Degree Program Learning Outcomes

 

Upon completion of a business degree program, students should:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the general nature, structure, resources, and operations of business  organizations.
• Describe and/or explain basic accounting, finance, management, and marketing functions.
• Communicate business ideas and information effectively.
• Apply problem-solving and decision-making techniques to business situations.

Concentrations Degree Outcomes are Listed Below

Statements and Outcomes

• Accounting
• Financial Services
• General Business
• Management
• Marketing

Accounting

The Accounting concentration assists students in developing analytical skills through a critical exploration of the fundamentals of accounting and the use of accounting for decision-making purposes. Students use the latest technology to perform various accounting functions. In addition, students work on developing communication, interpersonal, leadership and teamwork skills. This concentration prepares students for entry-level positions in public, private and governmental agencies such as accounting clerk, staff accountant, accounting assistant, bookkeeper, assistant auditor and tax preparer. Students may also choose to transfer to four-year institutions to earn bachelor’s degrees and should consult colleges for information on transferable courses.

Upon completion of this concentration students should be able to:

• Prepare complex financial statements.
• Use accounting information to make informed decisions about the internal operations of a company.
• Use accounting software.
• Prepare personal income tax returns.
• Identify personal financial issues of individuals.

Financial Services Concentration

Students enrolled in the Financial Services concentration develop analytical and critical thinking skills essential for success in today’s financial environments. In addition, students develop their communication, interpersonal, leadership and teamwork skills. The Financial Services concentration prepares students for entry-level positions in the financial services industry, including banking, insurance and investments. Employment opportunities include: bank teller, loan officer, insurance sales and customer service representatives. Students may also choose to transfer to four-year institutions to earn bachelor’s degrees and should consult colleges for information on transferable courses.

Upon completion of this concentration students should be able to:

• Identify accounting concepts that enable them to interpret financial data and use it to make informed decisions.
• Describe personal financial and basic investment concepts.
• Apply the art of salesmanship to enable them to promote the products of the firms they are employed with.
• Identify the monetary and banking issues that are pervasive in all aspects of financial service.

General Business

The General Business concentration provides students with an opportunity to develop communication, interpersonal, leadership and teamwork skills as well as a solid understanding of the contemporary business environment. Major requirements provide a strong foundation in business and the program allows for flexibility in the elective offerings. Students may also choose to transfer to four-year institutions to earn bachelor’s degrees and should consult colleges for information on transferable courses.

The General Business Administration Concentration allows students to tailor a program to correspond with his/her interests. A student can elect courses in business administration, or from any degree program at the College, to fulfill the requirements of this Concentration. The Major Requirements provide a strong foundation in business, but since this Concentration allows for flexibility in the elective offerings, the learning outcomes will depend upon the courses selected by the student beyond the General Education Requirements, Computer Studies Requirement, and the Major Requirements. However, the Department focuses on assessing the learning outcomes of the four core courses taken in the Major Requirements, which include: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Principles of Management and Principles of Marketing. Therefore:

Upon completion of this concentration students should be able to:

• Prepare a basic set of financial statements.
• Use accounting information to make informed decisions about the internal operations of a company.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role planning, organizing, leading and controlling plays in organizational success.
• Conduct marketing research and design appropriate and effective marketing mix and strategies.

Management

Students who successfully complete the Management concentration demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of a range of management concepts and approaches. They are also able to successfully apply tools and techniques for management decision-making and can conduct research using a variety of resources, including online databases. In addition, this program assists students in developing communication, interpersonal, leadership and teamwork skills essential in today’s business environment. Management strategy serves as the capstone course for this concentration. The Management concentration prepares students for entry-level positions such as assistant manager or manager in training in various organizational settings. Students may choose to transfer to four-year institutions to earn bachelor’s degrees and should consult colleges for information on transferrable courses.

Upon completion of this concentration program students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge and application of management concepts and approaches including the four managerial functions.
• Apply tools and techniques for management decision making.
• Identify and apply ethical principles in management decision making.
• Locate, retrieve, evaluate, organize, and analyze information for management/leadership decision making.
• Construct and deliver oral and/or written analysis of business scenarios.
• Work with and/or lead a diverse team toward goal accomplishment.

Marketing

Students who successfully complete this program develop communication, interpersonal, leadership and teamwork skills. Program graduates understand the role and importance of marketing in organizations, demonstrate critical thinking, decision making, strategic planning and communications skills, and are able to use technological resources – including online databases – to conduct research. The Marketing concentration prepares students for entry level positions such as marketing assistant or coordinator, advertising assistant or salesperson or customer service representative. Students may choose to transfer to four-year institutions to earn bachelor’s degrees and should consult colleges for information on transferrable courses.

Upon completion of this concentration students should be able to:

• Describe what marketing entails and show how the components are implemented.
• Demonstrate how creating value leads to customer loyalty.
• Design appropriate and effective advertising plan strategies.
• Conduct both primary and secondary marketing research to make informed decisions.
• Demonstrate the effectiveness of the various components of integrative marketing communications through various channels -- including written and oral communications.