Business Technology Degree
Offered at the Following Campus Locations
Program Overview
The Business Technology program is designed to prepare graduates for employment in a variety of positions in today’s technology-driven workplaces. The Business Technology program provides learning opportunities, which introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes the use of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database applications software. Students are also introduced to accounting fundamentals, electronic communications, internet research, and electronic file management. The program includes instruction in effective communication skills and terminology that encompasses office management and executive assistant qualification and technology innovations for the office. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to upgrade present knowledge and skills or to retrain in the area of administrative technology. Graduates of the program receive a Business Technology, Associate of Applied Science degree.
Entrance Requirements
This program requires either the ACCUPLACER® or COMPASS college placement test and High School Diploma or GED. Minimum Required Age of 16.
ACCUPLACER® minimum scores: Reading Comprehension 64, Sentence Skills 70, Elementary Algebra 57
COMPASS minimum scores: Reading 79, Writing 62, Algebra 37
Course Overview
General Education Core (Required minimum: 15 Semester Credit Hours)Area I – Language Arts/CommunicationENGL1101Composition and Rhetoric3Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.1242Area II – Social/Behavioral Sciences - Select 1ECON1101Principles of Economics3Provides a description and analysis of economic operations in contemporary society. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of economic concepts and policies as they apply to everyday life. Topics include basic economic principles; economic forces and indicators; capital and labor; price, competition, and monopoly; money and banking; government expenditures, federal and local; fluctuations in production, employment, and income; and United States economy in perspective1310ECON2105Macroeconomics3Provides a description and analysis of macroeconomic principles and policies. Topics include basic economic principles, macroeconomic concepts, equilibrium in the goods and money markets, macroeconomic equilibrium and the impact of fiscal and monetary policies.1311ECON2106Microeconomics3Provides an analysis of the ways in which consumers and business firms interact in a market economy. Topics include basic economic principles, consumer choice, behavior of profit maximizing firms, modeling of perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly and monopolistic competition.1312HIST1111World History I3Emphasizes the study of intellectual, cultural, scientific, political, and social contributions of the civilizations of the world and the evolution of these civilizations during the period from the prehistoric era to early modern times. Topics include the Prehistoric Era the Ancient Near East, Ancient India, Ancient China, Ancient Rome, Ancient Africa, Islam, the Americas, Japan, Ancient Greece, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance.1314HIST1112World History II3Emphasizes the study of the intellectual, cultural, scientific, political, and social contributions of the civilizations of the world and the evolution of these civilizations during the period from early modern times to the present. Topics include transitions to the Modern World, scientific revolution and the Enlightenment, political modernization, economic modernization, imperialism, and the Twentieth Century.1315HIST2111U.S. History I3Emphasizes the study of U. S. History to 1877 to include the post-Civil War period. The course focuses on the period from the Age of Discovery through the Civil War to include geographical, intellectual, political, economic and cultural development of the American people. It includes the history of Georgia and its constitutional development. Topics include colonization and expansion; the Revolutionary Era; the New Nation; nationalism, sectionalism, and reform; the Era of Expansion; and crisis, Civil War, and reconstruction.1316HIST2112U.S. History II3Emphasizes the study of the social, cultural, and political history of the United States from 1865 to the beginning of the twenty-first century and will equip the student to better understand the problems and challenges of the contemporary world in relation to events and trends in modern American history. The course also provides an overview of the history of Georgia and the development of its constitution. Topics include the Reconstruction Period; the great West, the new South, and the rise of the debtor; the Gilded Age; the progressive movement; the emergence of the U. S. in world affairs; the Roaring Twenties; the Great Depression; World War II; the Cold War and the 1950*s; the 1960*s and 1970*s; and America since 1980.1317POLS1101American Government3Emphasizes study of government and politics in the United States. The focus of the course will provide an overview of the Constitutional foundations of the American political processes with a focus on government institutions and political procedures. The course