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.
This program prepares students for highly skilled positions in the insurance industry, such as claims adjuster, examiner, investigator, salesperson, legal support worker or insurance underwriter. Course offerings include personal insurance, property and liability insurance, commercial insurance and ethics, among others.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Upon completion of this program students will demonstrate coherent and comprehensive understanding of various types of insurance products, including personal, property and liability, and commercial insurance.
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education -
Appropriate for
Intersession
-
Available Online -
Global Citizenship
Semester 1
14 Units
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the basic overview of the property/casual insurance system. It is designed for those students who have little or no knowledge of insurance. In addition, this course will enable students to understand and apply the proper ethical behavior and obligations related to the insurance field.
In this course, students will learn the essentials of personal insurance coverages. Personal property and liability topics will include automobile, homeowners, and other residential insurance, such as earthquake, flood, marine and miscellaneous coverages. The basics of financial planning, life insurance and health insurance will also be covered.
An overview of the functional areas of business in a global society. Students will complete the course with knowledge of the general business environment, economic systems, business ethics, operations and project management, and technology and information systems. In addition, students will learn the fundamentals of economics, business ownership, entrepreneurship, finance, management, leadership, and marketing. Key themes woven throughout the course include exploration of career options and development of business problem-solving skills.
- Skills Advisory: eligibility for Engish 1
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
ENGL 1 recommended
See the full list: SMC GE Area IV-A Course
This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
Semester 2
16-18 Units
In this course, students will learn the basics of property and liability insurance. It covers types of insurers, institutions that provide insurance, insurance regulation, and measurement of financial performance. It also covers insurance operations, including marketing techniques, underwriting, claims, insurance contracts, loss exposure and risk management.
In this course, students will learn the basics of commercial insurance. It covers commercial property insurance, business income insurance, commercial crime insurance, equipment breakdown insurance, inland and ocean marine insurance, commercial general liability insurance, commercial automobile insurance and miscellaneous commercial insurance coverage.
This course provides students with an overview of the fundamental legal principles pertaining to business transactions and related topics. It also encompasses introductory subjects concerning the U.S. legal system such as the court structure, sources of law, legal reasoning and case analysis. To give students a broad perspective on the various laws and areas impacting business, the following topics are also explored: criminal law, torts, civil procedure, administrative processes, contract law, ethics, constitutional law, agency and the legal principles pertaining to business entities.
SMC GE Area IV-B Course 3-5 units
SMC GE Area II-A Course 3 units
may not be required if Area IV-B Course is more than 3 units
Semester 3
15 Units
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 entails the detailed application of accounting principles using Excel. Topics include creating professional worksheets, the use of formulas and functions, charts, data tables, basic macros, and other Excel features with an emphasis on accounting as a financial analysis tool. Students that complete this course will be prepared to take the Microsoft Office Specialist certification exam.
- Skills Advisory: Students are expected to have a working knowledge of Windows operating system.
- Skills Advisory: ACCTG 1 or
- Skills Advisory: ACCTG 21
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
SMC GE Area I Course 3 units
Elective Course 3 units
Elective Course 3 units
Semester 4
15-17 Units
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.
ENGL 2 recommended for transfer options
See the full list: SMC GE Area III Course
Elective Course 3 units
Elective Course 3 units
may be less units if total units is already 60