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Rio Hondo College logo
Associate of Science Degree
Business/Small Business Management

This curriculum is designed for the student wishing to own their own business.  Areas of emphasis will include management, marketing, and operations management for a small business.  The student will gain a general core of knowledge about different types of small businesses: service businesses, international business, e-commerce businesses and business-to-business ventures through hands-on projects.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2023-2024 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
Select sample path/map:
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
MGMT 101 - Introduction to BusinessM3.0
MGMT 101 - Introduction to Business (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is designed for the student who has an interest in a career in business. Topics cover business operations, strategies for both, domestic and international markets, economic factor, legal regulations, management, leadership, marketing, financial operations, accounting controls, and e-commerce. This course will count toward a business certificate or degree in business and will transfer to a four-year school.

BUSL 110 - Legal Environment of BusinessM3.0
BUSL 110 - Legal Environment of Business (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC,CSU

This course examines the legal regulatory, and international environment of business. Included are the topics of alternative dispute resolution, the forms of business organization, regulations affecting employment, and current environmental statutes. Case studies are used to discuss torts, crimes, contracts and sales, warranty and product liability, labor law, employment discrimination, and environmental law.

MGMT 130 - Small Business Management-EntrepreneurshipM3.0
MGMT 130 - Small Business Management-Entrepreneurship (3.0 units)

Advisory:MGMT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for those students interested in small business, either in a domestic or international market. Topics include start-up methods and techniques, management and operations, marketing, financing and cash management, location strategies, personnel practices, buying and selling strategies, and e-commerce. This course will also provide students with an opportunity to develop a business plan as it pertains to their small business interest.

ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (RHC GE 1b and 8a)GE3.5
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication.

RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

Select one: KINA or DANC activity course.
Students who have completed a Fire, Police, Wildland Fire, or Corrections Academy from an accredited institution are automatically waived from this requirement, as are students with a DD214 on file. Exemption may be granted to those students physically unable to complete this requirement. Exemption forms are available in Student Health & Psychological Services.

Total Semester Units:13.5 
2nd Semester
CIT 101 - Introduction to Computer Information Technology (RHC GE 8B)M3.0
CIT 101 - Introduction to Computer Information Technology (3.0 units)

Advisory: CIT 051; It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is an examination of information systems and their role in business. It will focus on information systems, database management systems, networking, e-commerce, ethics and security, computer systems hardware and software components. It will apply these concepts and methods through hands-on projects developing computer-based solutions to business problems.

Select one: MATH 150 / FIN 101 (RHC GE 2)GE3.0
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement:  FIN 101, MATH 060, MATH 073, MATH 130/H, MATH 140, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 175, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Transfers to: CSU, UC

In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer.

FIN 101 - Introduction to Financial Planning (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an elementary algebra course.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course provides an overview of the fundamentals of financial planning, and is designed to provide students with tools needed to achieve their personal financial goals. Students will learn to make informed decisions related to spending, saving, borrowing, and investing by applying quantitative reasoning concepts. Course topics include the financial planning process, budgeting, cash flow, debt consolidation, investing, and retirement planning.

RHC GE 4 - American InstitutionsGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
POLS 110, 110H;
HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170

RHC GE 7b - HumanitiesGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units. 

Select one:
ANTH 104;
ASL 101, 124, 201, 202;
CHIN 101, 102;
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H, 150;
EGSS 130;
ENGL 126, 131;
FR 101, 102, 201, 202;
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170;
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130, 140, 145;
JAPN 101, 102;
LIT 102, 102H, 112A, 112AH, 112B, 112BH, 114, 114H, 117, 117H, 130, 130H,140, 140H, 141, 141H, 142, 142H, 144A, 144AH, 144B, 144BH, 145, 145H, 146A, 146AH, 146B, 146BH, 147, 147H, 148, 148H, 149, 149H;
MSCM 128;
PHIL 101, 101H, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 128H, 135, 140;
POLS 128, 128H, 150;
SPAN 101, 101S, 102, 102S, 201, 201H, 202;
SPCH 130, 132

RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

Select one: KINA or DANC activity course.
Students who have completed a Fire, Police, Wildland Fire, or Corrections Academy from an accredited institution are automatically waived from this requirement, as are students with a DD214 on file. Exemption may be granted to those students physically unable to complete this requirement. Exemption forms are available in Student Health & Psychological Services.

