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Business

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.S.-T. in Business Administration 2.0

The Associate in Science in Business Administration 2.0 for Transfer (AS-T) program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their American River College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Business Administration at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.

Students must complete the following Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) requirements (Pursuant to SB1440, §66746):

• 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units

• the California State University-General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE-Breadth); OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern

• a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district

• obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0

ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A ”P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ACCT 301 Financial Accounting 4
ACCT 311 Managerial Accounting 4
BUS 300 Introduction to Business (3) 3
   or BUS 310 Business Communications (3)
BUS 340 Business Law (3) 3
ECON 302 Principles of Macroeconomics 3
ECON 304 Principles of Microeconomics 3
MATH 340 Calculus for Business and Economics (3) 3 - 5
   or MATH 342 Modern Business Mathematics (3)
   or MATH 355 Calculus for Biology and Medicine I (4)
   or MATH 400 Calculus I (5)
STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4) 3 - 4
   or ECON 310 Statistics for Business and Economics (3)
   or PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
   or STAT 480 Introduction to Probability and Statistics - Honors (4)
Total Units: 26 - 29

The Associate in Science in Business Administration 2.0 for Transfer (AS-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • identify and explain the major functional areas of the business organizations including management, marketing, finance, and accounting.
  • apply commonly used computer application programs to create relevant business documents.
  • apply accounting and mathematical concepts and principles in making decisions about business operations.
  • assess the relationships and interdependencies of economic, social, legal, and global environments in which businesses operate.

Career Information

Account executive, analyst, bank employee, buyer, manager, entrepreneur, financial planner, government service, insurance representative, investment counselor, public administration, purchasing agent, retail/industrial sales, stockbroker. Some options may require more than 2 years of study and additional licensing.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Entrepreneurship

The Entrepreneurship degree provides training and education for those wishing to own or manage a small entrepreneurial venture. The various elements involved in starting and operating a small business are covered.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 105 Business Mathematics 3
BUS 210 The Business Plan 1
BUS 212 Marketing for Small Businesses 1
BUS 214 Financing a Small Business 1
BUS 216 Essential Records for the Small Business 1
BUS 300 Introduction to Business 3
BUS 320 Concepts in Personal Finance 3
BUS 340 Business Law 3
BUS 350 Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship 3
CISC 100 Computer Fundamentals with Hands-on Lab 2
MGMT 304 Principles of Management (3) 3
   or MGMT 362 Techniques of Management (3)
MKT 300 Principles of Marketing 3
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
ACCT 341 Computerized Accounting (3)
ACCT 343 Computer Spreadsheet Applications for Accounting (2)
BUSTEC 305 Introduction to Business Information Technology (3)
BUSTEC 310 Introduction to Word/Information Processing (3)
A minimum of 1 unit from the following: 1
BUS 218 Management Skills for the Small Business (1)
BUS 220 Retailing and Merchandising for the Small Business (1)
BUS 224 Customer Service (1)
BUS 228 Selling Techniques for the Small Business (1)
Total Units: 34

The Entrepreneurship 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:

  • evaluate the feasibility of success when starting a new business venture.
  • research and compose a business plan that can be used for planning as well as financing.
  • employ appropriate management, finance, accounting, and marketing techniques required in operating a business.

A.A. in General Business

This degree is designed to provide a strong foundation for those entering into a variety of business fields in the private and public sector. It includes coursework that is essential for entry-level positions and enhances the knowledge base of those who are seeking career progression.

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 100 English for the Professional (3) 3
   or ENGWR 300 College Composition (3)
BUS 105 Business Mathematics 3
BUS 110 Business Economics (3) 3
   or ECON 302 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
BUS 300 Introduction to Business 3
BUS 310 Business Communications 3
BUS 320 Concepts in Personal Finance 3
BUS 340 Business Law (3) 3
CISA 305 Beginning Word Processing (2) 2
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets (2) 2
MKT 300 Principles of Marketing 3
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 61
BUS, MGT, MKT, RE courses not used to fulfill other requirements for this major.
Total Units: 37 - 38

1Work Experience (498) courses are limited to 3 units maximum towards degree requirements.

The General Business 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:

  • identify and explain the major functional areas of business organizations including management, marketing, finance, and accounting.
  • develop leadership skills and abilities that are effective in managing a multicultural workforce.
  • analyze practical business problems and utilize critical thinking and research skills in the evaluation of alternative solutions.
  • apply accounting concepts and principles in making decisions about business operations.
  • integrate management principles in relationship to finance, personnel, products, services, and information.
  • communicate effectively verbally and in writing in various business settings.
  • apply commonly used computer application programs to compose relevant business documents.

Career Information

Account executive, analyst, bank employee, buyer, clerk, data-entry clerk, data-entry specialist, entrepreneur, financial planner, government service, insurance representative, investment counselor, manager, marketing, market research, office assistant, public administration, purchasing agent, retail/industrial sales.

