Two-Year Associate of Applied Science Degree
The Business Administration AAS Degree is offered to students seeking employment in occupations related to business functions such as management, marketing, retail, human resources, and sales. Technical Core coursework in accounting, management, personal finance, business law, and computer applications is required; students then can choose either an Emphasis in Business Management or an Emphasis in Marketing. The entire AAS with the Business Management Emphasis and most of the Marketing Emphasis is also available online.
Coursework in Marketing is most beneficial for students who are specifically interested in marketing-related occupations such as sales, advertising, retail management, purchasing, or other marketing functions. The AAS is typically the best option for students who plan to continue their education and complete a Bachelor’s Degree in marketing. A One-Year Certificate of Completion is also available in Marketing and Sales. This certificate can provide the foundation necessary for entry level marketing occupations, and can also be the first stage of completion for a student who then desires to continue on and complete the AAS. Another option is completion of the Retail Management Statewide Certificate, designed to teach specific industry recognized skills that are vital for those interested in management throughout the retail industry. Please refer to the description of the Retail Certificate for additional information. Students choosing to focus on any certificates should work very closely with their advisor to select the appropriate coursework.
The Emphasis in Business Management is most appropriate for students interested in general business management or ownership; it can lead to promotional opportunities for students already employed in a business occupation or with substantial background in that industry or management. This AAS is typically the best option for students who plan to continue their education and complete a Bachelor’s Degree in a related area. A One-Year Certificate of Completion is also available in Business Management. This certificate can provide the foundation necessary for entry-level business occupations, and can also be the first stage of completion for a student who then wants to continue on and complete the AAS. This certificate can also provide supplemental education for students in other programs who want to graduate with general business knowledge as well. Please refer to the description of the certificate for additional information; students choosing to focus on any certificates should work very closely with their advisor to select the appropriate coursework.
Candidates for this AAS degree must satisfactorily complete all the requirements of the degree, including a minimum of 90 credits (this includes a carefully selected General Education Component). The General Education requirement allows the flexibility to continue professional development later, by applying the basic skills gained to more in-depth study.
Core Outcomes include the following: Development of the concepts, terminology, critical thinking skills, and professional behavior necessary to be effective in business, with specific competencies dependent on the particular emphasis area of study. Program coursework focuses on the fundamental areas of business, including management, accounting, marketing, international business, finance, business law, economics, and use of computers in business operations. Theory and current trends are explored, and numerous opportunities exist for practical application of concepts to actual organizational situations. Business ethics and workplace dynamics are addressed throughout this program with strong focus on professional communication and interpersonal skills.
Successful pursuit of this degree requires students to possess collegiate skills in reading, communication, computation, and critical thinking. To acquire that competency, it is highly recommended that students complete pre-collegiate courses to gain these skills in the first terms of their program.
It is imperative that students interested in occupations related to general business, accounting, management, and marketing work closely with their academic advisor to create a plan that addresses their specific career interests. Advanced training may be required for certain occupations, and transfer degrees may be more appropriate for students intending to further their education beyond KCC.
The first year of the AAS degree program offers technical specialty coursework and completion of prerequisites. The second year covers a broad range of skills, including those necessary for diversification and upward mobility within the occupational area.
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