Achieve what you know you’re capable of. Learn interdisciplinary skills like critical thinking along with key business skills in areas like entrepreneurship, leadership and marketing to prove that you’re ready to move up. And as a working adult, experience a flexible format that is built for you to be able to pursue your degree while keeping up with your other responsibilities.
Advance with practical knowledge and the opportunity to improve in key writing, speaking and research skills. Develop a foundation for successful business leadership with courses in areas like entrepreneurship and marketing.
Core Courses
IDS-100 Foundations of Inquiry
An introductory course emphasizing the knowledge and skills necessary for academic and personal success in a Christian framework. Topics include goal setting, decision-making, time management, computer and information retrieval skills, learning skills, relationships and personal health.
IDS-131 Digital Literacy
A competency-based course designed to ensure that students have basic technology skills that will enable them to be successful in their academic and professional lives. Foundational principles of computing and digital literacy are covered. This course also challenges those with existing competency in technology to further develop their knowledge and skills, preparing them to make use of emerging technologies and to be responsible citizens in our increasingly connected world.
ENG-118 Introduction to Writing and Research
A course designed to develop critical thinking, reading and writing skills with an emphasis on APA documentation style and research writing.
COM-111 Foundations of Speech Communication
An introduction to the philosophy, theory and practice of speech communication. Students develop confidence as communicators with particular emphasis on intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group and public communication.
PSY-111 General Psychology
An introduction to psychology dealing with the important people, terms and theories in the fields of personality, learning, maladjustment and psychotherapy.
REL-231 Mosaic Literature
A study of the history of redemption from Adam to Moses as set forth in the Pentateuch. Special attention is given to God’s purposes in the call of Abraham and the establishment of the Mosaic economy.
PHI-211 Philosophy in Culture
An introduction and development of worldview from a Christian philosophical perspective with special attention given to hermeneutical issues surrounding worldview and the important role philosophy has played in Western culture.
IDS-204 Personal Wellness
A study of an individual’s personal psychological, physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. Students will find ways to help enhance their ability to live a balanced life within areas such as family, work, church and school.
ENG-223 Introduction to Literature
The study and application of various methods of literary interpretation and evaluation to develop critical and analytical skills in the various genres of imaginative literature.
REL-232 Gospel Literature
A study of the four Gospels including their backgrounds, themes, outlines and distinguishing features, distinctive portrayals of Christ and His life and ministry as set forth in the Gospel of Mark.
MAT-120 Contemporary Math
An introductory math course designed to develop skills that have practical usage in a business setting and daily life experience. The course reviews basic mathematical concepts, develops skills with algebraic expressions and expands to several topical applications, including number properties, equations and inequalities, percentages, finance, interest, geometric figures, probability, graphs and statistics.
FAR-211 Introduction to Fine Arts
Introduction, survey and development of an appreciation for the fine arts, including music, painting, sculpture and architecture. The course includes an introduction to the field of aesthetics, a study of components and techniques of the fine arts and a broad historical survey of artistic trends. Emphasis is placed upon the development of value judgment skills within the context of a Christ-centered worldview.
HIS-115 American Studies
A study of American culture using a thematic approach and including topics such as Puritanism, colonization, the Native American experience, industrialization, religious trends, technology, reform movements, the role of women, the impact of war on American life, economic development and contemporary issues.
SOC-211 Current Social Issues
An examination of current social issues in light of classical and contemporary theories. Emphasis is placed on the implications of these issues for American society.
SCI-119 Contemporary Issues in Science and Technology
An exploration of current issues in physics, science, biology, health and medicine. The course provides an understanding of the scientific method and how to critically evaluate current issues from a scientific perspective.
Concentration Courses
BUS-217 Introduction to Global Business
A study of globalization and its impact on the world and the individual. A variety of topics is explored including culture, regional trading blocks and challenges and opportunities facing business today.
BUS-241 Personal Financial Planning
A study of the principles and practices of personal financial management. Topics covered include budgeting, taxes, banking, credit, investments, insurance, goal setting, retirement and estate planning.
MGT-233 Leadership Studies
An overview of the fundamentals of leadership. Using a combination of both theory and practical applications from case studies, students explore issues involved with solving business problems, group interactions and techniques of group presentations.
MKT-252 Introduction to Marketing
An introduction to basic marketing principles focused on traditional marketing applications in decision-making and the marketing function. Emphasis is placed on marketing consumer and industrial goals as well as analysis of marketing functions and institutions. Marketing appropriate for 21st century business environments will also be discussed, including the influence of social media on principles and applications of marketing strategies.
MGT-232 Entrepreneurship
A survey of fundamental management principles, problems and procedures unique to small businesses. Topics include ownership, competition, financing, marketing, personnel, long- and short-term planning and governmental regulations.
BUS-234 Current Problems in Business: Case Studies
A case study course in which students integrate current social issues with functional business strategies. Students analyze problems faced by specific companies and thereby learn to understand the causes for these problems, the many alternative solutions available and the impact of solutions on both the company and society in general. General topics may include strategic management of social issues, political and community responsiveness, human investment, consumer welfare, the environment and multinational corporations.
Program Learning Outcomes
Take your career where you want to go. Our associate in business program is designed to equip you to apply core business principles as you build your professional future.
Proficiency in Terminology, Theories, Concepts, Practices and Skills
Students will demonstrate proficiency in the terminology, theories, concepts, practices and skills specific to business in the 21st-century workforce. In accomplishing this objective, you will be able to:
Define basic business terminology as related to your vocation.
Explain basic theoretical concepts and constructs important to the scope of business.
Classify and effectively communicate core business theories and research.
Interpret and apply research literature to business challenges.
Competency in Applying Knowledge to Address Real-Life Problems
Students will exhibit competency in applying your knowledge to address real-life problems through both individual and group effort. At the end of this program, you will be able to:
Demonstrate emotional intelligence and personal management skills germane to the needs of 21st-century business employers.
Collaborate with others in achieving shared objectives of the business program.
Exhibit business writing and speaking skills desired by employers in the 21st-century workplace.
Use knowledge of empirical and theoretical research to solve 21st-century challenges and problems.
Integration of Traditional and Non-Traditional Cognitive Skills
Students will demonstrate your ability to integrate traditional and non-traditional skills expected of students in the liberal arts tradition, including analytical skills, information literacy, quantitative competency and communication fluency.
Intercultural Competence
Students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues with the 21st-century business workplace.
Articulation of a Christ-Centered Worldview
Students will articulate a Christ-centered worldview to include its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues.
My experience has made me more confident. Having this education has given me the confidence to take on new tasks and ask questions. I have learned valuable communication skills that I can apply immediately in my work.
Anita Faber (A.S. ’17, B.S. ’19)
Related Programs
Looking for other associate degrees or to pursue a bachelor’s degree? Cornerstone offers two other online associate degree programs and four bachelor’s degree programs. Here are a couple of options that might interest you.
