Business Administration

Program News

Three New Short-Certificates in Accounting!

Whatcom Community College now offers three new, short certificates of proficiency including:

• Accounting for AP, AR and Inventory
• Governmental/Not-for-Profit Accounting
• Individual Income Tax

These 20-credit certificates provide the opportunity to update and refine in-demand accounting skills for professionals as well as enhance the credibility of the modern job seeker. See other new certificates launched last fall in payroll accounting and QuickBooks Pro.

Clerical Assistant IBEST starting in 2013!

This program provides extra support to students working towards certificates in Accounting or Office Administration or a degree in Business Administration. IBEST programs are ideal for students currently attending ABE (Adult Basic Ed) or ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, attending college for the first time, or retraining for a new career. IBEST supported classes include business, customer service and accounting. Call 360-383-3080 for more information, including eligibility requirements and the application process.

Changes have also been made to improve WCC's Office Administration and Accounting certificates to enhance learning, knowledge and employability of graduates.  See specific links below in the Degree and Certificate section for specific course requirements, or contact a program advisor for more information. Click here for individual class schedules available this fall.

What can I do with a degree in Business Administration

Students with training and education in business are employed by public, private and not-for-profit organizations and agencies. Employees with business skills are valued by financial institutions, trade/labor organizations, government agencies, insurance companies, corporations, educational institutions, health care organizations, tax related businesses, and many more. Students with business degrees or certificates have many employment opportunities, and are often able to increase their skills through on-the-job-training or additional education.

What can I do with the Accounting Certificate?

This accounting certificate (56-64 credits) offers the range of clerical and accounting skills needed to perform full-charge bookkeeping tasks for a small business accurately and efficiently. Employees in this position will use both manual and computerized systems, and will work under the supervision of an accountant. Two additional short-term Certificates of Proficiency (20 credits or less) are available for those who want to focus in on specialized accounting toipcs (see below).

What can I do with the Retail Management Certificate?

This certificate gives students a well-rounded management foundation, and is broadly applicable to all retail situations. The certificate prepares students to communicate effectively, handle human resource issues, develop a management style, and understand marketing and promotion. All of the certificate courses are also applicable to the 90-credit Business Administration Associate in Science, General Business Emphasis degree.

Whatcom Community College is part of a consortium of 15 colleges across the state that are offering Retail Management Certificates, and students will be able to complete the certificate at any of the colleges offering the certificate. In addition, the certificate was developed with the assistance of the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC). Grocery industry employees who complete the certificate with a ‘C' grade or higher in each course may be eligible to receive a cash bonus and certificate from WAFC. Some local grocery chains are offering significant incentives to their employees to pursue the certificate, such as tuition reimbursement, incentive raises, and cash bonuses upon completion. Go to www.wafc.com for a complete list of participants and for more details.

What is the Business Administration Program?

The Business Administration program provides choices for students. Students can choose from an Associate in Science (AS) degree, which contains specialties for focused study: Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, or General Business. Whatcom also offers AS degrees in Accounting and Hospitality & Tourism Business Management. The AS degree contains Core Requirements, Specialty Requirements, Related Instruction/General Education and Cooperative Work Experience/Electives. Students must complete all Core Requirements, one of the Specialty Requirements, the required Related Instruction/General Education courses, Co-op credits and possibly some elective credits for a total of at least 90 college level degree credits.

Certificates are also available in Accounting,Office Administration, Hospitality & Tourism Business Management, and Retail Management. The certificates contain Core Requirements, Related Instruction/General Education courses, and Cooperative Work Experience/Electives for a total of 45 to 61 college level credits. Students who complete a certificate may be able to apply the credits of the AS Business Administration degree in the future. Shorter-term Certificates of Proficiency (15-21 credits) are also available in a variety of topics to support specialization.

Many students in the Business Administration program want to maximize the transferability of their coursework to the university/four-year college system. Students can earn both the AS Business Administration degree and the Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS Transfer) degree with a minimum of extra credits. Also, students in the AAS Transfer degree program can tailor their degree to focus on their interest in entering the Business department at a four-year college or university. For either of these plans, students are strongly recommended to use WCC's advising services in developing their educational plan.

Degree and Certificate Information [PDF Format]

• Associate in Science Degree / Accounting
• Associate in Science Degree / Business Administration
• Associate in Science Degree / Hospitality & Tourism Business Management
• Certificate / Accounting --- Click here for Gainful Employment details.
• Certificate of Proficiency / Accounting for Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Inventory
• Certificate of Proficiency / Governmental , Not-for-Profit Accounting
• Certificate of Proficiency / Individual Income Tax
• Certificate of Proficiency / Payroll Accounting
• Certificate of Proficiency / QuickBooks Pro
• Certificate / Hospitality & Tourism Business Management --- Click here for Gainful Employment details.
• Certificate / Retail Management --- Click here for Gainful Employment details.  
• Certificate / Office Administration --- Click here for Gainful Employment details.
• Certificate of Proficiency / Clerical Assistant

For more certificate/short-term training opportunities visit the Office Administration Program webpage.

For more information about the hospitality and tourism options, visit the Hospitality & Tourism Business Management webpage.

What are the prerequisites?

There are no special prerequisite courses for this program; however, students are encouraged to develop college level writing and math skills and strong computer skills early in their educational program. New students should complete the college's assessment/placement testing to determine writing and math levels. To schedule an assessment appointment, call (360) 383-3080.

What is the application process?

Apply to WCC online.

If you are unable to apply online, request a WCC application by email at admit@whatcom.ctc.edu, by phone (360) 383-3001 or in person at the Entry/Advising Office, LDC 116.

There is no special program application for the Business Administration program.