Business & Finance
Planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations. Business management and administration career opportunities are available in every sector of the economy. Planning, services for financial and investment planning, banking, insurance, and business financial management.
Four Year Plans
- Accounting Core 42 Four Year Plan
- General Business Core 42 Four Year Plan
- Insurance Core 42 Four Year Plan
Accounting Core 42 Four Year Plan
Overview
Grade 9 |
Grade 10 |
Grade 11 |
Grade 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
English 9* |
English 10* |
English 11* |
English 12* |
|
Algebra* |
Geometry* or Analytical Algebra 2 |
Algebra II* or Business Math |
Pre-Cal/Trig or ACP Finite* |
|
Biology* |
Science* |
Science elective or STEM* |
Personalized Elective* |
|
World History* |
Personalized Elective* |
US History* |
Gov't/Personalized Elective* |
|
PCC+ Computing Foundations/ PE |
Health/ Personal Finance |
Personalized Elective* |
Advanced Business Elective |
|
Principles of Business Management |
Accounting Fundamentals* |
Advanced Accounting* |
WBL |
|
World Language I |
World Language II |
Personalized Elective* |
WBL |
|
Study Hall |
Study Hall |
Study Hall |
WBL |
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
General Business Core 42 Four Year Plan
Overview
Grade 9 |
Grade 10 |
Grade 11 |
Grade 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
English 9* |
English 10* |
English 11* |
English 12* |
|
Algebra* |
Geometry* or Analytical Algebra 2 |
Algebra II* or Business Math |
Pre-Cal/Trig or ACP Finite* |
|
Biology* |
Science* |
Science elective or STEM* |
Personalized Elective* |
|
World History* |
Personalized Elective* |
US History* |
Gov't/Personalized Elective* |
|
PCC+ Computing Foundations/ PE |
Health/ Personal Finance |
Personalized Elective* |
Advanced Business Elective |
|
Principles of Business Management |
Accounting Fundamentals |
Marketing Fundamentals |
WBL |
|
World Language I |
World Language II |
Personalized Elective* |
WBL |
|
Study Hall |
Study Hall |
Study Hall |
WBL |
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Insurance Core 42 Four Year Plan
Overview
Grade 9 |
Grade 10 |
Grade 11 |
Grade 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
English 9* |
English 10* |
English 11* |
English 12* |
|
Algebra* |
Geometry* or Analytical Algebra 2 |
Algebra II* or Business Math |
Pre-Cal/Trig or ACP Finite* |
|
Biology* |
Science* |
Science elective or STEM* |
Personalized Elective* |
|
World History* |
Personalized Elective* |
US History* |
Gov't/Personalized Elective* |
|
PCC+ Computing Foundations/ PE |
Health/ Personal Finance |
Personalized Elective* |
Personalized Elective* |
|
Personalized Elective* |
Principles of Business Management |
Insurance Fundamentals/ Personal and Commercial Insurance |
WBL |
|
World Language I |
World Language II |
Personalized Elective* |
WBL |
|
Study Hall |
Study Hall |
Study Hall |
WBL |
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Courses
Accounting Courses
Principles of Business Management
Description:
Principles of Business Management examines business ownership, organization principles and problems, management, control facilities, administration, financial management, and development practices of business enterprises. This course will also emphasize the identification and practice of the appropriate use of technology to communicate and solve business problems and aid in decision making. Attention will be given to developing business communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills using spreadsheets, word processing, data management, and presentation software. One semester will be devoted to understanding the foundations of business, while one semester will be focused on computer skills needed for business.
Requirements:
- Dual Credit: No
- Prerequisite(s): None
- Weighted Course: No
Accounting Fundamentals
Description:
Students completing accounting will have a broad basic background in accounting principles, skills, procedures, and concepts. The study will also include day-to-day accounting tasks such as analyzing and recording financial information. Course will also provide a basic background for continuing accounting study in Financial Accounting. Study progresses from the complete accounting cycle for a sole proprietorship to the accounting cycle for a partnership to the accounting style for a corporation. Students will use computer assisted instruction projects to become familiar with the equipment and to enhance textbook learning. The students will complete a business simulation for application of skills learned.
