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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Business Technology

Business Technology

Overview

The degree is designed to develop advanced skills needed for upper-level administrative support and office management careers. The course work includes communication skills, organizational management, business documents and projects, teamwork, financial data, ethics, and a variety of computer and office technologies.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.A. in Administrative Professional
  • Business Information Professional I Certificate
  • Business Information Professional II Certificate
  • Law Office Clerical Assistant Certificate
  • Office Assistant Certificate

Associate Degree

A.A. in Administrative Professional

This degree is designed to develop advanced skills needed for upper-level administrative support and office management careers. The course work includes communication skills, organizational management, business documents and projects, teamwork, financial data, ethics, and a variety of computer and office technologies.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ACCT 101 Fundamentals of College Accounting (3) 3 - 4
   or ACCT 301 Financial Accounting (4)
   or BUS 105 Business Mathematics (3)
BUS 100 English for the Professional 3
BUS 300 Introduction to Business 3
BUS 310 Business Communications 3
BUSTEC 101 Computer Keyboarding: 10-Key 1
BUSTEC 126 Outlook: Basics (1) 1
   or CISA 126 Outlook: Basics (1)
BUSTEC 127 Outlook: Tools (1) 1
   or CISA 127 Outlook: Tools (1)
BUSTEC 300.1 Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning 1
BUSTEC 305 Introduction to Business Information Technology 3
BUSTEC 310 Introduction to Word/Information Processing 3
BUSTEC 332 Advanced Business Applications 3
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets 2
CISA 320 Introduction to Database Management 1
MGMT 300 Introduction to Leadership in Action (3) 3
   or MGMT 304 Principles of Management (3)
   or BUS 312 Workplace Behavior and Ethics (3)
Total Units: 31 - 32

The Administrative Professional Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • manage office operations including employee supervision, records management, supplies and equipment, administrative support, financial statements, and customer service.
  • evaluate business projects, generate task lists, and prioritize completion of work.
  • integrate word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and electronic information management systems to complete business projects.
  • create, revise, and evaluate verbal and written business messages demonstrating business communication techniques.
  • utilize critical thinking, problem solving, and organizational management skills to complete work independently or in a group.
  • analyze ethical dilemmas, utilize ethical decision-making processes, and determine appropriate ethical behavior.

Career Information

Typical career opportunities include clerical, administrative support, and executive assistant positions with private industry, non-profit organizations, and government entities.

Certificates of Achievement

Business Information Professional I Certificate

The Business Information Professional I Certificate is designed for entry-level office, computer, and administrative support positions in a variety of industries. It includes courses in: oral and written business communications; computer application skills, including beginning Excel, Word, and Outlook; the fundamentals of computer systems; and critical thinking and problem solving. This certificate is a collaborative certificate and courses are available at multiple colleges. The required course list can be referenced to find more information regarding the courses available at each college. This certificate can be completed 100% online. NOTE: This is a collaborative certificate between ARC, CRC and FLC. Certificate candidates must meet with a program counselor to ensure local unit requirements are met.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 100 English for the Professional 3
BUS 105 Business Mathematics (3) 3
or MATH 300 Introduction to Mathematical Ideas (3)
BUSTEC 101 Computer Keyboarding: 10-Key 11
BUSTEC 126 Outlook: Basics (1) 1
   or CISA 126 Outlook: Basics (1)
BUSTEC 298 Work Experience in Business Technology 0.5 -4
BUSTEC 300.1 Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning 12
BUSTEC 300.2 Keyboarding/Applications: Document Formatting 13
BUSTEC 305 Introduction to Business Information Technology 3
BUSTEC 310 Introduction to Word/Information Processing 3
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets 24
CISA 340 Presentation Graphics 25
CISC 300 Computer Familiarization 16
Total Units: 21.5 - 25

1 Substitute course, BUSTEC 307 Computer Keyboarding and Skill Building, is available at Folsom Lake College and Cosumnes River College

2Substitute course, BUSTEC 307 Computer Keyboarding and Skill Building, is available at Folsom Lake College and Cosumnes River College

3Substitute course, BUSTEC 307 Computer Keyboarding and Skill Building, is available at Folsom Lake College and Cosumnes River College

4Substitute course, BUSTEC 362 - Comprehensive Electronic Spreadsheets, is available at Folsom Lake College.

5Substitute course, BUSTEC 366 - Electronic Presentations, is available at Folsom Lake College.

