Applied Business Technology

Program Overview

The Applied Business Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree program is a sequence of courses that provide students with a group of customer service specialty courses, general education courses, work experience in a related area, and a series of courses in a specialty area.  Graduates have qualifications to work in a variety of fields based on the student's area of specialty.  The areas of specialties are as follows:  business technology or medical technology. 

Students may enter the Applied Business Technology degree program any semester. A full-time student can complete this program in 5 semesters. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 68 semester credit hours.  

Career Traits/Requirements

Individuals wanting to enroll in the Applied Business Technology degree program must be able to work in an office setting, type and produce business documents, be a fast and accurate typist, show initiative, work with people, work as a team member, multi-task, display a professional appearance, work with computers and computer application software, and have a strong work ethic.

View Advisement Guide Sheet

Offered at the Following Campus

South Campus (Dublin)

    Salary Potential

    $26,500.00 - $29,500.00

    Program Costs

    Tuition & Fees:  $6,025.00
    Books and Supplies for each specialization:
              Business Technology Specialization Option: $1,700.00
          Medical Administrative Specialization Option: $1,700.00

    (Costs are estimated and are subject to change.)

    Employment Opportunities

    Depending on specialization, graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in customer service, business, or in a medical office.  In addition, the graduate may be able to start his/her own business and become self-employed.  Instruction and practical application of learned skills provide a broad occupational background which appeals to prospective employers. 

    Admission Requirements

    • Submit a completed application and application fee;
    • Be at least 16 years of age;
    • Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;
    • Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
    • Meet assessment requirements by taking the ASSET or COMPASS placement test. In lieu of the placement test, official scores on the SAT, CPE, or ACT may be substituted.

    The College may accept transfer credit for other courses according to the College’s transfer policy in general education requirements.