Requirements:
- Dual Credit: No
- Prerequisite(s): Principles of Business Management (for class of 2025). Course can be taken concurrently with Principles of Business Management.
- Weighted Course: No
Advanced Accounting
Description:
This course will build a solid foundation of basic accounting concepts and principles. The course will provide a fresh new perspective on a rapidly changing accounting environment. References from well-known business periodicals will provide real-world information relevant to any topic being covered. Questions and examples will provide the student with ethical dilemmas he/she will be faced with in today’s business environment. The computer will be used extensively to provide the student with essential technology skills needed in the accounting and business environment. Counts as quantitative reasoning credit.
Requirements:
- Dual Credit: No
- Prerequisite(s): Accounting Fundamentals
- Weighted Course: No
General Business Courses
Principles of Business Management
Description:
Principles of Business Management examines business ownership, organization principles and problems, management, control facilities, administration, financial management, and development practices of business enterprises. This course will also emphasize the identification and practice of the appropriate use of technology to communicate and solve business problems and aid in decision making. Attention will be given to developing business communication, problem-solving, and decision making skills using spreadsheets, word processing, data management, and presentation software. One semester will be devoted to understanding the foundations of business, while one semester will be focused on computer skills needed for business.
Requirements:
- Dual Credit: No
- Prerequisite(s): None
- Weighted Course: No
Accounting Fundamentals
Description:
Students completing accounting will have a broad basic background in accounting principles, skills, procedures, and concepts. The study will also include day-to-day accounting tasks such as analyzing and recording financial information. Course will also provide a basic background for continuing accounting study in Financial Accounting. Study progresses from the complete accounting cycle for a sole proprietorship to the accounting cycle for a partnership to the accounting style for a corporation. Students will use computer assisted instruction projects to become familiar with the equipment and to enhance textbook learning. The students will complete a business simulation for application of skills learned.
Requirements:
- Dual Credit: No
- Prerequisite(s): Principles of Business Management (for class of 2025). Course can be taken concurrently with Principles of Business Management.
- Weighted Course: No
Marketing Fundamentals
Description:
In the first semester students will learn how marketing helps businesses find customers for their products and services and how they sell those products/services for a profit. The focus will be on market segmentation, competition, communication, promotion, and marketing research. At the end of the first semester students will work in a team to help a fictional new business choose which products to carry, and create a business name, brand and image. In the second semester the students will learn about the importance of marketing in a global economy. The focus will be on global trade in a partner project about doing business in a foreign country. At the end of the second semester the students will analyze and apply the skills they have learned throughout the year by using a software simulation. In the simulation they will be responsible for running a retail store and making decisions about inventory, pricing, and promotion.
Requirements:
- Dual Credit: No
- Prerequisite(s): Principles of Business Management. May be taken concurrently with Accounting Fundamentals
- Weighted Course: No
Insurance Courses
Principles of Business Management
Description:
Principles of Business Management examines business ownership, organization principles and problems, management, control facilities, administration, financial management, and development practices of business enterprises. This course will also emphasize the identification and practice of the appropriate use of technology to communicate and solve business problems and aid in decision making. Attention will be given to developing business communication, problem-solving, and decision making skills using spreadsheets, word processing, data management, and presentation software. One semester will be devoted to understanding the foundations of business, while one semester will be focused on computer skills needed for business.
Requirements:
- Dual Credit: No
- Prerequisite(s): None
- Weighted Course: No
Insurance Fundamentals
Description:
Students completing accounting will have a broad basic background in accounting principles, skills, procedures, and concepts. The study will also include day-to-day accounting tasks such as analyzing and recording financial information. Course will also provide a basic background for continuing accounting study in Financial Accounting. Study progresses from the complete accounting cycle for a sole proprietorship to the accounting cycle for a partnership to the accounting style for a corporation. Students will use computer assisted instruction projects to become familiar with the equipment and to enhance textbook learning. The students will complete a business simulation for application of skills learned.
