Community College of Rhode Island

Program Learning Outcomes Statements

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.

By providing an academic foundation in accounting, the Accounting certificate program prepares students for entry-level positions in the accounting field. It may also be completed in order to enhance skills of individuals currently employed in accounting-related positions. Students interested in this program should develop a plan of study to coordinate the timing and availability of all courses.

Upon completion of this degree and/or certificate program students should be able to:

  1. demonstrate competency in preparing complex financial statements.
  2. use accounting information to make informed decisions about the operating performance and financial position of a company.
  3. use accounting information to make informed decisions about the internal operations of a company.
  4. use accounting software.
  5. describe all aspects of generally accepted accounting principles.
  6. demonstrate competency in preparing personal income tax returns.
  7. identify personal financial issues of individuals.

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Financial Services

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.

This certificate in Financial Services is designed to prepare students for entry level positions in the financial services industry, which includes banking, insurance and investments. Also, individuals who are already working in the industry and seeking promotion to a higher position can benefit from earning this certificate. Courses in accounting, personal income taxes, personal finance, money and banking and investments will provide a strong foundation. A course in sales will enable the student to acquire tools to sell the types of products offered by companies in the industry.

Upon completion of this degree and/or certificate program students should be able to:

  1. identify accounting concepts that enable them to interpret financial data and use it to make informed decisions about the operating performance and financial position of a company.
  2. describe personal financial and investment concepts that enable them to provide customers with advice on investments, insurance, and estate planning.
  3. use communication skills that will enable them to assume supervisory positions.
  4. apply the art of salesmanship to enable them to promote the products of the firms they are employed with.
  5. demonstrate an understanding of the monetary and banking issues that are pervasive in all aspects of financial services.

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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 degree program students should be able to:

1. know how to prepare financial statements for a company.

2. know how to use accounting information to make informed decisions about a firm's operations.

3. describe the four functions of a manager: planning, organizing, directing and controlling.

4. describe the four areas of marketing: product, pricing, promotion and placement.


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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.

The Certificate Program in Management begins with a study of basic principles, concepts and procedures. Upon successful completion of these initial courses, students apply their knowledge in a capstone management strategy course. This final course allows students to apply previous learning through cases, simulations and integrated activities. Students are expected to use and demonstrate reasoning skills, strategies and a basic understanding of decision-making.

Upon completion of this degree and/or certificate program students should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the role planning, organizing, leading and controlling plays in organizational success
  2. Conduct a SWOT Analysis (personal and/or organizational)
  3. Develop and/or implement a plan to address results of the SWOT Analysis
  4. Demonstrate the ability to work with and/or lead a diverse team toward goal accomplishment
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of attracting, developing and retaining a high quality workforce.

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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.

The Marketing certificate program provides students with both an academic foundation and practical skills development in the field of marketing. It is ideal for individuals already working in the business world who seek a background in marketing or those who wish to explore the field by studying a variety of up-to-date topics.

Upon completion of this degree and/or certificate program students should be able to:

  1. describe the role of marketing in organizations and in organizational growth.
  2. analyze an organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats from a marketing perspective.
  3. design appropriate and effective marketing strategies.
  4. describe all aspects of generally accepted marketing principles.
  5. use marketing information to make informed decisions about marketing planning.
  6. use online databases to conduct research on business environment trends.
  7. employ marketing research processes.

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Entrepreneurship Certificate

This certificate program provides individuals with a basic understanding of the principles, concepts and procedures necessary to start a small business. After completing core and elective courses, students apply their knowledge through an entrepreneurial capstone course that requires the development of a complete business plan. During this capstone course, students work independently, with faculty guidance, but without benefit of classroom instruction. Business plans are reviewed by a committee of volunteer advisors from the business community who may establish their own guidelines and requirements for the business plan.

Upon successful completion of this certificate program students should be able to:

  1. identify accounting concepts that enable them to interpret financial data and use it to make informed decisions about the operating performance and financial position of a company.
  2. apply leadership and workplace relationship skills that will enable them to deal with customer, employee, and supplier issues.
  3. know the legal issues of operating a business.
  4. know all aspects of operating a small business.
  5. identify successful marketing efforts that will enable the business to succeed.
  6. complete a comprehensive business plan that will enable the business to secure adequate financing.

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Last Updated: 1/29/13