Degree Overview: Associate in Specialized Business – Solutions Development
Majors Overview August 11, 2013Associate in Specialized Business in Solutions Development degree programs are not usually available. However, some associate degree programs in areas such as business information systems or business information technology will prepare students to use information technology (IT) tools to ensure smooth operation and solve problems within organizations and companies.
Associate Degree Program in Business Information Technology
Students will learn how to apply skills from a diverse range of disciplines, including communications, marketing, finance, business, and IT, to business organizational problems. Specific emphasis is placed on technological education in computer software and hardware programs. The diversity of skills acquired will prepare students in this program to work in a range of specializations within the IT and business fields.
Certain professional skills in which students will be able to gain include utilizing information technology tools to implement business systems, troubleshooting software problems, and operating an array of software systems. To gain admission into the associate degree programs, applicants are required to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Program Coursework
The program curriculum combines lab-based training with conventional classroom instruction. Students receive theoretical training in programming, database systems, business, and accounting, as well as hands-on technical instruction through field experience. Program course topics may include the following:
•Visual basic programming
•Marketing
•Business analysis
•Systems analysis
•Finance
Career Options
Since the training in the associate degree program is meant to be flexible enough to allow students the ability to pursue numerous specializations, the career paths for most graduates will not be truly cut and dry. Graduates can gain entry-level positions working with business information systems, including computer software and hardware. Associate degree program graduates may enter the following occupations:
•Business analyst
•Computer systems analyst
•IT manager trainee
•Programmer trainee
•Information processing assistant
Continuing Education Information
Associate degree program graduates who are interested in more advanced managerial careers should consider pursuing a four-year bachelor degree program in information science, business administration, or related fields. Bachelor degree program in business administration will allow students to focus on computer science or computer information systems. Within these degree programs, students will explore accounting, finance, and business law.
