3)	3¹
BUSTEC 110	Business Procedures for Professional Success	3
BUSTEC 126	Outlook: Basics	1
BUSTEC 127	Outlook: Tools (1)	1
BUSTEC 300.1	Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning	1
BUSTEC 300.2	Keyboarding/Applications: Document Formatting	1
BUSTEC 350	Virtual Careers and Technologies	3
CISA 320	Introduction to Database Management (1)	1 - 2
or CISA 315	Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets (2)
or CISC 305	Introduction to the Internet (1)
Total Units:		17 - 18

¹Individuals who hold a certificate as a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) may receive credit for this option with evidence of completion of the CAP certification.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

compose and format business documents demonstrating effective writing techniques and utilizing electronic technologies.
follow procedures and guidelines for communicating with people over the telephone, through email, and with other technologies.
analyze the purpose of a business project, select software, and follow procedures to complete the project.
describe the different types of virtual environments.
use the principles of effective time management to prioritize and meet deadlines.
list the skills and work habits necessary for success in a virtual office career.
identify and select job and career opportunities in virtual environments.
determine requirements for setting up a virtual office.

Career Information

Certificate

Office Assistant Certificate

This certificate provides training in clerical procedures for entry-level office positions.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
BUSTEC 101	Computer Keyboarding: 10-Key	1
BUSTEC 125	Clerical Assistant	6
BUSTEC 300.1	Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning	1
Total Units:		8

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

perform keyboarding tasks successfully and competently in the workplace.
solve business problems using current business technology and software applications.
appropriately apply rules and procedures for the business environment.
produce job search documents and demonstrate job search skills.

Career Information

Typical career opportunities are entry-level clerical positions.

Business Technology (BUSTEC) Courses

BUSTEC 100.1 Keyboarding Skills: Beginning

Units:1
Hours:12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
Prerequisite:BUSTEC 300.1 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300 or BUS 310; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course helps students improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy. Individualized skill improvement plans are based on a computerized assessment of computer keyboarding speed and accuracy. This course is not open to students who have previously completed the first module of BUSTEC 100. This course is for students who know how to correctly touch type and want to improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy. Students who want to learn to correctly touch type should take BUSTEC 300.1. Pass/No Pass only.

BUSTEC 100.2 Keyboarding Skills: Intermediate

Units:1
Hours:12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
Prerequisite:BUSTEC 100.1
Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300 or BUS 310; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course helps students improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy and builds upon the skills learned in BUSTEC 100.1. Individualized skill improvement plans are based on a computerized assessment of computer keyboarding speed and accuracy. This course is not open to students who have previously completed the second module of BUSTEC 100. This course is for students who know how to correctly touch type and want to improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy. Pass/No Pass only.

BUSTEC 100.3 Keyboarding Skills: Advanced

Units:1
Hours:12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
Prerequisite:BUSTEC 100.2
Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300 or BUS 310; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course helps students improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy and builds upon the skills learned in BUSTEC 100.2. Individualized skill improvement plans are based on a computerized assessment of computer keyboarding speed and accuracy. This course is not open to students who have previously completed the third module of BUSTEC 100. This course is for students who know how to correctly touch type and want to improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy. Pass/No Pass only.

BUSTEC 101 Computer Keyboarding: 10-Key

Units:1
Hours:12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:BUSTEC 300.1 with a grade of "C" or better
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course introduces the numeric keypad and alphanumeric data entry. Course content focuses on developing proper 10-key technique, speed, and accuracy. Simulated employment tests based on industry standards are included. Ten-key certification testing is completed at the end of the course.

BUSTEC 110 Business Procedures for Professional Success

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:BUSTEC 300.3 and 310
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course prepares business professionals to use office systems, technologies, and sustainable procedures to support today's digital work environments. Topics include business communication, records management, and business document preparation, and storage. Critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, supervision skills, administrative procedures, and information processing technologies are used to complete assignments and activities as a business professional. Primary emphasis is on processing documents using skills in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, database, digital storage, and communication media. These skills provide the background for advancement to supervisory and management positions.

BUSTEC 125 Clerical Assistant

Units:6
Hours:90 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:BUSTEC 300.1 with a grade of "C" or better; or ability to touch type at 25 wpm.
Corequisite:BUSTEC 101
Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; or ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers the skills needed for entry-level clerical positions. Topics include word processing and spreadsheet applications; American Records Management Association (ARMA) filing procedures; office procedures and communications, including telephone, mail, email, and Internet; soft-skills; and employability skills.

BUSTEC 126 Outlook: Basics

Same As:CISA 126
Units:1
Hours:18 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:BUSTEC 300.1
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course introduces Microsoft Outlook, the industry-leading personal information management software. Topics include understanding and navigating the Outlook environment, creating and sending email, using email special features, managing Outlook contacts, using an electronic calendar, and creating tasks and to-do items. Completion of BUSTEC 126/CISA 126 and BUSTEC
127/CISA 127 prepares students to pass the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
certification for the Microsoft Outlook application. This course is not open to students who have completed CISA 126.

