Business
Do you want to operate your own business, or want a career that helps manage a company or non-profit organization? Do you like working with numbers and budgets? Do you want to work in an office environment and assist with administrative tasks? Then business is the place for you — join our department and learn the skills required to make an organization successful.
Business Degree Options
Business Management Bachelor of Applied Science BAS
- Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
- Costs Per Year: $7,572 tuition and fees
- Program Map: Business Management, BAS
- Catalog: Business Management, BAS
Career
Job growth and earnings are strong in this industry! The median advertised salary across multiple career options is $38.62 per hour or $80,340 per year. Job growth in the greater Puget Sound area is projected to be over 13% per year, over the next 10 years.
Sample careers include: Bank manager, Financial Analyst, Account Manager, Sales Representative/Manager, Management Trainee, Logistics Manager, Inventory Manager, Import/ Export Specialist, Operations Manager, Budget Analyst, Commercial Broker, Mortgage Broker, Business Analyst, Accountant, and Auditor.
This is a 2-year program for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more).
Associate in Business (DTA/MRP) DTA/MRP
- Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
- Costs per year: $4,740 tuition and fees
- Program Map: Associate in Business DTA/MRP
- Catalog: Associate in Business DTA/MRP
Career
This degree is a transfer degree that prepares you to transfer to a bachelor's degree program at many Washington state universities, or to the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Business Management here at Highline College. You will receive a solid foundation in business courses, as well as satisfy your general education transfer requirements.
The career outlook for business graduates is strong, with demand for skilled professionals across a wide range of industries. Businesses of all sizes need experts in areas like management, marketing, finance, accounting, and operations to help them grow and adapt in an ever-changing economy. According to labor market trends, roles such as marketing specialists, financial analysts, project managers, and human resources professionals are expected to see steady or faster-than-average growth over the next decade. A business degree provides versatile skills that can be applied in virtually any sector, offering graduates flexibility, upward mobility, and the potential for competitive salaries. This adaptability makes business one of the most reliable and resilient career paths available.
Business Associate of Applied Science AAS
- Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
- Costs per year: $4,740 tuition and fees
- Program Map: Associate in Business, AAS
- Catalog: Business, AAS
Career
This degree is a 2-year associate degree in general business that prepares you to enter the workforce, or to transfer into the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Business Management at Highline College.
The career outlook for business graduates remains strong, with demand for skilled professionals across a wide range of industries. Businesses of all sizes need experts in areas like management, marketing, finance, accounting, and operations to help them grow and adapt in an ever-changing economy. According to labor market trends, roles such as marketing specialists, financial analysts, project managers, and human resources professionals are expected to see steady or faster-than-average growth over the next decade. A business degree provides versatile skills that can be applied in virtually any sector, offering graduates flexibility, upward mobility, and the potential for competitive salaries. This adaptability makes business one of the most reliable and resilient career paths available.
Professional Sales Associate of Applied Science AAS
- Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
- Costs per year: $4,740 tuition and fees
- Program Map: Professional Sales, AAS
- Catalog: Professional Sales, AAS
Career
This degree is a 2-year associate degree with a focus on the skills required to be successful in the field of sales and marketing. This degree is also part of the pathway to the Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management. Additional prerequisites apply. Please see an advisor for more information.
Sales and marketing is a smart choice for students who want to quickly enter a dynamic, people-focused career with strong earning potential. Our program teaches you valuable skills in areas like consumer behavior, digital marketing, sales strategies, and customer relationship management. You will develop the skills employers value most—communication, persuasion, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making.
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Associate of Applied Science AAS
- Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
- Costs per year: $4,740 tuition and fees
- Program Map: Small Business & Entrepreneurship, AAS
- Catalog: Small Business & Entrepreneurship, AAS
Career
This degree is a 2-year associate degree with a focus on the skills required to be a success entrepreneur. This degree is also part of the pathway to the Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management. Additional prerequisites apply. Please see an advisor for more information.
Entrepreneurship offers a myriad of benefits, including the opportunity for independence, creativity, and financial potential. As an entrepreneur, you have the freedom to be your own boss, make decisions that shape your business, and pursue your passion. The ability to innovate, solve problems, and create something new can be incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, successful entrepreneurship can lead to financial rewards and multiple income streams. The AAS degree builds on the Small Business/Entrepreneurship Certificate to broaden your general business knowledge as well as focus on any specific skills required for the type of small business you may want to start.
International Business & Trade Associate of Applied Science AAS
- Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
- Costs per year: $4,740 tuition and fees
- Program Map: International Business & Trade, AAS
- Catalog: International Business & Trade, AAS
Career
This degree is a 2-year associate degree with a focus on international business and global trade that prepares you to enter the workforce, or to transfer into the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Business Management at Highline College.
International Business is a smart choice for students who are curious about global markets and want a fast, affordable path to a career that can take them anywhere. This two-year degree provides practical skills in communication, marketing, finance, and management, all with a global perspective. Students learn how businesses operate across borders and how to navigate cultural differences, international trade, and global supply chains. The Port of Seattle/ Tacoma handles the 7th largest container volume in the country. Local companies such as Boeing, Blue Origin, Amazon, and Microsoft have extensive global operations, which drives demand for graduates with insight into logistics, procurement, and global markets. Whether your goal is to work for a multinational company, support import/ export operations, or eventually transfer to a four-year program, an associate degree in international business opens doors to exciting opportunities in a rapidly connected world. Seattle’s economy is robust - one in three jobs in Washington state are tied to trade.
Certificates of Achievement (45 credits and above)
Human Resource Certificate C
International Business & Trade Certificate C
- Program Map: International Business & Trade Certificate
- Catalog: International Business & Trade Certificate
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Certificate C
- Program Map: Small Business & Entrepreneurship Certificate
- Catalog: Small Business & Entrepreneurship Certificate
Certificates of Proficiency (20–44 Credits)
Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Certificate C
- Program Map: Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Certificate
- Catalog: Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Certificate
Retail Management Certificate C
Short Term Certificate of Achievement (19 Credits or Less)
Business Essentials I Certificate C
Business Essentials II Certificate C
International Trade & Logistics Certificate C
Marketing Communications Certificate C
After Highline College
The Associate in Business DTA/MRP degree transfers into business programs at 4-year universities, and also into the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Business Management here at Highline College. The 2-year AAS degrees transfer into BAS in Business Management here at Highline College. Additional prerequisite courses may need to be taken. Certificates can be completed in 1-year or less, and are designed for you to enter the workforce directly, or transfer into one of our AAS degrees.
- Highline College
- Central Washington University
- University of Washington - Tacoma
- University of Washington - Seattle

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