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Small Business Management

Overview
Curriculum
Outcomes
Faculty
Cost
Scholarships
Requirements

Overview

Mitchell Technical College participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

careers

Manager
Finance Officer
Business Owner
Office Assistant

If your busy life is keeping you from getting the degree you always wanted, Mitchell Tech has the answer! Enroll in our ONLINE Small Business Management program!

In today’s fast-paced business world, the small business manager often needs specialty skills to make a business succeed. Using the flexibility of online education, the Small Business Management program will provide business owners with a set of foundational skills that will help strengthen their businesses. Courses are general and applicable to any type of small business. Continue with another year of business management classes and earn your Associate of Applied Science degree as an Administrative Office Specialist!

No tuition difference between online and traditional classroom delivery—no hidden fees!

This program is eligible for federal financial aid.

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Curriculum

Award: Diploma or AAS Degree

Semesters

One Year Diploma - First Semester

BUS110 > Accounting for Business I4 credits

BUS150 > Outlook EssentialsCovers the features available in Microsoft Outlook, which is the industry’s leading e-mail and personal information management software. Topics covered will include sending, receiving and organizing e-mails; managing the calendar, tasks, contacts and distribution lists; setting rules and creating meeting requests. This course will help prepare the student for the Microsoft Outlook certification exam.2 credits

BUS210 > Principles of SellingPrinciples of selling and skills required by today’s sales and marketing professional. Students will develop a variety of skills including communication, critical thinking, building relationships with customers, and ethical decision making. This course introduces advertising via all media – print, digital, video, TV, Internet, etc., as well as consumer behavior and contemporary media issues.3 credits

CIS105 > Introduction to Computers3 credits

SSS101 > Online Seminar IOnline Seminar will focus on specific challenges unique to online students as well as ways to address them including tips for improving time management, presentations and test-taking skills. Student will be expected to complete surveys throughout the semester and participate in discussion groups. Instructor input will help identify what courses to take, how to register for classes and help design a graduation plan. This course will be a bi-weekly virtual meeting.1 credit

Total Semester Hours13 credits

Second Semester

BUS111 > Accounting for Business II4 credits

BUS220 > Supervisory ManagementMany organizational trends today—downsizing, cost cutting, employee empowerment, flexible hours and diversity issues— are all impacting the way supervisors deal with employees in the workplace. Students will understand all of these concepts and working through people to maximize productivity while maintaining a positive work environment.3 credits

CIS107 > Spreadsheet ConceptsDetailed instruction on the use of Microsoft Excel covering beginning, intermediate, and advanced concepts. Concepts covered include working with formulas and functions; creating and formatting charts graphs and pivot tables/pivot charts; sorting and filtering lists; data consolidation between multiple worksheets and workbooks; and importing and exporting of data.3 credits

> Written Communications Elective3 credits

Total Semester Hours13 credits

Third Semester

ACCT221 > Quickbooks3 credits

BUS122 > E-Commerce3 credits

BUS170 > Entrepreneurship Small Bus MgtIn this course, students will learn about the challenges of entrepreneurship, different options for opening a business, how to write a business plan of their own, marketing issues and how to create a successful financial plan. Students will gain the tools to launch a new venture and the knowledge for entrepreneurial success.3 credits

> Math Elective3 credits

Total Semester Hours12 credits

Optional AAS Degree (Administrative Office Specialist) - Fourth Semester

BUS101 > Introduction to BusinessA survey of the business world covering business terminology, concepts and current business issues. The student will develop a business vocabulary, foster critical and analytical thinking and refine business decision-making skills. A major goal of this course is to help students become citizens who can contribute and compete in an increasingly global business environment. This course serves as a foundation for additional business subjects.3 credits

BUS120 > Principles of MarketingIntroduction to marketing concepts and terminology. Establishes the origins, roles, purposes and scope of marketing as a business process and activity. Introduction to the marketing environment, as well as the different aspects of the marketing mix: products, price, promotion and distribution, is presented.3 credits

BUS143 > Document ProductionThis course will introduce word processing skills that can be combined with students’ basic skills to create complex documents. Students will utilize Microsoft Word to create and format documents and tables; create mail merges, macros, templates and fill-in forms; set and manipulate tabs; insert charts, graphics and hyperlinks; and import and export data. Students will also look at different ways of sharing documents with others. This course will help prepare the student for the Microsoft Word certification exam.3 credits

