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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Degree(s) / Certificates(s)


Title Local Bachelor's
Business - A.BUS Transfer Degree
Business - A.A.S. Occupational Degree -
Hotel Restaurant Management - A.A. Transfer Degree
Retail Management - CERT Occupational Certificate -
Culinary Arts with a-Focus in Entrepreneurship - CERT Occupational Certificate -
Sports Management - A.A. Transfer Degree -
Business Administrative Services - CERT Occupational Certificate -
Fashion Retail Management with Emphasis on Merchandising and Buying - CERT Occupational Certificate -

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
Successful completion of this program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Check the above for additional information.

Contact Information


Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
Name Title Phone Email
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