The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” 
. Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” 
.
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” 
which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” 
, be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
The Business Information Worker 2 (BIW-2) program builds on the BIW I foundation. The program provides students with additional skills in PowerPoint, QuickBooks, Records Management, and collaboration software. Graduates of this second stage in the BIW pathway program will be prepared to meet the workforce demands of today's business environment such as office, business, and executive administrative support, office supervision/coordination, small business support, retail sales, and customer service. Students completing the BIW pathway will be equipped to take multiple Microsoft Office Specialist credentials exams and become a QuickBooks certified user.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, collaboration software, and QuickBooks.
- Apply professional customer relationship and management techniques in a business environment.
- Employ interpersonal and critical thinking skills as well as problem solving.
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education -
Appropriate for
Intersession
-
Available Online -
Global Citizenship
NOTE: Noncredit Pathway Opportunities: The noncredit certificates of completion below can serve as a bridge into for-credit coursework in this program. Refer to www.smc.edu/noncredit for more information.
- Business Essentials Level 1: BUS NC 901 and 902
- Customer Service: BUS NC 911 and 912
- Receptionist: BUS NC 911 and CIS NC 902 and 903
Semester 1
15-17 Units
This beginning course explores the foundations of technology as well as current trends and emerging topics in information technology. Students complete hands-on projects in operating systems, web browsers, and web-based office applications. Students will also be introduced to topics such as understanding programming, computer security and social media.
This course is designed to teach keyboard mastery by touch, improve speed and accuracy, and use Microsoft Word to create and revise business documents. Proofreading skill development is also included.
This course provides concrete guidance in using human relations skills in the workplace that will promote working effectively with others. Strategies are integrated throughout the course that will enable students to apply human relations theories and applications to the real world of work. Ethical issues in business are addressed where students will learn an explicit process of ethical reasoning that will aid in defining and dealing with dilemmas in the workplace. Current events and case studies will be used to develop critical skills as students apply theories and principles.
SMC GE Area IV-B Course 3-5 units
This introductory course in rhetoric emphasizes clear, effective written communication and preparation of the research paper.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 21B or
- Prerequisite: ENGL 22
- Prerequisite: ESL 19B or
- Prerequisite: Group A on the Placement Test
- 1A: English Composition
- A2 - Written Communication
- Area IV-A: Language and Rationality (Group A)
Semester 2
15 Units
Through the use of Microsoft Word software, skills are developed in creating, revising, formatting, storing, and printing a variety of business documents. Skills are developed from basic functions and editing tools through intermediate features such as AutoText, columns, custom tab settings, charts and graphs, graphics, envelopes, labels, and headers/footers. Emphasis is placed on professional quality production of documents. Students also learn to increase productivity through the use of automated features and multiple windows. Students develop problem-solving skills through the use of document revisions and trouble-shooting assignments. Additionally, students develop advanced skills in areas of interest ranging from legal applications to brochures and newsletters. Hands-on experience is provided in a microcomputer lab. This class covers the objectives necessary for the MOS and Expert certification in Word.
- Skills Advisory: CIS 1
- Skills Advisory: Ability to type 25 wpm
Microsoft Outlook has become a primary means of office communication and task management. In this course the student will learn to effectively use all features of Outlook e-mail, calendar, contacts, tasks, and notes; create and manage Outlook folders; collaborate with others for scheduling meetings and resources; configure and customize Outlook; and integrate Outlook contacts with other Microsoft Office programs. This class covers the objectives necessary for the MOS certification in Outlook.
- Skills Advisory: CIS 1
This course surveys the principles and techniques of current and evolving business communication as a process in a variety of business situations. The course emphasizes planning, organizing, composing, and revising business documents using appropriate utilization of a variety of technological platforms, business related internet writing contexts, and web resources. Also, this course will incorporate a variety of internet-based communication tools relevant to doing business in today's world. This course is designed for students who already have college-level writing skills.
- Prerequisite: BUS 31 or
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- A3 - Critical Thinking
This course includes a detailed study of business applications using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet package. Topics include the commands, formats, and functions of Excel with emphasis on its use as a problem solving and financial analysis tool. Students will also learn to create macros, customize ribbons and tabs, and integrate Excel with other applications and the World Wide Web. Students will also have an introduction to writing Visual Basic code.