BUSTEC 127 Outlook: Tools

Same As:CISA 127
Units:1
Hours:18 hours LEC
Prerequisite:BUSTEC 126 or CISA 126 with a grade of "C" or better
Advisory:BUSTEC 300.1 with a grade of "C" or better
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course presents the advanced personal information management tools in Outlook. Topics include working with multiple email accounts, using rules and folders, incorporating advanced calendar and contact features, collaborating using sharing and delegate features, and customizing the Outlook user interface. In addition, the course covers the integration of Outlook with other applications in the Microsoft Office suite. Completion of BUSTEC 126/CISA 126 and BUSTEC 127/CISA 127 prepares students to pass the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification for the Microsoft Outlook application. This course is not open to students who have completed CISA 127.

BUSTEC 298 Work Experience in Business Technology

Units:0.5 - 4
Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Enrollment Limitation:Students must be in a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job related to the business technology field with a cooperating site supervisor. Students are advised to consult with the Business Technology Department faculty to review specific certificate and degree work experience requirements.
General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of business technology. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in associate degree level or certificate occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce, completion of Title 5 required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at an approved worksite, and developing workplace skills and competencies.

During the semester, the student is required to complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. All students are required to attend the first course meeting, a mid-semester meeting, and a final meeting. Additionally, students who have not already successfully completed a Work Experience course will be required to attend weekly orientations while returning participants may meet individually with the instructor as needed. Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times when there are new or expanded learning objectives. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

BUSTEC 299 Experimental Offering in Business Technology

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

BUSTEC 300.1 Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning

Units:1
Hours:12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300 or BUS 310; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course introduces touch typing of alphabetic, numeric, and symbol keys. It covers keyboarding techniques, speed-and-accuracy development, and essential computer-keyboarding information. This course is specifically designed for the beginning typist as well as those who have been typing for a long time using improper technique. This course is not open to students who have previously completed the first module of BUSTEC 300.

BUSTEC 300.2 Keyboarding/Applications: Document Formatting

Units:1
Hours:12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
Prerequisite:BUSTEC 300.1 with a grade of "C" or better
Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300 or BUS 310; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides beginning to intermediate document formatting and skill development for academic, employment, personal, and businesses purposes. This course builds upon skills learned in BUSTEC 300.1 to provide students with additional computer keyboarding skills in the creation and modification of word processing documents. It covers use of an office-level word processing program to create and format business correspondence, academic reports, business reports, and tables. English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and proofreading are reinforced throughout. Timed writing tests are used to increase keyboarding speed and accuracy. This course is not open to students who have previously completed the second module of BUSTEC 300.

BUSTEC 300.3 Keyboarding/Applications: Advanced Document Formatting

Units:1
Hours:12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
Prerequisite:BUSTEC 300.2 with a grade of "C" or better
Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300 or BUS 310; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides advanced skill development of documents for business, academic, employment, or personal use. This course builds on skills learned in BUSTEC 300.2. This course includes enhancing proofreading proficiency, reinforcing communication skills, increasing speed and accuracy, and using features of a current office-level word processing program to create a variety of business documents with advanced formatting. This course is not open to students who have previously completed the third module of BUSTEC 300.

BUSTEC 305 Introduction to Business Information Technology

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course prepares business professionals to use office systems, technologies, and sustainable procedures to support today's digital work environments. Topics include the use of business-related hardware and software, business communication, electronic calendars, project management, records management, business document preparation, cloud-based applications, information storage, and team collaboration. Critical thinking, problem-solving, administrative procedures, and information processing technologies are used to complete assignments and activities applicable in a business environment. Skills learned will provide a foundation in information and communications technology used in administration and management positions. This course is not open to students who have previously taken BUSTEC 110.

BUSTEC 310 Introduction to Word/Information Processing

Units:3
Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:BUSTEC 100.1 or 300.1 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is a review of basic word/information processing and introduces intermediate and advanced formatting for correspondence, tables, reports, newsletters, and other business-related documents. It emphasizes formatting and document production techniques to produce professional business documents used in today's workplace. Intermediate and advanced word processing topics include tables, columns, themes and styles, merge, graphics, macros, collaboration, and templates.

BUSTEC 313 Web-based Conferencing and Presentations for the Business Professional

Units:2
Hours:36 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:BUS 310 and CISA 340
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course develops business presentation skills indispensable in today's job market. Topics include data evaluation, content planning and organizing, visual aid development, and methods of presentation including web (video) conferencing and podcasting. Strategies for interviews, meetings, training, and group presentations typically found in a business environment are explored.

BUSTEC 332 Integrated Business Projects

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:BUSTEC 310, CISA 315, and CISA 320
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course applies office administration skills and procedures using a suite of software. Course content integrates word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and communication software to create, format, revise, share, and maintain business documents and data. Hands-on business projects require use of current office systems and incorporate problem-solving skills and real world business simulations.

BUSTEC 350 Virtual Careers and Technologies

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course explores careers in a virtual environment and identifies techniques and technologies needed by virtual workers. Specific topics include types of virtual environments, technologies and skills needed in a virtual office, ways to establish and manage a virtual career, effective communication, and job opportunities. This course also examines issues for career preparation in a virtual environment.

BUSTEC 499 Experimental Offering in Business Technology

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.