Business Administration
The Business Department offers theoretical and practical courses for students planning to transfer as business majors, career and technical courses that lead to certificates of proficiency and achievement, and courses designed to improve workplace skills. Career opportunities in business include accounting, marketing, finance, small business development, and management in retail, service, manufacturing, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Contact Information
|
Chair: Tom Severance Dean: Al Taccone |
Department: Business Office: Building OC4800, 760.795.6811 |
Full-Time Faculty
|
Christina Hata Tom Severance Rita Soza |
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
The degree programs include the completion of a general education (GE) pattern of courses. The knowledge, skills, and abilities gained as a result of completing general education, referred to as GE outcomes, can be viewed here .
Associate in Science in Business Administration for Transfer Degree
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to interpret and analyze the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows for the purpose of making business decisions.
Entrepreneurship Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to select a target market and develop the marketing mix for a specific product or service.
Management Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to identify, compare, and contrast communication styles to improve personal effectiveness.
Marketing Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to select a target market and develop the marketing mix for a specific product or service.
Retail Management Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to evaluate a potential layout analysis for a proposed retail business.
Social Media for Business Certificate of Achievement
PSLO: Upon completion of this progam, the student will be able to develop a social media marketing plan using multiple platforms to reach his/her audience.
Associate Degrees
Associate in Science Degree
Associate in Science in Business Administration for Transfer Degree
Students completing this associate degree will have completed lower-division major preparation requirements for a business administration degree, an emphasis or option within a business administration degree, or a degree considered similar to business administration at a participating California State University (CSU) campus. Following transfer to a participating CSU campus, students will be required to complete no more than 60 units to obtain a bachelor’s degree; however, some CSU campuses accepting this degree may require additional lower-division major preparation. This degree may not be appropriate preparation for students transferring to a CSU campus not accepting this degree or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a MiraCosta counselor for further information regarding the most efficient pathway to transfer as a business administration major and to determine which CSU campuses are participating in this program.
To complete the degree, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete 60 semester (90 quarter) CSU transferable units
- Complete all courses required in the major with a "C" or better
- Complete the CSU-GE or CSU-IGETC general education pattern
- Achieve a minimum CSU transferable GPA of 2.0
- Complete a minimum of 12 units in residence at MiraCosta College.
| Required Core: (17 units) | ||
| ACCT 201 | Financial Accounting * | 4 |
| ACCT 202 | Managerial Accounting * | 4 |
| ECON 101 | Principles of Economics: MACRO * | 3 |
| ECON 102 | Principles of Economics: MICRO * | 3 |
| BUS 140 | Legal Environment of Business * | 3 |
| or BUS 140H | Legal Environment of Business (Honors) | |
| List A: 4 Units. Select one course. (It is recommended that you select courses that meet lower-division major preparation requirements at your intended transfer university.) | 4 | |
| Statistics | ||
| Calculus with Applications * | ||
| List B: 6-7 Units. Select two courses. (It is recommended that you select courses that meet lower-division major preparation requirements at your intended transfer university.) | 6-7 | |
Any course from List A not already used. | ||
| Introduction to Business | ||
| Business Communication * | ||
or BUS 290H | Business Communication (Honors) | |
| Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems | ||
| Total Units | 27-28 | |
| * | Courses required for business administration major preparation at CSUSM. At the time of this publication, CSU San Marcos (CSUSM) is not a participating campus. |
NOTE: To insure this degree is completed with no more than 60 units, students should select courses that also satisfy a general education requirement on the CSU-GE or CSU-IGETC general education pattern: ECON 101 and ECON 102, MATH 103 or MATH 115.
Students are strongly advised to complete the History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement prior to transfer.
Associate in Arts Degrees
Entrepreneurship
Management
Marketing
Retail Management
Students may earn one of the above-named associate degrees by completing a certificate of achievement and the general education courses required for MiraCosta College's Associate in Arts degree (see Associate Degrees ). Students should meet with a MiraCosta counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written educational plan for the specific degree or certificate they wish to earn.