- Skills Advisory: CIS 4
- Skills Advisory: CIS 1 or
This course introduces students to records and information management. The entire range of records (physical, image, and electronic media) is discussed. Topics of study include alphabetic filing rules, as well as alphabetic, subject, numeric, and geographic storage, retrieval, and transferring systems. The alphabetic filing rules presented are consistent with ARMA (Association of Records Managers and Administrators) guidelines. Also included are an introduction to electronic records management principles and procedures and legal concerns related to records management. Microsoft Access is used to practice electronic records activities.
This class is designed for students who are either undecided about their educational or career goals, validating their decisions, or seeking to transition into a new career. Students are guided through a process that focuses on their individual interests, skills, personality and values to aid in the selection of a major, determine a career direction and develop career goals. Students will relate their self-assessment information to possible college major and career choices. Decision-making models and goal setting techniques are examined and will be used to develop short and long term education and career plans.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
Semester 3
15-18 Units
This course presents an introduction to relational database management systems using Microsoft Access. It is designed to familiarize the student with Microsoft Access and its application in the business world. Topics include: designing, maintaining and querying a database; creating forms, reports, and macros; and an introduction to writing Visual Basic code. Hands-on experience is provided in a microcomputer lab. This class covers the objectives necessary for the MOS certification in Access.
- Skills Advisory: CIS 4
- Skills Advisory: CIS 1 or
This course introduces students to Adobe Acrobat. Topics include creating portable document files (PDF), working with PDF files, annotation and editing of files and interactive forms, and the distribution and management of PDFs.
The course provides an overview of the dynamic area of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), a strategic methodology that recognizes customers as the core of the business. Partner Relationship Management (PRM), Customer Experience Management (CEM) and the impact of social networking will also be explored.
This course introduces the student to the sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporate forms of ownership. This course also familiarizes the student with recording, classifying and interpreting financial data for service and merchandising businesses. It includes a study of the journals, ledgers and financial statements used by these entities. Also covered are computerized accounting systems, internal control, ethics, cash, accounts and notes receivable, merchandise inventory, plant assets and intangible assets, liabilities, and equity accounts. Basic managerial accounting topics are also introduced.
- Skills Advisory: MATH 18 or
- Skills Advisory: MATH 20
This course surveys basic bookkeeping principles and practices and the use of records to help bookkeepers and business owners/managers better understand common business terms, transactions, and record keeping in small businesses. This course provides the student with the basic accounting concepts and procedures required for all businesses. Through lecture and problem solving, the student will learn to do a full set of books pertaining to a small business enterprise. Topics covered include analyzing and classifying business transactions, financial statements, worksheets and adjusting entries, bank reconciliations, payroll, specialized journals, and tax aspects of small businesses.
SMC GE Area I Course 3 units
only necessary if ACCTG 21 (3 units) is taken instead of ACCTG 1 (5 units)
Semester 4
15 Units
This course provides the student with a business approach to computerized, integrated accounting principles using QuickBooks. Students will work with the various components of an accounting system in an ongoing business, as well as set up an accounting system for a new company. Topics include the creation of a QuickBooks company, processing daily accounting entries, the analysis of financial statements, creation of reports and graphs. Students will gain experience in the creation and use of invoices, purchase orders, inventory, bank accounts, and payroll. In addition, students will be able to complete the entire accounting cycle including recording adjusting entries and making corrections on the transactions as needed. Hands-on experience is provided in a microcomputer lab. This class covers the objectives necessary for the QuickBooks certification.
- Skills Advisory: ACCTG 1 or
- Skills Advisory: ACCTG 21
- Skills Advisory: CIS 1 or
- Skills Advisory: CIS 4
Through the use of Microsoft PowerPoint software, skills are developed in planning, creating, formatting, enhancing and delivering presentations for business applications. Topics include audience analysis, selection of presentation media, and the creation and presentation of slides, transparencies, and posters. The use of animation, sound and other special effects, as well as Web publishing techniques, will also be covered. Hands-on experience is provided in a microcomputer lab. This class covers the objectives necessary for the MOS certification in PowerPoint.
- Skills Advisory: CIS 1
ENGL 2 recommended for transfer options
See the full list: SMC GE Area III Course