Business, Management, and Economics: A.A., A.S.

Students pursing an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Business, Management and Economics will investigate the world of accounting, business administration, economics, finance, human resources, information systems, international business, labor relations, management, marketing and public administration. Students will develop analytical, management, communication and quantitative skills, increase their understanding of economic principles and disciplinary methods and learn about the effective use of information technologies to support career or personal goals and aspirations.

Degree programs in Business, Management and Economics offer students the opportunity to develop individualized degree plans based on their intellectual, professional, and personal interests. General program guidelines can be found on the “Program Details” tab, and students will work with an academic mentor to choose courses that meet the guidelines and address each student’s individual interests. Students can also work with their academic mentors to identify applicable transfer credit, prior college-level learning, and possible course equivalencies. Working with a mentor and using SUNY Empire’s educational planning process, students can develop a specialized concentration in Business, Management and Economics by following the general program guidelines as well as any applicable concentration guidelines. Students may also develop their own concentrations. 

For more information about general undergraduate degree requirements, please visit Earning an Undergraduate Degree.

For sample degree programs and other degree planning resources, please visit the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Department of Management and Human Resource Management, or Department of Business, International Business and Marketing Degree Planning Resources web pages. 

For more information about Business, Management and Economics, please visit the School of Business web site.

Program Details

Business, Management and Economics programs are expected to meet the University Learning Goals, which include active learning, breadth and depth of knowledge, social responsibility, communication skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, quantitative literacy, information and digital media literacy.

Academic Planning takes the form of a course (commonly but not exclusively referred to as “Educational Planning”) wherein students develop a degree plan and rationale essay with their primary faculty advisor/mentor. 

In their degree programs and rationale essays, students must address the BM&E Area of Study general guidelines and then the concentration guidelines, the registered program guidelines, or the individualized concentration they develop in consultation with their primary mentor. 

Programs in Business, Management and Economics include the following seven foundations:  

  1. Communications Skills 
  2. Information Management
  3. Economics
  4. Ethical and Social Responsibility
  5. Quantitative Skills
  6. Understanding People in a Broader Context
  7. Understanding Organizations within Broader Context

These foundations may be met through transcript credit; college-level knowledge demonstrated through individual prior learning assessment (iPLA), professional learning evaluations (PLE), or credit by examination; or individual courses, a series of courses, or components within individual courses with Empire State University. The student’s Degree Plan Rationale Essay should clearly explain how the degree plan meets each of the foundations in the Area of Study, what will be learned, and how the student will build on these foundations to meet personal, academic, or career goals. For details about the academic planning process and requirements, please see the Student Degree Planning Guide.

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS (AA) AND ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (AS)

An associate degree in Business, Management and Economics is meant to introduce students to a range of foundational subjects related to Business, Management and Economics. For an associate degree, students must have four of the of the seven foundations in their degree programs. Courses that meet the four selected foundations, must be School of Business courses (ACCT, BUSN, ECON, FSMA, HRMS, MGMT, MRKT) or equivalent.

Foundation #1: COMMUNICATION SKILLS
 

ACCT 3015Federal Income Tax I: Individual Income Tax4
ACCT 3020Federal Income Tax II: Business Income Tax4
ACCT 3035Principles of Fraud Examination & Financial Forensics4
ACCT 4005Accounting Information Systems4
ACCT 4015Auditing4
BUSN 1005Business Communication4
BUSN 2005Business Law II4
MRKT 4040Marketing Strategy4

Foundation #2: INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 

ACCT 4005Accounting Information Systems4
BUSN 2015Computer Applications in Business Management & Economics4
BUSN 3122Management Information Systems4
HRMS 3020Human Resources Information System4
MGMT 3050Operations Management4

 Foundation #3: ECONOMICS

ECON 2005Principles of Economics4
ECON 2010Introductory Economics: Micro & Macro 6 Cr.6
ECON 2015Macroeconomics4
ECON 2020Microeconomics4
ECON 3005Applied Microeconomics4
ECON 3010Behavioral Economics4
ECON 3015Behavioral Economics & Finance International Programs Only4
ECON 3025Econometrics4
ECON 3035Economics of Crime4
ECON 3040Economics of Gender Work & Family4
ECON 3045Economics of Labor Markets4
ECON 3050Environmental Economics & Policy4
ECON 3055Economic Issues in Health Care4
ECON 3065Industrial Economics International Programs Only4
ECON 3070Industrial Organization4
ECON 3075Intermediate Macroeconomics4
ECON 3080Intermediate Microeconomics4
ECON 3085International Economics4
ECON 3090International Political Economy4
ECON 3095International Trade & Finance International Programs Only3,4
ECON 3100Public Finance4
ECON 3105Public Finance & Economics International Programs Only4
ECON 3122Money & Banking4
ECON 3125New Perspectives in Economics International Programs Only4
ECON 3130Topics in Contemporary Business & Economic Issues International Programs Only3