6Substitute course(s), BUSTEC 309 - Computer Familiarization, is available at Folsom lake College. CISC 302 - Computer Familiarization, is available at Cosumnes River College.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate proficiency in business technology applications.
  • demonstrate proficiency in business administration skills.
  • demonstrate proficiency in business communication skills.
  • apply customer service skills in a business environment and provide a positive customer service experience.

Career Information

The Business Information Professional Certificate prepares for entry-level positions in office, computer, and administrative support positions in a variety of industries.

Business Information Professional II Certificate

This Certificate prepares students for mid-level office and administrative support in a variety of job positions in a multitude of industries, including office and executive administrative support, office supervision, small business support, retail sales, and customer service representatives. The BIP II Certificate builds on the foundation established in the BIP I Certificate. Students gain needed skills in business and communication, in addition to skills in business applications such as Access, Excel, QuickBooks, and Word. Successful completion of this certificate prepares students to test for the Expert level certification in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ACCT 301 Financial Accounting 4
ACCT 341 Computerized Accounting 3
BUS 300 Introduction to Business 3
BUS 100 English for the Professional 3
BUS 310 Business Communications 3
BUS 330 Managing Diversity in the Workplace (3) 3
   or BUS 312 Workplace Behavior and Ethics (3)
BUSTEC 332 Advanced Business Applications 3
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication (3) 3
or BUS 312 Workplace Behavior and Ethics (3)
A minimum of 0.5 units from the following: 0.5
BUSTEC 498 Work Experience in Business Technology (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 25.5

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate proficiency in advanced business technology applications.
  • demonstrate proficiency in business administration and leadership skills needed to manage a multicultural workforce.
  • demonstrate proficiency in business communication and understand the challenges of intercultural communications.
  • demonstrate customer service skills in a business environment and provide a positive customer service experience.

Law Office Clerical Assistant Certificate

This certificate provides the skills needed for entry-level clerical positions in law offices. The course work emphasizes workforce skills including an introduction to the use of terms particular to the legal field.

This Law Office Clerical Assistant certificate is not approved by the American Bar Association and does not prepare students to work as paralegals or legal assistants under California state law.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 312 Workplace Behavior and Ethics 3
BUSTEC 100.1 Keyboarding Skills: Beginning (1) 1
   or BUSTEC 300.1 Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning (1)
BUSTEC 100.2 Keyboarding Skills: Intermediate (1) 1
   or BUSTEC 300.2 Keyboarding/Applications: Document Formatting (1)
BUSTEC 305 Introduction to Business Information Technology 3
BUSTEC 310 Introduction to Word/Information Processing 3
PLGL 300 Introduction to Law and the American Legal System 3
PLGL 350 Law Office Management 3
Total Units: 17

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate keyboarding competence in the legal workplace.
  • solve common office problems using current business technology and software applications.
  • practice effective communication with law office personnel and clients.
  • apply appropriate ethical standards to the special situations encountered in a law office.
  • produce written documents in appropriate formats using typical legal office technology.

Career Information

Typical career opportunities are entry-level clerical positions in a law office. In order to earn an A.A. or a Certificate to become a Legal Assistant/Paralegal, see the Legal Studies Program requirements in the Behavior and Social Sciences Division.

Certificate

Office Assistant Certificate

This certificate provides training in clerical procedures for entry-level office positions.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
BUSTEC 101 Computer Keyboarding: 10-Key 1
BUSTEC 125 Clerical Assistant 6
BUSTEC 300.1 Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning 1
Total Units: 8

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • perform keyboarding tasks successfully and competently in the workplace.
  • solve business problems using current business technology and software applications.
  • appropriately apply rules and procedures for the business environment.
  • produce job search documents and demonstrate job search skills.

Career Information

Typical career opportunities are entry-level clerical positions.

Business Technology (BUSTEC) Courses

BUSTEC 100.1 Keyboarding Skills: Beginning

  • Units:1
  • Hours:12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:BUSTEC 300.1 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course helps students improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy. Individualized skill improvement plans are based on a computerized assessment of computer keyboarding speed and accuracy. This course is not open to students who have previously completed the first module of BUSTEC 100. This course is for students who know how to correctly touch type and want to improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy. Students who want to learn to correctly touch type should take BUSTEC 300.1. Pass/No Pass only.