    Curriculum

    Credit Hours
    Contact Hours
     
    AREA I - Language Arts/Communication (successful completion of ENGL 1101 is required)
    3
    45
    Prerequisites: Appropriate Degree Level Writing (English) Placement Test Score and Appropriate Degree Level Reading Placement Test Score; Corequisites: None
    Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.
    AREA II - Social/Behavioral Sciences
    3
    45
    Prerequisites: Appropriate Degree Level Writing (English) and Reading Placement Test Scores; Corequisites: None
    Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design, the organization and operation of the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychopathology and interventions, stress and health, and social psychology.
    AREA III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics
    MATH
    1111
    3
    45
    Prerequisites: Appropriate Degree Level Math Placement Test Score AND Appropriate Degree Reading Placement Test Score; Corequisites: None
    Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.
    AREA IV - Humanities/Fine Arts
    3
    45
    Prerequisites: ENGL 1101; Corequisites: None
    Emphasizes American literature as a reflection of culture and ideas. A survey of important works in American literature. Includes a variety of literary genres: short stories, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and novels. Topics include literature and culture, essential themes and ideas, literature and history, and research skills.
    Program-Specific General Education Core Requirements
    To meet the minimum required 15 semester credit hours in General Core Courses, students must take an additional 3 semester credit hours.
    3
    45
    Prerequisites: ENGL 1101; Corequisites: None
    Emphasizes the student's ability to read literature analytically and meaningfully and to communicate clearly. Students analyze the form and content of literature in historical and philosophical contexts. Topics include reading and analysis of fiction, poetry, and drama; research; and writing about literature.
    HIST
    2111
    3
    45
    Prerequisites: Degree Level Writing (English) and Reading Placement Test Scores
    Emphasizes the study of U. S. History to 1877 to include the post-Civil War period. The course focuses on the period from the Age of Discovery through the Civil War to include geographical, intellectual, political, economic and cultural development of the American people. It includes the history of Georgia and its constitutional development. Topics include colonization and expansion; the Revolutionary Era; the New Nation; nationalism, sectionalism, and reform; the Era of Expansion; and crisis, Civil War, and reconstruction.
    3
    45
    Prerequisites: federalism; Corequisites: civil liberties and civil rights
    Emphasizes study of government and politics in the United States. The focus of the course will provide an overview of the Constitutional foundations of the American political processes with a focus on government institutions and political procedures. The course will examine the constitutional framework.
    3
    45
    Prerequisites: Appropriate Degree Level Writing (English) and Reading Placement Test Scores
    Explores the sociological analysis of society, its culture, and structure.  Sociology is presented as a science with emphasis placed on its methodology and theoretical foundations.  Topics include basic sociological concepts, socialization, social interaction and culture, social groups and institutions, deviance and social control, social stratification, social change, and marriage and family.
    Occupational Courses
    3
    75
    Prerequisites: Provisional Admission; Corequisites: Provisional Admission
    Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology, the Windows environment, Internet and email, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software.
    2
    30
    Prerequisites: None; Corequisites: None
    This course introduces the learner to the service industry.  Topics include:  an introduction to the service industry business environment, an introduction to life-long learning, work ethic and positive behavior required for exceptional customer service, an introduction to customer relations, working together successfully on teams, and basic business principles.
    4
    75
    Prerequisites: MKTG 1161; Corequisites: MKTG 1161
    This course provides students with skills necessary to communicate with customers and successfully manage that relationship in both telephone and face-to-face situations.  Topics include:  skills to effectively communicate with customers, developing rapport with customers, problem-solving in customer service, telephone skills, sales skills in the service environment, managing the difficult customer, and managing the multicultural customer.  Computer-Based Training (CBT) is used to allow students to practice skills using simulated business situations.
    2
    45
    Prerequisites: MKTG 1162; Corequisites: None
    Provides students with the fundamentals of computer skills used in a customer service environment.  Topics include:  introduction to computer technology, introduction to the Windows environment, introduction to word processing, introduction to spreadsheets, introduction to databases and introduction to E-mail.
    2
    30
    Prerequisites: MKTG 1163; Corequisites: None
    Provides students with the fundamentals of basic business skills used in the customer service environment.  Topics include:  introduction to business correspondence, basic business calculations, change management, managing multiple tasks and priorities, and tools for team problem-solving and service improvement.
    1
    15
    Prerequisites: MKTG 1164; Corequisites: None
    Provides students with skills that will allow them to present a positive image to both co-workers and customers.  Topics include:  personal wellness and stress management, positive image, and job interview skills.
    CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
    12
    540
    Prerequisites: None; Corequisites: None
    This course applies and reinforces one or all of the following in an actual job placement or practicum experience: business skills; organization and/or product knowledge; job safety, security, and discipline; and employability skills. Topics include application of business skills; application of organization and/or product knowledge; application of safety and security within the job setting; use of proper interpersonal skills; and professional development.
    or all of the following:
    3
    135
    Prerequisites: None; Corequisites: None
    This course applies and reinforces one or all of the following in an actual job placement or practicum experience: business skills; organization and/or product knowledge; job safety, security, and discipline; and employability skills. Topics include application of business skills; application of organization and/or product knowledge; application of safety and security within the job setting; use of proper interpersonal skills; and professional development.
    3
    135
    Prerequisites: None; Corequisites: None
    This course applies and reinforces one or all of the following in an actual job placement or practicum experience: business skills; organization and/or product knowledge; job safety, security, and discipline; and employability skills. Topics include application of business skills; application of organization and/or product knowledge; application of safety and security within the job setting; use of proper interpersonal skills; and professional development.
    3
    135
    Prerequisites: None; Corequisites: None
    This course applies and reinforces one or all of the following in an actual job placement or practicum experience: business skills; organization and/or product knowledge; job safety, security, and discipline; and employability skills. Topics include application of business skills; application of organization and/or product knowledge; application of safety and security within the job setting; use of proper interpersonal skills; and professional development.
    3
    135
    Prerequisites: None; Corequisites: None
    This course applies and reinforces one or all of the following in an actual job placement or practicum experience: business skills; organization and/or product knowledge; job safety, security, and discipline; and employability skills. Topics include application of business skills; application of organization and/or product knowledge; application of safety and security within the job setting; use of proper interpersonal skills; and professional development.
