Business, Associate of Applied Science

Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Business is designed for both new students and experienced professionals looking to enhance their business knowledge and skills. This flexible degree provides a strong foundation in business principles and allows students to tailor their education through specialized certificates.

Students will complete:

  • A Business Core that provides essential knowledge in leadership, finance, marketing, and management.
  • A CTE General Education Core that builds foundational skills in communication, mathematics, and writing.
  • At least two specialized certificates in a focus area such as Bookkeeping, Marketing, Business Technology, Human Resources, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Accounting, or Retail Management.

Graduates will be prepared for entry-level business roles or to continue their education in a bachelor’s program.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the AAS in Business, students will be able to: 

  1. Evaluate strategic business principles in the context of aligning to organizational goals.
  2. Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
  3. Collaborate in teams using leadership principles.
  4. Apply critical thinking and decision-making skills.
  5. Analyze the strategic impact of technology in driving innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness in business environments.
  6. Apply financial practices to problem solve and make decisions.

Career Considerations

Graduates of this program can pursue entry-level positions in:

  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Entrepreneurship

The degree also serves as a strong foundation for further education, such as a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field.

Program Course Requirements

To obtain the AAS in Business you must complete the CTE General Education Core, the Business Core, and two business certificates.

CTE General Education Core and Business Core

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
First TermCredits
BA 101Z Introduction to Business 4
BA 169Z Data Analysis Using Excel 4
MTH 104
or BA 180
 Math Literacy (or higher)
or Business Mathematics I
 3-4
WR 115 Intro to Expos Writing (or higher) 2 4
 Credits15-16
Second Term
BA 218 Personal Finance and Investing 3
BA 226Z Introduction to Business Law 4
BA 233 Accounting for Managers 4
SDP 208 Human Rscs for Supervisors 3
 Credits14
Third Term
BA 106 Business Leadership 3
BA 165 Customer Service 3
BA 223 Principles of Marketing 3
BA 231 Computers in Business 4
 Credits13
Second Year
First Term
BA 161 Career Planning 1
BA 206 Management Fundamentals 3
BA 214 Business Communications 3
COM 218Z Interpersonal Communication 4
 Credits11
Second Term
Elective and Pathway Credits 1 37
 Credits37
 Total Minimum Credits90-91
1

Choose any two pathway certificates and enough additional credits to complete a minimum of 90 credits.

2

Excludes WR 117

 Business Electives

BA 280CWE-Business1-13
ECON 201ZPrinciples of Microeconomics4
ECON 202ZPrinciples of Macroeconomics4
Total Minimum Credits9-21

Business Pathways (must choose 2) 

accounting pathway

BA 169ZData Analysis Using Excel4
BA 175Fund Accounting4
BA 177Payroll Accounting4
BA 211ZPrinciples Financial Acct4
BA 213ZPrinciples Managerial Acct4
BA 218Personal Finance and Investing3
BA 226ZIntroduction to Business Law4
BA 231Computers in Business4
Total Minimum Credits31

Bookkeeping pathway

BA 128Accounting Applications I3
BA 129Accounting Applications II3
BA 151Practical Accounting I4
BA 177Payroll Accounting4
Total Minimum Credits14

Business Technology pathway

AI 120Intro to AI4
BA 169ZData Analysis Using Excel4
BA 170Business Technologies3
BA 171Logic and Reasoning3
BA 231Computers in Business4
Total Minimum Credits18

Entrepreneurship Pathway

BA 150Develop a Small Business4
BA 172Entrepreneurship3
BA 173Innovation to Market3
BA 176Project Management4
BA 226ZIntroduction to Business Law4
BA 250Managing the Small Business3
Total Minimum Credits21

 human resources pathway

BA 260Advanced Human Resources3
SDP 109Elements of Supervision3
SDP 113Human Relations-Supervisors3
SDP 208Human Rscs for Supervisors3
Total Minimum Credits12

 leadership pathway

BA 106Business Leadership3
BA 206Management Fundamentals3
BA 260Advanced Human Resources3
SDP 109Elements of Supervision3
SDP 208Human Rscs for Supervisors3
Total Minimum Credits15

 marketing  pathway

BA 223Principles of Marketing3
BA 238Professional Selling3
BA 239Advertising3
BA 253Social Media Marketing3
Total Minimum Credits12

retail management pathway

BA 206Management Fundamentals3
BA 214Business Communications3
BA 223Principles of Marketing3
BA 231Computers in Business4
BA 233Accounting for Managers4
BA 249Retailing3
SDP 113Human Relations-Supervisors3
SDP 208Human Rscs for Supervisors3
Total Minimum Credits26

Advising Notes

  • Students must complete between 90-108 credits in approved areas to receive an AAS. This degree path is a combination of the Business Core, CTE Gen Ed Core and two additional pathways of your choosing.  
  • All courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.
  • Meet with your advisor to ensure you are following the correct path to meet your goals.