Curriculum
Program Summary
Careers in business continue to represent one of the fastest-growing employment areas in the United States. Companies in almost every industry rely heavily on technology - from high-tech manufacturing, where technology is core to the business, to service industries that depend on information technology to manage core business functions. The program prepares both Associate's and Bachelor's degree graduates with a wide range of career options found in business, industry, government, and public institutions.
A unique feature of the Associate's degree program is the opportunity for students to develop a broad base of knowledge for a wide range of business careers, rather than acquiring theory and skills specific to only one career area.
Core requirements for the Associate's degree
- Technical skills in accounting, computer applications, and office support;
- Communication skills in writing, speaking, and listening;
- Management skills in human resources, marketing and business law;
- Interpersonal "soft" skills in image awareness, business behavior, teamwork, and job search techniques.
Highlights of the Associate's degree program include two formal business dinners where students dress in professional attire and learn (and practice) the rules of formal dining. Students learn the rules of parliamentary procedure and meeting management and apply these in a role play of a formal business meeting. Freshmen complete a ten-hour service learning project. Students also learn resume writing and job interview skills and attend a "mocktail" reception and interview. A capstone senior project includes a team oral presentation judged by professionals from business and industry. Career Opportunities for Associate's Degree Graduates
- Staff accountants and accounting specialists;
- Executive assistants and office managers;
- Marketing and communication coordinators;
- Sales and customer service representatives;
- Project managers;
- Small business owners.
Bachelor of Science program
The Bachelor of Science program in Business Technology and Management provides students with the opportunity to acquire a sought-after educational background which includes high-tech applied skills combined with management and leadership skills directly related to the use of technology in business and industry. The course content and sequence link with functional management areas through case studies and real-world situations that occur on a daily basis. The focus throughout the program is how technical skills, interpersonal skills, and technology help to build a competitive strength in business.
Goals of the Bachelor Program
- Position graduates to assume leadership roles in an increasingly technology-focused workforce;
- Boost starting salary and increase potential for promotion;
- Increase employees' contributions to their current employers;
- Provide the opportunity for students to grow personally and professionally in the breadth and depth of their technical, interpersonal, and business knowledge.
Areas of Study
The Bachelor of Science curriculum emphasizes management and leadership skills. Specific areas of study are consistent with most Bachelor's level business programs. Courses include:
- Accounting & Financial Management;
- Leadership & Management;
- Marketing;
- Ethics;
- Human Resources; and
- Business law.
Introductory classes in the first year of the program are followed by more advanced management courses and electives in specific technical areas in the second year.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the program pursue a wide range of career opportunities, based on their Associate's degree training and prior work experience. For example, current students in the program are employed by companies like IBM in the electronics industry, and Husky in the manufacturing industry, among others.
For incumbent workers, the Bachelor's degree affords greater opportunity for career advancement with the skills required to excel in management.
For traditional students, the Bachelor's program provides knowledge of business and management principles that translate to higher potential for advancement than an Associate's degree alone.
Some students pursue additional education at the Master's level in business administration or in technical fields.
Enrollment Information
Applicants may enter the Bachelor program through one of the following options:
- Students may enroll in a four-year format with application directly to the Bachelor program;
- Student may first enroll in an Associate's degree program and defer a decision on Bachelor candidacy. These students may apply for the Bachelor degree upon completion of their Associate's degree. Students who complete any Vermont Tech associate's degree program are eligibile to apply to the Bachelor program.
- Students who have already earned an associate's degree from Vermont Tech, or other institutions, are eligible to apply to the Bachelor program.
Requirements of the Program
Associate's degree students must complete all courses in the curriculum sequence. A total of 69 credits are required for an Associate's in Applied Science in Business Technology & Management.
Bachelor students must complete all core courses in the curriculum sequence. If students have taken any of the core courses at the Associate's level, that will not reduce their total credit requirement for the Bachelor degree.
A total of 120 credits minimum are required for the Bachelor of Science in Business Technology & Management.
Campus Locations
The Associate's degree program is offered on a full-time basis at Vermont Tech's main campus in Randolph Center and at the Chittenden campus in Williston. The Bachelor degree program is offered on a full-time basis in Randolph Center. It is also offered on a part-time schedule at the Chittenden campus in Williston.