Business
Program Description
Business majors can pursue a variety of specialties needed for operating major corporations, local or regional businesses, or nonprofit and public sector organizations. They can also obtain knowledge and skills to become entrepreneurs and start their own business. Students can gain experience in accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, public administrations, and more.
The Associate in Business (ABus) Degree program provides students the opportunity to complete their lower division requirements in general education and business subjects, preparatory to specialization in appropriate fields, for transfer to a university. ABUS majors should consult with their academic advisor regarding transferring credits to a university program.
Students can also pursue an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Business Degree. This is for individuals who plan to attend college for only two years before entering the workforce. Students can select an area of emphasis to specialize this degree. Areas of emphasis include: Customer Service Management, Entrepreneurship, Financial Investments, General Business, Logistics, Management, and Marketing.
Graduates of these programs will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate understanding of the legal issues of business
- Demonstrate computer and internet literacy
- Gather and interpret, both graphically and numerically, business and economic data
- Demonstrate the ability to analyze the results of financial data
- Demonstrate understanding of fundamental macroeconomic concepts
- Demonstrate understanding of fundamental microeconomic concepts
- Apply business concepts in a real-world business environment
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Career Outlook
Successful completion of this program may lead to a variety of employment opportunities, most of which require continued higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and annual mean wages in Arizona according to a May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Property Appraisers and Assessors Provides value estimates on land and buildings. |
$46,990 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions. |
$53,010 |
| Fundraisers Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization’s work, goals, and financial needs. |
$54,380 |
| Financial Examiners Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records. |
$59,860 |
| Loan Officers Evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of commercial, real estate, or credit loans. Advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. |
$60,680 |
| Training and Development Specialists Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness. |
$60,740 |
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists Conduct programs of compensation and benefits and job analysis for employer. May specialize in specific areas, such as position classification and pension programs. |
$61,920 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets. |
$63,140 |
| Human Resources Specialists Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas. |
$64,280 |
| Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims. |
$67,500 |
| Cost Estimators Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured. |
$67,710 |
| Labor Relations Specialists Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints. |
$70,990 |
| Budget Analysts Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports. |
$73,240 |
| Accountants and Auditors Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data. |
$73,450 |
| Logisticians Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources. |
$76,030 |
| Insurance Underwriters Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications. |
$76,590 |
| Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations. |
$77,530 |
| Financial Analysts Provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. |
$78,890 |
| Management Analysts Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants. |
$88,500 |
| Personal Financial Advisors Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients. |
$89,830 |
| Training and Development Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization. |
$100,880 |
| Purchasing Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.st |
Contact Information
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stuart Gibson | Associate Dean of Business, Education, Socials and Behavioral Sciences | (928) 317-6417 | Stuart.Gibson@azwestern.edu |
| Bradley Baird | Professor of Business and Computer Information Systems | (928) 344-7781 | bradley.baird@azwestern.edu |
| Kristine Duke | Professor of Accounting | (928) 344-7783 | kristine.duke@azwestern.edu |
| Anthony Gier | Professor of Business & Economics | (928) 314-9457 | Anthony.Gier@azwestern.edu |
| Michelle Sims | Professor of Economics | (928) 344-7670 | Michelle.Sims@azwestern.edu |