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.


Computer Applications for Small Business Certificate

This certificate provides an overview of the specific computer related skills needed to run a small business. The focus is on word processing, electronic spreadsheets, desktop publishing, web page creation, computerized accounting, and an overview of small business/entrepreneurship.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ACCT 101 Fundamentals of College Accounting (3) 3 - 4
   or ACCT 301 Financial Accounting (4)
ACCT 341 Computerized Accounting 3
BUS 350 Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship 3
CISA 305 Beginning Word Processing 2
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets 2
CISA 330 Desktop Publishing 2
CISC 306 Introduction to Web Page Creation 1
Total Units: 16 - 17

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • assess the ways to start a business and which form of business organization should be used
  • explain the importance of a business plan, a financial plan, and a marketing plan
  • apply principles of management and marketing relevant to the small business
  • plan and execute strategies for working with multiple documents, templates, and macros, and apply techniques for using and editing pre-designed styles
  • plan, construct, test, and evaluate worksheets that are efficient, accurate, and professional using a spreadsheet application
  • create commonly used printed marketing documents using desktop publishing software
  • evaluate web page content needs and design a web page
  • generate and interpret various reports and financial statements in appropriate bookkeeping software

Cross-Cultural Conflict Resolution Certificate

This certificate provides the knowledge and skills needed to resolve cross-cultural conflict with both internal and external customers. It combines a theoretical understanding of conflict with the practical application of handling conflict within the context of a diverse environment.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 317 Managing Workplace Conflict 3
BUS 330 Managing Diversity in the Workplace 3
BUS 332 Cross-Cultural Customer Service 3
SPEECH 325 Intercultural Communication 3
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • adapt communication behaviors based on cultural values and communication styles.
  • analyze negotiation processes, strategies, and techniques.
  • develop tactics for effective conflict management and resolution.

Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management Certificate

This certificate is designed for existing and potential entrepreneurs. It provides an organized course of study that enables students to develop entrepreneurial skills, recognize opportunities, and learn the basics of starting and managing a small business.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 210 The Business Plan 1
BUS 212 Marketing for Small Businesses 1
BUS 214 Financing a Small Business 1
BUS 216 Essential Records for the Small Business 1
BUS 350 Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship 3
CISC 100 Computer Fundamentals with Hands-on Lab 2
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 8
ACCT 121 Payroll Accounting (3)
ACCT 341 Computerized Accounting (3)
BUS 218 Management Skills for the Small Business (1)
BUS 220 Retailing and Merchandising for the Small Business (1)
BUS 224 Customer Service (1)
BUS 228 Selling Techniques for the Small Business (1)
BUS 300 Introduction to Business (3)
BUS 340 Business Law (3)
CISA 305 Beginning Word Processing (2)
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets (2)
MKT 300 Principles of Marketing (3)
MKT 312 Retailing (3)
MKT 314 Advertising (3)
Total Units: 17

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • create a business plan that covers all facets of operating a business.
  • organize and manage the different business functions necessary for ongoing operations.
  • appraise and evaluate business opportunities.

General Business Certificate

The General Business certificate provides an overview of the various disciplines in business such as management, marketing, accounting and finance. It is intended to meet the needs of students who wish to develop, retrain or upgrade skills.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ACCT 101 Fundamentals of College Accounting (3) 3 - 4
   or ACCT 301 Financial Accounting (4)
BUS 100 English for the Professional (3) 3
   or ENGWR 300 College Composition (3)
BUS 300 Introduction to Business 3
BUS 310 Business Communications 3
BUS 340 Business Law 3
CISC 100 Computer Fundamentals with Hands-on Lab 2
MGMT 304 Principles of Management 3
MKT 300 Principles of Marketing 3
A minimum of 5 units from the following: 5
BUS 330 Managing Diversity in the Workplace (3)
MGMT 362 Techniques of Management (3)
BUS 224 Customer Service (1)
BUS 210 The Business Plan (1)
BUS 212 Marketing for Small Businesses (1)
BUS 214 Financing a Small Business (1)
BUS 350 Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship (3)
CISA 340 Presentation Graphics (2)
CISA 320 Introduction to Database Management (1)
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets (2)
CISA 305 Beginning Word Processing (2)
BUS 216 Essential Records for the Small Business (1)
BUS 218 Management Skills for the Small Business (1)
Total Units: 28 - 29

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • Identify the functions of management and apply them in business situations.
  • Analyze written communication.
  • Evaluate and apply the basic concepts of marketing in both for-profit and non-profit organization.
  • Develop leadership skills and abilities that are effective in managing a multicultural workforce.
  • Apply commonly used computer application programs to create relevant business documents.
  • Apply business mathematics in order to analyze data and solve business problems.
  • Explain small business practices such as record-keeping, financing, marketing, and creating a business plan.
  • Compose effective business documents.

