Business, Associate in Applied Science
Program Description
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Business is designed for students seeking to enter the workforce with practical, career-ready business skills. This degree emphasizes applied learning in areas such as management, accounting, marketing, operations, and business technology.
Students develop the knowledge and competencies needed to support and lead business functions across a variety of industries. Coursework focuses on real-world problem solving, professional communication, financial literacy, and organizational decision-making. The program prepares graduates to operate effectively in business, nonprofit, and public sector environments.
This degree is structured to provide direct workforce preparation while also offering a foundation for continued professional growth.
Transfer Information
The A.A.S. in Business is designed primarily as a career-focused degree and is not structured under the New Jersey Statewide Transfer Agreement. Students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree should consult with Advising & Transfer Services to explore articulation agreements or credit evaluation options at their intended transfer institution.
Early planning is recommended for students who may wish to continue their education beyond the associate degree.
Career Information
The A.A.S. in Business prepares graduates for entry-level and supervisory roles in a wide range of organizations.
Potential career paths include:
- Office or Operations Manager
- Retail or Sales Manager
- Human Resources Assistant
- Accounting or Payroll Clerk
- Administrative Services Supervisor
- Banking or Financial Services Associate
- Small Business Owner
Graduates develop transferable skills in leadership, communication, financial analysis, and business operations that support advancement across industries. Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services to explore career pathways and opportunities for professional growth.
Students are encouraged to keep track of degree requirements by using the “My Progress” screen on Student Planning. Student Planning can be accessed via logging into Ocean Connect.
Program Requirements
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| BUSN 131 | Introduction to Business Administration | 3 |
| COMM 154 or COMM 110 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking or Introduction to Communications | 3 |
| CSIT 123 | Integrated Office Software | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| BUSN 134 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| BUSN 210 | Business Communications | 3 |
| ECON 151 | Macroeconomic Principles | 3 |
| Business Program Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| ACCT 161 | Principles of Accounting I | 3 |
| BUSN 151 | Introduction to Human Resource Management | 3 |
| BUSN 251 | Business Law I | 3 |
| BUSN 271 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| ECON 152 | Microeconomics Principles | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| ACCT 162 | Principles of Accounting II | 3 |
| BUSN 220 | Career Management and Professional Behavior | 3 |
| BUSN 252 | Business Law II | 3 |
| Business Program Electives | 2 | |
| Lab Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
Business Program Electives
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 121 | Fundamentals of Accounting | 3 |
| BUSN 133 | Computer Keyboarding | 1 |
| BUSN 157 | Introduction to Financial Software | 1 |
| BUSN 170 | Small Business Management | 3 |
| BUSN 270 | Principles of Advertising | 3 |
| BUSN 272 | Principles of Investments | 3 |
| BUSN 275 | Principles of Finance | 3 |
| CSIT 126 | Intermediate Spreadsheets and Database | 3 |