Total Semester Units:13.0† 
Summer 1
RHC GE 6 - Social and Behavioral ScienceGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
AJ 101
ANTH 102, 102H, 103, 104, 110, 115, 125;
CD 106, 208;
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H, 150;
ECON 101, 101H, 102, 102H, 106, 135;
EGSS 110, 120, 130;
GEOG 102, 103;
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170;
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130;
KIN 170, 190, 195
MSCM 128;
PHIL 128, 128H, 135;
POLS 110, 110H, 115, 125, 128, 128H, 130, 135,140,150;
PSY 101, 101H, 112, 114, 180, 200;
SOC 101, 101H, 102, 105, 110, 114, 116, 120, 127, 130;
SPCH 150

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:6.0 
3rd Semester
Select one: ACCT 101 / ACCT 101H M4.0
ACCT 101 - Financial Accounting (4.0 units)

Advisory:ACCT 100; It is advised that students have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (credit limit*) CSU (*students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ACCT 101 or ACCT 101H)

This course is an introduction to the theory, principles, and practice of accounting and financial reporting for corporations. Topics include analysis and recording of financial transactions; preparation, analysis, and interpretation of financial statements; and accounting for assets, liabilities, and equities. Computer applications are integrated into the homework. This course is required for all accounting and business administration majors.

ACCT 101H - Financial Accounting Honors (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 101Advisory:ACCT 100; It is advised that students have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC (credit limit*), CSU (Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ACCT 101 or ACCT 101H)

This course is an introduction to the theory, principles, and practice of accounting and financial reporting for corporations. Topics include analysis and recording of financial transactions; preparation, analysis, and interpretation of financial statements; and accounting for assets, liabilities, and equities. Computer applications are integrated into the homework. This course is required for all accounting and business administration majors. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. .

MRKT 170 - Principles of MarketingM3.0
MRKT 170 - Principles of Marketing (3.0 units)

Advisory:MGMT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for the student who is interested in a career in marketing or gaining an entry-level marketing position with a retail, industrial, service, or consumer product company. Discussion of marketing concepts, strategies, and techniques will take place in an environment that reflects new technologies and international competitiveness. The topics in the course will include marketing concepts, functions, operations, and organizations of retail and wholesale enterprises; distribution channels; market research; advertising; marketing costs; pricing; cooperative marketing, marketing legislation and regulations and trends.

Select one: MGMT 108 / MGMT 208 M3.0
MGMT 108 - Business Writing (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college level-texts.
Transfers to: CSU

The course covers the principles of effective writing in business. Extensive experience is provided using the different forms of business writing-memorandums, letters, reports, and resumes. Cultural differences and their impact on communicating in business will be studied. This course is designed for students pursuing careers in business.

MGMT 208 - Business Communications (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course covers the principles of effective writing in business. The course provides extensive experience using the different forms of business writing: memorandums, letters, reports, and resumes. Cultural differences and their impact on communicating in business are studied. This course satisfies the business communications component for the Associate in Science in Business Administration for Transfer degree.

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:13.0 
4th Semester
Select one: CIT 155 / MRKT 172 / MRKT 174 / MRKT 175 / LOG 101 / MGMT 120 / MGMT 150 / MGMT 140 M3.0
Notes:
MRKT 172 & 174 only offered in the Spring.