Certificates
Certificate of Achievement
Entrepreneurship
Students who start and run their own businesses enjoy the freedom of being their own boss with unlimited earning potential. This certificate program is for both current and prospective entrepreneurs. It assists students in learning and applying the traits and skills necessary to start, operate, and maintain a successful business. Students choose from a variety of electives, emphasizing either selected business skills or industry-specific expertise. Students may take courses in any sequence.
| Required courses: | ||
| BUS 132 | Marketing | 3 |
| BUS 136 | Human Relations in Business | 3 |
| ACCT 101 | Practical Accounting | 4 |
| or ACCT 201 | Financial Accounting | |
| Including one of the following: | 3 | |
| Small Business Management | ||
| Entrepreneur I and Entrepreneur II | ||
| Select at least 9 elective units from the following: | 9 | |
| Retail Management | ||
| Personal Selling | ||
| Customer Service | ||
| Advertising and Promotion | ||
| Personal Finance | ||
| International Business | ||
| Internship Studies | ||
| E-Commerce and Web Presence | ||
| Introduction to Hospitality Management | ||
| Web Design 1: Fundamentals | ||
| Business of Music I | ||
| Total Units | 22 | |
Certificate of Achievement
Management
The Management Certificate benefits students who are trying to keep pace with an increasingly turbulent working environment. It is particularly appropriate for manufacturing firms facing strong international competition and for all service industries. Completion of the certificate gives students a solid introduction to various management philosophies and skills and is a valuable addition to their resume. Students choose from a variety of electives, emphasizing either selected skills or industry-specific expertise. Students may take courses in any sequence.
| Required courses: | ||
| BUS 117 | Human Resources Management | 3 |
| BUS 131 | Management Principles | 3 |
| BUS 136 | Human Relations in Business | 3 |
| BUS 290 | Business Communication | 3 |
| or BUS 290H | Business Communication (Honors) | |
| Select at least 9 units from the following: | 9 | |
| Small Business Management | ||
| Project Management | ||
| Retail Management | ||
| Customer Service | ||
| Legal Environment of Business | ||
or BUS 140H | Legal Environment of Business (Honors) | |
| Internship Studies | ||
| Managerial Accounting | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Group Communication | ||
| Introduction to Hospitality Management | ||
| Statistics | ||
| Statistics for Behavioral Science | ||
| Statistics for Behavioral Science (Honors) | ||
| Total Units | 21 | |
Certificate of Achievement
Marketing
Marketing is the process of planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion, and distribution of ideas, goods, and services to create exchanges that satisfy individual and organizational objectives. It is critical to all business success. This certificate program is for the student currently in or hoping to enter the marketing field. Students learn how products and services are developed, priced, promoted, and distributed; they also learn and practice marketing skills needed in the job market. Students may take courses in any sequence. Students are encouraged to choose a variety of electives that best increase their skill set.
| Required courses: | ||
| BUS 132 | Marketing | 3 |
| BUS 135 | Personal Selling | 3 |
| BUS 138 | Advertising and Promotion | 3 |
| BUS 290 | Business Communication | 3 |
| or BUS 290H | Business Communication (Honors) | |
| Select at least 9 elective units from the following: | 9 | |
| Retail Management | ||
| Human Relations in Business | ||
| Customer Service | ||
| International Business | ||
| Internship Studies | ||
| E-Commerce and Web Presence | ||
| Digital Imaging 1: Adobe Photoshop | ||
| Web Design 1: Fundamentals | ||
| Statistics | ||
| Statistics for Behavioral Science | ||
| Statistics for Behavioral Science (Honors) | ||
| Total Units | 21 | |
Certificate of Achievement
Retail Management
Retail management is an expanding career path supported by many industry sectors. Strong retail managers are essential to business success in electronics, clothing, food, entertainment, home furnishings, cosmetics, gifts, athletic equipment, pet supplies, and just about every other imaginable consumer product and service. This certificate, designed in collaboration with industry leaders, provides the student with many of the competencies required for success at the management level within the vast retail industry. The program encompasses business essentials, such as accounting and marketing, and emphasizes the "soft skills" of management and communication required for career success. This certificate has been endorsed by the Western Association of Food Chains and its member companies.
