Business Management

Business Management Degrees and Courses

Business Administration & Business Management

Students interested in business and management careers can pursue several different program options depending on their career goals. Students who would like assistance in determining which program option best meets their needs should see a general SVC advisor or Business program advisor. The following business degree or certificate options are available:

Students planning to transfer directly as a business major to a four-year college or university in Washington State should obtain an Associate in Business MRP/DTA degree. See degree requirements .
Students considering transferring outside of Washington State are advised to identify the four-year school they are planning to attend and to work with an SVC advisor to assist them in meeting the requirements.
Students who are not planning to transfer to a university can complete the Associate of Arts General Studies degree with a core of business-related classes. Students should see a Business program advisor for assistance in program planning. See degree requirements .
Students desiring a two-year career degree in business should pursue the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Business Management. This degree is not designed for transfer, but transfer options are available. Students should plan their program with a counselor or Business program advisor. See degree requirements .

Four quarter certificates are also available in Business Management. An Individual Technical Certificate may be developed in conjunction with other programs to meet marketable objectives and goals with Department Chair and Dean approval.

Business Management Program Description

The Business Management program is designed to develop the professional and business skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive, demanding, and changing business environment. The Business Management program includes instruction in business and management, leadership, professional selling, business law, economics, entrepreneurship, marketing, human resources, accounting and computer systems and applications. Students may choose to earn a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Business Management or a four quarter certificate in Entrepreneurship. Throughout the Business Management program, students are given projects to complete that provide practical experience. These skills are designed for entry-level positions in various businesses and industries, and may lead to supervisory or management positions combined with business experience. In this environment, a student can gain confidence, a sense of professionalism, and develop the tools to become a team player and leader. Students may also choose to take classes for career advancement goals or to enhance current skills. The Business Management program is available in both hybrid (some classroom and some online) or totally online via the Skagit Valley College E-learning system. (Some developmental math classes are not available online)

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Business Management program will be able to:

Identify contemporary business concepts, principles and practices.
Demonstrate the interrelationship of the functional areas of business including management, marketing, law, organizational behavior, computer and software systems, human resources, accounting, and finance.
Analyze the interrelationship of a business organization within the larger business environment, including international business.
Apply basic legal business concepts within the legal environment in which business is conducted.
Perform basic business calculations to demonstrate basic financial literacy.
Apply problem solving and analysis skills to business research questions and demonstrate appropriate solutions.
Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors expected of entry-level workers in the industry.

Entry into the Program

Apply at Enrollment Services. Students may enter the program at the beginning of any quarter; although some key courses are only offered at specific times during the year. Please see a Business advisor for an individual schedule for the AAS Business Management degree. For more information, contact the SVC Business advisor or SVC counseling.

Tech Prep

Please see Academic Information for information regarding Tech Prep.

Work-Based Learning

Students will integrate classroom learning with an internship (BUS 199 - Internship / Cooperative Education ) at a supervised work site. Credits and grades are based on job hours worked, work performance, and completion of learning objectives specified in the learning contract. Learn more about Cooperative Education at SVC.

Associate in Applied Science Degree

The Business Management, AAS is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 90 credits of specified technical and related education coursework above 100-level with both an overall 2.0 grade point average and a 2.0 grade point average in the technical major.

University Transfer

The Business Management AAS degree transfers to the new SVC Bachelor of Applied Science Applied Management degree. Students who want to transfer to a four-year university with a Business Administration degree should work closely with an advisor.

Transferability of degrees is of major importance to students and to Skagit Valley College. Students who are interested in completing a degree and then transferring to a university should see an advisor to work out a specific plan. SVC works hard to build bridges with state four-year schools so that degree seeking students have choices to further their educational goals. Competitive admissions are available through many colleges including The Evergreen State College, City University and Western Washington University-Fairhaven College. These programs are competitive and students need to meet admission requirements at each school. Students are encouraged to contact each school for their current admission criteria and requirements.

Program Certificates

A Certificate in Business Management is awarded to students who complete the following courses with an accumulated grade point average of 2.0 and achieve technical competency.

Individual Technical Certificate

An Individual Technical Certificate may be developed in conjunction with other programs to meet marketable objectives and goals with Department Chair approval.

Micro-Certificates

Students who are not pursuing an AAS degree may earn a certificate focusing on specific skills within the Business Management program. A certificate is awarded to students who complete all courses with a 2.0 grade point average or above.