Business and Computer Technology Curriculum and Course Descriptions

The Business and Computer Technology program is offered on all three campuses with the main campus offering an Interactive Design option and the technical campuses offering Office Support options.  The programs provide intensive, hands-on training with up-to-date computer applications used in many business environments.

The technical campuses offer Accounting Support Specialist, Administrative Assistant, Business Graphics Specialist, and Medical Support Specialist options.  CCC offers challenging, technology-oriented business courses for today’s high-tech society. 

The program offers a one-year certificate as well as a two-year associate degree option.  This Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) training provides a foundation for graduates to join the workforce in entry-level positions as valuable assets to their employers and assures an employer that a student has obtained the skills, knowledge, and dedication to perform with excellence. 

A student’s class choices should be planned with the requirements of the transfer institution in mind.  See your advisor for enrollment information and transfer institution requirements.

Office Support

Core Requirements for Office Support Clerk
(Secondary and Postsecondary Programs)

Elective Specialty Blocks (Minimum 1 Required)

Recommended Administrative Assistant Courses

Recommended Business Graphics Specialist Courses

Recommended Medical Support Specialist Courses

To complete an associate degree the program emphasis credit hours and the general education credit hours, which must be taken from the list approved by the General Education Committee, must total at least 64 credit hours.  Certain general education courses are preferred for different programs.

Associate in Applied Science Degree

Students completing a technical program may desire to seek the Associate in Applied Sciences Degree.  In addition to completing a technical program, this degree also requires the completion of 18 hours in general education.  Certain courses within this degree may or may not transfer to baccalaureate degree granting institutions. The student must complete 64 semester hours with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or above. There is a minimum cumulative general education requirement of 18 semester hours.

Associate in Applied Science Degree Requirements

Description of Courses

BCTC-100.  Keyboarding I.  2 Hours.  This course provides instruction in developing the basic keyboarding skills needed to key alphabetic, numeric, and special symbol characters.  This course is designed to meet the needs of individuals who are beginners as well as for those who desire to improve their basic keyboarding skills.  The emphasis is on the development of the techniques for building speed and accuracy on straight-copy timings. 

BCTC-101.  Keyboarding II.  3 Hours.  This is a course structured to give a student the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to continue his/her study in keyboarding, or to acquire keyboarding skills for their own personal use.  Students will learn to format personal letters, business letters, outlines, reports, data sheets and tables.  Prerequisite:  Keyboarding I. 

BCTC-113.  Business Procedures I.  5 Hours (135 Contact Hours).  This course introduces students to the many dimensions and duties of the administrative assistant position.  Office support personnel must understand a variety of general office functions in order to provide efficient support of management functions.  This course will provide a practical approach to office procedures such as organization, time management, telecommunications, mail, proper use of office equipment, and records management.  Class instruction may be on a group or individual basis. 

BCTC-123.  Business Procedures II.  5 Hours (135 Contact Hours).  This course is designed to cover basic business mathematical procedures as applied to practical business problems and introduce students to various models of business calculating machines and their operation.  Students will review various business applications such as a review of basic mathematics, percentages, mathematics of buying, payroll, tax problems, financial statements, banking services, and the practical application of calculating machines to realistic problems found in modern business.  Emphasis is also on developing the students' proficiency in using the ten-key touch system in machine operations. 

BCTC-130.  Computer Applications I.  7 Hours (190 Contact Hours).  This course is designed to provide students with in-depth training in word processing concepts.  Students will use Microsoft Word as the primary course software.  This course will prepare students for testing to become Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certified at the core and expert levels of Word. 

BCTC-143.  Business Procedures III.  5 Hours (135 Contact Hours).  This course gives students a comprehensive view of communication, its scope and importance in business, and the role of communication in establishing a favorable environment outside a business as well as internally.  The course includes a brief review of English mechanics and organization.  Intensive study in writing different forms of business letters and Web-based communications to learn the appropriate approach to capture messages is learned. 

BCTC-145.  Accounting for Small Business (Practice Simulation).  3 Hours (90 Contact Hours).  This course reinforces skills learned in Introduction to Computerized Accounting Software.  Students will develop and maintain a simple set of books to strengthen learning. 

BCTC-173.  Business Procedures IV.  5 Hours (135 Contact Hours).  This course will prepare students to use appropriate and successful strategies for seeking and obtaining employment.  Students will identify their personality type, interests, skills and values; define goals for their lives; and match themselves to career and educational goals and plans.  Participants will plan a job search, create a resume, write a cover letter, build a professional profile, write a letter of application, and prepare for and practice a job interview.  Students will explore workplace ethics, cultural differences, and social behaviors in business settings. 

BCTC-180.  Computer Applications II.  7 Hours (190 Contact Hours).  In this course, students will explore the advanced features of Microsoft PowerPoint, including customizing templates and the PowerPoint environment, as well as making a presentation interactive by using hyperlinks.  The student will enhance a presentation by using custom clip art, animation, and movies, and work with embedded and imported objects using Microsoft applications.  Working in the Windows environment, disk and file management, and the Internet will be presented.  This course covers all the objectives for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams to prepare students for testing. 

