Business Administration

Movers and Shakers: Forging a Future BUILT Career in Business

 

They don’t call it “walking a business.”

In the real world, business administration is a non-stop, high-energy pursuit that’s less about reading spreadsheets and more about leading people. Businesses, big and small, rely upon well-educated professionals every day in every field imaginable from healthcare to high-tech and beyond.

Business administration is a broad field that incorporates many types of management positions. From major corporations to independent businesses, every operation needs skilled administrators in order to succeed. Management careers tend to attract both independent and collaborative thinkers, typically with a mind for details and an entrepreneurial spirit. Coursework in this field is designed to advance knowledge and skills related to organizational leadership, managing people, and strategic planning.

Graduates of Career Education programs in this field go on to management positions in sales, marketing, education, healthcare, heavy industry, and more. They also develop the interpersonal and strategic planning skills necessary to succeed in starting their own businesses.

Demand for career professionals with college-level business administration training is projected to grow in the coming years, as concepts like facilities management and emergency preparedness continue to command a high priority.

Program Details

Business Administration Degrees & Certificates

A certificate or associate degree in Business Administration is your ticket to bold opportunities in this burgeoning field. Golden West College is proud to offer two associate degrees and three Certificates of Achievement in this field:

Business Administration — Associate in Arts (AA) Degree:
One of two department majors, this curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in business in both the private and public sectors. It also prepares students for further studies in business, management, and other related disciplines.

Business Administration – Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) Degree:
This program prepares students for careers in business in both the private and public sectors. The curriculum is suitable for students who are looking to enter the workforce for the first time, as well as working students who want to learn business fundamentals to help them advance in their current careers.

Business Administration – Certificate of Achievement:
This program prepares students for careers in business in both the private and public sectors. The curriculum is suitable for students who are looking to enter the workforce for the first time, as well as working students who want to learn business fundamentals to help them advance in their current careers.

Entrepreneurship I: Small Business Startup Essentials – Certificate of Achievement:
Designed for students seeking to explore, evaluate, and plan the startup of a business, this program addresses the traits and skill sets utilized by successful entrepreneurs and enables students to evaluate and test business ideas. Students will also learn how to identify and attract customers. Completion of this certificate demonstrates knowledge of the entrepreneurial mindset and process and provides practical tools and techniques used to develop and evaluate new business ideas.

Entrepreneurship II: Small Business Ownership and Expansion – Certificate of Achievement:
For those seeking to start, manage, and/or expand a small business, this certificate program covers the marketing, legal, regulatory and financial aspects of starting and managing a small business. Completion of this Entrepreneurship certificate program demonstrates knowledge of the entrepreneurial mindset and process and provides practical tools and methods for starting, managing, and expanding a business.

For additional program details, see the Business Administration Program Main Page or the Golden West College Catalog.

Why Golden West College?

GWC’s Business Administration for Transfer degree is part of the GWC Completion Guarantee. That means guaranteed admission to a CSU for qualified AS-T program graduates.

Our knowledgeable and accessible faculty are chosen for their real-world industry experience. This ensures that GWC Business Administration students learn the latest in software, technology, and industry philosophy.  

Golden West cares! GWC is an energetic and welcoming community of learning, committed to supporting your higher education aspirations. Learn more about Golden West College’s student services and support resources by clicking here.

Golden Opportunities in Business Administration

Driven by technology and an increase in the complexity of business logistics, the business administration field continues to fuel rewarding career opportunities for well-educated, well-trained Orange County professionals. Business administration is a “Bright Outlook” field, according to O-NET Online, with job growth projected to occur at a 10% rate in the next decade.

Golden West College business administration grads are earning great salaries in these positions and more!

