Business Administration

Program News

New Online Options for Accounting Courses

Starting summer 2011, three accounting courses will be offered in new formats:

• ACCT& 201, Principles of Accounting (online or face-to-face course options)
• OFFAD 108, Accounting for Payroll (online/hybrid only)
• OFFAD 110, Accounting for AP, AR and Inventory (online/hybrid only)

Check for schedule information at whatcom.ctc.edu/elearning.  Online/hybrid courses include accessing a significant amount of course content online, with some class time required on campus. Contact a program advisor for more information. 

What can I do with with a degree in Business Administration

Students with training and education in business are employed by public, private and not-for-profit organizations and agencies. Employees with business skills are valued by financial institutions, trade/labor organizations, government agencies, insurance companies, corporations, educational institutions, health care organizations, tax related businesses, and many more. Students with business degrees or certificates have many employment opportunities, and are often able to increase their skills through on-the-job-training or additional education.

What can I do with the Accounting Certificate?

This certificate offers the range of clerical and accounting skills needed to perform full-charge bookkeeping tasks for a small business accurately and efficiently. Employees in this position will use both manual and computerized systems, and will work under the supervision of an accountant.

What can I do with the Business Information Systems Certificate?

This certificate is designed to give students in-depth knowledge of office computer applications. Graduates are able to perform complex functions in databases, spreadsheets, and business documents, and have considerable knowledge of management of computer-based information. Graduates are well-prepared to function in an office that produces professional reports or manages large numbers of files or spreadsheets. In addition, students can move forward with this certificate toward the Business Administration AS Degree.

What can I do with the Retail Management Certificate?

This certificate gives students a well-rounded management foundation, and is broadly applicable to all retail situations. The certificate prepares students to communicate effectively, handle human resource issues, develop a management style, and understand marketing and promotion. All of the certificate courses are also applicable to the 90-credit Business Administration Associate in Science, General Business Emphasis degree.

Whatcom Community College is part of a consortium of 15 colleges across the state that are offering Retail Management Certificates, and students will be able to complete the certificate at any of the colleges offering the certificate. In addition, the certificate was developed with the assistance of the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC). Grocery industry employees who complete the certificate with a ‘C' grade or higher in each course may be eligible to receive a cash bonus and certificate from WAFC. Some local grocery chains are offering significant incentives to their employees to pursue the certificate, such as tuition reimbursement, incentive raises, and cash bonuses upon completion. Go to www.wafc.com for a complete list of participants and for more details.

Information Sessions

You are encouraged to attend an information session or contact one of the Professional Technical advisors for planning help.

Degree and Certificate Information [PDF Format]

• Associate in Science Degree / Business Administration 
• Certificate / Accounting --- Click here for Gainful Employment details.
• Certificate / Business Information Systems --- Click here for Gainful Employment details.
• Certificate / Hospitality & Tourism Business Management --- Click here for Gainful Employment details.
• Certificate/Retail Management --- Click here for Gainful Employment details.  
• Certificate / Office Administration --- Click here for Gainful Employment details.
• Certificate / Office Professional Technical Support Specialist --- Click here for Gainful Employment details. 
• Certificate of Proficiency / Sustainable Business Leadership

For more certificate/short-term training opportunities visit the Office Administration Program webpage.

For more information about the hospitality and tourism options, visit the Hospitality & Tourism Business Management webpage.

What is the Business Administration Program?

The Business Administration program has a number of choices for students. Students can choose from an Associate in Science (AS) degree, which contains five possible specialties for focused study: Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Business Information Systems, Hospitality and Tourism, or General Business. The AS degree contains Core Requirements, Specialty Requirements, Related Instruction/General Education and Cooperative Work Experience/Electives. Students must complete all Core Requirements, one of the Specialty Requirements, the required Related Instruction/General Education courses, Co-op credits and possibly some elective credits for a total of at least 90 college level degree credits.

Six certificates are also available in Accounting, Business Information Systems, Hospitality & Tourism, Business Management, Office Support Specialist and Retail Management. The certificates contain Core Requirements, Related Instruction/General Education courses, and Cooperative Work Experience/Electives for a total of 45 to 61 college level certificate credits. Students who complete a certificate may be able to apply the credits of the AS Business Administration degree in the future.

Many students in the Business Administration program want to maximize the transferability of their coursework to the university/four-year college system. Students can earn both the AS Business Administration degree and the Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS Transfer) degree with a minimum of extra credits. Also, students in the AAS Transfer degree program can tailor their degree to focus on their interest in entering the Business department at a four-year college or university. For either of these plans, students are strongly recommended to use WCC's advising services in developing their educational plan.

What are the prerequisites?

There are no special prerequisite courses for this program; however, students are encouraged to develop college level writing and math skills and strong computer skills early in their educational program. New students should complete the college's assessment/placement testing to determine writing and math levels. To schedule an assessment appointment, call (360) 383-3080.

What is the application process?

Apply to WCC online.

If you are unable to apply online, request a WCC application by email at admit@whatcom.ctc.edu, by phone (360) 383-3001 or in person at the Entry/Advising Office, LDC 116.

There is no special program application for the Business Administration program.