Practical Business Management

Students completing the Practical Business Management, Associate of Applied Science degree will have the knowledge to manage or own a small- to medium-sized business and be equipped to plan and execute successful events. This knowledge includes: basic accounting; marketing; oral and written communication; human resource management; basic sound and lighting; and effective business practices. Students will develop skills in creativity, composure, interpersonal communication, writing, and organization. The Practical Business Management program is an excellent opportunity for students who have already completed training in a particular field and wish to develop the skills necessary to run a business in that field. It is also useful for students in local high schools that emphasize technical theater, business, or accounting. After earning the AAS, students can continue in a variety of post-secondary fields, including: hospitality, business management, accounting, graphic design, and marketing. The Practical Business Management program, in addition to an AAS degree, contains three fully-embedded Career Pathway Certificates of Completion that students can complete independently or on their pathway to the AAS. The certificates include: Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Event Management, and Retail Management. All three certificates start with a common core of essential classes. Students seeking specific content knowledge of another industry or occupation can complete one of the certificates after completing a certificate or AAS degree in another area, i.e. culinary arts or graphic design. Students completing this program can successfully apply for jobs as a general manager, event planner, corporate planner, or government event planner. They can also be owners of small businesses.