| Required courses: | ||
| BUS 117 | Human Resources Management | 3 |
| BUS 131 | Management Principles | 3 |
| BUS 132 | Marketing | 3 |
| BUS 134 | Retail Management | 3 |
| BUS 136 | Human Relations in Business | 3 |
| BUS 290 | Business Communication | 3 |
| or BUS 290H | Business Communication (Honors) | |
| ACCT 101 | Practical Accounting | 4 |
| or ACCT 201 | Financial Accounting | |
| ACCT 158 | Business Mathematics | 3 |
| CSIT 110 | Computer Applications | 3 |
| COMM 101 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Total Units | 31 | |
Certificate of Achievement
Social Media for Business
This program combines business skills in marketing, advertising, and communication with technical skills in social media and e-commerce. Students gain a working knowledge of techniques to increase and optimize business-oriented web traffic in various social media venues, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other emerging social media and e-commerce platforms. Students achieve focus through elective selections. Students should consider electives based on their need for building more skills with service and communication (BUS 137 and BUS 290), technical skills and software (CSIT 120 and CSIT 137), or web and graphic design (MAT 110 and MAT 125). Students can also gain real-world practical experience through internships (BUS/CSIT/MAT 292) and work experience (BUS/CSIT/MAT 299).
| Required courses: | ||
| BUS 132 | Marketing | 3 |
| BUS 138 | Advertising and Promotion | 3 |
| CSIT 146 | E-Commerce and Web Presence | 3 |
| CSIT 155 | Social Media for Business | 3 |
| Select a minimum of six units from the courses below: | 6 | |
| Customer Service | ||
| Business Communication | ||
or BUS 290H | Business Communication (Honors) | |
| Internship Studies * | ||
| Occupational Cooperative Work Experience * | ||
| Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems | ||
| Google Apps for Business | ||
| Internship Studies * | ||
| Occupational Cooperative Work Experience * | ||
| Digital Imaging 1: Adobe Photoshop | ||
| Web Design 1: Fundamentals | ||
| Internship Studies * | ||
| Occupational Cooperative Work Experience * | ||
| Total Units | 18 | |
*Students can take 1-3 units of the 292 and 299 courses.
Certificate of Proficiency
Business Fundamentals
This certificate introduces and provides an overview of the issues and skills involved in business education and/or careers in business. An introductory business course covering marketing, management, and finance is combined with a communications course and a computer skills course. Together, these courses provide a foundation for work and/or study related to business.
| Required courses: | ||
| BUS 120 | Introduction to Business | 3 |
| BUS 290 | Business Communication | 3 |
| or BUS 290H | Business Communication (Honors) | |
| CSIT 110 | Computer Applications | 3 |
| Total Units | 9 | |
Certificate of Proficiency
Entrepreneurship Fundamentals
This certificate gives students planning their own business a great start by introducing classes and topics dealing with the three fundamental concerns of all business: money and finance (accounting), pursuing creative ideas and selling (marketing), and hiring, working with, and developing people (human relations). Students who complete this certificate are encouraged to then pursue the Entrepreneurship Certificate of Achievement.
| Required courses: | ||
| ACCT 101 | Practical Accounting | 4 |
| BUS 132 | Marketing | 3 |
| BUS 136 | Human Relations in Business | 3 |
| Including one of the following: | 3 | |
| Small Business Management | ||
| Entrepreneur I and Entrepreneur II | ||
| Total Units | 13 | |
Certificate of Proficiency
Project Management
Project management careers include positions in diverse areas of business, such as construction, engineering, information technology, telecommunications, software development, and health care. This certificate focuses on both the development of knowledge and professional skills to become a project manager by developing job-related skills in the field and preparation for the professional certification exam. Coursework topics include principles of project management, computer applications, communication, and management.
