Cash in on your business savvy with your degree in Business Administration.

Running a successful business involves way more than selling products for a profit. It requires planning, leading, managing, tracking, and a whole lot more. Learn all the fundamentals in two short years.

Kick-start your business journey.

Program location

Skills you'll learn

Strategic Management: Learn the art of planning and executing business strategies to stay ahead in the competitive market.

Marketing Essentials: Understand consumer behavior, market trends, and learn how to create impactful marketing campaigns.

Financial Acumen: Gain a solid foundation in financial management and accounting – essential skills for any business professional.

Leadership and Teamwork: Develop leadership skills and learn how to collaborate effectively within a team. Be the leader everyone wants to follow.

Business Ethics: Learn the importance of ethical decision-making in business. We don't just teach business; we teach responsible business.

Where this can take you

• Business Manager
• Marketing Specialist
• Financial Analyst
• Human Resources Coordinator
• Sales Manager

Contact Us

Schedule an Appointment

The Business Administration program is designed for students who wish to specialize in business, entrepreneurial, or sport management careers. Choose from four pathways: Business Office Management, Entrepreneurship, Legal Office Management, or Sport Management. Each pathway is supported by coursework that offers skills and hands-on training in the chosen field. Topics include leadership, teamwork, communication, social media, event management, and developing your professional image.

Diploma and certificate options are available and can be earned separately or in conjunction with this AAS degree. You also have the opportunity to participate in Business Professionals of America with the chance to attend state and national conferences.

Office Technology certificate awarded after ADM- 103, ADM-117, ADM-181, SMM-108.

Office Support certificate awarded after CSC-110, ADM-117, ADM-120, or ESL-105, ADM-162, ADM-181 or ESL-102, ADM-230 or ESL-108, WBL-155.

Office Professional diploma awarded after completion of all courses listed in Fall I and Spring I of Business Office Management or Legal Office Management pathway.

Management & Leadership Development certificate awarded after ADM-188, MGT-110, MGT-170, SOC-114.

Selling Strategies certificate awarded after MKT-110, BUS-180, MKT-140, SMM-108.

Small Business Startup certificate awarded after BUS-141, MKT-110, BUS-150, SMM-108.

*Certificates and diploma can only be earned one time.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the Summary Sheet.

Curriculum Sequence

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Fall Semester I	Course Title	Credit
CSC-110	Introduction to Computers	3
Take WBL-155 as 1 Credit
WBL-155	Job Shadowing: Job Shadowing: Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management	1-2
Take 1 of 2 courses
ADM-162	Office Procedures	3
BUS-102	Introduction to Business	3
Take 1 of 2 courses
ENG-131	Business English	3
ENG-105	Composition I	3
Take 1 of 4 courses
MAT-712	Business Math	3
MAT-110	Math for Liberal Arts	3
MAT-120	College Algebra	3
MAT-156	Statistics	3
Take 1 of 3 courses
ADM-103	Office Technology	2
SPT-101	Introduction to Sport Management	3
BUS-130	Introduction to Entrepreneurship	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	15 - 16

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Spring Semester I	Course Title	Credit
HUM-287	Leadership Development Studies	3
Take 1 of 4 Courses
ADM-117	Keyboarding and Document Production	3
MGT-101	Principles of Management	3
MKT-150	Principles of Advertising	3
BUS-124	Business Innovation	3
Take 1 of 3 courses
ADM-181	Records and Database Management	3
SPT-109	Safety and Risk Management	3
MGT-110	Small Business Management	3
Option 1: Take ADM-180 or LGL-173 and ADM-198 Option 2: Take SPT-107 or BUS-180
ADM-180	Administrative Management	3
LGL-173	Legal Assistant Litigation	3
ADM-198	Legal Terminology	2
SPT-107	Sport Promotion and Marketing	3
BUS-180	Business Ethics	3
Take 1 of 3 courses
ACC-102	Workplace Accounting	3
MKT-110	Principles of Marketing	3
MGT-170	Human Resource Management	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	15 - 17