BCTC-184.  Basic Web Page Design.  4 Hours (100 Contact Hours).  This is an introductory course in Web Page Design.  The course will provide students with a strong understanding of Web design principles in the planning, building and maintaining of Web pages and a Web site.  Students will design and create Web pages using Web page editing/publishing software and create and edit graphic images for Web pages using image editing software.  Upon completion of course, students should be able to apply principles of good Web page design and style.  Prerequisite:  Permission of the instructor. 

BCTC-190.  Computer Applications III.  7 Hours (190 Contact Hours).  This course offers training in the features and functions of Microsoft Excel in a professional environment.  Advanced techniques for analyzing and manipulating data in Excel will help prepare students for testing to become Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certified at the core and expert levels of Excel. 

BCTC-200.  Computer Applications IV.  7 Hours (190 Contact Hours).  At the conclusion of this Office course, students will understand how to use the basic and advanced capabilities of Access to build databases, query data, design forms and generate reports.  The course covers all the objectives for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams to prepare students for testing. 

BCTC-207.  On-the-Job Training (OJT or OJT Equivalent).  Up to 4 Hours (0-195 Contact Hours).  Students demonstrating excellent attendance, attitude and mastery of core curriculum competencies may be considered for on-the-job training experience.  Through the cooperation of local businesses, students are given the opportunity to apply the skills required for their future career.  Class attendance is also required. 

BCTC-220. Medical Machine Transcriptions.  3 Hours (45 Contact Hours).  This course prepares a student to become a transcriptionist in medical offices, clinics, hospitals and other health facilities.  Through 60 prerecorded exercises students become familiar with the following areas of medical transcription:  history and physical reports, radiology, operations, pathology, discharge summaries and autopsies.  Prerequisite:  Medical Terminology I. 

BCTC-230.  Medical Office Procedures.  6 Hours (180 Contact Hours).  This course introduces students to Insurance Forms Preparation, ICD-9/CPT-4 Coding and completion of Medical Office Simulations. 

BCTC-255.  Medical Terminology I.  3 Hours (45 Contact Hours).  This course provides an introduction to the medical terms most commonly used in today's medical office.  It serves as an adjunct to other medical courses for nurses, medical technologists, laboratory assistants and medically related professionals, including community health workers and medical social workers.  It is useful to students in biology, health, anatomy, physiology, nursing and pre-med. 

BCTC-270.  Desktop Publishing Software.  7 Hours (190 Contact Hours).  This course is designed to identify the concepts and applications of desktop publishing and develop competencies using powerful computer software as a desktop publishing tool. A variety of software packages will be examined.  Students will learn how to combine text and graphics to create professional quality documents. 

BCTC-275.  Document Layout and Design.  3 Hours (90 Contact Hours).  This course is an introduction to computer applications and systems that are used in the production of printed media. A variety of software packages will be used to produce professional quality documents. Students will learn to analyze, critique and improve graphic design and layout to communicate a message.  Prerequisite:  Computer Applications I. 

BUSN-133.  Business Math.  3 Hours.  This course is designed for all business students.  The course will assist students in reaching a level of increased competence in mathematics and expanded understanding of the applications of mathematical concepts in business activities.  Emphasis is placed upon learning mathematical concepts through practical application to common business problems. 

COMP-162.  Computer Concepts and Applications.  3 Hours.  This course provides an introduction to computer concepts and terminology, information technology, and software applications used in business and industry.  Included are word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation management. 

COMP-190.  Microcomputer Applications I.  1-3 Hours.  Students receive hands-on experience with microcomputers while learning introductory theories and practical applications of a software program.  Software programs may include Windows, Word, Excel, Access, FrontPage, Internet and Web Design. 

COMP-191.  Adobe PageMaker.  3 Hours.  The Adobe PageMaker program is a program widely accepted among designers, graphic designers, writers, editors and typesetters as a tool to integrate text and graphics from many sources into virtually any kind of publication, from newsletters and brochures to color catalogs and magazines, with maximum precision and control.  In this course the student will be expected to learn and explore the creative and practical possibilities of the program.  The student will learn the basic functions and applications of the Adobe PageMaker program. 

COMP-195.  Principles of Web Page Design.  3 Hours.  This course is intended for those with some computer experience and includes practical hands-on project work.  In this course, students learn the principles of the World Wide Web, learn to identify common problems in Web design, plan a Web site project and have a practical understanding of how to build, update and publish a Web site using a visual editor and HTML. The course is hands-on and production-driven where students learn about Web design and authoring through lectures, discussions, demonstrations and through developing actual Web pages. 

COMP-205.  Web Design Technologies.  3 Hours.  This introductory course introduces the fundamentals of popular Web page design tools and technologies.  No prior knowledge of HTML/XHTML or any other languages or tools is required.  Students will be introduced to the basics of HTML/XHTML and Cascading Style Sheets.  They will also learn basic Web design using the authoring tool Adobe Dreamweaver.  Images and animations will be created by using Adobe PhotoShop and Adobe Flash.  The JavaScript scripting language and Dynamic Hypertext Markup Language (DHTML) may also be examined if time permits. 

