Business College

Definition

A Business College is an educational institution that specializes in teaching the practical and clerical skills necessary for various business operations. These colleges offer specialized programs and courses designed to equip students with hands-on training in:

Typing
Word Processing
Filing
Bookkeeping
Office Management
Data Entry
Administrative Support

The primary goal of a business college is to prepare students for immediate entry into clerical and administrative roles within various businesses, government agencies, and other organizations.

Differences from Business Schools and Colleges of Business

It is crucial to differentiate Business Colleges from Business Schools at accredited colleges or universities:

Business Colleges: Focus on clerical and administrative skills. Typically offer short-term certificate or diploma programs.
Business Schools: Part of accredited higher education institutions, providing broader business education, including management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship, up to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Examples

Bryant & Stratton College: Offers specialized programs in administrative and clerical areas alongside other professional degrees.
Heald College: Known for its courses in business administration, office administration, and accounting before it closed.
International Business College: Provides targeted training in administrative assistance and computer applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of a business college?

The primary focus of a business college is to train students in clerical and administrative skills, such as typing, word processing, filing, and bookkeeping.

How long does it typically take to complete a program at a business college?

Programs at business colleges generally take a few months to two years, depending on whether one is pursuing a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.

Can credits from a business college transfer to a four-year college or university?

Transferability of credits varies; some business colleges have articulation agreements with four-year institutions, but students should check with both institutions to understand credit transfer policies.

Are business colleges accredited?

Many business colleges are accredited by specialized accrediting bodies related to vocational and technical education. It is essential to check the accreditation status of an institution before enrolling.

What are some career options for graduates of business colleges?

Graduates can pursue careers as administrative assistants, office managers, data entry clerks, bookkeepers, and customer service representatives.

Vocational School: An institution offering courses that teach specific trade skills aimed at direct employment.
Technical College: Similar to vocational schools but often include programs in technology and engineering disciplines.
Community College: Public postsecondary schools offering a variety of academic, vocational, and transfer programs.
Secretarial School: A school specifically focused on training students for secretarial and administrative assistant jobs.
Certification Program: Educational programs that provide certificates upon completion to acknowledge specialized skills or knowledge.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Business Communication: Process & Product” by Mary Ellen Guffey and Dana Loewy A comprehensive guide to business communication, useful for those in clerical roles.
“The Administrative Professional: Technology & Procedures” by Patsy Fulton-Calkins and Karin Stulz Offers an in-depth look at the modern clerical and administrative roles.
“Bookkeeping All-In-One For Dummies” by Lita Epstein and John A. Tracy A great resource for those looking to master bookkeeping concepts.

Fundamentals of Business College: Business Education Basics Quiz

### What primary skills are taught at a business college? - [ ] Advanced economic theories - [ ] Strategic management - [x] Typing, word processing, filing, and bookkeeping - [ ] Artificial intelligence programming > **Explanation:** Business colleges focus on teaching practical clerical and administrative skills, such as typing, word processing, filing, and bookkeeping, rather than advanced theoretical subjects. ### What type of programs are typically offered at business colleges? - [x] Certificate or diploma programs - [ ] Bachelor's degrees - [ ] Master's degrees - [ ] Doctoral programs > **Explanation:** Business colleges typically offer short-term certificate or diploma programs aimed at providing immediate job-ready skills. ### Can a business college prepare you for a career in administrative support? - [x] Yes - [ ] No - [ ] Only if you have prior experience - [ ] Only if you get a degree > **Explanation:** Yes, business colleges specifically train students for careers in administrative support through specialized programs. ### What differentiates a business college from a business school? - [x] Focus on clerical and administrative skills - [ ] Offers master's degrees - [ ] Focus on high-level management theories - [ ] Provides extensive research opportunities > **Explanation:** Business colleges focus on practical clerical and administrative skills, whereas business schools cover broader and more advanced business education, including management and research. ### Which of the following is NOT typically covered in a business college program? - [ ] Word processing - [ ] Data entry - [x] Corporate finance - [ ] Typing > **Explanation:** Corporate finance is usually covered in more comprehensive business programs like those at business schools, not in business colleges which focus on practical clerical tasks. ### Do business colleges require accreditation? - [x] Many are accredited by specialized accrediting bodies - [ ] None are accredited - [ ] All must be accredited by national organizations - [ ] Accreditation is not recognized in this field > **Explanation:** Many business colleges are accredited by specialized accrediting bodies related to vocational and technical education, and it is important to check the accreditation status prior to enrollment. ### What is the main objective of attending a business college? - [x] To gain immediate job-ready clerical skills - [ ] To conduct academic research - [ ] To network with high-level executives - [ ] To study advanced business theories > **Explanation:** The main objective of attending a business college is to gain practical and immediate job-ready clerical and administrative skills. ### How long do business college programs typically last? - [ ] 4 years - [ ] 6 months to 4 years - [ ] 6 years - [x] A few months to two years > **Explanation:** Programs at business colleges generally last from a few months to two years, depending on the specific course of study and certification pursued. ### What types of jobs can graduates of business colleges expect to obtain? - [x] Administrative assistants, office managers, data entry clerks - [ ] CEOs, CFOs, high-level managers - [ ] Research scientists - [ ] University lecturers > **Explanation:** Graduates of business colleges typically find jobs as administrative assistants, office managers, data entry clerks, and other clerical roles, not typically top executive or research positions. ### Does a business college prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce? - [x] Yes - [ ] No, further education is required - [ ] Only in certain fields - [ ] It depends on the job market > **Explanation:** Yes, business colleges are designed to provide immediate job-ready skills to students, preparing them for direct entry into clerical and administrative roles in the workforce.

Thank you for exploring the fundamentals of business college education and enhancing your knowledge through this sample quiz. Keep pursuing your goals in the field of business!