About Our Program
This program provides foundational and technical skill courses for the student interested in a wide variety of business-related fields, focusing specifically on skills needed to develop, grow and manage small businesses. Courses cover essential skills, including sales and marketing techniques, labor and inventory controls, basic laws pertaining to both employees and customers, and personal management styles.
Nature of Work and Employment
The business/services related area is predicted to be one of the areas of employment in high demand well into the future. As companies try to do more with fewer personnel, the student who is well versed in a variety of business areas will be well suited for the rapidly changing job market.
Business Administration – Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management graduates find employment in an assortment of business settings, and in a wide range of industries. They will typically serve in entry-level positions, or advance in their current position, and may be assigned to a wide variety of departments or program areas. Students will learn the essential skills needed to identify business opportunities, and to establish and operate both new ventures and existing small businesses. In doing so, students will learn the skills and knowledge necessary to be a more valuable and motivated employee, manager, and owner.
Special Considerations
Most of the courses within this program are intended to and do transfer, but the degree does not contain all of the general education and core courses needed for transfer to a four-year college or university. Students who are interested in transferring to a four-year baccalaureate university should refer to the Business Administration Associate of Arts (204). Students should contact an academic advisor for specific information.
Requirements
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
ACCT 105 | Elements of Accounting | 3 |
ACCT 213 | Financial Accounting 1 | 4 |
BUSN 121 | Intro to Business | 3 |
BUSN 124 | Introduction to Small Business 1 | 3 |
BUSN 125 | Math of Business 1 | 3 |
BUSN 223 | Business Law I 1 | 3 |
BUSN 225 | Personal Finance | 3 |
BUSN 244 | Principles of Advertising | 3 |
BUSN 246 | Principles of Marketing 1 | 3 |
BUSN 249 | Principles of Management 1 | 3 |
ECON 111 | Principles of Economics I | 3 |
or ECON 112 | Principles of Economics II |
PSY 161 | Introduction to Psychology (diversity requirement) 1 | 3 |
INFT 180 | Intro to Information Systems 1 | 3 |
BUSN 242 | Fund of Supervision | 3 |
| 2 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| Psychology of Human Relations 1 | |
| Social Psychology 1 | |
| 3 |
| Business Law II 1 | |
| Legal Enviroment Business 1 | |
| 3 |
| Business Communications 1 | |
| Rhetoric and Composition I 1 | |
| Technical Communications 1 | |
Total Hours | 60 |
General Education Electives: ART, BIOL, CHEM, EDUC, ENGL, FREN, GEOG, GEOL, GERM, HIST, HUMA, JOUR, LIBS, MATH, MCOM, MUS, NSCI, PHIL, PHYD, PHYS, POL, PSY, SOCI, SPAN, SPCH, AND THEA.
Program Outcomes
Students who complete this program of study will:
- Demonstrate a working understanding of foundational business knowledge, including leadership, human resources/supervision, accounting/bookkeeping, operations/production, marketing, technology, and business law.
- Design and execute a comprehensive business plan to start a small business.
- Develop a small business marketing plan by using appropriate marketing strategies.
- Compile and maintain accurate financial information for recordkeeping and in making informed business decisions.
- Communicate effectively using written, oral and digital communication channels for all business settings.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills through the analysis and evaluation of data and the application of business theories and concepts.
- Recommend strategies that promote ethical behavior and social responsibilities, including sustainability, diversity, and corporate citizenship.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the digital technology tools used to support business operations.
Program Contacts
Call Highland at 815-235-6121 for the following program contacts:
- Dr. Matt Magee, Dean of Agriculture, Business & Technology
- Evan Talbert, Business Faculty
- Wes Bertram, Student Advisor