Associate of Arts in Business Administration (AABA) Program

The online Associate of Arts in Business Administration (AABA) Program is a directed independent study undergraduate degree program. The objective of the Program is to develop educated business professionals. This is accomplished through the presentation of the technical and interpersonal skills necessary to obtain entry-level positions in the fields of business as supervisors, managers, accountants, controllers, or as independent business operators.

The online business administration program provides students with broad-based perspectives on the application of the concepts and skills required in a modern business environment. Additionally, students gain the requisite general education knowledge through comprehensive courses in the study of the humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, social and behavioral sciences, and communications.

Graduates of the Program will emerge with a recognized degree and a set of diverse and relevant skills that are applicable in the pursuit of business administration, management, or entrepreneurial opportunities and growth.

The online business administration degree program builds a broad understanding of the important elements of business management and administration while providing for a number of elective options.

Business study prepares job seekers for a range of careers. In general, the outlook for employees who have business degrees is outstanding because when looking for managers and supervisors, most companies prefer to promote employees who have degrees. This is because the degree provides a wide variety of business skills that can be used in a variety of areas throughout a company. This degree provides a basic knowledge of skills that allow a student to work nearly anywhere a business has a need. The Business Administration Associate's Degree is also a great starting point for people who eventually want to specialize in a certain business area and perhaps go on to earn a Bachelor's and Master's Degree.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

General Education Learning Outcomes:
Students will demonstrate the ability to:

Business Foundation Learning Outcomes:

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PRESENTATION

The Program utilizes a directed independent study modality and requires no classroom attendance. The AABA program is 60 semester credit hours with 24 credits required in general education, 30 credits in required business foundation courses, and 6 credits of elective business courses. To earn the AABA degree, a student must complete 60 units total with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00. The requirements must be completed within five years from the date of initial enrollment.

The Program is presented on a trimester basis. Each trimester consists of a minimum time period of 16 weeks from the date study commences. Completion of assignments within this time period is at the discretion of the student. There are no assignments that must be submitted on a weekly or monthly schedule and students may take time off between trimesters.

Each course is 3 credit hours (with the exception of BUS 499 – Comprehensive Business Plan, which is 6 credit hours), and students are generally enrolled in 12 units each trimester. Students not completing all trimester coursework in 16 weeks will be granted an extension of time (not to exceed 48 weeks) to complete the requirements of the trimester. Except in special circumstances, the entire degree program must be completed within 5 years of matriculation.

ADMISSION POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must provide verification of High School graduation, GED, or the equivalency. AABA students may apply to transfer up to 45 credits (Transfer Credits) from comparable courses completed at other appropriately accredited institutions. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for transfer credits.

Students enter the Program as pre-business students. They retain that classification until they are admitted to the AABA program. The AABA degree is granted to those students who achieve AABA admission and fulfill all degree requirements.

AABA admission requires that credit be earned for a minimum of 3 required Foundation courses with a minimum grade point average of 2.25. Those who do not achieve AABA admission after completion of 27 semester credits applicable to the degree are placed on academic probation for a maximum of one trimester to complete the requirements for AABA admission. Students who do not successfully gain admission to the AABA program will not be able to complete the AABA degree.

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not earned a degree from an appropriately accredited institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum score of 500 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), or 61 on the Internet Based Test (iBT), or a 6.0 on the International English Language Test (IELTS). Transcripts not in English must be evaluated by an appropriate third party and translated into English or a trained transcript evaluator fluent in the language on the transcript. For more information on TOEFL visit the website: www.ets.org/toefl

To apply for admission to the Program, an applicant must first complete the University’s Application for Admission Form along with the required $40.00 application fee.

If the applicant is accepted for admission to the Program, enrollment materials will be prepared and sent to the applicant for review and signature. All payments submitted for tuition and fees must be payable in U.S. dollars. Payments may be made by MasterCard®,Visa®, American Express® or personal/business check.

As set forth in the University’s General Catalog, Internet access and minimum computer requirements and skills are required as a condition of admittance.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

The University's independent study modality recognizes that education is an individual process where individuals with different learning needs and study schedules can be accommodated. It emphasizes learning that is meaningful, where individuals enjoy the learning process, and acquire knowledge to better understand and manage their own careers.