BUSTEC 100.2 Keyboarding Skills: Intermediate

  • Units:1
  • Hours:12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:BUSTEC 100.1
  • Advisory:Eligibility for BUS 310, ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480), or ESLW 340
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course helps students improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy and builds upon the skills learned in BUSTEC 100.1. Individualized skill improvement plans are based on a computerized assessment of computer keyboarding speed and accuracy. This course is not open to students who have previously completed the second module of BUSTEC 100. This course is for students who know how to correctly touch type and want to improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy. Pass/No Pass only.

BUSTEC 100.3 Keyboarding Skills: Advanced

  • Units:1
  • Hours:12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:BUSTEC 100.2
  • Advisory:Eligibility for BUS 310, ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480), or ESLW 340
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course helps students improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy and builds upon the skills learned in BUSTEC 100.2. Individualized skill improvement plans are based on a computerized assessment of computer keyboarding speed and accuracy. This course is not open to students who have previously completed the third module of BUSTEC 100. This course is for students who know how to correctly touch type and want to improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy. Pass/No Pass only.

BUSTEC 101 Computer Keyboarding: 10-Key

  • Units:1
  • Hours:12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:BUSTEC 300.1 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces the numeric keypad and alphanumeric data entry. Course content focuses on developing proper 10-key technique, speed, and accuracy. Simulated employment tests based on industry standards are included. Ten-key certification testing is completed at the end of the course.

BUSTEC 125 Clerical Assistant

  • Units:6
  • Hours:90 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:BUSTEC 300.1 with a grade of "C" or better; or ability to touch type at 25 wpm.
  • Corequisite:BUSTEC 101
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers the skills needed for entry-level clerical positions. Topics include word processing and spreadsheet applications; American Records Management Association (ARMA) filing procedures; office procedures and communications, including telephone, mail, email, and Internet; soft-skills; and employability skills.

BUSTEC 126 Outlook: Basics

  • Same As:CISA 126
  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:BUSTEC 300.1
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces Microsoft Outlook, the industry-leading personal information management software. Topics include understanding and navigating the Outlook environment, creating and sending email, using email special features, managing Outlook contacts, using an electronic calendar, and creating tasks and to-do items. Completion of BUSTEC 126/CISA 126 and BUSTEC
127/CISA 127 prepares students to pass the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
certification for the Microsoft Outlook application. This course is not open to students who have completed CISA 126.

BUSTEC 127 Outlook: Tools

  • Same As:CISA 127
  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:BUSTEC 126 or CISA 126 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:BUSTEC 300.1 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course presents the advanced personal information management tools in Outlook. Topics include working with multiple email accounts, using rules and folders, incorporating advanced calendar and contact features, collaborating using sharing and delegate features, and customizing the Outlook user interface. In addition, the course covers the integration of Outlook with other applications in the Microsoft Office suite. Completion of BUSTEC 126/CISA 126 and BUSTEC 127/CISA 127 prepares students to pass the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification for the Microsoft Outlook application. This course is not open to students who have completed CISA 127.

BUSTEC 298 Work Experience in Business Technology

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Before students can participate in the Work Experience program, Los Rios Community College District must have a signed Employer Agreement on file with the student’s employer. If the employer already has an active agreement with the district (viewable at losrios.edu/wexpemployeragreement), no further action is required. In addition, students must have a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job that aligns with their career goals and a cooperating worksite supervisor who will sign all required course documents. Dual enrollment students are not permitted to enroll in Work Experience courses. Students are advised to consult with the Business Technology Department faculty to review specific certificate and degree work experience requirements.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000, ENGL C1000H, or ESLW 340
  • General Education:Local GE L7B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides students with opportunities to reflect on their current skills, knowledge and abilities and explore how these are work assets and how these can be enhanced and/or developed to increase employability within the field of business technology. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in associate degree level or certificate occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce, completion of Title 5 required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at an approved worksite, and developing workplace skills and competencies.

During the semester, the student is required to complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units.

Students new to Work Experience will be required to engage weekly while returning participants may meet individually with the instructor as needed. All students are required to attend the first course meeting.

Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times. Students are encouraged to develop new or expanded learning objectives in consultation with their employer when the course is repeated. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

BUSTEC 299 Experimental Offering in Business Technology

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

BUSTEC 300.1 Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning

  • Units:1
  • Hours:12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for BUS 310, ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480), or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces touch typing of alphabetic, numeric, and symbol keys. It covers keyboarding techniques, speed-and-accuracy development, and essential computer-keyboarding information. This course is specifically designed for the beginning typist as well as those who have been typing for a long time using improper technique. This course is not open to students who have previously completed the first module of BUSTEC 300.