| Required courses: | ||
| BUS 131 | Management Principles | 3 |
| BUS 133 | Project Management | 3 |
| BUS 290 | Business Communication | 3 |
| CSIT 110 | Computer Applications | 3 |
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Small Business Management | ||
| Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems | ||
| Advanced 3D Modeling and Prototyping | ||
| Media Design 1: Production | ||
| Total Units | 15 | |
Certificate of Proficiency
Retail Assistant
This certificate covers topics essential to the retail workplace and addresses basic skills required for success in that setting.
| Required courses: | ||
| BUS 132 | Marketing | 3 |
| BUS 137 | Customer Service | 3 |
| ACCT 158 | Business Mathematics | 3 |
| Total Units | 9 | |
Courses
BUS 117: Human Resources Management
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0506.00)
This course introduces human resource management in business. Topics include the scope of human resource management, employee advocacy, employment law, recruiting, training, employee development, performance management, compensation and benefits programs, managing diversity and global operations, collective bargaining, and using human resources as a competitive advantage.
BUS 120: Introduction to Business
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (0506.00)
This course introduces the trends and opportunities in today's dynamic business environment as they relate to economics, global markets, ethics and social responsibility, business ownership forms, entrepreneurship, management responsibility, human resources management, marketing, operations, accounting, and financial management. Students gain important business context and discover many business career and educational opportunities.
BUS 130: Small Business Management
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0506.40)
In this business start-up and management course, students learn about conducting preliminary research, analyzing trends and competition, buying and starting a business or franchise, developing a business plan, considering legal issues, target marketing, accounting, managing personnel, and responsible business practices.
BUS 131: Management Principles
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0506.00)
This course explores contemporary management application issues. Topics include management theories, finding and developing leaders, measuring and improving customer and employee satisfaction, strategic planning, hiring and training employees, developing workplace teams, choosing and evaluating suppliers, and labor and legal issues.
BUS 132: Marketing
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0509.00)
This course introduces students to the principles of marketing. Topics include segmenting, targeting, market research, buyer behavior, distribution, retailing, advertising, selling, and international issues. Students gain an understanding of the marketing mix (product, distribution, promotion, and price) for a defined target market.
BUS 133: Project Management
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0506.00)
This course introduces students with varying backgrounds to the fundamental principles of contemporary project management in personal and professional environments. The course covers the principles and methods necessary to create an effective plan and schedule for a project; the techniques to monitor, control, and measure performance of the project once it is underway; and the competing demands of time, scope, and resources. Topics also include project management software, communication, Web resources, certifications, and lifelong learning.
BUS 134: Retail Management
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0506.00)
This course introduces the principles and practices used in managing retail businesses. Topics include site selection, layout, organization, staffing, positioning, customer service, promotional techniques, and all aspects of the critical buying function.
BUS 135: Personal Selling
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0509.40)
This course covers professional selling techniques. Topics include finding career opportunities, motivating, persuading, prospecting, interviewing, handling buyer concerns, negotiating, closing the transaction, obtaining referrals, telemarketing, and addressing legal and ethical concerns.
BUS 136: Human Relations in Business
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0506.00)
This course covers the major themes of human relations, including self-awareness, communication, motivation, and conflict resolution, from psychological, sociological, and physiological perspectives. It emphasizes interpersonal skills that promote personal and professional success in a culturally diverse, global, and high-tech business environment. Topics include the identification of values, ethics, teamwork, and leadership-skill development. The course also examines strategies that can be utilized to attain physical and emotional well-being with the workplace.
BUS 137: Customer Service
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0506.00)
This course presents a practical approach to understanding and implementing the principles of customer service within an organization. Topics include verbal and nonverbal communication, how to create a culture of service and build customer loyalty, and the role and use of technology in the service industry.
