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 provides training in common skills used in the business office - keyboarding, computer applications, English, accounting, and business communications. General office workers obtain employment in many environments: corporate settings, government, schools, and hospitals. Related job titles include administrative assistant, executive assistant, executive secretary, office assistant, and secretary. After gaining some work experience or specialized skills, many workers transfer to jobs with higher pay or greater advancement potential.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Using skills in Microsoft Office software, keyboarding, and English language principles, the student will create and revise commonly used business documents. Given transaction data, the student will perform basic bookkeeping/accounting tasks, such as classifying, recording, and preparing financial documents.
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education -
Appropriate for
Intersession
-
Available Online -
Global Citizenship
Semester 1
15-17 Units
OFTECH 1 recommended
See the full list: Required Elective Course from "Keyboarding Courses" below
This course is designed to review principles of grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and number format; improve vocabulary and spelling; and develop proofreading and editing skills. Word Processing software is used to create and revise business documents.
This course introduces students to information systems and their role in business. Topics include information systems, database management systems, networking, e-commerce, ethics and security, computer systems, hardware systems, and application software (word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation graphics). In this course, students develop computer-based solutions to a variety of business problems.
MATH 20 or higher college level recommended as preparation for ACCTG 1
See the full list: SMC GE Area IV-B Course
SMC GE Area IV-A Course 3 units
Semester 2
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 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.
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 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 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 3
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
SMC GE Area I Course 3 units
SMC GE Area II-A Course 3 units
Elective Course 3 units
Semester 4
15 Units
SMC GE Area II-B Course 3 units
SMC GE Area III Course 3 units
Elective Course 3 units
Elective Course 3 units
Elective Course 3 units
Keyboarding Courses (3 units required)
3 Units
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 is intended for students without previous keyboarding instruction. Emphasis is on keyboard mastery, correct keyboarding techniques, and proofreading skills.
Students develop speed and accuracy. Emphasis is on using Microsoft Word to produce letters, memos, tables, and reports.
- Skills Advisory: OFTECH 1A or
- Skills Advisory: 25 wpm
Course content includes keyboard mastery by touch, correct keyboarding techniques, and proper formatting of letters, memos, reports, tables, and other kinds of personal and business communications.
- Skills Advisory: OFTECH 1B or
- Skills Advisory: 30 wpm
This course emphasizes speed and accuracy development, keyboarding technique, and proofreading skills.
Computers are used in all work environments. To function efficiently, computer users must be able to input data on a computer keyboard quickly and accurately. This course is designed to develop the computer keyboarding skills that are required to function in the workplace.
- Skills Advisory: OFTECH 1
- Skills Advisory: OFTECH 1C