Catalog 2023-2024

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Business Administration

Associate in Science Degree

The Business Administration AS degree at West Valley College focuses on preparing students for a diverse range of careers in the business world. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the basic skills that all business professionals should have, including an understanding of the world of business, marketing, human relations, communication skills, modern office skills, and understanding how business is viewed from a socio-cultural point of view. The courses are designed for students who do not have previous experience in business. The required courses for this degree prepare students not only for transfer to a four-year university, but also for jobs in a general business office setting, or prepare students already in business for promotions at work. The courses aim to develop skills in business analytics, team projects, critical thinking, modern office administration skills, and understanding organizational behavior and key behavioral dynamics of people at work. Potential careers specific to this degree include, but are not limited to: office manager, executive assistant, financial analyst, project management, human relations specialists, and marketing.

Major Core Requirements (29 units)

Course NumberCourse TitleUnits
ACCT050Accounting for Small Business1 unit
BUSN015The Entrepreneurial Mindset3 units
Select one:
BUSN024
BUSN036

International Business Management
Strategic Management

3 units
3 units
Select one:
BUSN028
BUSN028H

Business Law
Honors Business Law

3 units
3 units
BUSN046BBeginning Spreadsheets: Microsoft Excel1 unit
Select one:
BUSN051
BUSN061

Introduction to Business
Business, Government, and Society

3 units
3 units
BUSN054Small Business Start Up and Management3 units
BUSN056Marketing Principles3 units
BUSN062Business Mathematics3 units
BUSN070Effective Office Skills3 units
BUSN078Business Communication3 units

Major Electives (6 units)

Course NumberCourse TitleUnits
BUSN005Introduction to Project Management3 units
BUSN006Negotiation Principles3 units
BUSN034Human Resource Management3 units
BUSN036Strategic Management3 units
BUSN040Sales Strategies3 units
BUSN066Human Relations in Business3 units
BUSN068Organizational Behavior3 units
BUSN081Advertising Principles3 units

Total Major Units: 35 units

To be awarded an Associate Degree, a student must:

  1. Achieve a grade of “C” or better in the major requirements.
  2. Completion of WVC, CSU-Breadth, or IGETC General Education patterns. Students whose goal is to obtain a bachelor’s degree should complete the CSU-Breadth or IGETC General Education pattern.
  3. Complete additional degree applicable units to meet the minimum 60-unit Associate Degree requirements.

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills for analyzing legal and business cases.
  • Develop and prepare team based projects and professional business presentations.
  • Utilize mathematical skills to solve business math problems.
  • Apply introductory business theories and concepts to researching and analyzing contemporary business issues.
  • Research and write strategic business and marketing plans.
Last Updated 7/19/23