 Foundation #4: ETHICAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

ACCT 3035Principles of Fraud Examination & Financial Forensics4
ACCT 4015Auditing4
BUSN 3010Business Ethics4
ECON 3135Business Government & Society4
FSMA 3020Finance Society & Ethics International Programs Only4
MGMT 3015Ethics for a Global Economy4
MGMT 3040Managing Sustainable Organizations4
MGMT 3073Current Issues in Healthcare Management4

 Foundation #5: QUANTITATIVE SKILLS

ACCT 1005Accounting for Decision Makers6
ACCT 2005Introductory Accounting I: Financial Accounting4
ACCT 2010Introductory Accounting II: Managerial Accounting4
ACCT 3005Accounting For Governmental & Not-For-Profit Organizations4
ACCT 3010Cost Accounting4
ACCT 3025Intermediate Accounting I4
ACCT 3030Intermediate Accounting II4
BUSN 2010Business Statistics4
BUSN 2175Personal Finance Management4
BUSN 3127Business Analytics4
ECON 3025Econometrics4
FSMA 3005Behavioral Finance International Programs Only4
FSMA 3010Corporate Finance4
FSMA 3015Entrepreneurial Finance for Small Business4
FSMA 3025Healthcare Finance4
FSMA 3030International Finance4
FSMA 3045Investment Management4
FSMA 3055Risk Management & Insurance4
FSMA 4005Financial Markets & Institutions4
FSMA 4010Security Analysis & Portfolio Management4
MGMT 3030Logistics Management4
MGMT 3075Supply Chain Management4
MGMT 3080Supply Chain Management In The Global Context4
MGMT 4025Manufacturing Management4
MGMT 4030Project Management for Business4

 Foundation #6: UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE IN AN ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

HRMS 3015Human Resource Management4
HRMS 3030Labor Management Relations for Business4
HRMS 3035LGBTQ Workplace Issues4
HRMS 4015Organization Development & Change4
MGMT 3025Leadership4
MGMT 3060Organizational Behavior4
MGMT 3090Women in Management4
MGMT 4005Change Management4

Foundation #7: UNDERSTANDING ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN BROADER CONTEXT

ACCT 4010Advanced Accounting4
BUSN 3005Business Enterprise in American History4
BUSN 3040Electronic Commerce (e-Commerce)4
BUSN 4030International Business4
BUSN 4035International Business Law4
ECON 3020Ecological Economics4
ECON 3030Economic Policies of the European Union International Programs Only3
ECON 3085International Economics4
ECON 3090International Political Economy4
ECON 3095International Trade & Finance International Programs Only3,4
ECON 3110Social & Economic Contexts of Globalization International Programs Only3
ECON 3115The Global Financial Crisis & the Great Recession International Programs Only3
ECON 3120Economic Policies of the European Union International Programs Only4
FSMA 3015Entrepreneurial Finance for Small Business4
FSMA 3030International Finance4
HRMS 4020Strategic Human Resource Management4
HRMS 3010Diversity in the Workplace4
MRKT 4025International Marketing4
MGMT 3010Cross Cultural Management3
MGMT 3020International Cross Cultural Management4
MGMT 4035Strategic Management4

Learning Outcomes

  • Foundation 1: Communication Skills, Students will be able to identify and apply appropriate basic communications skills necessary to successfully function in an organizational environment. At a minimum, students should have acquired the competencies in a course such as English Composition that meet SUNY General Education requirements for Basic Communication.
  • Foundation 2: Information Management, Students will be able to use information technology tools and systems to collect, manage, and analyze data for decision making relevant to the business environment. Studies can be introductory or advanced level but must be beyond basic computer applications.
  • Foundation 3: Economics, Students will be able to solve economic problems using appropriate economic principles and concepts and analytical models.
  • Foundation 4: Ethical and Social Responsibility, Students will be able to examine, explain or apply moral theories, ethical standards and social responsibilities in the business environment.
  • Foundation 5: Quantitative Skills, Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of quantitative reasoning and analytical tools and an ability to apply these tools to problems in the business environment.
  • Foundation 6: Understanding People in an Organizational Context, Students will be able to examine and reflect on organizational culture and apply the concepts that explain how individuals and groups behave in the organization.
  • Foundation 7: Understanding Organizations Within Broader Context, Students will be able to evaluate challenges to organizations in a complex and changing world by describing the strategic impact of diversity, political, International, technological or environmental issues in the business environment.