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Fall Semester II	Course Title	Credit
SOC-114	Conflict Resolution in the Workplace	3
ADM-188	Project and Event Management	3
Take 1 of 2 Courses
SPC-101	Fundamentals of Oral Communication	3
SPC-112	Public Speaking	3
Take SMM-108 or ADM-186 and PRL-284
SMM-108	Social Media Engagement	3
ADM-186	Legal Documents	2
PRL-284	Legal Ethics	2
Option 1: Take ADM-120 and BUS-119 Option 2: Take ACC-142 and ECN-130
ADM-120	Advanced Document Production	3
BUS-119	Entrepreneurial Mindset	1
ACC-142	Financial Accounting	3
ECN-130	Principles of Microeconomics	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	16 - 19

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Spring Semester II	Course Title	Credit
Take 1 of 3 courses
ADM-172	Remote Office Management	3
ACC-146	Managerial Accounting	3
BUS-185	Business Law I	3
Take BUS-290 and BUS-932 or MGT-170
BUS-290	Employment Search/Workplace Success	1
BUS-932	Business Internship	3
MGT-170	Human Resource Management	3
Take 1 of 3 courses
ADM-230	Integrated Office Projects	3
ECN-120	Principles of Macroeconomics	3
MKT-140	Principles of Selling	3
Take 1 of 3 courses
BCA-152	Comprehensive Spreadsheets	3
SPT-102	Contemporary Issues in Sport	3
BUS-150	E-Commerce	3
Take 1 of 3 courses
ADM-297	Certification Preparation	1
SPT-108	Sport Program Administration	3
BUS-141	Small Business Start-up	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	13 - 16

WBL-155 - Job Shadowing: Job Shadowing: Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management

Lecture: 0.5-1

Lab: 1-2

Credit: 1-2

Students in this course will explore the fields of Business, Finance, Marketing and Management while developing research skills, professionalism and building occupational knowledge. Students will visit workplaces in this employment sector to learn about specific jobs, professional requirements and develop a basic knowledge of an organization's structure and values.

CSC-110 - Introduction to Computers

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides an introduction to computer concepts. The student will use the Windows operating system, presentation software, electronic spreadsheet software, database management software and word processing software. Microcomputer hardware and software as well as the processing concepts associated with each will be discussed. The course will also include information on file management, the Internet, virus protection and e-mail basics as applicable to the academic world as well as the business environment. Lab time outside of class is required to complete projects.

ADM-162 - Office Procedures

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides an understanding of the concepts, skills, procedures and professional image needed for employment in an office environment. Introductory topics include operational and supervisory functions, telephone and teleconference procedures, scheduling, travel arrangements, meeting and event planning, mail and shipping procedures and ethics and professionalism. Students use problem solving techniques and decision making experiences in a team environment.

BUS-102 - Introduction to Business

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An overview of contemporary business principles touching on all the major functional areas of business and trends that are shaping today's business environment. Understanding the fundamental pillars of the business environment -- globalization, technology and ethics -- is a crucial component in this course.

ENG-131 - Business English

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course teaches the fundamentals of written communication with focus on the elements of effectively written business documents. The emphasis is on the development of writing skills through a) exercises in grammar, mechanics, usage and spelling and b) application of these skills in a variety of written business documents. Prerequisite: Meet minimum placement test score requirements or a minimum grade of C- in ENG-013. No Waivers.

ENG-105 - Composition I

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A study of the principles of writing. Emphasis on rhetoric, mechanics and development of expository patterns: narration, description illustration, comparison/contrast, classification, process and cause/effect. Required for AA and AS Degrees. Prerequisite: Meet minimum test score requirements.

MAT-712 - Business Math

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides a study of math fundamentals and their application to business situations. Topics covered include banking procedures, payroll and taxes, weights and measurements, fractions and percentages, commissions, discounts, mark-ups/mark-downs, borrowing and interest, and insurance copays and deductibles. Microsoft Excel and traditional methods will be used to make common business decisions.

MAT-110 - Math for Liberal Arts

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Math for Liberal Arts is a survey course for students who have little background in mathematics. Topics include critical thinking, survey of sets, probability, statistics, logic and personal finance. Additional topics may include voting theory, graph theory and geometry. This course is not intended for Mathematics and Science majors.

MAT-120 - College Algebra

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is a study of rational, exponential, logarithmic and polynomial functions and relations, their graphs and related equalities. The study of the curricular functions, graphs and applications is included. This course may be taken concurrently with MAT-134.Prerequisite: MAT-092 or MAT-099 with a minimum grade of C- or meet minimum placement testing requirements.