Requirements:
- Dual Credit: No
- Prerequisite(s): Principles of Business Management, GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Weighted Course: No
Personal and Commercial Insurance
Description:
This course will take place simultaneously with Insurance Fundamentals
Personal and Commercial Insurance provides an understanding of the basic principles of personal and property and liability insurance. Students will analyze personal loss exposures and insurance including homeowners and other dwelling coverages, personal liability, inland marine, auto, life, health insurance, and financial planning. Students will also explore commercial coverages including general liability and workers compensation.
This course will be conducted in a manner similar to a global campus course. Students will complete online modules covering Elements of Risk Management, Personal Auto Insurance, Personal Residential Insurance, Worker’s Compensation, and Life and Health Insurance. Certification exams are available at the end of each module. Successful completion of the course and all certification exams results in an industry recognized Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR).
Requirements:
- Dual Credit: No
- Prerequisite(s): Principles of Business Management, GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Weighted Course: No
Future Opportunities
Sample Careers
Accounting
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- CPAs are licensed accountants who provide a range of services, including tax preparation, auditing, and financial planning. They are often trusted advisors to businesses and individuals, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and helping optimize tax strategies.
- CPAs are licensed accountants who provide a range of services, including tax preparation, auditing, and financial planning. They are often trusted advisors to businesses and individuals, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and helping optimize tax strategies.
- Management Accountant (Cost Accountant)
- Management accountants focus on internal financial management. They analyze costs, create budgets, and help organizations make informed business decisions by tracking performance and recommending cost-saving strategies. They often work closely with senior management.
- Management accountants focus on internal financial management. They analyze costs, create budgets, and help organizations make informed business decisions by tracking performance and recommending cost-saving strategies. They often work closely with senior management.
- Forensic Accountant
- Forensic accountants specialize in investigating financial discrepancies and fraud. They are often involved in legal cases, working to detect financial crimes like embezzlement, money laundering, or financial statement fraud. Their work may be used in court as evidence.
- Forensic accountants specialize in investigating financial discrepancies and fraud. They are often involved in legal cases, working to detect financial crimes like embezzlement, money laundering, or financial statement fraud. Their work may be used in court as evidence.
- Auditor
- Auditors evaluate financial records and ensure that they comply with regulations and standards. They can work internally (internal auditors) for a company or externally (external auditors) for accounting firms, reviewing clients' financial statements and practices for accuracy.
- Auditors evaluate financial records and ensure that they comply with regulations and standards. They can work internally (internal auditors) for a company or externally (external auditors) for accounting firms, reviewing clients' financial statements and practices for accuracy.
- Tax Accountant
- Tax accountants focus on preparing tax returns and advising individuals and businesses on tax planning and compliance. They help minimize tax liabilities, ensuring clients take advantage of deductions, credits, and exemptions while adhering to tax laws.
- Tax accountants focus on preparing tax returns and advising individuals and businesses on tax planning and compliance. They help minimize tax liabilities, ensuring clients take advantage of deductions, credits, and exemptions while adhering to tax laws.
- Financial Analyst
- Financial analysts evaluate financial data, including revenue, expenses, and market trends, to help businesses make strategic decisions. They often work in investment banking, corporate finance, or financial consulting, assessing financial performance and market risks.
General Business
- Business Analyst
- Business analysts examine an organization’s processes, systems, and operations to identify areas for improvement. They gather data, analyze trends, and make recommendations to improve efficiency and profitability. Common employers include corporations, consulting firms, and government agencies.
- Business analysts examine an organization’s processes, systems, and operations to identify areas for improvement. They gather data, analyze trends, and make recommendations to improve efficiency and profitability. Common employers include corporations, consulting firms, and government agencies.
- Marketing Coordinator / Specialist
- Marketing coordinators plan and execute marketing campaigns, manage social media, conduct market research, and track campaign performance. They work in corporate marketing departments, advertising agencies, and non-profits.
