Business Studies: Career Associate

The Business Studies: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in core business principles and practices. This program aims to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in various business environments, whether they are preparing to enter the workforce directly or looking to transfer to a four-year institution for further education. Throughout the curriculum, students will explore key areas such as management, marketing, finance, accounting, and business law, gaining a well-rounded understanding of how organizations operate and succeed in competitive markets.

The program emphasizes practical learning and real-world application, often including opportunities for internships, projects, and collaborative work to enhance skills such as problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking. Students will also develop proficiency with business software and technology tools that are integral to modern business operations. The coursework is designed to be flexible and accessible, accommodating both full-time and part-time students, and often offering evening or online classes to meet diverse needs.

Graduates of the Business Studies: Career Associate program are well-prepared for entry-level positions in various sectors, including retail, banking, healthcare, government agencies, and small businesses. Additionally, the program serves as a stepping stone towards further education, allowing students to transfer credits to bachelor’s degree programs at partnering universities. The faculty comprises experienced professionals dedicated to providing personalized instruction and mentorship to support student success.

Harrisburg Area Community College’s commitment to hands-on learning, affordable tuition, and comprehensive support services makes this program an excellent choice for those interested in building a solid foundation in business. Upon completing the program, students will possess the skills necessary to contribute effectively to organizational goals, pursue professional development opportunities, and potentially advance within their careers. The Business Studies: Career Associate program is an investment in your future, designed to open doors to a variety of exciting career pathways 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  3 
Core C Elective  3 
Free Elective  12 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
ACCT 101 Principles of Accounting  I  4 
BUSI 101 Introduction to Business  3 
BUSI 201 Business Law I (or)  3 
 BUSI 209 Legal Environment of Business  (3) 
CIS 105 Intro to Software for Business  3 
MGMT 201 Principles of Management  3 
MKTG 201 Principles of Marketing  3 
Program Specific Electives*  9 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Apply business skills including accounting, marketing, management, and business law

Employ basic business theories and practices

Apply a basic knowledge of computer applications in business

Discuss fundamental concepts of business decision-making

Deliver oral and written presentations on basic busines concepts

Find, evaluate, and use information from online and print sources

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.

Enroll in the course

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