MAT-156 - Statistics

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is an applied course in statistics, designed to introduce students to some of the concepts, symbols, procedures and vocabulary used in the field of statistics. Topics covered in this course include: organizing and graphing data, descriptive statistics, probability, various distributions, the sampling distribution of the mean, estimating a population mean, confidence intervals, inferential statistics (hypothesis testing), comparing two population parameters, analysis of variance, correlation, simple linear and multiple regression, contingency tables and nonparametric statistics, (time permitting). Prerequisites: MAT-092 or MAT-099 with a minimum grade of C- or meet minimum placement testing requirements.

ADM-103 - Office Technology

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course provides in-depth and practical use of calendaring/scheduling systems, voice recognition software, advanced email functions and the Internet as a research tool. Common office technology including video conferencing, projection, copiers, faxing, scanning, transcription, 10-key calculating and multi-line phone systems will be presented and practiced in multiple settings.

SPT-101 - Introduction to Sport Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

As an introduction to the field of sport management, this course examines various facets of sport management as they relate to the ever-changing and expanding sport industry. Topics such as basic principles of sport management, marketing, law, finance and ethics will be introduced. This course will also explore career opportunities available in the field of sport management.

BUS-130 - Introduction to Entrepreneurship

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Emphasizes organizational development and human resource concepts and their applications to small business operations. Leadership development, management styles and decision making strategies are stressed.

HUM-287 - Leadership Development Studies

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed to provide emerging and existing leaders the opportunity to explore the concept of leadership and to develop and improve their leadership skills. The course integrates readings from the humanities, experiential exercises, films/videos and contemporary readings on leadership.

ADM-117 - Keyboarding and Document Production

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

A fundamental course in developing keyboarding skills for business and personal use. Students use Microsoft Word to learn proper formatting of office letters and memos, business and academic reports, tables, newsletters, flyers and graphics. Proper keyboarding technique, accuracy and speed building are emphasized.

MGT-101 - Principles of Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides an intensive examination of the basic fundamentals of organization and management underlying the solution to management problems.

MKT-150 - Principles of Advertising

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A detailed look into the study and practice of advertising with special emphasis placed on allowing students to plan and think more strategically, evaluate alternative courses of action, develop more creative solutions to problems, analyze why people behave the way they do, express themselves and their ideas and persuade others to their point of view by using advertising terms, concepts and procedures. Prerequisite: MKT-110 or MKT-121.

BUS-124 - Business Innovation

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed to help students get in touch with the innovative business mindset required for success in the 21st century. Students learn to be contributors, catalysts and thinkers within the innovation process. They develop skills as individuals and the team skills needed to collaborate, using available creative resources to leverage ideas and concepts throughout the innovation process.

ADM-181 - Records and Database Management

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This class emphasizes the principles and practices of effective records handling. Management of records is performed according to the Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles of ARMA International. The record life cycle is covered including creation, storage, retrieval, maintenance and disposition of both manual and computerized database systems.

SPT-109 - Safety and Risk Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course explores issues of safety and risk management as they apply to all levels of sports. Because it is the ultimate responsibility of coaches and administrators to reduce the risks of participation for athletes involved, this course will cover topics such as facilities management, equipment, traveling, athletic training and supervision. 

MGT-110 - Small Business Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course introduces the student to various types of small business opportunities. Students will use concepts from the course to develop a business plan designed to guide the startup of a new business. The course also covers topics relevant to small business management, and regulations.

ADM-180 - Administrative Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is a study of administrative management including organization, site location, office layout, environment, communication processes, job analysis, job evaluation, salary administration, performance appraisal and employer/employee relations. The concepts and practices in this course are designed for students interested in office management or employee supervision.

LGL-173 - Legal Assistant Litigation

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course prepares legal administrative assistant students to aid an attorney in litigation procedures. Students receive instruction regarding the detail necessary for trial preparation from the instant the dispute requires the services of an attorney.

ADM-198 - Legal Terminology

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course is a study of the basic terminology used in a legal office. Emphasis will be placed on legal terminology definitions and on a study of court cases that pertain to the topics being covered.

SPT-107 - Sport Promotion and Marketing

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course explores and examines general marketing principles while specifically studying marketing and promotion as it relates to the sport industry.  Some of the topics included in this course are marketing research and strategy, branding, sponsorships, licensing, digital marketing and social media. 

