Business Careers (A.S.)
Associate in Science
Program Advisor: Karen Hines, Associate Professor of Business
413-236-4533 - khines@berkshirecc.edu
The Business Administration Career associate degree program prepares students to successfully enter the workforce upon graduation. The program provides a skills-based curriculum that equips graduates with the knowledge and background needed for a rewarding career in business and industry.
Expected Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the practice of business, including management, marketing, business law, and accounting; demonstrate the application of this knowledge in a business setting.
- Think, speak, and write critically; articulate and explain a variety of business concepts, and apply these concepts to solve common business problems.
- Communicate clearly and effectively;
- Demonstrate computer literacy and conduct research using a variety of sources.
- Understand the key actions taken to effectively and efficiently utilize company resources to achieve goals.
- Develop a global/multicultural perspective when analyzing and planning in business.
- Demonstrate knowledge of business ethics and how businesses integrate social responsibility into their ongoing operations
Career Outlook
Program graduates can expect to find employment in manufacturing operations, accounting, finance, customer service, sales, government, insurance, marketing, human resources management and other career areas.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a degree in this program, a student must complete all program and general education credits, plus the following Additional Requirements.
Program Courses
BUS-107 | Fundamentals of Business | 3 |
BUS-111 | Principles of Accounting I | 3 |
BUS-112 | Principles of Accounting II | 3 |
BUS-247 | Business Communications | 3 |
BUS- | Electives | 6 |
CIS-102 | Fundamental Computer Literacy | 4 |
CIS-225 | Spreadsheets and Databases for Professionals | 4 |
ECO-212 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
BUS-206 | Principles of Management | 3 |
BUS-208 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
BUS-251 | Law for Business I | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 38 |
Professional Electives: See footnote 2
General Education Courses
BUS-105 | Business Mathematics | 3 |
COM- | Communication | 3 |
ECO-211 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 6 |
- | General Education Elective | 4 |
- | Humanities & Fine Arts | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 22 |
Additional Requirements
Core Competencies Portfolio |
4 items |
FORUM |
4 units |
Health/Fitness |
30 hours |
Minimum Cumulative Average
Overall |
2.000 |
All program requirements (except the free electives) |
2.000 |
Suggested Pathway to Graduation
The following is a suggestion for completing this program in two years. The actual time to complete the program may vary according to each student’s individual needs.
First Semester
BUS-107 | Fundamentals of Business | 3 |
BUS-111 | Principles of Accounting I | 3 |
CIS-102 | Fundamental Computer Literacy | 4 |
BUS-105 | Business Mathematics | 3 |
ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Second Semester
BUS-112 | Principles of Accounting II | 3 |
BUS-206 | Principles of Management | 3 |
- | Or | |
BUS-208 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
- | Or | |
BUS-251 | Law for Business I | 3 |
COM- | Communication | 3 |
ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 3 |
- | Humanities & Fine Arts | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Third Semester
BUS- | Electives | 6 |
ECO-211 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
- | General Education Elective | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: | 13 |
General Education Elective: See footnote 3
Fourth Semester
BUS-247 | Business Communications | 3 |
BUS-206 | Principles of Management | 3 |
- | Or | |
BUS-208 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
- | Or | |
BUS-251 | Law for Business I | 3 |
BUS- | Electives | 3 |
ECO-212 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
CIS-225 | Spreadsheets & Databases for Professionals | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Footnotes
- Business Electives to choose from: BUS-139, BUS-216, BUS-251, BUS-260, BUS-285, CIS, CUL, ECO, HSP
- General Education Elective chosen from History, Natural or Physical Science, Environmental Studies.