- Marketing coordinators plan and execute marketing campaigns, manage social media, conduct market research, and track campaign performance. They work in corporate marketing departments, advertising agencies, and non-profits.
- Human Resources (HR) Specialist
- HR specialists manage recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, and compliance with labor laws. They support workforce development in corporations, government, healthcare, and education sectors.
- HR specialists manage recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, and compliance with labor laws. They support workforce development in corporations, government, healthcare, and education sectors.
- Sales Representative / Account Manager
- Sales representatives and account managers build client relationships, promote products or services, and achieve sales targets. They work across industries including retail, technology, manufacturing, and professional services.
- Sales representatives and account managers build client relationships, promote products or services, and achieve sales targets. They work across industries including retail, technology, manufacturing, and professional services.
- Operations Manager
- Operations managers oversee daily business functions, such as production, logistics, supply chain, and administrative processes. They ensure efficient workflows, budget compliance, and quality control in organizations of all sizes.
- Operations managers oversee daily business functions, such as production, logistics, supply chain, and administrative processes. They ensure efficient workflows, budget compliance, and quality control in organizations of all sizes.
- Entrepreneur / Small Business Owner
- Entrepreneurs start and manage their own businesses, identifying market opportunities, creating business plans, securing funding, and managing operations. This career path requires initiative, adaptability, and leadership skills.
Insurance
- Insurance Agent / Sales Representative
- Insurance agents sell and manage insurance policies for individuals or businesses. They help clients choose appropriate coverage, explain policy terms, and handle renewals or claims. Agents often work for insurance companies, brokerage firms, or independently.
- Insurance agents sell and manage insurance policies for individuals or businesses. They help clients choose appropriate coverage, explain policy terms, and handle renewals or claims. Agents often work for insurance companies, brokerage firms, or independently.
- Underwriter
- Underwriters evaluate insurance applications, assess risks, and determine coverage terms and premiums. They analyze financial and medical information, business operations, or property data depending on the type of insurance (life, health, property, casualty).
- Underwriters evaluate insurance applications, assess risks, and determine coverage terms and premiums. They analyze financial and medical information, business operations, or property data depending on the type of insurance (life, health, property, casualty).
- Claims Adjuster / Examiner / Analyst
- Claims professionals investigate insurance claims to determine their validity and coordinate payments. They work closely with clients, insurance agents, and legal professionals to resolve property, auto, health, or liability claims.
- Claims professionals investigate insurance claims to determine their validity and coordinate payments. They work closely with clients, insurance agents, and legal professionals to resolve property, auto, health, or liability claims.
- Actuary
- Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess risk and determine insurance pricing. They develop models to predict losses, estimate reserves, and support business strategy in insurance companies or consulting firms.
- Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess risk and determine insurance pricing. They develop models to predict losses, estimate reserves, and support business strategy in insurance companies or consulting firms.
- Risk Manager
- Risk managers identify and mitigate financial and operational risks for companies. They develop risk management strategies, oversee insurance policies, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Risk managers identify and mitigate financial and operational risks for companies. They develop risk management strategies, oversee insurance policies, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Customer Service / Policy Service Representative
- Policy service representatives assist clients with policy changes, billing, renewals, and general inquiries. They maintain customer relationships and support the administrative side of insurance operations.
Post-Secondary Examples
Accounting
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
- A Bachelor's degree in Accounting is the most common and comprehensive path for those looking to pursue a career in accounting. This degree program typically covers topics like financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, and business law. It's ideal for those who want to work in public accounting, corporate finance, or government accounting.
- A Bachelor's degree in Accounting is the most common and comprehensive path for those looking to pursue a career in accounting. This degree program typically covers topics like financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, and business law. It's ideal for those who want to work in public accounting, corporate finance, or government accounting.
- Associate's Degree in Accounting
- An Associate's degree in Accounting is a quicker and more affordable option, usually taking two years to complete. This program provides foundational knowledge in accounting principles, bookkeeping, financial statements, and payroll. It prepares graduates for entry-level positions such as accounting assistants, bookkeeping clerks, or tax preparers.