BUS214 > Principles of Insurance2 credits

Total Semester Hours11 credits

Fifth Semester

BUS100 > Personal FinanceThis course is designed to introduce students to the principles of individual and family financial management. Strategies for the development and attainment of short-term and long-term financial goals will be examined. The class will examine personal financial management based on a life cycle approach, while addressing the need for flexibility due to changing personal, social and economic conditions.3 credits

BUS140 > Business Law3 credits

BUS160 > Desktop PublishingIn today’s technological world, many businesses are doing their own “in-house” publishing. This course will give students the background and hands-on practice to be able to utilize software programs like Microsoft Publisher and Adobe Photoshop. Emphasis is placed on the creation of student projects including newsletters, brochures, posters and promotional materials, as well as image manipulation. Principles of layout and design will be highlighted. Prerequisite: BUS143.3 credits

BUS204 > Customer ServiceCustomer service is a critical element in the success and future of all businesses that compete in today’s economy. It is more challenging than ever to attract and retain customers because more companies are competing for the same customer. This course is a study of issues in the workplace relating to effective customer service and emphasizes three different aspects of customer service: the profession, skills for success, and building and maintaining relationships. Through role play scenarios, collaborative learning activities, and application of concepts to real-world situations, students are introduced to the issues of ethics, problem solving, strategy implementation, empowerment, communications, motivation and leadership necessary for the delivery of exceptional customer service and customer retention.3 credits

Total Semester Hours12 credits

Sixth Semester

BUS217 > Database ApplicationsThis course provides detailed instruction on the use of Microsoft Access covering introductory, intermediate, and advanced concepts. Proper procedures for designing and administering a database suitable for both professional purposes and personal use will be explored. Concepts covered include importing and exporting data, working with tables, queries, forms, reports, and data macros. Students are exposed to practical examples showcasing Access as a useful tool. Students will discover the underlying functionality of Access allowing them to become more productive.3 credits

BUS203 > Web EssentialsProvides detailed instruction on the development, maintenance, publication and design of a Web site using HTML, Wix and Word Press This course also discusses social media and ways to market a business using a variety of social media platforms. This course also includes use of PhotoShop. Prerequisite: BUS 143. Corequisite/Prerequisite: BUS 170.3 credits

> General Education Elective3 credits

Total Semester Hours12 credits

Requirements

Computer Requirements

Computer and Internet access required. (Your computer will have to meet our specifications to assure your operating system and software are current and compatible.)

Outcomes

A diploma in small business management is designed for individuals planning to own or operate new businesses or improve operations in existing small businesses. This program can enhance business, management and entrepreneurial skills in a variety of functional areas. Upon completion of this one-year program, graduates will be able to:

Analyze the impact that e-commerce has on small business and how it is an integral part of a business plan
Analyze appropriate sales strategies in a real-world scenario
Demonstrate basic bookkeeping knowledge
Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Apply computer skills to increase productivity in a business

Annual Program Review

Check out the 2025-26 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.

Faculty

Deb Giblin

Administrative Office Specialist Program Coordinator / Instructor

Annika Russell-Manke

Program Coordinator / Instructor

Cost

AAS Degree (Administrative Office Specialist)

Other Required Costs

Books / Tools (estimated) $426

Diploma

Other Required Costs

Books / Tools (estimated) $213

Scholarships

Mitchell Tech offers a variety of scholarships to qualified applicants. The application period runs from October 1 through November 1 for current students and January 1 through March 31 for incoming students.

Other Related Programs

If you’re interested in Small Business Management, you might also be interested in these other business & service programs at Mitchell Tech.

Small Business Management

Overview

careers

Manager

Finance Officer

Business Owner

Office Assistant

Curriculum

One Year Diploma - First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Optional AAS Degree (Administrative Office Specialist) - Fourth Semester

Fifth Semester

Sixth Semester

Requirements

Computer Requirements

Outcomes

Faculty

Cost

AAS Degree (Administrative Office Specialist)

Other Required Costs

Diploma

Other Required Costs

Scholarships

Other Related Programs

Accounting

Entrepreneurship

Business Management

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