Business Certificate Course Map

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Created by Pierce faculty, this map outlines the initial coursework for this career field. It provides you a clear path to complete your certificate by listing a specific set of courses relevant to your program and career. The map is designed with the appropriate number of credits and meets certificate requirements. Courses are organized in a recommended sequence; please schedule accordingly. If a course is unavailable, select the next appropriate course within the sequence. For each course, a purpose statement explains how the content relates to your career field. On this map, there may be instances when you will be required to select a course from several options. Use these purpose statements and notes to choose the course that best aligns with your interests and needs. You will also find action items to complete to assure you progress and graduate on time. While this map is a great guide to courses required to complete the Business Certificate, you are responsible for fulfilling all certificate requirements. Questions? Your Success Network is ready to help you!

1. College Success

COLLG 110 College Success (3 credits)
Course purpose: A foundational course to explore and affirm a career choice and build upon the skills, knowledge, and resources that will support you at Pierce College and beyond.

2. English Composition I

ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 credits)
Course purpose: Clear and strategic communication with others is a central feature of all careers connected to Business. The skills learned in ENGL 101 are foundational for later coursework and beyond.

3. Principles of Accounting I

ACCT& 201 Principles of Accounting I (5 credits)
Course purpose: Basic knowledge of accounting is critical for all aspects of business as financial misunderstanding is one of the leading causes of business failure. This course will introduce you to accounting concepts and procedures.

4. Principles of Accounting II

ACCT& 202 Principles of Accounting II (5 credits)
Course purpose: Second accounting course in series and covers partnerships, bonds, corporations, cash flow statements, and financial statement analysis.

5. Introduction to Business

BUS& 101 Introduction to Business (5 credits)
Course purpose: Business is large, complex, and fascinating subject matter. To help prepare you for specific business courses, this course offers an overview of the globalized nature of today’s business and its major functions – operations, marketing, and finance.

6. Introduction to Statistics

MATH& 146 Introduction to Statistics (5 credits)
Course purpose: Today’s business world relies on data to make sound business decisions. Introduction to Statistics will orient you to the art and science of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. By the end of the course, you will see how data can be used in powerful ways.

Action Item: Apply for Graduation

Way to go! It is time to apply for graduation. Visit the Pierce College Graduation website for details. https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/graduation

7. Computer Information Systems

CIS 121 Introduction to Computer Information Systems (5 credits)
CIS 130 Productivity Software (5 credits)
Course purpose: Introduction to the fundaments of a computer, including the information processing cycle. Survey of computer technology, computer nomenclature, and the use of computers as productivity tools.

8. Microeconomics

ECON& 201 Microeconomics (5 credits)
Course purpose: Fundamentally, microeconomics is the study of how individuals, organizations, and markets make choices. By learning microeconomics, you become a more knowledgeable and valuable business professional to organizations. If you decide to run your own business, you are better positioned to make informed business decisions.

9. Macroeconomics

ECON& 202 Macroeconomics (5 credits)
Course purpose: Study of the organization and operation of the U.S. economy including unemployment, inflation, and GDP issues; the business cycle and long run growth; national income accounting; aggregate supply and aggregate demand; government spending, taxation, and the budget deficit/surplus; fiscal policy, the monetary system; the Federal Reserve Banking System; monetary policy, interest rates; and international trade.

10. Law Course Recommendation

Choose one

BUS& 201 Business Law (5 credits)
Course purpose: Business Law introduces you to the laws relating to the operation of businesses from the perspectives of owners, managers, employees, customers and suppliers.
POLS& 200 Introduction to Law (5 credits)
Course purpose: Introduction to Law familiarizes you with the nature of law and the operation of the legal system, and explores topics such as the interaction between legal institutions and interest groups.

11. Interpersonal Skills Course Recommendation