will examine the constitutional framework, federalism, civil liberties and civil rights, public opinion, the media, special interest groups, political parties, and the election process along with the three branches of government. In addition, this course will examine the processes of Georgia state government. Topics include foundations of government, political behavior, and governing institutions.1318PSYC1101Introductory Psychology3Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design, the organization and operation of the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychopathology and interventions, stress and health, and social psychology.1320SOCI1101Introduction to Sociology3Explores the sociological analysis of society, its culture, and structure. Sociology is presented as a science with emphasis placed on its methodology and theoretical foundations. Topics include basic sociological concepts, socialization, social interaction and culture, social groups and institutions, deviance and social control, social stratification, social change, and marriage and family.1324Area III – Natural Sciences/Mathematics – Select 1MATH1103Quantitative Skills/Reasoning (201614)3Emphasizes algebra, statistics, and mathematics of finance. Topics include fundamental operations of algebra, sets and logic, probability and statistics, geometry, mathematics of voting and districting, and mathematics of finance.1295MATH1101Mathematical Modeling3Emphasizes functions using real-world applications as models. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra; functions and graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions and models; systems of equations; and optional topics in algebra.1296MATH1111College Algebra3Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.1297Area IV – Humanities/Fine Arts - Select 1ARTS1101Art Appreciation3Explores the visual arts and the relationship to human needs and aspirations. Students investigate the value of art, themes in art, the elements and principles of composition, and the materials and processes used for artistic expression. Well-known works of visual art are explored. The course encourages student interest in the visual arts beyond the classroom.1236ENGL2110World Literature3This course explores the history of the human experience through literature and writing across the cultures of the world. Surveys of important works across multiple genres of fiction and non-fiction as a reflection of cultural values. Explores themes from the ancient through modern era.6630ENGL2130American Literature3Emphasizes American literature as a reflection of culture and ideas. A survey of important works in American literature. Includes a variety of literary genres: short stories, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and novels. Topics include literature and culture, essential themes and ideas, literature and history, and research skills.1237ENGL2310English Literature from the Beginnings to 17003This course presents a survey of important works in early English literature. Course content includes a variety of literary genres: poetry, drama, fiction and nonfiction. Writers typically include the Beowulf poet, Gawain poet, Chaucer, Spenser, Sidney, Marlowe, Donne, Jonson, Shakespeare, and Milton. The course emphasizes English literature as a reflection of culture and ideas. Competency areas include literature and culture; essential themes and ideas; literature and history; research and writing skills; and oral communication skills.6632HUMN1101Introduction to Humanities3Explores the philosophic and artistic heritage of humanity expressed through a historical perspective on visual arts, music, and literature. The humanities provide insight into people and society. Topics include historical and cultural developments, contributions of the humanities, and research.1238MUSC1101Music Appreciation3Explores the analysis of well-known works of music, their compositions, and the relationship to their periods. An introduction to locating, acquiring, and documenting information resources lays the foundation for research to include the creative and critical process, the themes of music, the formal elements of composition, and the placing of music in the historical context. Topics include historical and cultural development represented in musical arts.1239THEA1101Theater Appreciation3Explores history, aesthetics, and craft of the theatrical experience on stage, emphasizing the role of the audience as well as that of the artist. Critical views of theatrical performances are examined alongside scripts. Emphasis is placed on the students' understanding of foundational elements, principles, and theories of dramatic art, including classical and contemporary varieties. The performance component of this course enables students to appreciate the process by which theatre is realized and the creative and cultural significance of theatre as a basic human endeavor.6634Program Specific RequirementsXXXX0000General Core Elective (from Areas I, II, III, or IV)34621Occupational Courses:COMP1000Introduction to Computer Literacy3This course introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include introductions to computer and digital terminology and usage, operating