CIT 155 - Introduction to E-Commerce (3.0 units)

Advisory:CIT 101; It is advised that students have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides a hands-on, problem-solving approach to learning both basic and more advanced aspects of doing business on the Internet. Students learn how to use electronic commerce effectively, including selling and marketing on the Internet, developing business-to-business online strategies, using online auctions, identifying the hardware and software required to support security for e-commerce, selecting electronic payment systems, and planning for e-commerce. Additionally, students learn how and why e-commerce is an important part of our economy and society.

MRKT 172 - Advertising and Promotion (3.0 units)

Advisory:MGMT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course introduces students to the creative and competitive field of advertising and promotion. Topics include understanding the target audience, developing marketing and advertising plans, engaging in the creative process through strategy and execution, and integrating marketing communications elements as they relate to personal selling, sales promotion, direct marketing, and electronic, digital, and print media. This course is appropriate for marketing majors or anyone interested in advertising and promotion.

MRKT 174 - Small Business Marketing and Advertising (3.0 units)

Advisory:MGMT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This class provides useful and effective marketing and advertising tools and techniques to students who have or would like to own a small business. A special emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of marketing and guerilla marketing and advertising techniques. Topics will include marketing plan strategies, marketing research, marketing channel management, retail and pricing strategies, and cost-effective guerilla advertising techniques for small businesses.

MRKT 175 - Retail Management (3.0 units)

Advisory:MGMT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for the student pursuing a career in retail management or desiring to own their own retail business. Class discussions will explore the topics of customer buying behavior, retail market strategy, retail site location, and human resources management. Case studies and experiential exercises will be used to help students understand additional topics including customer service, store management, retail pricing, supply chain management, and merchandise management.

LOG 101 - Supply Chain Management (3.0 units)

Advisory:CIT 051; It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and have knowledge of elementary algebra.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students seeking a career in logistics or supply chain management. The course presents the tools and techniques for the design and improvement of any supply chain, through the optimal use of information, materials, and technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Students examine the processes for planning, sourcing, making, delivering, and returning products in order to integrate suppliers and customers into an organization's supply chain. Students also receive an overview of career opportunities within the logistics and supply chain management field.

MGMT 120 - Human Relations in Business (3.0 units)

Advisory:MGMT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for the student who is seeking a career in management or is currently in a leadership role and wants a better understanding of human relation skills and techniques. Topics covered in the course include leadership, teamwork, communication, group problem solving, diversity, motivation, and managerial organizations. These topics will apply to both a diverse and competitive environment.

MGMT 150 - Principles of Management (3.0 units)

Advisory:MGMT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students seeking a career in management or for students who need to expand their knowledge of management techniques and organizational methods. In this course, students learn the theory and application of managerial functions as it applies to planning, organizing, leading, and controlling organizations. Additional topics include the history of management, and practical management techniques, practices, and problem-solving methodologies. The topics of employee empowerment, characteristics and qualities of successful managers, and contemporary trends in management also are explored in the course.

MGMT 140 - Introduction to International Business (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college level-texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to provide students with a global perspective of business and acquaint students with the relationship of culture, politics, laws, and economics to operation in today’s complex global business environment. The subjects covered include international trade and finance, confidentiality and privacy, international marketing, and international human resources management. This course is designed for students looking for entry-level positions in the field of international business.

Select one: CIT 155 / MRKT 172 / MRKT 174 / MRKT 175 / LOG 101 / MGMT 120 / MGMT 150 / MGMT 140 M3.0
Notes:
MRKT 172 & 174 only offered in the Spring.

CIT 155 - Introduction to E-Commerce (3.0 units)

Advisory:CIT 101; It is advised that students have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides a hands-on, problem-solving approach to learning both basic and more advanced aspects of doing business on the Internet. Students learn how to use electronic commerce effectively, including selling and marketing on the Internet, developing business-to-business online strategies, using online auctions, identifying the hardware and software required to support security for e-commerce, selecting electronic payment systems, and planning for e-commerce. Additionally, students learn how and why e-commerce is an important part of our economy and society.