    COMPLETION OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SPECIALIZATIONS:
    Business Technology Specialization
    2
    45
    Prerequisites: BUSN 1440, COMP 1000, ENGL 1010; Corequisites: None
    Emphasizes transcribing mailable documents from dictation using word processing software. Topics include: equipment and supplies maintenance and usage, work area management, transcription techniques, productivity and accuracy, proofreading, and language arts skills.
    BUSN
    1240
    3
    60
    Prerequisites: COMP 1000; Corequisites: None
    Emphasizes essential skills required for the business office.
    4
    90
    Prerequisites: COMP 1000; Corequisites: None
    This course covers the knowledge and skills required to use word processing software through course demonstrations, laboratory exercises and projects. Minimal document keying will be necessary as students will work with existing documents to learn the functions and features of the word processing application. Topics and assignments will include: word processing concepts, customizing documents, formatting content, working with visual content, organizing content, reviewing documents, sharing and securing content.
    4
    90
    Prerequisites: COMP 1000; Corequisites: None
    This course covers the knowledge and skills required to use spreadsheet software through course demonstrations, laboratory exercises and projects. Topics and assignments will include: spreadsheet concepts, creating and manipulating data, formatting data and content, creating and modifying formulas, presenting data visually and, collaborating and securing data.
    4
    90
    Prerequisites: COMP 1000; Corequisites: None
    This course covers the knowledge and skills required to use desktop publishing (DTP) software and presentation software to create business publications and presentations. Course work will include course demonstrations, laboratory exercises and projects. Topics include: desktop publishing concepts, basic graphic design, publication layout, presentation design, and practical applications.
    4
    105
    Prerequisites: BUSN 1100 or the ability to key 25 gross words a minute on 3-minute timings with no more than 3 errors; Corequisites: COMP 1000
    Reinforces the touch system of keyboarding placing emphasis on correct techniques with adequate speed and accuracy and producing properly formatted business documents. Topics include: reinforcing correct keyboarding technique, building speed and accuracy, formatting business documents, language arts, proofreading, and work area management.
    XXX
    xxx
    Select ONE additional BUSN Course
    2
    0
    and one of the following:
    4
    75
    Prerequisites: Program Admission; Corequisites: None
    Introduces the basic financial accounting concepts of the complete accounting cycle and provides the student with the necessary skills to maintain a set of books for a sole proprietorship. Topics include: accounting vocabulary and concepts, the accounting cycle for a personal service business, the accounting cycle for a merchandising business, inventory, cash control and receivables. Laboratory work demonstrates theory presented in class.
    BUSN
    2200
    4
    75
    Prerequisites: Program Admission; Corequisites: None
    Introduces fundamental concepts of the accounting cycle for a sole proprietor service business. Topics include: accounting equation, analyzing business transactions, journalizing and posting transactions, accounts receivable and accounts payable subsidiary ledgers, financial statements, cash control, and payroll concepts.
    Medical Administrative Specialist Specialization
    4
    105
    Prerequisites: BUSN 1100 or the ability to key 25 gross words a minute on 3-minute timings with no more than 3 errors; Corequisites: COMP 1000
    Reinforces the touch system of keyboarding placing emphasis on correct techniques with adequate speed and accuracy and producing properly formatted business documents. Topics include: reinforcing correct keyboarding technique, building speed and accuracy, formatting business documents, language arts, proofreading, and work area management.
    3
    45
    Prerequisites: Program Admission; Corequisites: None
    Provides fundamental information concerning common diseases and disorders of each body system. For each system, the disease or disorder is highlighted including: description, etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, treatment, management, prognosis, and prevention. Topics include: introduction to disease and diseases of body systems.
    2
    30
    Prerequisites: Program Admission; Corequisites: None
    Introduces the basic spelling and pronunciation of medical terms, and the use of these terms as they relate to anatomy, treatment, surgery, and drugs. Topics include: word analysis, word elements, spelling, pronunciation, and semantics.
    3
    45
    Prerequisites: Program Admission; Corequisites: None
    Introduces the structure and function of the human body including medical terminology. Topics covered include information which will provide the medical office assistant with the knowledge needed to communicate with office staff, physicians, and patients and to assist in completion of medical reports generated in the medical office. Topics include: body structures, body functions, and medical terminology.
    4
    105
    Prerequisites: BUSN 2300 or ALHS 1090 and ALHS 1010 or ALHS 1011 or BUSN 2310, BUSN 1440, ENGL 1010; Corequisites: None
    Provides experience in medical machine transcription working with the most frequently used medical reports. Topics include: equipment and supplies maintenance and usage, work area management, spelling, definitions, punctuation, processing/transcription speed and accuracy, resource utilization, and pronunciation.
    4
    90
    Prerequisites: BUSN 2300 or ALHS 1090 and BUSN 2310 or ALHS 1010 or ALHS 1011, BUSN 1440, COMP 1000; Corequisites: None
    Emphasizes essential skills required for the medical office. Introduces the knowledge and skills of procedures for billing purposes. Introduces the basic concept of medical administrative assisting and its relationship to the other health fields. Emphasizes medical ethics, legal aspects of medicine, and the medical administrative assistant's role as an agent of the physician. Provides the student with knowledge and the essentials of professional behavior. Topics include: introduction to medical administrative assisting, medical law, ethics, patient relations/human relations, physician-patient-assistant relationship, medical office in litigation, medical records management, scheduling appointments, pegboard or computerized accounting, health insurance, transcription of medical documents, and billing/collection.
    3
    60
    Prerequisites: BUSN 2300 or ALHS 1090 and BUSN 2310 or ALHS 1010 or ALHS 1011; Corequisites: None
    Provides an introduction to medical coding skills and applications of international coding standards for billing of health care services. Provides the knowledge and skills to apply coding of diagnostic statements and procedures for billing purposes. Provides an introduction to medical coding as it relates to health insurance. Topics include: International classification of diseases, code book formats; coding techniques; formats of the ICD and CPT manuals; health insurance; billing, reimbursement, and collections; and managed care.
    and one of the following:
    4
    75
    Prerequisites: Program Admission; Corequisites: None
    Introduces the basic financial accounting concepts of the complete accounting cycle and provides the student with the necessary skills to maintain a set of books for a sole proprietorship. Topics include: accounting vocabulary and concepts, the accounting cycle for a personal service business, the accounting cycle for a merchandising business, inventory, cash control and receivables. Laboratory work demonstrates theory presented in class.
    BUSN
    2200
    4
    75
    Prerequisites: Program Admission; Corequisites: None
    Introduces fundamental concepts of the accounting cycle for a sole proprietor service business. Topics include: accounting equation, analyzing business transactions, journalizing and posting transactions, accounts receivable and accounts payable subsidiary ledgers, financial statements, cash control, and payroll concepts.
    Credit Hours: 68
    Contact Hours: 1590
    Designations indicate course delivery method in selected term: Online=OL, Web Enhanced=W, Hybrid=H, Traditional=T.