COMP-245.  Interactive Authoring: Adobe Director.  3 Hours.  This course is an introduction to creating multimedia applications using Adobe Director.  Students will learn how to plan and create movies from scratch, import and manage media from other sources, add navigation and user interaction, and prepare and deliver movies for distribution on CD, DVD or the Web. 

COMP-256.  Web Graphics.  3 Hours.  The main purpose of this course is to instruct students in basic and intermediate graphics design skills primarily for a Web environment and to prepare students for future careers as Web Designers.  The basics of graphics design are included, from logos to icons to sliced images.  This course affords a wealth of opportunity for hands-on experience using the primary design tools used in industry today. 

COMP-276.  Presenting With Multimedia.  3 Hours. Multimedia introduces students to the creation and use of business presentations using multimedia software.  Multimedia covers evaluation of media for various target audiences, advantages and disadvantages of various presentation methods/media, principles of design and creation of presentations. 

COMP-277.  Desktop Publishing: Adobe InDesign.  3 Hours.  This course will expose students to InDesign, a comprehensive software program that allows students to create output-ready layouts for anything from a simple coupon to an 8-page newsletter to a 120-page full-color magazine.  This program interfaces seamlessly with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. 

COMP-282.  Internet Navigation and Exploration.  3 Hours.  This course introduces students to the primary tools of the Internet.  Hands-on exercises teach students how to access information from a multitude of different areas.

COMP-283.  Web Page Design with Microsoft FrontPage.  3 Hours. This course introduces students to the popular Web design program Microsoft FrontPage.  Students will be introduced to the World Wide Web and will develop skills in construction of Web pages and Web sites through tutorials and cases related to business applications.  Students will create, publish, test and maintain Web pages using the visual editor.   

COMP-284.  Web Page Design: HTML/XHTML.  3 Hours.  This course introduces the student to the language of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML), and Cascading Style Sheets for creating Web-formed Web pages that are compliant with current Web standards.  Students will create, publish, test, and maintain Web pages using HTML and XHTML. 

COMP-285.  Image Manipulation: Adobe Photoshop.  3 Hours.  This course will expose students to a comprehensive understanding of Adobe Photoshop.  Students will develop creative projects through concise instructions, and complete coverage of basic to advanced Photoshop skills to help students create dynamic Photoshop art. 

COMP-286.  Illustration: Adobe Illustrator.  3 Hours.  This course will expose students to creative projects, concise instructions, and complete coverage of basic to advanced Illustrator skills, helping students create polished, professional-looking illustrations.  Students will create everything from simple graphics, icons and text to complex and multilayered illustrations, all of which can be used within a page layout, in a multimedia presentation, or on the Web. 

COMP-289.  Web Production I.  3 Hours.  In this course students will learn how to develop Web sites utilizing the skills they have acquired from previously required Web Design course work.  The course will teach students how to manage the Web site development process.  Students will explore all aspects of Web Production from page design through user testing to uploading and maintenance. 

COMP-290.  Microcomputer Applications II.  1-3 Hours.  Students receive hands-on experience with microcomputers while learning advanced theories and practical applications of a software program.  Software programs may include Windows, Word, Excel, Access, FrontPage, Internet and Web Design. 

COMP-291.  Digital Media: Adobe Premiere.  3 Hours.  This course will teach students how to create digital movies using Adobe Premiere software.  Students will learn how to capture and edit digital video and will learn creative ways to include digital videos in DVD's, Web sites and other multimedia projects.  Students will also learn how to assemble and edit a video sequence; enhance video with transitions, effect and titles; work with audio, capture video, and export a video. 

COMP-296.  Web Animation: Adobe Flash.  3 Hours. This course is designed to teach students how to use Flash to create dynamic, compelling and highly interactive Web content.  Students will use Flash as a drawing tool, an animation environment, a programming language and a Web authoring package. 

COMP-297.  Web Page Design: Adobe Dreamweaver.  3 Hours.  The main purpose of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Adobe Dreamweaver, and the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to create Web sites. 

COMP-298.  Special Projects.  3 Hours.  In this course a student will plan and execute a project to enhance their overall understanding of interactive design.  Projects will follow an individual approach and will include all aspects of the project from conception, design and production.  Prerequisite:  Permission of instructor. 

COMP-299.  Web Production II.  3 Hours.  This course is a continuation of Web Production I which will teach the students how to develop Web sites utilizing the skills they have acquired from previously required Web Design course work.  The course will teach students how to manage the Web site development process.  Students will explore all aspects of Web Production from page design through user testing to uploading and maintenance.  Prerequisite:  Web Production I. 

CONT-120.  Business/Computer Applications.  Up to 4 Hours (0-196 Contact Hours).  In this course students receive hands-on experience and will learn relevant software and computer applications.  This is a short course focused on current Business/Computer software applications.