BUS 138: Advertising and Promotion
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0509.00)
This course provides students with an overview of advertising and promotion. Topics include strategic planning, branding, budgeting, message selection and media, the creative process of ad development, and public relations.
BUS 140: Legal Environment of Business
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in BUS 140H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (0505.00)
This course introduces business-related law, ethics, social responsibility, and government regulations. Topics include dispute resolution, legal system and laws, torts, crimes, contracts, sales, warranties, negotiable instruments, secured transactions, bankruptcy, agency, employment, business entities, real and personal property, cyberlaw, and intellectual property. C-ID BUS-120.
BUS 140H: Legal Environment of Business (Honors)
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in BUS 140.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 3 hours. (0505.00)
This course offers highly motivated students an introduction to business-related law, ethics, social responsibility, and government regulations. Topics include dispute resolution, legal system and laws, torts, crimes, contracts, sales, warranties, negotiable instruments, secured transactions, bankruptcy, agency, employment, business entities, real and personal property, cyberlaw, and intellectual property. As an honors course, it provides students the opportunity to conduct legal research, participate in moot-court simulations, and lead and participate in seminar-like discussions. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for BUS 140 or BUS 140H. C-ID BUS-120.
BUS 147: Personal Finance
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0502.00)
This course assists students in gaining the knowledge, tools, attitude, and skills needed to make informed lifelong financial decisions that will empower their lives. Students explore the social, psychological, and physiological issues related to planning and managing a personal financial plan. Topics include goal setting, budgeting, money management, taxes, savings, consumer credit, automobiles, housing, insurance, investment vehicles, retirement and estate planning, and the financial impact of marriage and divorce.
BUS 160: International Business
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0508.00)
This course covers international business, trade, and globalization. Topics include politics, laws, economics, cultures, ethics, foreign trade/investment/exchange, internationalizing a business, entering foreign markets, strategizing, structuring, and managing in a global economy with social responsibility.
BUS 170: Entrepreneur I
Units: 1.5
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours. (0506.40)
This course covers business ideas, paths to entrepreneurship, and marketing. Topics include small business opportunities/rewards, entrepreneur characteristics/competencies, idea creation/feasibility, full/part-time opportunities, business plans, and marketing strategies.
BUS 171: Entrepreneur II
Units: 1.5
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours. (0506.40)
This course continues the introduction to starting a small business begun in BUS 170. It covers business marketing, finance, management, and organization. Topics include distribution, location, accounting, debt, equity, cash management, inventory, risk management, legal issues, human resource management, and business success factors.
BUS 290: Business Communication
Units: 3
Prerequisites: Eligibility for ENGL 100.
Advisory: ENGL 100.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in BUS 290H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0506.00)
This course focuses on the principles of effective written, oral, and electronic communication. It emphasizes solving problems and eliciting positive response through carefully organized and designed memos, letters, reports, and presentations.
BUS 290H: Business Communication (Honors)
Units: 3
Prerequisites: Eligibility for ENGL 100.
Advisory: ENGL 100.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in BUS 290.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0506.00)
This course offers highly motivated students an enriched academic approach to the principles of effective written, oral, and electronic communication. The course emphasizes solving real-world problems and eliciting positive responses through carefully planned, organized, and designed memos, letters, reports, and presentations.
BUS 292: Internship Studies
Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.
BUS 296: Topics in Business Administration
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (0501.00)
This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Business Administration that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.
BUS 298: Directed Study in Business
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor and department chair approval and successful completion of 12 units of college work with at least a 3.0 grade-point average.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours
Laboratory 6 hours
Laboratory 9 hours. (0506.00)
This course allows students to pursue a special area of interest in order to achieve specific goals beyond the scope of existing courses within the discipline. Students work independently and interact directly with an instructor on an individual basis and as prescribed by the Directed Study Agreement.
BUS 299: Occupational Cooperative Work Experience
Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Cooperative Work Experience is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.