BUSTEC 300.2 Keyboarding/Applications: Document Formatting

  • Units:1
  • Hours:12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:BUSTEC 300.1 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:Eligibility for BUS 310, ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480), or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides beginning to intermediate document formatting and skill development for academic, employment, personal, and businesses purposes. This course builds upon skills learned in BUSTEC 300.1 to provide students with additional computer keyboarding skills in the creation and modification of word processing documents. It covers use of an office-level word processing program to create and format business correspondence, academic reports, business reports, and tables. English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and proofreading are reinforced throughout. Timed writing tests are used to increase keyboarding speed and accuracy. This course is not open to students who have previously completed the second module of BUSTEC 300.

BUSTEC 300.3 Keyboarding/Applications: Advanced Document Formatting

  • Units:1
  • Hours:12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:BUSTEC 300.2 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:Eligibility for BUS 310, ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480), or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides advanced skill development of documents for business, academic, employment, or personal use. This course builds on skills learned in BUSTEC 300.2. This course includes enhancing proofreading proficiency, reinforcing communication skills, increasing speed and accuracy, and using features of a current office-level word processing program to create a variety of business documents with advanced formatting. This course is not open to students who have previously completed the third module of BUSTEC 300.

BUSTEC 305 Introduction to Business Information Technology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course prepares business professionals to use office systems, technologies, and sustainable procedures to support today's digital work environments. Topics include the use of business-related hardware and software, business communication, electronic calendars, project management, records management, business document preparation, cloud-based applications, information storage, and team collaboration. Critical thinking, problem-solving, administrative procedures, and information processing technologies are used to complete assignments and activities applicable in a business environment. Skills learned will provide a foundation in information and communications technology used in administration and management positions. This course is not open to students who have previously taken BUSTEC 110.

BUSTEC 310 Introduction to Word/Information Processing

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:BUSTEC 100.1 or 300.1 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a review of basic word/information processing and introduces intermediate and advanced formatting for correspondence, tables, reports, newsletters, and other business-related documents. It emphasizes formatting and document production techniques to produce professional business documents used in today's workplace. Intermediate and advanced word processing topics include tables, columns, themes and styles, merge, graphics, macros, collaboration, and templates.

BUSTEC 332 Advanced Business Applications

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:BUSTEC 310, CISA 315, and CISA 320
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course applies office administration skills and procedures using a suite of software. Course content integrates word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and communication software to create, format, revise, share, and maintain business documents and data. Hands-on business projects require use of current office systems and incorporate problem-solving skills and real world business simulations.

BUSTEC 370 Business Information Technology Capstone

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:BUSTEC 305, BUSTEC 310, and CISA 315 with grades of "C" or better
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000, ENGL C1000H, ESLW 340, and MATH 300
  • Transferable:CSU (effective Fall 2026)
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

The Business Information Technology Capstone course serves as the culminating experience for students in the field of business information technology. Building upon foundational knowledge acquired throughout their academic journey, this course integrates theoretical concepts with practical applications to prepare students for real-world challenges in the rapidly evolving business landscape.

BUSTEC 498 Work Experience in Business Technology

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Before students can enroll or participate in the Work Experience program, Los Rios Community College District must have a signed Employer Agreement on file with the student’s worksite. If the employer already has an active agreement with the district (viewable at losrios.edu/wexpemployeragreement), no further action is required. In addition, students must have a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job that aligns with their career goals and a cooperating worksite supervisor who will sign all required course documents. Dual enrollment students are not permitted to enroll in Work Experience courses.
  • Transferable:CSU (effective Fall 2026)
  • General Education:Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2026)
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides students with opportunities to reflect on their current skills, knowledge and abilities and explore how these are workplace assets and how these can be enhanced and/or developed to increase employability in the field of Business Technology. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in transfer-level degree occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce, completion of Title 5 required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at an approved work site, and developing workplace skills and competencies. During the semester, the student is required to complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. All students are required to attend the first course meeting, a mid-semester meeting, and a final meeting. Additionally, students who have not already successfully completed a Work Experience course will be required to attend weekly orientations while returning participants may meet individually with the instructor as needed. Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times when there are new or expanded learning objectives. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

BUSTEC 499 Experimental Offering in Business Technology

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog