Business Specialist Diploma
Develop the technical, business and professional skills needed to enter the workforce while earning a diploma in our Business Specialist program. Already employed? This program is perfect for improving your skills and keeping up with changes in office technology. Or, take this education even further by continuing into the Administrative Assistant Associate in Applied Science degree.
Also available online, the Business Specialist program will train you in valuable areas such as computers, keyboarding and basic accounting. You’ll have the opportunity to prepare for the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification testing by completing word processing and spreadsheet courses. Learning basic and computerized accounting will ensure that you’re ready for bookkeeping duties.
Develop the flexibility and variety of skills necessary to meet the changing needs in business. Enter the workforce with the technical training and experience necessary to be a secretary, receptionist or office assistant.
Faculty Contact
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Deb Jones Professor, Office Specialist 712-852-5241 | djones@iowalakes.educreate new email |
Program Details
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Curriculum
Term 1
ACC 111 – Intro to Accounting
Introduces the basic principles of accounting and the recoding of simple business transactions using the double entry system. Includes the accounting procedures of journalizing transactions, posting to the ledger, making a trial balance, creating receipt and disbursement of cash.
ADM 116 – Keyboarding II
Tabulations, letters, reports and other production work for students with previous instruction in keyboarding, but with insufficient skill to qualify for the next course.
ADM 254 – Business Professionalism
Introduction to Business Professionals of America activities, which includes preparation for state and national competitive events, leadership and professional development.
Grading: P/Q
BUS 160 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
ADM 132 – Bus Math & Calculators
Provides skills and competencies in basic mathematical functions and in the operation of electronic calculators. Emphasis is on solving business problems and in developing speed and accuracy.
BUS 110 – Business Math and Calculators
A study of the mathematics of business in its application to a variety of vocations including fundamental mathematical processes, fractions, price and cost, interest, bank discounts, cash and trade discounts, depreciation, payroll and taxes, and financial statements. Students will acquire the skills to use Microsoft Excel to perform each concept as well as using the traditional methods.
Choose either ADM 132 or BUS 110
Term 2
ACC 161 – Payroll Accounting
This introductory course covers the processes of completing payroll records and implementing payroll procedures. Topics include methods of computing compensation, state and federal laws affecting payroll, mandatory and voluntary payroll deductions, methods of keeping records, and preparation of internal and governmental reports.
Prerequisites: ACC 131 – Principles of Accounting I
ADM 162 – Office Procedures
Includes modern office skills and technologies, including word processing, automation, records management, reprographics, communication services, time management and methods of handling stress, meeting and travel arrangements and career advancement.
ADM 255 – Business Professionalism II
Business Professionals of America prepares the student for their chosen profession by assisting them in their leadership and professional development for the workplace. Continuation of ADM 254.
Grading: P/Q
Prerequisites: ADM 254 – Business Professionalism
BCA 134 – Word Processing
The essentials of word processing and the use of text-editing equipment.
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET,COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
ACC 310 – Computer Accounting
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the accounting cycle on microcomputers. Topics include general ledgers, accounts receivable and payable, payroll, inventory and depreciation.
ACC 311 – Computer Accounting
This course is designed to provide hands-on approach to learning how modern computerized accounting systems function. This application includes the following: general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliation, budgeting, purchase order processing and inventory, sales order processing and inventory, fixed assets, and payroll.
BCA 185 – Beginning Webpage Development
Introduces web page construction theory along with practical applications. Content includes basic terminology.HTML language and the planning and construction of the student’s own web page.
BCA 218 – Adv Microsoft Office Apps
Provide students with broad understanding of management information systems in the business environment. Offers more detailed hands-on uses of application programs such as word processing, database management and spreadsheets in preparation for careers in business.
Prerequisites: CSC 110 – Intro to Computers, CSC 116 – Information Computing or BCA 212 – Intro to Comp Business Apps
Choose either ACC 310 or ACC 311
Choose either BCA 185 or BCA 218
† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.