Internet Marketing Certificate

This certificate offers a program of study for students seeking jobs that require skills in technical marketing applications. It provides opportunities to combine traditional marketing theory with the technical skills needed in today's business environment. Courses address current technology-based business communications, marketing, Internet strategies, applications, and trends.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
CISA 330 Desktop Publishing 2
CISA 340 Presentation Graphics 2
CISA 345 Technical Marketing Applications 2
CISA 346 Social Media Applications 1
CISW 350 Imaging for the Web 1
BUS 100 English for the Professional 3
MKT 330 Internet Marketing 3
Total Units: 14

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • identify and create effective Internet marketing strategies that enhance business relationships with present and future customers.
  • apply communication theory, effective writing techniques, and presentation skills to business situations.
  • utilize software applications designed to present and promote business in print and visual media.
  • devise a marketing plan using social media applications and content platforms for marketing both small and large businesses.
  • analyze various software applications for Search Engine Optimization (SEO), analytic tools, web-building and blog applications, email marketing, and other technical marketing tools.

Career Information

Career opportunities include titles such as social media administrator, digital marketing director, campaign specialist, marketing/events coordinator, media marketing, social media squad, Internet marketing communications, and communications and social media coordinator.


Marketing Essentials Certificate

This certificate provides an introductory overview of the various aspects of marketing, such as target marketing, marketing strategy, advertising, professional selling, retailing, public relations, social media, and customer service. It is intended to meet the needs of employed students who wish to upgrade their marketing skills, as well as those students who are seeking entry-level marketing positions.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MKT 300 Principles of Marketing 3
MKT 310 Selling Professionally 3
MKT 312 Retailing 3
MKT 314 Advertising 3
MKT 330 Internet Marketing 3
Total Units: 15

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • analyze the philosophy of the marketing concept, and the importance of customer satisfaction.
  • discover the function and elements of the marketing mix.
  • incorporate strategies for planning, producing, and selecting the appropriate advertising media, and creating an advertising campaign.
  • demonstrate professional selling skills, including sales presentations.
  • evaluate principles of retailing, such as store location, store layout and design, pricing, human resource management, and promotional methods.
  • compare and contrast various e-marketing tools, such as websites and social media.

Career Information

Marketing, selling, advertising, public relations, and marketing management positions, for profit and non-profit organizations. Also, enhancing marketing skills for the entrepreneur and small business owner.


Technical Communications Certificate

This certificate offers an interdisciplinary program of courses in Technical Communications, Art/New Media, and Computer Information Systems to prepare students for a variety of technical writing and professional communication careers. The certificate includes the theory, writing skills, design background, and computer applications knowledge needed for jobs in technical communication.



Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ARTNM 352 Design for Publication (3) 2 - 3
or CISA 330 Desktop Publishing (2)
CISA 305 Beginning Word Processing (2) 2 - 3
   or BUSTEC 310 Introduction to Word/Information Processing (3)
CISW 300 Web Publishing 3
TECCOM 300 Introduction to Technical/Professional Communication 3
TECCOM 310 Writing Digital Content 1
TECCOM 330 Writing Technical Manuals 1
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
BUS 100 English for the Professional (3)
BUS 310 Business Communications (3)
CISW 321 Web Site Development using Dreamweaver (3)
Total Units: 15 - 17

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • analyze audience information needs.
  • compose concise, clearly written professional documents organized with the audiences' needs in mind.
  • design print and online resources that communicate organizations' values, enhance readability, and are easy to use.
  • demonstrate basic skills in the use of word processing, page design, and web design applications.
  • evaluate organizations' communication goals and needs based on technical writing principles.

Career Information

Technical communicators find employment in medical, scientific, high tech, business, university, and government settings. They may write white papers, tutorials, reference and procedure manuals, help systems, user assistance video scripts, grants and proposals, and more.

Certificate

Soft Skills for the Global Environment Certificate

This certificate covers the leadership skills and abilities needed to manage a multicultural workplace, while focusing on the skills needed to most effectively communicate with employees, colleagues, customers, and vendors. Emphasis is placed on how to develop a greater understanding and skill-set from a cross-cultural perspective.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 317 Managing Workplace Conflict 3
BUS 330 Managing Diversity in the Workplace 3
BUS 332 Cross-Cultural Customer Service 3
MGMT 360 Management Communication 3
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • adapt to different customer behavior styles.
  • evaluate verbal and non-verbal cues in appraising a situation.
  • apply positive communication and listening techniques.
  • develop strategies for service recovery.
  • communicate effectively with a diverse customer population.
  • analyze organization challenges to formulate solutions to improve communication.
  • describe elements of a sound customer service program.