systems, Internet and digital communication, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, and presentation applications.1098BUSN1400Word Processing Applications4PREREQUISITE: BUSN 1100 OR THE ABILITY TO KEY 25 GWAM (gross words a minute)ON 3-MINUTE TIMINGS WITH NO MORE THAN 3 ERRORS. This course covers the knowledge and skills required to use word processing software through course demonstrations, laboratory exercises and projects. Minimal document keying will be necessary as students will work with existing documents to learn the functions and features of the word processing application. Topics and assignments will include: word processing concepts, customizing documents, formatting content, working with visual content, organizing content, reviewing documents, sharing and securing content.995BUSN1430Desktop Publish/Present Applic4This course covers the knowledge and skills required to use desktop publishing (DTP) software and presentation software to create business publications and presentations. Course work will include course demonstrations, laboratory exercises and projects. Topics include: desktop publishing concepts, basic graphic design, publication layout, presentation design, and practical applications.998BUSN1440Document Production4Reinforces the touch system of keyboarding placing emphasis on correct techniques with adequate speed and accuracy and producing properly formatted business documents. Topics include: reinforcing correct keyboarding technique, building speed and accuracy, formatting business documents, language arts, proofreading, and work area management.999BUSN1190Digital Technologies-Business2Provides an overview of digital technology used for conducting business. Students will learn the application of business activities using various digital platforms.992BUSN1240Office Procedures3Emphasizes essential skills required for the business office.993BUSN1410Spreadsheet Concepts/Applic4This course covers the knowledge and skills required to use spreadsheet software through course demonstrations, laboratory exercises and projects. Topics and assignments will include: spreadsheet concepts, creating and manipulating data, formatting data and content, creating and modifying formulas, presenting data visually and, collaborating and securing data.996BUSN1420Database Applications4This course covers the knowledge and skills to required to use database management software through course demonstrations, laboratory exercises and projects. Topics and assignments will include: database concepts, structuring databases, creating and formatting database elements, entering and modifying data, creating and modifying queries, presenting and sharing data and, managing and maintaining databases.997BUSN2160Electronic Mail Applications2This course provides instruction in the fundamentals of communicating with others inside and outside the organization via a personal information management program. Emphasizes the concepts necessary for individuals and workgroups to organize, find, view, and share information via electronic communication channels. Topics include: Internal and External Communication, Message Management, Calendar Management, Navigation, Contact and Task Management, and Security and Privacy.1000BUSN2210Applied Office Procedures3This course focuses on applying knowledge and skills learned in prior courses taken in the program. Topics include: communications skills, telecommunications skills, records management skills, office equipment/supplies, and integrated programs/applications. Serves as a capstone course.1004BUSN2190Bus Doc Proofreading/Editing3Emphasizes proper proofreading and editing for business documents. Topics include: applying proofreading techniques and proofreaders marks with business documents; proper content, clarity, and conciseness in business documents; and business document formatting.1002MGMT1100Principles of Management3Develops skills and behaviors necessary for successful supervision of people and their job responsibilities. Emphasis will be placed on real life concepts, personal skill development, applied knowledge and managing human resources. Course content is intended to help managers and supervisors deal with a dramatically changing workplace being affected by technology changes, a more competitive and global market place, corporate restructuring and the changing nature of work and the workforce. Topics include: Understanding the Managers Job and Work Environment; Building an Effective Organizational Culture; Leading, Directing, and the Application of Authority; Planning, Decision-Making, and Problem-Solving; Human Resource Management, Administrative Management, Organizing, and Controlling.1008Select one of the following:ACCT1100Financial Accounting I4Introduces the basic financial accounting concepts of the complete accounting cycle and provides the student with the necessary skills to maintain a set of books for a sole proprietorship. Topics include: accounting vocabulary and concepts, the accounting cycle for a personal service business, the accounting cycle for a merchandising business, inventory, cash control and receivables. Laboratory work demonstrates theory presented in class.979BUSN2200Office Accounting4Introduces fundamental