- An Associate's degree in Accounting is a quicker and more affordable option, usually taking two years to complete. This program provides foundational knowledge in accounting principles, bookkeeping, financial statements, and payroll. It prepares graduates for entry-level positions such as accounting assistants, bookkeeping clerks, or tax preparers.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Certification
- After obtaining a Bachelor's degree, many accounting professionals pursue Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification, which is a key credential for those wanting to work in public accounting or for large corporations. To become a CPA, individuals must pass the CPA exam and meet experience requirements. The certification opens doors to higher-level accounting positions and offers professional credibility.
- After obtaining a Bachelor's degree, many accounting professionals pursue Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification, which is a key credential for those wanting to work in public accounting or for large corporations. To become a CPA, individuals must pass the CPA exam and meet experience requirements. The certification opens doors to higher-level accounting positions and offers professional credibility.
- Master's Degree in Accounting
- A Master's degree in Accounting is ideal for those who want to specialize further or advance in their careers. This graduate-level program often includes advanced topics like forensic accounting, international accounting, financial analysis, and tax planning. It's a great option for those looking to pursue leadership roles or work in areas such as audit or tax consulting.
- A Master's degree in Accounting is ideal for those who want to specialize further or advance in their careers. This graduate-level program often includes advanced topics like forensic accounting, international accounting, financial analysis, and tax planning. It's a great option for those looking to pursue leadership roles or work in areas such as audit or tax consulting.
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Certification
- The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification is designed for individuals who want to focus on management accounting. This certification emphasizes cost management, financial planning, budgeting, and strategic decision-making, and it is ideal for those seeking roles in corporate finance or financial management.
- The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification is designed for individuals who want to focus on management accounting. This certification emphasizes cost management, financial planning, budgeting, and strategic decision-making, and it is ideal for those seeking roles in corporate finance or financial management.
- Accounting Technician Certification
- The Accounting Technician Certification is for individuals looking to gain specialized knowledge in accounting operations. This program is shorter than a full degree and focuses on the skills needed to perform daily accounting tasks, such as preparing financial statements, managing payroll, and reconciling accounts. It is often pursued by those who want to enter the workforce quickly in a support role within accounting departments.
General Business
- Business Certificate Programs
- Typically 6–12 months in length, certificate programs provide foundational business knowledge for entry-level roles. Students learn principles of accounting, marketing, management, and business communication. Common outcomes include administrative assistant, sales associate, or marketing assistant positions.
- Typically 6–12 months in length, certificate programs provide foundational business knowledge for entry-level roles. Students learn principles of accounting, marketing, management, and business communication. Common outcomes include administrative assistant, sales associate, or marketing assistant positions.
- Associate Degree in Business Administration (A.A.S. or A.S.)
- Two-year programs offer a broader education with general business coursework. Graduates are prepared for roles such as administrative coordinator, HR assistant, operations assistant, or junior marketing professional. Curriculum includes accounting, finance, management, business law, and economics.
- Two-year programs offer a broader education with general business coursework. Graduates are prepared for roles such as administrative coordinator, HR assistant, operations assistant, or junior marketing professional. Curriculum includes accounting, finance, management, business law, and economics.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (BBA) or Management
- Four-year programs prepare students for mid-level and management positions across industries. Graduates may become business analysts, HR specialists, marketing coordinators, operations managers, or sales managers. Coursework often covers accounting, finance, marketing, management, organizational behavior, and strategic planning.
- Four-year programs prepare students for mid-level and management positions across industries. Graduates may become business analysts, HR specialists, marketing coordinators, operations managers, or sales managers. Coursework often covers accounting, finance, marketing, management, organizational behavior, and strategic planning.
- Specialized Bachelor’s Degrees
- Some programs focus on a particular area of business, including marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, or international business. Graduates enter specialized roles aligned with their major, such as financial analyst, marketing strategist, or logistics coordinator.
- Some programs focus on a particular area of business, including marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, or international business. Graduates enter specialized roles aligned with their major, such as financial analyst, marketing strategist, or logistics coordinator.