MRKT 172 - Advertising and Promotion (3.0 units)

Advisory:MGMT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course introduces students to the creative and competitive field of advertising and promotion. Topics include understanding the target audience, developing marketing and advertising plans, engaging in the creative process through strategy and execution, and integrating marketing communications elements as they relate to personal selling, sales promotion, direct marketing, and electronic, digital, and print media. This course is appropriate for marketing majors or anyone interested in advertising and promotion.

MRKT 174 - Small Business Marketing and Advertising (3.0 units)

Advisory:MGMT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This class provides useful and effective marketing and advertising tools and techniques to students who have or would like to own a small business. A special emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of marketing and guerilla marketing and advertising techniques. Topics will include marketing plan strategies, marketing research, marketing channel management, retail and pricing strategies, and cost-effective guerilla advertising techniques for small businesses.

MRKT 175 - Retail Management (3.0 units)

Advisory:MGMT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for the student pursuing a career in retail management or desiring to own their own retail business. Class discussions will explore the topics of customer buying behavior, retail market strategy, retail site location, and human resources management. Case studies and experiential exercises will be used to help students understand additional topics including customer service, store management, retail pricing, supply chain management, and merchandise management.

LOG 101 - Supply Chain Management (3.0 units)

Advisory:CIT 051; It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and have knowledge of elementary algebra.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students seeking a career in logistics or supply chain management. The course presents the tools and techniques for the design and improvement of any supply chain, through the optimal use of information, materials, and technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Students examine the processes for planning, sourcing, making, delivering, and returning products in order to integrate suppliers and customers into an organization's supply chain. Students also receive an overview of career opportunities within the logistics and supply chain management field.

MGMT 120 - Human Relations in Business (3.0 units)

Advisory:MGMT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for the student who is seeking a career in management or is currently in a leadership role and wants a better understanding of human relation skills and techniques. Topics covered in the course include leadership, teamwork, communication, group problem solving, diversity, motivation, and managerial organizations. These topics will apply to both a diverse and competitive environment.

MGMT 150 - Principles of Management (3.0 units)

Advisory:MGMT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students seeking a career in management or for students who need to expand their knowledge of management techniques and organizational methods. In this course, students learn the theory and application of managerial functions as it applies to planning, organizing, leading, and controlling organizations. Additional topics include the history of management, and practical management techniques, practices, and problem-solving methodologies. The topics of employee empowerment, characteristics and qualities of successful managers, and contemporary trends in management also are explored in the course.

MGMT 140 - Introduction to International Business (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college level-texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to provide students with a global perspective of business and acquaint students with the relationship of culture, politics, laws, and economics to operation in today’s complex global business environment. The subjects covered include international trade and finance, confidentiality and privacy, international marketing, and international human resources management. This course is designed for students looking for entry-level positions in the field of international business.

RHC GE 5 - Natural Science with LabGE4.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one Natural Science with Lab:
ANTH 101, 101H & 101L;
ASTR 110, 110H & 112, 137;
BIOL 101, 105 & 105L, 111 & 111L, 112, 120 & 120L;
BIOT 100;
CHEM 110, 120, 130;
GEOG 101 & 101L;
GEOL 150 & 151, 152 & 152L;
PHY 120, 150, 160, 211, 212, 213

RHC GE 7a - Fine ArtsGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
ARCH 103
ART 101, 104, 105, 105H, 106, 106H, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117, 120, 130, 135, 140;
DANC 179, 179H, 199, 199H;
GDSN 110:
MUS 101, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136;
MUST 151, 152;
PHTO 110, 130;
THTR 101, 105, 105H, 110

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:16.0 
Total Units for Business/Small Business Management AS program 61.5† 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will develop an effective business plan by using guerrilla marketing strategies and basic financial statements.


2

Students will distinguish between the debt vs. equity finance options.


3

Students will explain the essential importance of cash flow planning for small business operations.


4

Students will use break-even analysis to evaluate a marketing plan.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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