Skip to Content

Home Academics Programs and Majors Business Technology

Business Technology

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

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, 2025

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, 2025

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, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ACCT 301 Financial Accounting 4
ACCT 341 Computerized Accounting 3
BUS 300 Introduction to Business 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)
Total Units: 22

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.

Business Information Worker Certificate

This certificate prepares students for entry-level office, computer, and administrative support positions in a variety of industries.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 100 English for the Professional 3
BUS 224 Customer Service 1
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 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) 3
   or BUS 312 Workplace Behavior and Ethics (3)
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets 2
Total Units: 21

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

Students who successfully complete this certificate are prepared for entry-level positions in office, computer, and administrative support positions in a variety of industries.


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, 2025

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
LA 300 Introduction to Law and the American Legal System 3
LA 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, 2025

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.