The Program’s Faculty Mentors support the student’s independent-study learning role by guiding and stimulating the learning process in one-on-one interaction. Our faculty mentors recognize individual learning styles and needs, encourage one-on-one contact, and emphasize the relevance of the material to the individual's situation.

Each course in the Program contains a series of lesson assignments generally consisting of reading assignments supplemented occasionally by various multimedia. Students are evaluated through examinations and/or research assignments which are submitted for faculty evaluation. All assignments are submitted electronically.

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CURRICULUM

Program requirements and course prerequisites are outlined in the table below. Unless a specific prerequisite is identified, all 100 and 200 level courses may be taken in any order.

Total Semester Units Required for Graduation: 60

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The cost of books and materials, other than each course syllabus, is not included in the tuition. Most books and materials may be purchased at local colleges, retail bookstores, directly from publishers or over the Internet. The cost is estimated to average approximately $125.00 per course.

TRANSFER CREDIT, PORTFOLIO CREDIT AND CREDIT BY EXAM

The acceptance of transfer credits between academic institutions lies within the discretion of the receiving college or university. Credits earned at William Howard Taft University may or may not be accepted by another institution depending upon its own programs, policies, and regulations.

Subject to the limitations of state and accreditation regulations and academic comparability, students may apply to have credit awarded through completion of:

A maximum of 45 units may be awarded for transfer credit or a combination of transfer credit and experiential or equivalent credit. For no student, however, may the credit given for credit by exam and experiential or equivalent learning exceed 15 units. Official transcripts will be required for courses approved to transfer into the Program within 60 days of enrollment. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for transfer credits.

Foreign Degree Evaluation

Applicants wishing to transfer in credits or degrees earned at institutions located outside the United States must have their academic transcripts evaluated and certified by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) member organization. Applicants will be assessed a fee by the certifying organization and should request that the report be sent directly to Taft University. Applicants transferring in a degree need to request a General Degree Evaluation sometimes called a Document by Document Evaluation. Applicants wishing to transfer in credits toward specific courses must request a Course-by-Course report.

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

GE 100 Developmental English
This course will help students with varying needs excel at becoming stronger, more consistent and more creative writers. Included with every new copy of the accompanying text is an innovative CD featuring 55 audio and animated "mini-lectures" on key writing and grammar topics, to help students master the concepts.

GE 105 Fundamentals of Psychology
This course helps students understand why other people do the things they do and helps them better understand themselves and their reactions to other people. It explores how the brain and body are connected, how to improve learning abilities and memory, and how to deal with the stresses of life, both ordinary and extraordinary. Using the APA undergraduate psychology learning outcomes, this course presents comprehensive coverage of key research.

GE 110 Fundamentals of Sociology
This course presents a rich and practical examination of sociological theory. The course examines three main perspectives--functionalism, symbolic interactionism, and conflict theory--and applies them throughout. Students explore the "stories" behind sociological ideas and the individuals who developed them, to help view sociology as an intellectual community of ideas across space and time.

GE 115 Fundamentals of Math
This course encourages students to see and interpret the mathematics that appears every day by using a wide variety of examples and exercises to connect the mathematical content with the real world. Students will study topics from whole and fractional numbers to statistics and algebra.

GE 120 English Composition I
This course introduces you to the basics of composition, grammar and provides clear explanations of the writing process, critical thinking, and argument. It provides the latest documentation guidelines to a number of writing styles and formats.

GE 121 English Composition II
This course illustrates that good research and lively writing do not have to be mutually exclusive. Students are encouraged to find ways to bring their writing to life, even though they are writing with “facts.” Full explanations of the technical aspects of writing and documenting source-based papers help students develop sound research and analysis skills.

GE 130 Fundamentals of Speech Communication
This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of the skills and competencies of speech communication.

