Business Management/Entrepreneurship, Associate of Applied Science

This two-year degree exposes students to all aspects of operating a small business with a focus on entrepreneurship. The program also prepares students for positions such as management trainee, first-line supervisor, buyers and purchasing agents, sales managers, and higher levels of management for either profit or nonprofit organizations. Focus is placed on entrepreneurship for those interested in starting/operating a business or applying this managerial approach in a medium to large organization.

Employment in this field is expected to remain steady. Prospects are very good for those who want to own and manage a business, especially if they have determination, talent and a unique service or product.

Many students will decide to begin this program by first earning a Career Pathway Certificate of Completion in Supervision or Marketing. A Certificate of Completion can typically be completed in one year.

Students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution with the goal of completing a bachelor's degree in business should consider completing the ASOT-BUS degree and consult with business program faculty.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 95 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the degree is awarded.

Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • Identify appropriate ethical and legal procedures for a small business.
  • Recognize and evaluate opportunities in the global marketplace.
  • Demonstrate professional decorum while employing appropriate and effective business communication skills in virtual and interpersonal environments.
  • Develop critical-thinking and decision-making skills as an individual, a team member, and a leader of an organization.
  • Develop and evaluate financial record keeping systems and interpret results.
  • Develop and evaluate marketing strategies for a small business.
  • Explore entrepreneurial potential and develop a business plan.

Math and writing placement are unique to each student and are determined during the admissions and intake advising process.  Additional math or writing courses may be required prior to taking the math or writing program requirements in this degree. 

Program Guide

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
BA101 Introduction to Business 4
BA150 Introduction to Entrepreneurship 3
CIS120 Concepts of Computing 4
MTH82 Business Mathematics 3 4
 Credits15
Winter
BA211 Principles of Accounting I 4
CIS125S Spreadsheet Applications 3
BA223 Principles of Marketing 4
WR115 Fundamentals of Report Writing 1 4
 Credits15
Spring
BA156 Essentials of Economics 4 3
BA206 Management Fundamentals 4
BA213 Principles of Accounting III 4
BA233 E-Marketing 3
BA239 Advertising 3
 Credits17
Second Year
Fall
BA230 Business Law 4
BA238 Sales 3
BA250 Applied Entrepreneurship 3
COMM218Z Interpersonal Communication 5 4
Specific Elective 6 3
 Credits17
Winter
BA203 Intro. to International Business 3
BA205 Solving Communication Problems With Technology 4
BA222 Financial Management 3
BA285 Human Relations in Organizations 2 3
PE231 Wellness for Life 7 3
 Credits16
Spring
BA224 Human Resource Management 4
BA277
Business Ethics
or Ethics
3
BA280 CWE: Business Admin 8 3
BA292 Entrepreneurship Capstone 3
Specific Elective 6 3
 Credits16
 Total Credits96
1

A higher writing may be substituted excluding WR241WR242WR243, and WR250.

2

May be substituted for BA120BA285PSY100PSY201PSY202, or PSY203.

3

MTH60, MTH65MTH95 or higher, excluding MTH211, may be substituted for MTH82.

4

Four (4) credits of ECON201 or ECON202 may be substituted for BA156.

5

SP100 or COMM100Z, SP111 or COMM111Z, SP218 or COMM218Z, SP219 or COMM219 will satisfy this requirement.

6

Specific Electives:  Any AC, BA, CIS, CS, PSY, or SOC courses not required for degree; CRT115; ECON201ECON202MTH65MTH95MTH111 or MTH111ZMTH241MTH243 or STAT243Z.

7

PE231, HE250, or three (3) credits of PE185 sport/activity courses will satisfy this requirement.

8

Call 541-888-7405 to schedule with Internship Coordinator one month prior to term.