Experience It.

Associate of Science in Business

A key benefit of the Accelerated Learning Program is that there is a place for everyone! Because of the multiple and individualized degree completion options, the curriculum can accommodate someone with no previous college credits as easily as someone with a number of transfer credits. Call Admissions at (716) 932-2568 or (888) 252-2235 to find out which option is best for you.

Curriculum Sequence
CourseCreditsWeeks
ENG 111XWriting Effective Essays47
MGT 112XFundamentals of Management47
GEN 111XCritical and Academic Thought47
GEN 231XCreativity and Expression47
MAT 121XMathematical Applications47
MGT 231XHuman Resource Fundamentals47
ENG 201XWriting the Research Paper47
CIS 118XComputer Skills and Applications47
GEN 241XScientific Methods and Discovery47
GEN 221XCultural Interactions:
Early American Experiences		47
ENG 206XLiterature and Society47
PSY 101XGeneral Psychology47
ACC 110XAccounting Concepts47
MGT 265XNegotiation and Consensus47
HIS 251XPerspectives: The World Today47
Totals60105
ENG 111X Writing Effective Essays
Developed for the returning adult student, this course enables students to assess, critique, and hone their college-level composition skills, developing the ability to write effectively. It assists students to make judgments regarding content, organization, structure, and mechanics, focusing on the production of relevant, clear, and concise student essays. Research and revision are emphasized. Students will compile and evaluate a portfolio of their writings, including a self-assessment.
MGT 112X Fundamentals of Management
This course serves as a basic introduction to the study of management. Students will study the managerial environment and the processes of planning, organizing, leading, motivating, and controlling. These fundamental principles are examined using current events and practices in the business environment. The course will emphasize management in the 21st century as it faces the challenges of globalization, diversity, technology, social responsibility, and ethics.
GEN 111X Critical and Academic Thought
This course is designed to provide adult students with an introduction to the expectations and opportunities of college-level study. Throughout the course, critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills are emphasized in the exploration and evaluation of significant ideas. In addition, the course specifically addresses the academic, study, personal, and interpersonal skills required for success in accelerated learning situations. Students will also participate in and evaluate group learning interactions.
GEN 231X Creativity and Expression
This course explores forms of creative expression in visual, performing, and literary arts. Students will critically examine a variety of works of art, using accepted terminology to describe them, while acquiring perspective about these works and the interrelationships among them. In addition, through exploring, developing, and demonstrating their creativity in one art form, students will enhance their understanding of artistic expression.
MAT 121X Mathematical Applications
This course provides an introduction to the basic mathematical concepts, techniques, and applications associated with the fields of business and management. Topics include the algebra of linear equations, graphing, compound interest, set theory, and mathematical reasoning.
MGT 231X Human Resource Fundamentals
This course examines the functions of human resource management within a business environment. Emphasis is placed upon the effective management of employees as a means of achieving organizational goals. Topics to be covered include the legal environment of human resources, planning personnel needs, recruitment and employee selection, performance evaluation, employee motivational strategies, training and development, benefits management, compensation analysis and administration, labor relations in a union environment, safety and health, employee termination, ethics, diversity, and the impact of globalization and technological changes.
ENG 201X Writing the Research Paper
This second course in the ALP writing sequence develops students' skills in thinking and in writing analysis, using subject matter from across the curriculum. Each writing assignment requires research and writing from sources. Students will produce a formal research paper and a portfolio of their writings, including a self-assessment. Several writing diagnostics will be administered to help students identify and correct individual writing weaknesses.
CIS 118X Computer Skills and Applications
This skill-based introduction to the personal computer develops specific skills in the types of standard application software used in most organizations. Instruction includes the introduction of a graphical user interface (GUI), computer word processing, spreadsheets, and database management along with graphics, telecommunications and other pertinent topics such as computer ethics.
GEN 241X Scientific Methods and Discovery
This course is an inquiry into the process of scientific discovery, its methodology, development, relationship with technology, and role in modern society. By exploring aspects of scientific inquiry, students will develop a critical awareness of scientific and technological issues, methods, and critical processes.
GEN 221X Cultural Interaction: Early American Experiences
This course examines the ways in which the widely divergent cultures of seventeenth and eighteenth century North America interacted with each other and with their specific environments. The course uses historical, anthropological, social, economic, and political perspectives to develop a more sophisticated understanding of the American past, and the complex nature of global cultural interactions of which the colonial American experience is an example.
ENG 206X Literature and Society
This course introduces students to the basic literary forms, techniques, and processes used in poetry, drama, and the short story while examining the relationship between literature and society. Students will read and discuss selections from European and American literature, as well as selected classical and religious texts that have contributed to the development of Western Literature.
PSY 101X General Psychology
This course provides an introduction to the science of psychology, including how psychological data are gathered and applied to everyday life. Topics covered include the amazing brain, intelligence and thinking, learning and memory, social psychology, motivation, emotions and stress, personality and psychopathology, the senses and perception.
ACC 110X Accounting Concepts
This course is an introduction to the principles of accounting with emphasis on preparation and analysis of the four primary financial statements. Topics covered include the accounting equation, the accounting cycle, internal controls, account classifications, and use of accrual accounting to record and analyze transactions related to revenues, expenses, dividends, assets, liabilities and owners' equity. Basic managerial accounting concepts will be introduced. Ethical issues and the influence of FASB, IMA, and the SEC will be explored.
MGT 265X Negotiation and Consensus
This course examines two common methods used to resolve conflicting interests: negotiation and consensus building. Students are introduced to a range of effective organizational communication tools, including negotiation, consensus facilitation, and dispute resolution practices. Students will become aware of their own and other’s behavior in conflict situations and the effect or response that their communication has on others. Students will participate in a variety of negotiation cases, role plays, and communication exercises that illustrate different conflict resolution styles and strategies.
HIS 251X Perspective: The World Today
This course provides a global perspective on the forces uniting to shape the post-modern world. In particular, the impact of Western and non-Western societies upon each other is illuminated through an historical, cultural, and social examination of Chinese, Indian, and African states. This course highlights the reemergence of traditional societies in an age of fluid communications.