GE 210 Applied Ethics
This course examines various ethical theories and ties them to contemporary ethical issues in a format that allows students to engage the subject matter through application of those theories and concepts. Students are presented with various ethical debates on important social issues through paired readings in a “pro-con” format. Topics cover the death penalty, abortion, homosexual relations, animal rights, obligations to the impoverished in other countries, and terrorism, allowing students to formulate their own judgments about controversial issues and engage them to consider the implications of various ethical theories for questions about free will, just deserts, and the nature of ethical behavior.

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ACC 200 Accounting I
This is the first of 2 courses that introduce students to the comprehensive components that constitute managerial and financial accounting. Students will examine and be able to prepare financial statements, budgets, and employ accounting data in making strategic and managerial business decisions.

ACC 201 Accounting II
This course follows ACC 200 Accounting I with topics in financial analysis, costing, and performance evaluation.

BUS 100 Fundamentals of Business
This course introduces students to fundamental business concepts, the business environment, forms of business, management, marketing and the principles of business finance.

MKT 105 Fundamentals of Marketing
This course will examine how to create customer value, target the correct market, and build customer relationships. The changing nature of consumer expectations means that marketers must learn how to build communities in addition to brand loyalty. Today’s marketing challenge is creating vibrant, interactive communities of consumers who make products and brands a part of their daily lives. Students will explore how to create value and gain loyal customers.

BUS 110 Organizational Behavior
This course examines organizational theory and application. It provides a comprehensive review of individual, group, and organizational performance in relation to organizational structures in contemporary business settings.

BUS 115 Fundamentals of Management
This course introduces students to management philosophies in today's changing world. It includes globalization, ethics, diversity, customer service, and innovation from a managerial perspective.

BUS 200 Business Ethics
This course explores the theoretical background of ethics, ethical decision making, relationships between businesses and stakeholders, ethical issues relating to the firms interaction with the natural environment, health care, and ethical issues related to information technology, strategic planning, and corporate culture. Students will consider the positive consequences of ethical behavior, and the negative consequences of unethical behavior.

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FIN 210 Fundamentals of Finance
This course Explores the concepts, techniques and tools used for financial decision-making including capital structure planning, financing decisions, working capital management and financial management for global corporations.

BUS 220 Business Communication
This course explores the fundamentals of communications that apply to the business setting. Particular focus is given to the writing process, crafting effective brief messages, messages for electronic media, reports and oral presentations, and employment messages.

BUS 230 Business Math
This course links mathematics with real business practices in real businesses, and gives students a better appreciation for and understanding of the concepts that are vital in the business world. Topics include banking, business statistics, trade and cash discounts, markups and markdowns, payroll, consumer credit, mortgages, insurance, taxes, and stocks and bonds.

ACC 410 Cost Accounting
This course presents the most current practice and theory, and reaches beyond cost accounting procedures to consider concepts, analyses, and management. Professional issues related to Management Accounting and Management Accountants are emphasized. Topics cover the accountant's role in the organization to performance measurement, compensation, and multinational considerations.

ACC 415 Financial Accounting
This course emphasizes the ideas and practices followed by today's business entrepreneurs when developing and implementing accounting information in the preparation of financial reports to external parties including investors, creditors and tax authorities. Students gain valuable insights into the application of accounting and accounting principles as they relate to a company’s performance and valuation.

ACC 420 Managerial Accounting
This course explores accounting as it applies to the internal managerial decision making process. Students will examine the process of identifying and applying forward-looking accounting information to plan, evaluate and control a corporate entity.

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ACC 430 Introduction to Taxation
This course introduces students to the major concepts, updates and mandates in federal taxation. Topics include tax research, partnerships, s corporations, tax returns, administration procedures, and u.s. taxation of foreign-related transactions.

BUS 300 Business Research
This course provides students with comprehensive coverage of the research experience as it relates to business topics. Managerial decision making is the underlying theme, and topics are presented and organized in a manner that allows students to thoroughly explore business research functions. Students will complete an in-depth business research project as a part of this course.

BUS 330 Human Relations in Business
This course Focuses on human relations issues and competencies relevant to today’s work environment, taking a two-pronged approach that improves interpersonal skills by first presenting basic concepts and then by facilitating skill development and self-assessment. It features skill-building exercises that prepare students for today’s business environment.

