Business programs focusing on management skills include specialties in small business, hospitality, retail management, acquisitions and procurement, and general business management. Other programs focus on technical skills - accounting and paralegal studies. Technology-based programs include information systems and office occupations. Three different lengths of program give students convenient options. Career studies supply basic skills and may be completed in one or two semesters.
Certificate programs add more advanced training and general education courses.
They generally last two or three semesters. Programs may offer more than one track, or area of specialization. In most cases, courses included in the career studies and certificate programs apply to the two-year associate degree. Many students complete career studies or certificate programs, find employment, and then continue to upgrade their skills and earning power by completing the AAS degree. Some AAS programs, however, do transfer to specific four-year schools as the first two years of a baccalaureate degree program.