Applied Professional Studies - Associate in Science

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.

The associate of science degree program in Applied Professional Studies prepares students for entry-level leadership positions in a variety of industries.Whether a recent high school graduate seeking a strong start to a professional journey or a working professional looking to enhance skills and broaden career prospects, the Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree in Applied Professional Studies is designed to empower students with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the ever-evolving world of work. Courses also provide a foundation for the upper division courses in baccalaureate degree programs. This program is tailored to meet the demands of today's dynamic job market, where adaptability, critical thinking, and practical expertise are highly valued. Students will recall and apply significant business and industry principles, produce work-based learning projects, and demonstrate the ability to follow oral and written instructions.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Effective Communication Skills:Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in written, verbal, and digital formats.

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:Apply critical thinking skills to identify, analyze, and solve complex problems in professional settings.

Collaboration and Teamwork:Exhibit the capacity to work collaboratively in diverse teams.

Ethical and Professional Behavior:Recognize and apply ethical principles and professional standards.

Adaptability and Innovation:Adapt to changing circumstances, emerging technologies, and evolving industry trends.

Practical Application of Knowledge:Apply theoretical concepts and practical skills acquired during the program to real-world scenarios.

Program Map

Requirement
GE General Education
E Elective

Fall Year 1

15 units
BUS 101
Introduction to Business
A survey in business providing a multidisciplinary examination of how culture, society, economic systems, legal, international, political, financial institutions, and human behavior interact to affect a business organization's policy and practices with the U.S. and a global society. Demonstrates how these influences impact the primary areas of business including: organizational structure and design, leadership, human resource management, organized labor practices, marketing, financial practices, the stock and securities market, and therefore affect a business' ability to achieve its organizational goals.
            CBIS 101
            Computer Concepts & Applications

            The focus of this course is to provide the students with computer concepts and management information systems concepts as used with business computing. Additionally, the course covers changes in technology that affect how computers are used in business. The course includes hands-on experience using software applications such as Internet browsers, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software. Learn the fundamentals latest version of Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint,

            1. Advisories: CBOT 100
            2. Advisories: CBIS 301
                1. Category 4B: Communication and Analytical Thinking
                  ENGL C1000
                  Academic Reading and Writing

                  In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research.

                  Students will prepare and write a research paper.  This course is not open to students who have already successfully taken ENGL 101.

                        1. Category 1A: English Composition
                        1. 1A - English Composition
                        ENGL 112
                        Transfer English Composition Skills
                        English 112 is designed to provide additional support and practice in academic skills and strategies needed to analyze college-level texts and to write college-level essays. Students are required to enroll in the linked co-requisite English 101 course to take English 112. Students cannot drop English 112 and remain in the ENGL 101 course.
                        1. Corequisite: ENGL C1000
                                This class is recommended for students who may need additional support in ENGL C1000.
                                ES 121
                                African American History

                                This is a survey of the history of African Americans from their origins in Africa to the present covering the political, cultural, social, and economic experiences of African Americans. Students will encounter the social, economic, and legal institutions which characterized being black in the United States at various periods in the nation's history.  Topics include African civilization, slavery, the Diaspora, abolition, reconstruction, segregation, Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Movement, African Americans in politics, and race in Modern America. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for HIST 121.

                                    1. D3 - Ethnic Studies
                                    2. D6 - History
                                    1. Category 2B: American History/Government

                                      Spring Year 1

                                      13 units
                                      ACCT 105
                                      Introduction to Accounting
                                      A study of the major areas of accounting to provide an overview of financial, managerial and tax accounting.
                                                BUS 104
                                                Business Organization and Management
                                                A study of the structure of business firms and the principles of organization that determine departmentalization and lines of authority and responsibility. Covers management principles and function, including planning, organization and control within a business firm.
                                                1. Advisories: BUS 302
                                                        STAT C1000
                                                        Introduction to Statistics

                                                        This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines.

                                                              1. Category 1B: Oral Communication and Critical Thinking
                                                              1. 2A - Math
                                                              Critical Thinking Course Selection (AHC GE Area 1B)

                                                              In this course, students receive instruction in critical thinking for purposes of constructing, evaluating, and composing arguments in a variety of rhetorical forms, using primarily non-fiction texts, refining writing skills and research strategies developed in ENGL C1000 College Reading and Writing (C-ID ENGL 100) or similar first-year college writing course.

                                                              Emphasizes skills application through writing a sequence of argumentative essays. Not open to students who have taken ENGL 103.