BUS-180 - Business Ethics

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course introduces philosophical ethical theory and its application to business decisions. It considers theories of economic justice, social responsibility of corporations, regulation, conflict of interest and obligations, ethics of advertising, product quality and safety, environmental responsibility, hiring practices and rights of employers and employees.

ACC-102 - Workplace Accounting

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course serves as an introduction to accounting that is used directly in the operation of small to mid-sized businesses. Topics covered will include an introduction to general ledgers, payroll accounting, computerized accounting, and tax accounting as well as inventory management and cost accounting.

MKT-110 - Principles of Marketing

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This introductory class uses the managerial approach to study a market-directed system of marketing. The emphasis is on market strategy planning from the viewpoint of the marketing manager. The "4 Ps"-product, place, price and promotion-provide the structure underlying the organization of this course.

MGT-170 - Human Resource Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides an overview of the principles involved in human resources management including strategy, legal environment, EEO, and job analysis and job design. Also covered are acquiring human resources, training and developing employees, compensation issues and labor relations.

SOC-114 - Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Conflict Resolution in the Workplace will study conflict resolution theories and applications in the workplace. The course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their own effective interpersonal conflict resolution skills as well as skills needed to help employees resolve their conflicts with one another and the skills needed to negotiate contracts. Students will also be introduced to theories and skills needed to apply culturally sensitive principles to conflict resolution.

ADM-188 - Project and Event Management

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

Using a project-based approach, this course is designed for business and management/marketing majors, entrepreneurs, administrative staff, and those that are organized, resourceful and enjoy multitasking. Project management, business/event promotion and critical thinking skills will be developed. Technology will be used to coordinate essential activities including travel and event logistics, budgeting, video conferencing, scheduling and the creation of promotional materials.

SPC-101 - Fundamentals of Oral Communication

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Explores communication in a variety of contexts including interpersonal relationships, the workplace, small groups and public speaking. Emphasis on the application and practice of communication theories and skills, particularly public speaking.

SPC-112 - Public Speaking

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery and audience analysis.

SMM-108 - Social Media Engagement

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course explores the history of social networks and introduces students to social media for organizations. It provides students opportunities to implement the use of social media tools as part of a marketing strategy and work with social media analytic tools.

ADM-186 - Legal Documents

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This is a specialized course in which legal documents are studied.  Emphasis is on creating and completing legal documents electronically.  Transcription skills are refined with a concentration on legal documents.  Legal terminology is applied throughout the course.

PRL-284 - Legal Ethics

Lecture: 2

Credit: 2

This course covers legal ethics with an emphasis on how the rules affect legal administrative assistants. Students learn about the regulation of the legal profession, including the rules of conduct that govern both attorneys and legal administrative assistants. Topics include the meaning and importance of the unauthorized practice of law, the attorney-client privilege and its related work product doctrine, confidentiality, the rules governing conflicts of interest, and other topics relative to ethics in law.

ADM-120 - Advanced Document Production

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

Students use Microsoft Word to create office documents and apply advanced formatting and production techniques including mail merge, header/footer manipulation, report generation and custom formatting. Standard formats of advanced tables, agendas, minutes, itineraries, news releases, resumes and medical and legal documents are learned, and online collaboration is introduced. This class continues to emphasize proper keyboarding technique, accuracy and speed building. Prerequisite: ADM-117.

BUS-119 - Entrepreneurial Mindset

Lecture: 1

Credit: 1

This course points students toward a mindset of motivational thinking that is useful in any career. Course activities are used to practice creative problem solving, turn circumstances into advantage, and see possibilities where others see problems. Learn the benefits of actively engaging in your workplace to make things happen.

ACC-142 - Financial Accounting

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An introduction to financial accounting theory and practice with emphasis on the use and interpretation of financial statements.

ECN-130 - Principles of Microeconomics

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An introductory course in economics emphasizing micro-economic theory and contemporary problems. The major topics will include a description of the United States economy; demand and supply, price, output, and wage determination; domestic problems; international economics and the world economy.

ADM-172 - Remote Office Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course practices concepts and skills needed for remote office management. The course will focus on the roles and responsibilities of both the remote employee and the remote manager. Topics learned include virtual meeting management, mobile communications, and time management. The technical aspects of the course includes the use of secure cloud storage, online collaboration and production of ADA compliant documents and fillable forms.