Admission Requirements

The combined Track A and Track B course sequences provide degree requirements for the associate degree. Students enrolled in the track programs may be eligible for an associate's degree at the conclusion of the Track B course sequence; students transferring in credits should meet with Student Services to determine if degree requirements will be met. Admissions requirements for the Track Programs are as follows:

Track A

Admission credentials that are required for the Admissions Committee:

  • a completed application for admission with a non-refundable application fee;
  • submission of official transcripts and any other required documentation, e.g., immunization records for individuals born on or after January 1, 1957;
  • proof of high school graduation or GED certificate;
  • a professional letter of recommendation;
  • two (2) years significant work experience. In addition, each student will be required to provide a copy of their current resume and a typewritten essay that demonstrates writing ability.

An applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate reading comprehension and writing proficiency in English. A minimum score of 500 (paper), 173 (computer) or 45 (Internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required.

Track B

Admission credentials that are required for the Admissions Committee:

  • a completed application for admission with a non-refundable application fee;
  • a minimum of 24 credits in transfer from an accredited institution of higher learning with a GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale;
  • submission of official transcripts and any other required documentation, e.g., immunization records for individuals born on or after January 1, 1957;
  • proof of high school graduation or GED certificate;
  • a professional letter of recommendation;
  • two (2) years significant work experience. In addition, each student will be required to provide a copy of their current resume and a typewritten essay that demonstrates writing ability.

An applicant with deficiencies in some of these areas may be offered admission status.

An applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate reading comprehension and writing proficiency in English. A minimum score of 500 (paper), 173 (computer) or 45 (Internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required.