The Business Management: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College offers students a comprehensive foundation in the essential principles and practices of business. Designed to equip students with the necessary skills to excel in various corporate and entrepreneurial environments, this program emphasizes practical knowledge, critical thinking, and effective communication. Students will explore key areas such as management principles, business ethics, marketing, accounting, finance, and organizational behavior, preparing them to take on a variety of roles in the business world. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical applications, including case studies, projects, and internships, to ensure students gain real-world experience and improve their employability upon graduation. This program is ideal for those seeking a quick entry into the workforce or for individuals planning to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor's degree in business or related fields. Harrisburg Area Community College is committed to providing high-quality education with experienced faculty members, state-of-the-art facilities, and ongoing student support services. Graduates of the Business Management: Career Associate program will be well-prepared to start careers in areas such as management, sales, customer service, and administrative roles. They will also have the foundational knowledge necessary to continue their studies and achieve long-term career growth in the dynamic world of business.
General Education
ENGL 101 English Composition I 3
ENGL 102 English Composition II (or) 3
ENGL 106 Business Writing (3
COMM 101 Effective Speaking 3
Core A Elective 3
Core B Elective (Recommend: ECON 202) 3
Core C Elective 3
*Free Elective 3
Physical Education & Wellness 1
Major Requirements
ACCT 101 Principles of Accounting I 4
ACCT 200 Principles of Accounting II 4
BUSI 101 Introduction to Business 3
BUSI 201 Business Law I 3
BUSI 230 Intro to International Business 3
CIS 105 Intro to Software for Business 3
ECON 201 Principles of Economics: Macro 3
MGMT 201 Principles of Management 3
MGMT 203 Human Resources Management 3
MGMT 226 Principles of Leadership 3
MKTG 201 Principles of Marketing 3
**Program Electives 6
This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:
Communicate effectively and professionally in business management situations through physical or virtual presence, writing, speaking, listening, and electronic media
Use quantitative and qualitative tools and methodologies to support business management and organizational decision making
Describe economic, environmental, political, ethical, legal, and regulatory contexts of global organizational management policies
Evaluate potential for business success and consider implementation issues including financial, legal, operational, and administrative procedures
Identify business management problems and opportunities and formulate an action plan
Manage by using team building skills and facilitate collaborative behaviors in the accomplishment of group goals and objectives
Work effectively, respectfully, ethically, and professionally with people of diverse ethnic, cultural, gender, and other backgrounds, as well as with people with different organizational roles, social affiliations, and personalities
Analyze the information content of organizational processes and use information technology
Utilize research methods to collect and analyze information regarding management concepts
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship
Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC?
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.
Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program.
Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.
What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?
The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year.
The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.
Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.
Are you eligible?
To be eligible, you must:
Apply to HACC
Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)
Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county
Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0
Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test
Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC
Participate in at least two HACC student organizations
The Business Management: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in the dynamic field of business management. This program focuses on developing core competencies such as leadership, organizational behavior, strategic planning, and operational management, all within a comprehensive curriculum tailored to meet the needs of today's competitive marketplace. Students enrolled in this associate degree program gain a deep understanding of business principles, including accounting, marketing, human resources, and ethics, preparing them for entry-level management roles or for further studies in business-related fields. HACC's program is characterized by its commitment to experiential learning, offering opportunities for internships, real-world projects, and collaborative assignments that foster hands-on experience. These elements are designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, thus enhancing employability upon graduation. The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of technology in business, ensuring students are proficient with relevant software and digital tools. Additionally, the program promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, essential qualities for effective management. Students can benefit from dedicated support services, career counseling, and connections with local businesses, helping them to build professional networks and gain insights into industry trends. The associate degree typically takes two years to complete, and graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers in various sectors such as retail management, banking, hospitality, and small business ownership. Alternatively, credits earned through the program may be transferred to four-year institutions for those wishing to continue their education. Overall, HACC's Business Management: Career Associate offers a practical, flexible, and respected pathway for individuals aspiring to succeed in the business world or to advance their existing careers.