  • Administrative Coordinator
  • Administrative Director
  • Administrative Manager
  • Administrative Officer
  • Administrative Specialist
  • Banker
  • Business Administrator
  • Business Manager
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • City Manager
  • Controller
  • Consultant
  • Department Store Manager
  • Director
  • Facilities Manager
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Office Manager
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Retail Manager
  • School Administrator
Affording the Opportunity

Golden West College is proud to provide excellent-quality Career Education at a low cost. Our goal is to remain accessible to ALL community members seeking to enrich their future. Tuition: $46 per unit for California residents. Information on College Service Charge and additional fees available at: http://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/register/.

For Financial Aid information or to find out if you are eligible for Free Tuition through our
Golden Promise Program, visit http://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/goldenpromise/.

Accolades for Golden West College Business Administration

Golden West College’s Business Administration department is honored to be the recipient of a 2018 Strong Workforce Star from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. Business Administration at GWC earned a Bronze Star for excellence in earning outcomes, with the accolade noting a staggering 74% average increase in earnings among program alums.

Future BUILT Support

Golden West College is committed to providing students with affordable, accessible Career Education pathways, along with responsive staff to assist and guide you on your way!

Career and Employment Center:
GWC’s Career Center is a hub for services related to the career development needs of students and the general public. Our friendly staff can assist you in exploring career fields with a comprehensive library of up-to-date, computerized and published resources.

Learning Resource Center:
Featuring facilities and materials for general assistance in math, reading, writing, and more, GWC’s Learning Resource Center is a one-stop destination for student support. Take advantage of tutoring services, computer lab access, library resources, and more!

Special Programs:
Golden West hosts a variety of career-oriented programs and services, including CalWORKS, Cooperative Work Experience (CWE), and many others.

Advising and Counseling:
Make sure you’re in the right classes… and on the right course! GWC’s Planning and Guidance Services cover a broad range of student needs, including degree advising, career counseling, and transfer assistance.

Special Programs:
Golden West College is committed to assisting our underserved and challenged students in any way possible. GWC offers specific resources for DACA students, Former Foster Youth, students requiring Basic Needs Assistance, and more.

Gainful Employment Information

For more information regarding the Business Administration program costs and employment outcome averages, click here.

Program Learning Outcomes

Business Administration – Associate in Arts:

  • Identify, analyze, and solve a variety of business problems.
  • Develop an understanding of business issues to make informed business decisions.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills used in today’s business environment.
  • Possess a knowledge of financial report preparation and interpretation.

Business Administration – Certificate of Achievement:

  • Identify, analyze, and solve a variety of business problems.
  • Develop an understanding of business issues to make informed decisions.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills used in today’s business environment.
  • Possess a knowledge of financial report preparation and interpretation.

Business Administration – Associate in Science for Transfer:

  • Identify and explain the three major types of business entities by developing an organizational chart, a mission statement, a business plan, and a marketing plan.
  • Identify and explain the laws affecting sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.
  • Identify and develop accounting systems used in sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.
  • Demonstrate the ability to distinguish between leadership and management as they apply to all organizations, private and public, including governmental and educational agencies.

Entrepreneurship I – Small Business Startup Essentials – Certificate of Specialization:

  • Apply personal traits associated with an entrepreneurial mindset.
  • Evaluate and test ideas and options for starting a new business.
  • Analyze the customer, competition, costs, challenges, and rewards associated with business startup.
  • Prepare business and market planning documents to evaluate a new business idea or opportunity.

Entrepreneurship II – Small Business Ownership and Expansion – Certificate of Specialization:

  • Assess the financial, marketing, legal, and regulatory considerations for starting and owning a business.
  • Prepare business planning documents to start or expand a business.
  • Apply accounting information and prepare financial statements to evaluate business performance.
  • Apply managerial methods to conduct operations such as business formation, online presence, and staffing.

Program Contact

Diana Rochat

Division Office

Average Salary in this Field

$47,837 –
$48,621

Bronze
Star

California Community College Strong Workforce Star Recipient

Careers in this Field

Business Administrator
Office Manager
Administrative Director

Ready to Get Started?

Orange County industry depends on Future BUILT professionals with the next-level knowledge and skills learned in Golden West College’s Career Education programs.
Apply today and start building your  bolder future!

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