Concentration Guidelines

ASSOCIATE OF Arts or Associate of SCIENCE IN BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS WITH A CONCENTRATION IN ACCOUNTING

These guidelines for an Associate of Science in the area of study of Business, Management and Economics (BME) with a concentration in accounting is intended to provide a framework for students who seek an associate degree in this field. Whether this associate degree would be for purposes of obtaining an entry level clerical positions as a standalone degree, or a pathway toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting or BME (BS/BPS) degree program with Concentration in Accounting Practices, the degree provides students with a sense of accomplishment by dividing the long-term goal, towards the bachelor’s degree, and then graduate programs, into short-term goals that results in an Empire State University degree. Students can then nest the associate degree into a Bachelor of Science in accounting, or a different type of bachelor’s degree in BME It is also intended to support students who are interested in exploring the field of accounting, to determine if a longer-term career goal (and corresponding preparation with a bachelor’s degree, and/or master’s degree) is suitable. The degree also provides students who already have work experience in accounting, to obtain a SUNY Empire degree, therefore strengthening their academic credentials and expanding their job horizons.

WHERE YOU MAY BE PLACED IN A JOB MARKET WITH AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN BME WITH A CONCENTRATION IN ACCOUNTING?

Students who obtain an associate degree in BME with a concentration in accounting strengthen their ability to obtain entry level bookkeeping or accounting clerk positions. Employers require a foundational knowledge of accounting. Moreover, having an associate degree may qualify someone to apply for Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) license, which is accredited by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB). The license is recognized throughout the United States and its properties. Please see Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) License. In addition, holding an associate degree, may qualify someone for a Certified Accounting Paraprofessional (CAP) license, which is accredited by the National Association of Certified Accounting Paraprofessionals (NACAP). It is recognized throughout the United States and its properties. These licenses enhance one’s credibility and job prospects in the field. While an associate degree strengthens one’s credentials, it does not guarantee that one will successfully obtain the CPB or CAP licensure or a particular job.

RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR AN A.S. IN BME WITH A CONCENTRATION IN ACCOUNTING 

The recommended guidelines for the associate degree follow the same requirements for any associates at SUNY Empire. These requirements include thirty-two credits for liberal arts courses and thirty credits across 7 SUNY General Education requirements. Associate degrees in BME with a concentration in accounting must include a minimum of 15-16 credits in accounting. Most of SUNY Empire courses are four credits. Many students bring community college courses, which are often three credits. Transfer credits for accounting courses that are equivalent to SUNY Empire accounting courses, will be considered as part of the minimum accounting course requirement. For example, if a student has a three credit Introductory Accounting I: Financial Accounting course from a community college, that course counts toward the accounting requirements [If equivalent contents]. These guidelines pertain to an associate degree, therefore, there is no advanced level credit requirement. Below is a sample of course requirements for an Associate of Science in BME with a concentration in accounting.

Sample of course requirements.

  • General Education coursework (24 credits - liberal)
  • Statistics (4 credits - Gen. Ed. Math - liberal)
  • Total Credits (36 liberal, twenty-eight non-liberal)
  • Macro or Micro-Economics (4 credits - Gen. Ed. Social Science - liberal)
  • Educational Planning (4 credits - liberal)
  • Legal Environment of Business or Business Law I (4 credits)
  • Organizational Behavior or equivalent (4 credits)
  • Introductory Accounting I: Financial Accounting (4 credits)
  • Introductory Accounting II: Managerial Accounting (4 credits)
  • Intermediate Accounting I (4 credits) 
  • Select at least one of the following (4 credits):
    • Intermediate Accounting II
    • Federal Income Tax I
    • Cost Accounting
    • Accounting Information Systems
  • Elective
  • Total Credits (36 liberal, twenty-eight non-liberal)

Students interested in pursuing a degree towards the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) career, may be eligible to join directly- upon completing the associate degree - the Dual Degree registered CPA Licensure Qualifying program; BS in Accounting/MBA Business Management Dual Program [Nine credits are cross counted towards both the bachelor's and Master's degrees].  This program is listed among the licensure-qualifying programs by the NYS Education Department's Inventory of Registered Programs CPA 150 and CPA 150E.

Upon completing 60-cr with GPA average 3.2 or higher, students may enroll in the Combined program BS/BPS BME/MBA [twelve credits are cross counted towards both the bachelor's and Master's degrees], BS/BPS In BME Concentration Accounting Practices/MBA Business Management program. Each program awards a bachelor's degree upon its completion while working towards the achievement of the master's degree and provides a substantial cost saving taking cross-listed graduate courses at undergraduate tuition rate per course. No requirements for a concurred degree plan.

Students pursuing a career to a bachelor's degree may be eligible to enroll in some graduate courses [nine credits] while undergraduate.  It is an opportunity for cost saving and advancement to a graduate program when completing the bachelor's degree. An undergraduate student must be within thirty-two (32) credits of completing a bachelor’s degree and must have a concurred degree program.