ACC-146 - Managerial Accounting

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed as a broad, yet practical course in managerial accounting procedures. After preliminary consideration of the three cost elements of raw materials, labor and factory overhead, the costing concept will be applied to both job-order and process costing. Though the course will focus upon the procedures needed for manufacturers, consideration will also be given to service and merchandising entities. Finally, these procedures will be utilized for managerial decision making through Cost-Volume-Profit analysis, standard costing, analysis of variances and budget analysis. Prerequisite: ACC-131 or ACC-142.

BUS-185 - Business Law I

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

The legal environment of business. The study of contract requirements, personal property and bailments, as time permits.

BUS-290 - Employment Search/Workplace Success

Lecture: 1

Credit: 1

A discussion of field experience problems and study of new occupational information will be presented. An internship paper covering the experience will be submitted. Corequisite: BUS-932.

BUS-932 - Business Internship

On Job Training: 12

Credit: 3

This course is designed to provide the Administrative Professional student with practical experience in a business office prior to completion of the Associate of Applied Science degree. The internship is an extension of the curriculum and provides meaningful experience related to the student's area of interest. The student is overseen by the program coordinator and by an appointed supervisor at the internship worksite. Corequisite: BUS-290.

MGT-170 - Human Resource Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides an overview of the principles involved in human resources management including strategy, legal environment, EEO, and job analysis and job design. Also covered are acquiring human resources, training and developing employees, compensation issues and labor relations.

ADM-230 - Integrated Office Projects

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

This course is designed to enhance and reinforce software skills through project-based activities by extensive use of integrating applications. Students complete projects that represent what is required in an actual business environment. This class will develop teamwork, creativity, decision making and critical thinking skills as will be experienced in the office setting. Software used includes Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher and the Internet. Continued emphasis on proper keyboarding technique, accuracy and speed building. Prerequisite: ADM-120.

ECN-120 - Principles of Macroeconomics

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An introductory course in economics emphasizing macroeconomic theory and policy. The major topics will include economic systems, national income, national output, fiscal and monetary policy, unemployment, inflation, and, as time permits, international trade.

MKT-140 - Principles of Selling

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Fundamental terminology, principles and techniques of direct and indirect selling as well as promotional methods. Emphasis on human behavior and the motivation, rewards, duties and qualifications of a person in sales. This course is designed for an individual preparing for initial or improved employment.

BCA-152 - Comprehensive Spreadsheets

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course covers concepts of spreadsheets and their applications to business. Introductory topics include spreadsheet creation, data manipulation, file sharing and protection, formatting, use of functions and formulas, and charts. Advanced topics will include creating macros, filtering, importing and exporting data and numerical and trend analysis. Application to business situations will be emphasized. Prerequisite: CSC-110.

SPT-102 - Contemporary Issues in Sport

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course exposes students to contemporary issues that are relevant to the sport industry.  Current global, national and regional issues will be explored.

BUS-150 - E-Commerce

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course will introduce the student to the basic elements of electronic commerce as a market where commercial activities are conducted. It will focus on business concepts and how to apply technology in order to be successful. Topics include market trends, globalizing a company, vendor solutions, storefronts, advertising, resource requirements and operational issues of launching a commercial presence in today’s global electronic marketplace.

ADM-297 - Certification Preparation

Lab: 2

Credit: 1

Students will prepare for certification in Microsoft Office applications using online tutorials and practice designed to simulate the certification process. Certification exams will be offered as part of this class.

SPT-108 - Sport Program Administration

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

In this course, students will gain an understanding of the practical demands and risks associated with the administration of athletic programs.  The course will examine topics such as facilities, transportation, accommodations and security.  Special emphasis will be placed on community college athletic events. 

BUS-141 - Small Business Start-up

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course focuses on information, examples, forms and activities needed for a business startup and for development of a successful business operation. Topics include market research and assessment, naming a business, finding a location, determining asset needs and forecasting sales, identifying job tasks and determining human resource needs and writing a business plan. Prerequisite: BUS-135.

Trisha Hopper - Professor - Business

Email: thopper@scciowa.edu
AA, Carl Sandburg College
BA, Western Illinois University
MBA, Quincy University

Renee Smith - Professor - Business

Email: rsmith1@scciowa.edu
AA & AAS, Southeastern Community College
BA, Buena Vista University
MBA, Grand Canyon University

Ashlee Spannagel - Dean of Career & Technical Education & Workforce Development

Email: aspannagel@scciowa.edu