                                                              1. Prerequisite: ENGL C1000
                                                                  1. Category 3: Arts and Humanities
                                                                  1. 1B - Critical Thinking
                                                                  OR
                                                                  Introduction to critical thinking and critical writing. The student will learn techniques of practical reasoning and argumentation, with emphasis on application of these techniques in the writing of a sequence of argumentative essays. Topics include: critical reading, argument analysis, recognizing propaganda and stereotypes, clarifying ambiguity, meaning and definition, evaluation evidence, logical correctness versus factual correctness, and common mistakes in reasoning (formal and informal fallacies). Critical writing strategies are emphasized. Sample arguments for analysis are drawn from readings in philosophy and from culturally diverse sources in other fields. This course has been designed to fulfill the IGETC Critical Thinking/English Composition requirement.
                                                                  1. Prerequisite: ENGL C1000
                                                                  1. 1B - Critical Thinking
                                                                  1. A3 - Critical Thinking
                                                                  1. Category 4B: Communication and Analytical Thinking

                                                                    Summer Year 1

                                                                    6 units
                                                                    BUS 110
                                                                    Business Law
                                                                    Fundamental legal principles pertaining to business transactions. Introduction to the legal process. Topics include sources of law and ethics, contracts, torts, agency, criminal law, business organizations, and judicial and administrative processes.
                                                                              BUS 160
                                                                              Business Communications
                                                                              A study of the types of communications used in industry and government with emphasis on the content and practice of creating and writing various types of letters, memorandums, reports, Internet e-mail, multimedia presentations and other types of documents. Spelling, correct word usage, sentence structure, punctuation, appearance of copy and organization of ideas are emphasized.
                                                                              1. Advisories: ENGL 514

                                                                                      Fall Year 2

                                                                                      13 units
                                                                                      ART 101
                                                                                      Art Appreciation
                                                                                      A study of the visual arts as an expression of thought and culture.
                                                                                      1. Advisories: READ 110
                                                                                      2. Advisories: ENGL C1000
                                                                                      1. 3A - Arts
                                                                                      1. C1 - Arts (Art, Dance, Music, Theater)
                                                                                      1. Category 3: Humanities
                                                                                        BIOL 100
                                                                                        Introductory Biology

                                                                                        An introduction to the concepts of biology. Designed for majors in fields other than biological science, the course investigates the nature of science, cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, and biodiversity. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 3 hours weekly.

                                                                                        1. Advisories: ENGL 514
                                                                                            1. Category 1: Natural Sciences
                                                                                              COMM C1000
                                                                                              Introduction to Public Speaking

                                                                                              In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches.

                                                                                              The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 101 or COMM 101. Per CalGETC requirements, this course is taught in English. 

