Field of Interest
The Associate in Business, Special Requirements (ABUS-SR) provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who wish to pursue Computer Information Systems majors at Arizona's public universities. For a comprehensive list of bachelor's programs, visit the aztransfer business matrix. With a bachelor's degree, students may pursue a number of careers, including but not limited to accountancy, business administration, business data analytics, computer information systems, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, management, retail management, and supply chain management.
Details
Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:
- Field of Interest
- Business, Entrepreneurialism and Management
- Type
- Associate in Business, Special Requirements (ABUS-SR)
- Academic Plan
- Associate in Business, Special Requirements (DEG)
- Academic Plan Code
- 8800
- Total Credits Required
- 62
- Catalog Year
- 2025-2026
- Effective Term
- Fall 2023
- Available Online
- Yes
- Notes
Students must qualify to enter Brief Calculus by coursework or placement.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges to earn a degree with this emphasis.
What You’ll Learn
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the practice of accounting, economics, entrepreneurship, management, and marketing in the business environment.
- Develop and implement well-structured computer programs that solve business problems.
- Utilize the software development lifecycle for application development.
- Research, locate, and evaluate business information in order to support evidence-based decisions.
- Critically evaluate the alternatives faced in business decision making to select the most effective and efficient solution.
- Analyze the impact of decisions and activities on the financial position of an organization.
- Create and use effective oral, written, and visual business communication skills.
- Recognize ethical, legal, and global dimensions in business practice and how business integrates social responsibility into operations/decision making.
- Use team collaboration to solve business problems.
- Develop skills, knowledge, and habits of mind necessary to transfer to and succeed at a university or college with junior status in business.
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of this degree may lead to
employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related
occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for
this degree. Education requirements vary for the
occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some
of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program
director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding
education level, wages, and employment information.
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$37.69
Annual Median Wage
$78,406
Annual Job Openings
2,107
Number of People Employed
21,670
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 8.0 %
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$37.82
Annual Median Wage
$78,676
Number of People Employed
545
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 9.4 %
Develop, maintain, or implement business continuity and disaster recovery strategies and solutions, including risk assessments, business impact analyses, strategy selection, and documentation of business continuity and disaster recovery procedures. Plan, conduct, and debrief regular mock-disaster exercises to test the adequacy of existing plans and strategies, updating procedures and plans regularly. Act as a coordinator for continuity efforts after a disruption event.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$38.79
Annual Median Wage
$80,701
Annual Job Openings
1,249
Number of People Employed
10,972
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 11.6 %
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$65.36
Annual Median Wage
$135,949
Number of People Employed
206
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 28.6 %
Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$52.89
Annual Median Wage
$110,017
Number of People Employed
137
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 8.0 %
Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$52.89
Annual Median Wage
$110,017
Number of People Employed
137
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 8.0 %
Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$39.61
Annual Median Wage
$82,409
Number of People Employed
5,170
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 8.4 %
Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$37.63
Annual Median Wage
$78,282
Number of People Employed
1,130
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 14.4 %
Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$65.56
Annual Median Wage
$136,375
Annual Job Openings
1,188
Number of People Employed
11,982
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 14.4 %
Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
Typical Education Level
a high school diploma or less
Hourly Median Wage
$45.34
Annual Median Wage
$94,323
Annual Job Openings
6,760
Number of People Employed
68,032
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 7.6 %
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$55.89
Annual Median Wage
$116,259
Number of People Employed
2,851
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 19.7 %
Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$39.48
Annual Median Wage
$82,136
Annual Job Openings
1,627
Number of People Employed
16,791
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 6.8 %
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$34.59
Annual Median Wage
$71,962
Annual Job Openings
1,675
Number of People Employed
13,832
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 13.2 %
Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$64.14
Annual Median Wage
$133,431
Number of People Employed
4,658
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 12.2 %
Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$41.14
Annual Median Wage
$85,574
Number of People Employed
6,549
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 7.3 %
* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data,
reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s
proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers
including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Pathway Map Options
There are multiple options available for this pathway map.
These options vary depending on the available transfer institutions and what degrees you may be able to transfer into.
These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework
may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of
courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below.
The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.
The list of courses below has been updated
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas |
- In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below,
students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise
met by other program requirements:
- Cultural [C] and
- Global [G] or Historical [H]
-
Students are strongly encouraged to visit
with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all
graduation requirements.
|
Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device,
some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this
page on a device with a larger screen.
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
CIS105 |
Survey of Computer Information Systems |
|
Critical course
|
CS |
3 |
ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL |
Prerequisites: Writing placement or (C/ better in ESL097 or WAC101) or (B/better in ALT100) or (C in ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (C/better in ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C/better in ESL097 or WAC101),or (B/better in ALT100) or (C in ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (C/better in ESL202 and Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).View requisites |
Critical course
|
FYC or FYC |
3 |
MAT212 or MAT213 |
Brief Calculus or Brief Calculus |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT15+, or MAT187, or an appropriate District placement. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT15+, or MAT187, or MAT188, or an appropriate District placement.View requisites |
Critical course
|
MA or MA |
3–4 |
HU |
Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design |
|
|
|
3 |
FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success |
|
|
|
1–3 |
ECN211 or ECN212 |
Macroeconomic Principles or Microeconomic Principles |
|
|
SB or SB |
3 |
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas |
- In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below,
students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise
met by other program requirements:
- Cultural [C] and
- Global [G] or Historical [H]
-
Students are strongly encouraged to visit
with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all
graduation requirements.
|
Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device,
some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this
page on a device with a larger screen.
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
SQ |
Natural Sciences |
|
|
|
4 |
General Elective |
General Elective |
|
Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 62 semester credits but no more than a total of 64 semester credits. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals.
|
|
0–3 |
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 9
Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
HU |
Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design |
|
|
|
3 |
General Elective |
General Elective |
|
Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 62 semester credits but no more than a total of 64 semester credits. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals.
|
|
0–3 |
Pathway Map Option Details
No pathway map option has been selected. Please select from the pathway
map options listed above.
Ready to get started?
Follow one of the options below to get started on your personal career pathway.
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.
Course Area Key
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- C = Cultural Diversity in the US
- CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
- FYC = First Year Composition
- G = Global Awareness
- H = Historical Awareness
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
- MA = Mathematics
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
- SG = Natural Sciences General
- SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, meet with an academic advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=187850).
Previous Catalog Years
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.
Previous catalog years for Associate in Business, Special Requirements (ABUS-SR) in Associate in Business, Special Requirements