Small Business Management, Certificate of Achievement

The Certificate of Achievement in Small Business Management is designed for individuals planning to start, operate, or work in a small business. Students develop a strong foundation for business success with a focus on management processes in planning, organizing, directing, and controlling a business across diverse settings. The program includes essential skills in key areas of entrepreneurial interest as well as offers students hands-on experience. The program emphasis is placed on starting and managing a small business focusing on day-to-day decision making in key areas, such as management, marketing, finance, and communication. Students who successfully complete the award are prepared to start and/or manage a business, prepare students currently working in a business for advancement into management positions, or prepare students interested in pursuing an associate degree in small business management.

Award Notes

The Business Department recommends that students planning to transfer completes BUSE 119 instead of BUSE 092.

Annual Sections (SECT) # and Annual Enrollment (ENROLL) Total

*The college experienced limited course offering and enrollment during the pandemic.

Source: https://www.sdcity.edu/about/institutional-effectiveness/research/enrollment-dashboard.aspx

Item 1.  Program Goals and Objectives

The Business Studies Department at San Diego City College offers a wide variety of programs for both transfer and career-focused students. Programs are designed to provide students with the education they need to launch their own business or join an established business in an entry-level position. Completion of these programs equip students with strategies, plans, procedures, and policies that guide a business and prepares students to work in a variety of positions in retail, corporate establishments, small businesses, human resources, and other business settings.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the program will be able to:

• Apply effective and ethical communication skills across various business situations, considering the legal implications of decisions impacting business organizations.

• Analyze business scenarios to create and implement plans of action.

• Describe the laws that govern business in America and the principles underlying fundamental legal concepts. 

Career Options

Most careers related to the field of business studies require education beyond the associate degree and some may require a graduate degree. However, earning a certificate or an associate degree in business studies can boost employability in many fields offering jobs such as: marketing assistant, recruiter, bank teller, staff accountant, sales associate or representative, customer service representative, product demonstrator, fundraiser, data entry associate, human resources specialist.

This program modification was not recommended by Regional Consortium on December 9, 2022. It was recommended that the title did not change to remove either “small” or “entrepreneurship” as the program goal speaks to developing and managing a small business. San Diego City College returned to modify the program title to a title that best fits the goals and missions of the award. The proposal is being returned with the program title: Small Business Management. The proposed title fits with the assigned TOP Code 0506.40. The program proposal Originating Professor, Department Chair, Department Dean, College Occupational Dean, College Curriculum Chair, and College Vice President of Instruction has reviewed the proposed title change and signed for this program modification to be resubmitted for Regional Consortium review and recommendation.

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The program modifications made to the Small Business Management Certificate of Achievement (previously titled Small Business Management Entrepreneur) does not change the total number of awards being offered in the region. Program modifications will not contribute to an overproduction to the supply in the labor market demand as it will continue to yield the same number of graduates or completers as in previous years. 

This program modification updates the program course requirements that reflects industry needs in business and management as well as update the program title.

The Certificate of Achievement in Small Business Management (previously titled Small Business Management Entrepreneur) is well-established and has been serving the region and local community since its Regional Consortium recommendation on May 25, 2018 and State Chancellor’s Office approval since January 1, 1970 under the original title Small Business Management.

COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR:

COMPLETE NINE (9) UNITS FROM THE FOLLOWING:

*Course offerings are subject to change. Please refer to the college class schedule for the most updated course offerings for the semester.