                                                                                                    1. Category 1B: Oral Communication and Critical Thinking
                                                                                                    1. 1C - Oral Communication (CSU only)
                                                                                                    Core Elective - Applied Prof. Studies (AS)
                                                                                                    An introduction to the role of financial accounting in business and the accounting process. Topics include recognition, measurement, classification and presentation of business events; and analyzing and recording asset transactions; and performance evaluation. This is the first semester of a two semester course. This course is not open to students who have received credit for ACCT130.
                                                                                                    An introduction to the role of financial accounting in business and the accounting process. Topics include recognition, measurement, and classification of business events; analyzing and recording financial investment, liability and equity transactions; and performance evaluation. This is the second semester of a two semester course. This course is not open to students who have received credit for ACCT130.
                                                                                                    Provides a basic understanding of the business and economics of the agricultural industry; an introduction to the economic aspects of agriculture and their implications to the agricultural producer, consumer and the food system; management principles encountered in the day to day operation of an agricultural enterprise as they relate to the decision making process.
                                                                                                    The study of principles and practices of the selling process: selling strategies and approaches, why and how people buy, prospecting, territory management, and customer service. Self-management, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary in developing managerial abilities, leadership qualities, and facilitating teamwork within the agribusiness sector will be explored. Students will gain experience through role-play, formal sales presentations, and job shadowing. The course content is organized to give students an in-depth understanding of the factors and influences that affect the agribusiness industry on a day-to-day basis.
                                                                                                    The place of agriculture and farming in the economic system; basic economic concepts and problems of agriculture; pricing and marketing problems, factors of production; and state and federal farm programs affecting the farmer's economic position.
                                                                                                    Intended primarily for students who plan to participate in an independently-owned business. Includes study of single proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations at all levels of the American economic system. Not designed as a substitute for Business 101 or Business 103, which serve as introductions to further study in business administration.
                                                                                                    Fundamental legal principles pertaining to business transactions. Introduction to the legal process. Topics include sources of law and ethics, contracts, torts, agency, criminal law, business organizations, and judicial and administrative processes.
                                                                                                              A study of quantity food preparation with emphasis on food, beverage and labor cost control management in purchasing, receiving, storing, issuing, and producing food products. Principles and procedures for the management of institutional, restaurant, and catering food service settings are examined.
                                                                                                              A study of food service operations, procedures, and problems encountered in the development of personnel programs and desirable labor management relationships. Topics include selection, placement, orientation, training, counseling, rating, and promotion of employees.
                                                                                                              An introduction to basic concepts and skills of case management with diverse populations including cultural competence, ethics, intakes, assessment, case planning, referrals, implementation and documentation.
                                                                                                              Explores the process and content of counseling groups and families. Topics include developmental stages of groups, group formation, constructive and ineffective processes, behavioral ground rules, interventions, entry into and exit from groups, ethics, cultural and ethnic diversity, documentation of client behavior, and self-awareness in group situations.
                                                                                                              Survey of culturally competent strategies and approaches for working in human service settings with clients who are culturally, ethnically, and physically diverse.
                                                                                                              An introduction to the principles of program management in recreation services in the areas of public and private domains, park, military and institutional settings as well as services to special populations.
                                                                                                              An examination of the theories of leadership, leadership behaviors, principles and procedures of leadership and supervisory responsibilities as applied by the recreation leader. Techniques for working with small groups, large groups, and diverse populations.
                                                                                                              An exploration of recreational program planning including organization, implementation, and evaluation in both public and private settings. The interrelationship of needs and interests of people, physical settings, and activity content are covered.
                                                                                                              An entrepreneur must make a choice as to which type of business to form and operate. Corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and sole proprietorships are among the different types of business organizations. This course reviews the law regarding the formation and operation of various forms of business organizations. It provides guidance on drafting original documents to form a business.
                                                                                                              An introductory overview of the wine industry, production, planning, marketing channels, advertising, promotion, packaging, pricing, retail/wholesale distribution, and public relations. This course is not open to students who have received credit for AG 105.
                                                                                                              Presents the many aspects of operating a small to medium-sized winery in today's business environment. Topics include an overview of the California grape and wine industry, government compliance, financial planning (capital and operating budgets), grape supply options, grape contracts, financial and managerial accounting for vineyards and wineries. Includes the basics of vineyard and winery financial management e.g. using financial statements and what they mean, cash flow management, financial and investment analysis, banking and funding sources. The class combines short lecture and hands-on experience to gain practice with, and examine the limitations of, each analysis. Some basic understanding of Microsoft Excel is recommended. This course is not open to students who have received credit for AG 106.
                                                                                                              The course will cover the basics of wine business for commercial wine production, sales, marketing, logistics, compliance and administration. The class combines short lecture and hands-on experience to gain practice with, and examine the limitations of, each analysis. The student will work in small groups analyzing regional wine industries. This course is not open to students who have received credit for AG 114.

                                                                                                              Spring Year 2

                                                                                                              15 units
                                                                                                              GEOG 101
                                                                                                              Physical Geography
                                                                                                              An introduction to the earth's physical geography, addressing the origins, patterns and interconnections of weather/climate, water, landforms, living systems and human culture.
                                                                                                              1. Advisories: ENGL C1000
                                                                                                                  1. Category 1: Natural Sciences
                                                                                                                    HIST 101
                                                                                                                    World Civilizations to 1600
                                                                                                                    An interdisciplinary, multi-cultural exploration of the development of the great civilizations: China/Japan, Egypt, Greece/Rome, India, Mesopotamian, and Pre-Columbian. Important ideas, events and discoveries are explored through literature, folklore, art history, philosophy, and science. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for HUM 101.
                                                                                                                      1. 3B - Humanities
                                                                                                                      1. C2 - Humanities
                                                                                                                      2. D6 - History
                                                                                                                      1. Category 3: Humanities
                                                                                                                        PHIL 105
                                                                                                                        Ethics
                                                                                                                        An introduction into the nature of ethics examining ethical issues, traditional and nontraditional ethical systems, and various contemporary ethical problems such as abortion and euthanasia.
                                                                                                                              1. Category 3: Humanities
                                                                                                                                POLS C1000
                                                                                                                                American Government and Politics

                                                                                                                                This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology.

                                                                                                                                A study of American government at the national, state, and local levels. Governmental principles, institutions, and their historical development are examined. This course satisfies part of the history and government requirements for the California State Colleges and Universities, University of California, Allan Hancock College, and many private colleges. (F,S). The course is not open to students who received credit for POLS 103. 

