Associate in Business
The Associate in Business program offers a flexible curriculum that provides a balanced background in business with areas of specialization. The degree program increases students' career alternatives and offers individuals working in any field the opportunity to develop, improve or update knowledge and skills.
A wide range of courses satisfying degree requirements is available during both daytime and evening hours. Students who desire customized training in a specific program can design a program of study with their advisor.
Our classes will challenge you through hands–on learning experiences. You will prepare documents for the business world, practice using business skill sets in and out of the classroom, and assess your skill sets relative to industry standards and expectations. Students will experience field trips, guest speakers, and work–related projects that prepared participants for today's workplace.
Six areas of specialization ensure that your coursework is targeted toward the field you wish to enter. A one–year certificate is available in each specialization area. Students can earn both a Certificate and an Associate in Business degree within two years. The second year of study will further broaden and develop skills needed to advance in the field.
Areas of Specialization
Accounting: Emphasizing practical applications, the program provides a solid understanding of basic accounting concepts and analytical procedures.
Business Management: Courses in leadership, supervision, human resources management, and small business planning give the prospective supervisor the knowledge he or she will need to be a successful leader of people.
Marketing: Specialization in Marketing offers training and experience in sales, promotion, e–commerce and international business.
Retailing/Fashion Merchandising: Focusing on apparel design and construction, textiles, and retailing prepares individuals for careers such as buyers, apparel store or department managers, sales representatives or display specialists.
Human Resource Management: Specializing in Human Resource Management provides current information and knowledge needed in the ever–changing field.
Small Business/Entrepreneurship: Small business owners and operators need specialized skills to deal with all aspects of running a business and this area of focus can aid students in acquiring new skills to use in operating their own small business.
The Associate in Business is designed to prepare students for entry–level positions and advancement in careers such as:
- Business Manager
- Business Owner
- General Manager
- Marketing Assistant
- Human Resource Specialist
Curriculum
The Associate in Business program offers a flexible curriculum that provides a balanced background in business with areas of specialization. [View curriculum.]
How to Begin
Prior to beginning the degree program, we would like to meet with each student and create an education plan to make sure classes are taken at the appropriate time of the year. We recommend every student take the Compass Test prior to meeting with a Business Program Advisor. To give students the most success in this program, Business Management 186 is highly recommended for new students. Testing Center information
Students planning to transfer to a four–year program should work closely with a Business Transfer Advisor and complete Associate in Business – DTA (Direct Transfer Agreement) degree.
Special funding may be available for unemployed workers and low–wage working parents. Call (253) 964–6265.
For More Information Contact
- Dr. Paul L. Gerhardt, Faculty/Program Coordinator
- Business Management and Marketing
- Ft Steilacoom Campus
- (253) 964–6429
- pgerhardt@pierce.ctc.edu
- or
- Office of Professional/Technical Education
- (253) 964–6645
- Rick Hogan, Program Coordinator
- Puyallup Campus
- (253) 840–8360
- rhogan@pierce.ctc.edu