BUS 340 Business Information Systems
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of management information systems (MIS) and how people use information systems to solve business problems and satisfy business objectives. It explores personal, workgroup, and enterprise management information systems.

BUS 350 Human Resource Management
There is no greater asset to a company than its employees. In this course, students evaluate how to maximize a firm’s potential through identifying and keeping an ideal workforce through the world of human resource management. Today’s human resource professionals are not focused solely on administrative tasks. Rather, they work in all levels of the organization, and are aligned with the strategic goals of the firm. Topics include HR business ethics, social responsibility, legal considerations, staffing, human resource development, performance management and appraisal, compensation, employee and labor relations, and operating in a global environment.

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BUS 360 Customer Relationship Management
This course emphasizes the importance of customer contact centers, the multiple channels used to communicate effectively with consumers, and why they are so valuable to a company’s bottom line. Students explore multi-channel contact center strategies including all forms of customer contact, such as: voice, email, fax, Web and more. Students evaluate how customer service experiences impact consumer behavior and purchasing plans, and assess numerous lists, charts, and calculations that can be used to determine customer relationship management effectiveness.

BUS 370 Business Law
In this course, students will explore both the contracts and the regulatory material that is crucial for business law professions. Topics include business decisions, online commerce & Internet law, business ethics, international law, non internet-related legal issues, and landmark cases which highlight the most important cases and statutes that have shaped the law in the United States.

BUS 380 Leadership in Organizations
Effective leadership is the cornerstone of any business venture. Much research has gone into discovering how people lead effectively, and many executives want to know how to turn this research toward their advantage. This course addresses both the theoretical and the practical side of leadership and provides practical advice for business leaders.

BUS 390 Entrepreneurship
This course introduces students to the process of entrepreneurial success and shows them how to be effective every step of the way. Topics include recognizing opportunities and generating ideas, feasibility analysis, writing a business plan, industry and competitor analysis, developing an effective business model, preparing the proper ethical and legal foundation, assessing a new venture’s financial strength and viability, financing and funding, unique marketing issues, intellectual property, and strategies for growth.

BUS 395 Strategic Management
This course presents students with the concepts they will need to know to form business policy and strategy. Emphasis is placed on sustainability, strategy formulation, strategy implementation and control, and the strategic concepts students will need to know as we face future environmental issues including, climate change, global warming and energy availability.

BUS 400 Quantitative Methods
This course provides a simple and practical introduction to an area that students can find difficult, avoiding excessive mathematics and abstract theory. It shows how to apply quantitative ideas to the real problems faced by managers, and includes numerous exercises and examples that help students understand the relevance of quantitative ideas to business.

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BUS 405 Fundamentals of Macroeconomics
This course provides an analytical approach to macroeconomics using the latest policy and data. Students are encouraged to think like economists through the application of concepts to today’s events, news, and research. Topics include macroeconomic trends, fluctuations, and policy. Students explore economic growth, finance, saving and investment, inflation, the exchange rate and the balance of payments, aggregate supply and aggregate demand, u.s. inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy, and international trade policy.

BUS 406 Fundamentals of Microeconomics
In this course, students analyze the latest concepts in microeconomic theory. Topics include how markets work, firms and markets, market failure and government, factor markets, inequality, and uncertainty. Students explore demand and supply; elasticity; efficiency and equity; government actions in markets; global markets, utility and demand, production output and costs, perfect competition, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, and economic inequality.

BUS 410 Operations Management
This course provides students with a comprehensive framework for addressing operational process and supply chain issues to create value through operations management. Topics include competing with operations, project management, process strategy, process analysis, quality and performance, capacity planning, constraint management, lean systems, supply chain design and integration, inventory management, forecasting, operations planning and scheduling, and resource planning.

BUS 499 Comprehensive Business Plan (6 units)
Students taking this course will develop a comprehensive business plan for a real or fictitious business. Working from knowledge gained through completion of prior courses and with the guidance of the instructional faculty, students will develop and refine a plan that includes the major components: the executive summary section, the business section, the market analysis section, the financing section, and the management section.

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