Business Administration

See Beyond the Numbers

Business administration is a broad area encompassing administration, management, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, supervision, banking, small business, international trade, accounting, and information systems. Study in this area explores the theories, history, principles, skills, practices, laws, ethics, and technologies governing the increasingly global business environment. Specifically, the Business Administration program at Southwestern College is oriented towards transfer to a 4-year institution.

All the degrees within Business Administration, i.e. those degrees found in this section of the catalog, are oriented towards transfer. This includes the AD-T degree, also referred to as the AS-T or SB1440 degree. This degree option provides students with some special transfer benefits, but it might not be the right choice for every student. There are also other transfer-oriented degrees in general Business Administration, International Business, Finance, Management and Marketing. To view these transfer degree options, please go on the "Programs" tab within this section of the catalog. For more information about what might best suit your needs including the benefits of an AD-T/AS-T degree, we recommend you speak with a Southwestern College Counselor. Many students also choose to earn the AD-T degree along with another business-oriented transfer degree or along with an Accounting degree by working on both at the same time. To be successful in doing so, it is important to apply for the degrees at the same time or in the correct order. Please see a Counselor for more information.

For non-transfer oriented associate degrees as well as skill-based certificates, please click on "Degrees & Certificates" and then look to other areas of this catalog including Business Management, Community, Economic and Urban Development, E-Business (ecommerce), Entrepreneurship & Small Business, Financial Services, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Leadership & Supervision (focusing on Human Resources), Logistics, Transportation and Supply Chain Management, International Business, and Marketing. The Business Management section of the catalog includes certificates in Business Management, Ecommerce/E-Business, Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Financial and Investment Services, and Marketing.

Program Awards

Our Business Administration programs are included in the Business field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion
Business Administration 2.0 (SB1440), Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Business Administration, Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Finance, Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Management, Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Marketing, Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation	Chula Vista	# Semesters

Common Careers

Below is a sample of the career options available for the business or business-related major. Most require an associate degree, some require a bachelor’s degree, and a few require a graduate-level degree: Administrator, manager, salesperson, banker, financial planner, high school or college instructor, lawyer, small business owner/operator, supervisor, economist, city manager, consumer analyst, purchasing agent, personnel officer, product developer, research auditor, controller, financier and insurance agent. Many entry-level employment opportunities are available in retail or wholesale sales, business offices, banks, savings and loans, hospitals, schools, colleges, and government.

The average annual salary in this field is $104,820 for occupations like Economist.

Typical Duties

Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Training and Teaching Others
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Developing Objectives and Strategies
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.