concepts of the accounting cycle for a sole proprietor service business. Topics include: accounting equation, analyzing business transactions, journalizing and posting transactions, accounts receivable and accounts payable subsidiary ledgers, financial statements, cash control, and payroll concepts.1003Specific Occupational Guided Electives – 6 hours:BUSN1100Introduction to Keyboarding3This course introduces the touch system of keyboarding placing emphasis on correct techniques. Topics include: computer hardware, computer software, file management, learning the alphabetic keyboard, the numeric keyboard and keypad, building speed and accuracy, and proofreading. Students attain a minimum of 25 GWAM (gross words a minute) on 3-minute timings with no more than 3 errors.991BUSN1210Electronic Calculators2Develops skill in the use of electronic calculators to interpret, solve, and record results of various types of problems involving the four arithmetic processes. Topics include: machine parts and features, touch system techniques, and arithmetic applications.1023BUSN1320Business Interaction Skills3This course equips participants with the tools to communicate and interact more effectively in person, in writing and on the telephone with both internal and external customers. Participants also learn how to work in teams to create a collaborative environment for accomplishing goals. This course consist of the following: language of business, communication skills, working with information, business writing, team and collaborative skills, and resolving interpersonal conflict.1029BUSN1340Customer Service Effectiveness3This course emphasizes the importance of customer service throughout all businesses. Topics include: customer service challenges and problem solving; strategies for successful customer service; effective communication and dealing with difficult customers; empowerment, motivation, and leadership; customer retention and satisfaction measurement; and excellence in customer service.994BUSN2170Web Page Design2This course provides instruction in the concepts necessary for individuals to create and manage professional quality web sites. Topics include: Web Site Creation, Web Page Development and Design, Hyper link Creation, Test, and Repair, Integration, Web Site Navigation, and Web Site Management.1001BUSN2200Office Accounting4Introduces fundamental concepts of the accounting cycle for a sole proprietor service business. Topics include: accounting equation, analyzing business transactions, journalizing and posting transactions, accounts receivable and accounts payable subsidiary ledgers, financial statements, cash control, and payroll concepts.1003BUSN2230Office Management3Provide students with an overview of management concepts, styles, and skills. Topics include: management styles, leadership traits, ergonomics/workflow, communication channels, business ethics, supervisory techniques, and job performance evaluation techniques.1033BUSN2240Bus Admin Asst Internship I4Provides student work experience in a professional environment. Topics include: application of classroom knowledge and skills, work environment functions, and listening/following directions. Students will be under the supervision of the Business Administrative Technology program faculty and/or persons designated to coordinate work experience arrangements.1005BUSN2340Healthcare Administrative Procedures4Emphasizes essential skills required for the business healthcare office. Introduces the knowledge, skills, and procedures needed to understand billing purposes. Introduces the basic concept of business healthcare administrative assisting and its relationship to the other health fields. Emphasizes healthcare regulations and ethics; and, the healthcare administrative assistant's role as an agent of the physician. Provides the student with knowledge and the essentials of professional behavior.
Topics include: introduction to business healthcare procedures, healthcare regulations ethics, healthcare records management, scheduling appointments, health insurance, billing/collection, work area management, resource utilization, and office equipment.1006BUSN2370Medical Office Billing/Coding/Insurance3Provides an introduction to medical coding skills and applications of international coding standards for billing of health care services. Provides the knowledge and skills to apply coding of diagnostic statements and procedures for billing purposes. Provides an introduction to medical coding as it relates to health insurance. Topics include: International classification of diseases, code book formats; coding techniques; formats of the ICD and CPT manuals; health insurance; billing, reimbursement, and collections; and managed care.1368MGMT1120Introduction to Business3This course is designed to provide the student with an overview of the functions of business in the market system. The student will gain an understanding of the numerous decisions that must be made by managers and owners of businesses. Topics include: the market system, the role of supply and demand, financial management, legal issues in business, employee relations, ethics, and marketing.1012Minimum Length of Program: 5 Term(s)Minimum Credit Hours for Graduation: 64