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA)
- MBA programs, usually 1–2 years, prepare students for leadership and executive roles. Graduates pursue careers such as operations director, marketing manager, business consultant, or C-suite positions. Programs emphasize strategic management, leadership, finance, marketing, and business analytics.
- MBA programs, usually 1–2 years, prepare students for leadership and executive roles. Graduates pursue careers such as operations director, marketing manager, business consultant, or C-suite positions. Programs emphasize strategic management, leadership, finance, marketing, and business analytics.
- Professional Certificates & Industry-Specific Training
- Short-term programs (weeks to months) help students or professionals gain skills in areas like project management, digital marketing, accounting software, or data analysis. Certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional), Google Analytics, or QuickBooks provide a competitive edge for specific career paths.
- Short-term programs (weeks to months) help students or professionals gain skills in areas like project management, digital marketing, accounting software, or data analysis. Certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional), Google Analytics, or QuickBooks provide a competitive edge for specific career paths.
- Entrepreneurship & Startup Programs
- Offered through universities, accelerators, or incubators, these programs focus on creating and managing a new business. Students learn business planning, fundraising, marketing, operations, and scaling strategies, preparing them to launch their own ventures or work in startup environments.
Insurance
- Insurance Certificate Programs
- Typically 6–12 months, certificate programs introduce foundational knowledge in insurance principles, claims handling, and risk management. Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles like insurance sales associate, claims assistant, or policy service representative.
- Typically 6–12 months, certificate programs introduce foundational knowledge in insurance principles, claims handling, and risk management. Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles like insurance sales associate, claims assistant, or policy service representative.
- Associate Degree in Insurance, Risk Management, or Business
- Two-year programs offer a broader education including finance, business, and insurance coursework. Graduates can enter roles such as insurance underwriter assistant, claims analyst, customer service representative, or risk management assistant.
- Two-year programs offer a broader education including finance, business, and insurance coursework. Graduates can enter roles such as insurance underwriter assistant, claims analyst, customer service representative, or risk management assistant.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Insurance, Risk Management, or Business Administration
- Four-year programs prepare students for professional roles in underwriting, claims, risk management, actuarial work, or insurance sales. Coursework typically covers finance, insurance law, risk management, statistics, and business operations.
- Four-year programs prepare students for professional roles in underwriting, claims, risk management, actuarial work, or insurance sales. Coursework typically covers finance, insurance law, risk management, statistics, and business operations.
- Specialized Bachelor’s Programs
- Some programs focus on areas like actuarial science, health insurance, or property & casualty insurance. Graduates pursue specialized careers such as actuary, health insurance underwriter, or commercial risk analyst.
- Some programs focus on areas like actuarial science, health insurance, or property & casualty insurance. Graduates pursue specialized careers such as actuary, health insurance underwriter, or commercial risk analyst.
- Master’s Degree in Risk Management, Insurance, or Business Administration (MBA)
- Graduate programs, usually 1–2 years, prepare students for leadership roles in insurance companies, brokerage firms, or corporate risk management. Graduates may become senior underwriters, risk managers, insurance consultants, or executive leaders.
- Graduate programs, usually 1–2 years, prepare students for leadership roles in insurance companies, brokerage firms, or corporate risk management. Graduates may become senior underwriters, risk managers, insurance consultants, or executive leaders.
- Professional Licenses & Industry Certifications
- Licensing is often required to sell insurance or handle claims. Certifications enhance career advancement, credibility, and specialization. Examples include:
-
Life & Health or Property & Casualty insurance license (state-specific)
-
Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)
-
Associate in Risk Management (ARM)
-
Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
-
Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)
-
- Licensing is often required to sell insurance or handle claims. Certifications enhance career advancement, credibility, and specialization. Examples include:
- Continuing Education & Specialized Training
- Short-term courses help professionals stay current with regulations, new insurance products, technology, and compliance standards. Offered by industry associations, insurance companies, and online platforms, these programs support career advancement and skill development.