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SUNY GCC - Genesee Community College

From entrepreneurial start-ups to working in a large corporate office, an Associate Degree in Business can be applied to any industry. You will study the scope and place of business in our economic system and gain an understanding of:

  • The internal organization of business
  • Basic management skills
  • Accounting
  • Principles of marketing and management
  • Relevant areas of business law

Why GCC?

With a degree from GCC, you will establish critical and creative thinking abilities and develop leadership skills. Industry increasingly demands businesses to provide “more, better, faster, cheaper,” and it is paramount for business executives to acquire a customer-first mentality.

You will also develop a working knowledge of computers, and all students in the program participate in an off-campus cooperative education experience.

Degree Types

Associate In Science (AS)

The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree sets the groundwork for you to excel in today’s competitive, global business environment.

The curriculum provides solid communication, planning and problem-solving skills while also opening the door to streamlined transfer opportunities to four-year colleges and universities.

Earning an A.S. degree from GCC is a cost-effective way to earn your Bachelor’s degree or Master’s in Business Administration (M.B.A.).

AS Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

Upon successful completion of the Business Administration AS Program, the graduate will be able to:

  1. Explain the basic role of business and how it functions within our political and economic system.
  2. Explain basic business theories to ensure success within a global marketplace.
  3. Explain basic economic theories used to ensure success within a global marketplace.
  4. Apply critical thinking skills to be able to recommend appropriate outcomes within a global marketplace.
  5. Employ effective communication skills.
  6. Apply a variety of organizational best practices within a business context, such as ethical, socially responsible or diversity based practices.

Download the 2024-2025 Curriculum Worksheet for AS [PDF]

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree prepares you for entry-level management positions in business and public service organizations.

You will gain a working knowledge of:

  • Business functions and procedures
  • Accounting, finance and legal concepts applicable to business professions
  • Economics
  • Computer applications
  • Marketing and management responsibilities

The opportunity to co-op with a local business will allow you to apply classroom skills to a working environment. You’ll build added confidence and acquire real-world skills to help further your career.

By taking just a few additional courses, you can also earn a certificate in Entrepreneurship.

AAS Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

Upon successful completion of the Business Administration AAS Program, the graduate will be able to:

  1. Describe the basic business functions and how they interact in the business environment.
  2. Apply basic theories and techniques used to ensure successful business outcomes.
  3. Explain today’s interdependent global marketplace and the impact on business
  4. Apply critical thinking skills to be able to recommend appropriate business outcomes in business situations.
  5. Employ effective communication skills.
  6. Apply business learning in real world business environments.
  7. Apply a variety of organizational best practices within a business context, such as ethical, socially responsible or diversity based practices.

Download the 2024-2025 Curriculum Worksheet for AAS [PDF]

College Students walking on outside on campus

Career Outlook

Careers connected to business administration management are among the “10 hottest jobs” projected over the next decade by the United States Bureau of Labor. As baby boomers retire, corporate and nonprofit America is in critical need of quality managers who also possess the ability to initiate and lead necessary change to ensure a competitive edge.

Students with Bachelor’s degrees in business administration will find job prospects in:

  • Human Resources
  • Financial Administration
  • Marketing
  • Operational Management
  • Logistics
  • Sales Management
  • Technology Management

Transfer Opportunities

Starting at GCC saves many students and their families thousands of dollars in tuition. With an A.S. or A.A. degree you will be able to seamlessly transfer within the SUNY network of 64 college and universities as well as to many 4-year private institutions. GCC’s A.S. and A.A. programs were developed as part of the SUNY seamless transfer initiative allowing students to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree as a freshman and a sophomore at a community college, then seamlessly transfer to a SUNY four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree. Please reference the SUNY Transfer Pathways for degree programs to learn about any campus specific requirements. Visit the SUNY Core Course Finder to plan out the courses you should complete to transfer to a 4-year SUNY School.

If you are planning to transfer to a 4-year private institution you should work with our Transfer Services office to learn about possible articulation agreements and pathways that exist for many or our degree programs. Some GCC A.A.S. programs also have transfer opportunities.

To learn more about these opportunities and agreements contact the Transfer Services Office, we are more than happy to work with you and answer any questions you may have on building your own personalized transfer plan.

Transfer opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • Bryant & Stratton
  • Canisius College
  • Daemen College*
  • Laboratory Institute of Merchandising*
  • Niagara University
  • Rochester Institute of Technology*
  • St. John Fisher College*
  • SUNY College at Alfred State*
  • SUNY College at Brockport*
  • SUNY College at Buffalo State
  • SUNY College at Buffalo, University
  • SUNY College at Canton*
  • SUNY College at Geneseo
  • SUNY College at Fredonia
  • SUNY College at Plattsburgh*

*GCC has current transfer agreements with the above noted institutions.