Business Professional Programs

The wide variety of employment opportunities offered by the business world makes a business career attractive and challenging for many people. Whether you are just exploring the options available or have already begun your career, Pierce College's business offerings can help you perfect the skills you need to advance in business.

Associate in Business

The Associate in Business professional/technical program at Pierce College is designed to prepare students for a career in the field of business. Many of the courses include field trips, speakers from industry, activities that engage students in their learning, and assignments that require individual initiative in management-related projects.

There are seven areas of specialization which ensure your coursework is targeted toward the field you wish to enter.

• Business Management
• Human Resource Management
• Real Estate
• Real Estate Appraisal

• Retailing/Fashion Merchandising
• Marketing
• Small Business /Entrepreneurship

Certificates

Certificates enable students to earn work related credentials in their field of interest. A certificate can be applied to the two year Associate in Business professional/technical degree. Students can earn both a Certificate and an Associate in Business degree within two years.

Certificates are offered in nine areas of study:

• Business
• Customer Service
• Entrepreneurship
• Fashion Merchandising
• Human Resource Management
• Marketing

• Real Estate
• Real Estate Appraisal
• Retail Management
• Sales
• Supervision & Management

Work–Based Learning

Work–based learning provides a realistic combination of classroom learning and on-the-job training. Community businesses participate in the program through an advisory committee and by helping to provide part-time job opportunities and/or internships for students to gain experience. Because the program combines theory with practical knowledge, graduates have a working advantage over students who have not had such exposure to the business world.

Transferability

For students who wish to complete a four–year education, transferable courses are available, including transfer options to a number of state colleges and universities. However, many of the courses offered through the Associate in Business professional/technical program are vocational in nature and not designed for transfer to a university. If you plan to transfer, you should work closely with your advisor to develop your program.

Transferring Directly to a Four–Year University

If you are interested in transferring directly to a 4–year university, you will want to earn the Associate In Business — DTA (Direct Transfer Agreement) degree. Schools of Business at 4–year universities have very specific requirements for acceptance. You will want to meet with a Business Transfer Advisor as soon as possible.