                                                                                                                                      1. Category 4B: American History/Government
                                                                                                                                      1. Political Science, Government & Legal Institutions
                                                                                                                                      Core Elective - Applied Prof. Studies (AS)
                                                                                                                                      An introduction to the role of financial accounting in business and the accounting process. Topics include recognition, measurement, classification and presentation of business events; and analyzing and recording asset transactions; and performance evaluation. This is the first semester of a two semester course. This course is not open to students who have received credit for ACCT130.
                                                                                                                                      An introduction to the role of financial accounting in business and the accounting process. Topics include recognition, measurement, and classification of business events; analyzing and recording financial investment, liability and equity transactions; and performance evaluation. This is the second semester of a two semester course. This course is not open to students who have received credit for ACCT130.
                                                                                                                                      Provides a basic understanding of the business and economics of the agricultural industry; an introduction to the economic aspects of agriculture and their implications to the agricultural producer, consumer and the food system; management principles encountered in the day to day operation of an agricultural enterprise as they relate to the decision making process.
                                                                                                                                      The study of principles and practices of the selling process: selling strategies and approaches, why and how people buy, prospecting, territory management, and customer service. Self-management, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary in developing managerial abilities, leadership qualities, and facilitating teamwork within the agribusiness sector will be explored. Students will gain experience through role-play, formal sales presentations, and job shadowing. The course content is organized to give students an in-depth understanding of the factors and influences that affect the agribusiness industry on a day-to-day basis.
                                                                                                                                      The place of agriculture and farming in the economic system; basic economic concepts and problems of agriculture; pricing and marketing problems, factors of production; and state and federal farm programs affecting the farmer's economic position.
                                                                                                                                      Intended primarily for students who plan to participate in an independently-owned business. Includes study of single proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations at all levels of the American economic system. Not designed as a substitute for Business 101 or Business 103, which serve as introductions to further study in business administration.
                                                                                                                                      Fundamental legal principles pertaining to business transactions. Introduction to the legal process. Topics include sources of law and ethics, contracts, torts, agency, criminal law, business organizations, and judicial and administrative processes.
                                                                                                                                                A study of quantity food preparation with emphasis on food, beverage and labor cost control management in purchasing, receiving, storing, issuing, and producing food products. Principles and procedures for the management of institutional, restaurant, and catering food service settings are examined.
                                                                                                                                                A study of food service operations, procedures, and problems encountered in the development of personnel programs and desirable labor management relationships. Topics include selection, placement, orientation, training, counseling, rating, and promotion of employees.
                                                                                                                                                An introduction to basic concepts and skills of case management with diverse populations including cultural competence, ethics, intakes, assessment, case planning, referrals, implementation and documentation.
                                                                                                                                                Explores the process and content of counseling groups and families. Topics include developmental stages of groups, group formation, constructive and ineffective processes, behavioral ground rules, interventions, entry into and exit from groups, ethics, cultural and ethnic diversity, documentation of client behavior, and self-awareness in group situations.
                                                                                                                                                Survey of culturally competent strategies and approaches for working in human service settings with clients who are culturally, ethnically, and physically diverse.
                                                                                                                                                An introduction to the principles of program management in recreation services in the areas of public and private domains, park, military and institutional settings as well as services to special populations.
                                                                                                                                                An examination of the theories of leadership, leadership behaviors, principles and procedures of leadership and supervisory responsibilities as applied by the recreation leader. Techniques for working with small groups, large groups, and diverse populations.
                                                                                                                                                An exploration of recreational program planning including organization, implementation, and evaluation in both public and private settings. The interrelationship of needs and interests of people, physical settings, and activity content are covered.
                                                                                                                                                An entrepreneur must make a choice as to which type of business to form and operate. Corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and sole proprietorships are among the different types of business organizations. This course reviews the law regarding the formation and operation of various forms of business organizations. It provides guidance on drafting original documents to form a business.
                                                                                                                                                An introductory overview of the wine industry, production, planning, marketing channels, advertising, promotion, packaging, pricing, retail/wholesale distribution, and public relations. This course is not open to students who have received credit for AG 105.
                                                                                                                                                Presents the many aspects of operating a small to medium-sized winery in today's business environment. Topics include an overview of the California grape and wine industry, government compliance, financial planning (capital and operating budgets), grape supply options, grape contracts, financial and managerial accounting for vineyards and wineries. Includes the basics of vineyard and winery financial management e.g. using financial statements and what they mean, cash flow management, financial and investment analysis, banking and funding sources. The class combines short lecture and hands-on experience to gain practice with, and examine the limitations of, each analysis. Some basic understanding of Microsoft Excel is recommended. This course is not open to students who have received credit for AG 106.
                                                                                                                                                The course will cover the basics of wine business for commercial wine production, sales, marketing, logistics, compliance and administration. The class combines short lecture and hands-on experience to gain practice with, and examine the limitations of, each analysis. The student will work in small groups analyzing regional wine industries. This course is not open to students who have received credit for AG 114.