Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Business

Program Description

Business programs at colleges play a vital role in shaping the local community by producing a skilled workforce, fostering economic growth, encouraging entrepreneurship, and promoting social responsibility. The positive impact extends beyond the campus, contributing to the overall prosperity and development of the community.

UCC is incredibly proud to unveil our brand new Business degree that is unlike any Business degree in the state! This AAS degree contains a general education core, with a wide variety of Business classes that expose students to various areas within the vast business world. Students build the rest of their degree with micro-credentials in the areas that interest them. Micro-credential options include Financial Services, Bookkeeping, Marketing & E Commerce, Business Technology, Human Resources, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Accounting and Retail Management. This degree is designed for brand new students who wish to create their own business degree as well as for well established professionals who wish to increase and improve their business skills. A business career holds multiple career opportunities and this degree is designed to prepare students for their place in it!

Please meet with your UCC advisor to plan out the degree path that is best for you. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the AAS in Business, students will be able to: 

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of strategic business principles (e.g. the ability to analyze market trends, evaluate competitive landscapes, and formulate effective business strategies that align with organizational goals).
  2. Demonstrate strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively in teams.
  4. Apply critical thinking and decision-making skills.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the role technology places in the modern business.
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of sound financial practices and apply them to the business environment.

Career Considerations

Completing this Associate of Applied Science in Business at UCC can open up a variety of career opportunities in the business world. Graduates may pursue entry-level positions in fields such as management, marketing, finance, human resources, or entrepreneurship. Additionally, the degree can serve as a stepping stone for further education, such as a bachelor's degree, which can lead to higher-level positions and increased earning potential.

Program Course Requirements

To obtain the AAS in Business you must complete the Business Core + the CTE General Education Core + two of the micro-credentials from this list. See example below.

CTE General Education Core

WR 117Writing for Trades (WR 115 or higher accepted)4
MTH 105ZMath in Society (or higher)4
COM 218ZInterpersonal Communication3-4
or PSY 101 Psychology of Human Relations
CTE Choice Elective3-4
Total Minimum Credits14-16

Business Core

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
First TermCredits
BA 101Z Introduction to Business 4
BA 172 Entrepreneurship 3
BA 206 Management Fundamentals 3
BA 231 Computers in Business 4
BA 238 Professional Selling 3
 Credits17
Second Term
BA 173 Innovation to Market 3
BA 218 Personal Finance and Investing 3
BA 233 Accounting for Managers 4
CWE 180 Intro to Work Experience 3
SDP 208 Human Rscs for Supervisors 3
 Credits16
Third Term
BA 106 Business Leadership 3
BA 226 Business Law 4
BA 223 Principles of Marketing 3
BA 280 CWE-Business 3-4
 Credits13-14
 Total Minimum Credits46-47

 Micro-Credential Pathways (must choose 2) 

accounting pathway

BA 218Personal Finance and Investing3
BA 233Accounting for Managers4
BA 170Business Technologies3
BA 231Computers in Business4
BA 211ZPrinciples Financial Acct4
BA 226Business Law4
BA 213ZPrinciples Managerial Acct4
BA 177Payroll Accounting4
BA 175Fund Accounting4
Total Minimum Credits34

Bookkeeping pathway

BA 151Practical Accounting I4
BA 128Accounting Applications I2
BA 129Accounting Applications II2
BA 177Payroll Accounting4
Total Minimum Credits12

Business Technology pathway

BA 170Business Technologies3
BA 231Computers in Business4
AI 120Intro to AI4
BA 171Logic and Reasoning3
BA 174Innovation and Tech Strategy3
Total Minimum Credits17

Entrepreneuriship Pathway

BA 172Entrepreneurship3
BA 150Develop a Small Business4
BA 226Business Law4
BA 173Innovation to Market3
BA 250Managing the Small Business3
BA 176Project Management4
Total Minimum Credits21

 financial Services Pathway

BA 116Principles of Financial Svcs4
BA 218Personal Finance and Investing3
BA 233Accounting for Managers4
ECON 115Intro to Economics3
BA 171Logic and Reasoning3
Total Minimum Credits17

 human resources pathway

SDP 113Human Relations-Supervisors3
SDP 208Human Rscs for Supervisors3
SDP 109Elements of Supervision3
BA 260Advanced Human Resources3
Total Minimum Credits12

 leadership pathway

BA 260Advanced Human Resources3
SDP 109Elements of Supervision3
BA 106Business Leadership3
BA 206Management Fundamentals3
Total Minimum Credits12

 marketing and e-commerce pathway

BA 223Principles of Marketing3
BA 238Professional Selling3
BA 239Advertising3
BA 207Intro to E-Commerce3
BA 253Social Media Marketing3
Total Minimum Credits15

retail management pathway

SDP 113Human Relations-Supervisors3
SDP 208Human Rscs for Supervisors3
BA 233Accounting for Managers4
BA 223Principles of Marketing3
BA 231Computers in Business4
BA 206Management Fundamentals3
BA 214Business Communications3
BA 249Retailing3
Total Minimum Credits26
1

For students who wish to follow the Business Technology pathway or who want to seek a higher degree, MTH 111Z is recommended.

2

For students who plan to pursue a higher degree, WR121Z is recommended.

3

These courses are all optional, depending on the pathway you are choosing, the AAS Business degree alone is around 90 credits to complete. 

Advising Notes

  • Students must complete between 90-108 credits in approved areas to receive an AAS. This degree path is a combination of the Business Core, CTE Gen Ed Core and all the Micro-Credentials. 
  • Meet with your advisor to ensure you are following the correct path to meet your goals.