Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs and Answers

• What do I have to take to transfer to a 4-year school like the University of California or California State University?

  In general, business students need to take general education courses, Introduction to Business (Bus 10), Business Law (Bus 18), Financial Accounting I (ACCT 1A), Financial Accounting II (ACCT 1B), Macroeconomics (ECON 1), and Microeconomics (ECON 2) in order to meet freshman and sophomore requirements for most undergraduate business programs.

  We also recommend you take two Business courses that fufill CSU General Education (GE) requirements: Business in Society (BUS 21) for Area D, and Human Relations in the Workplace (BUS 56) for Area E.

  In addition, many students choose to take additional business courses at De Anza because all of our courses are fully transferable for college credit. De Anza classes with course numbers 50 to 99 transfer as electives. Many students find that taking elective courses at De Anza is an affordable and effective way to make progress towards the college units needed to gain that undergraduate degree. For detailed advice on the courses needed for the specific program you are interested in, it is advisable to make an appointment with a counselor on campus.
  

• Which General Education (GE) classes are in Business?

  There are two classes that fulfill both De Anza and CSU GE patterns.  "Business in Society" (Bus 21) can be used for Area D (Social Sciences).  "Human Relations in the Workplace" (Bus 56) can be used for area E (Lifelong Learning and Self Development)

• Do I need to get an Associate Degree to transfer?

  If you are transferring to a California State University, you need the Associate of Science in Business for Transfer to ensure Junior status upon transfer. This degree is a result of the Senate Bill 1440 legislation. For more information on the requirements for this Degree Program, please click on the “Degrees and Certificates” link on this page.

  If you are not transferring to a CSU, an Associates degree is not mandatory. In general, business students need to take general education courses, Introduction to Business (Bus 10), Business Law (Bus 18), Financial Accounting I (ACCT 1A), Financial Accounting II (ACCT 1B), Macroeconomics (ECON 1), and Microeconomics (ECON 2) in order to meet freshman and sophomore requirements for most undergraduate business programs. Since each university is slightly different, it is advisable to meet with a counselor to find out the details regarding your target university.

  However, an Associates degree can be helpful, especially in a difficult economic climate. An Associates Degree is a completed credential which can assist you in finding entry-level business positions or internships, even while you are pursuing your Bachelors degree. It builds your resume as a business professional.

  In addition, units from individual courses do have a "useful life" (usually 10 years). Those who have unstable or uncertain life circumstances may benefit from the added security that an Associates Degree provides. Many people experience interruptions in their academic goals due to illness, children, or job loss. If those interruptions last too long, they risk the aging of their course transfer units to a point when they may no longer be accepted. A completed degree is a milestone that does not expire.
  

• What kind of jobs does an AA in Business Administration prepare me for?

  An AA degree in Business Administration is a degree program that appeals to a broad range of business positions and industries.  An online search for jobs requiring an Associates Degree found the following positions: Customer Service/Support Representative, Warehouse/Distribution Supervisor, Insurance Adjuster, Assistant Buyer, Help Desk Support, Payroll Clerk/Administrator, Accounts Receivable Clerk, Payables Clerk, Collections Analyst, Executive Assistant, and Contracts Administrator.

• What kind of jobs does an AA in Management prepare me for?

  An AA degree in Management is a degree program that prepares you for a career managing and leading employees. An online search for jobs requiring an Associates Degree found the following positions: Service Manager, Retail Sales Manager, Customer Service Supervisor, Office Manager, Human Resources Coordinator, Employee Benefits Associate, Construction Project Manager, Hotel/Hospitality Supervisor, and Management Trainee.
  

• What kind of jobs does an AA in Marketing Management prepare me for?

  An AA degree in Marketing Management is a degree program that prepares you for a career in the fast-paced field of Marketing.  An online search for jobs requiring an Associates Degree found the following positions:  Marketing Events Coordinator, Retail Sales Manager, Marketing Communications Associate, Inside Sales Representative, Sales Specialist/Coordinator, and Sales Support Specialist.  Graphic and Web Designers may also successfully use an AA in Marketing Management to increase their appeal to employers and clients.

• What are certificates and why would I want one?

  De Anza offers business certificates in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Management. A certificate program is generally used to demonstrate a significant block of academic progress to employers or business partners. Certificates are shorter milestones than degree programs, so many working professionals find them extremely convenient. At De Anza, you can also earn certificates while working towards your AA, without taking any unnecessary classes.

  A working professional would obtain a certificate to demonstrate to his/her manager that he/she is ready for additional or new responsibilities or an increase in salary. For example, an individual might obtain a Certificate of Achievement in Management to demonstrate that he/she is ready to supervise others. An Engineer who wants to switch functions into Sales or Marketing at his current firm, would be a more appealing candidate with Certificate of Achievement in Marketing Management. A small business founder can use an Entrepreneurship certificate to demonstrate his/her commitment and preparation to investors, lenders, franchisers, and potential partners. Certificates (like degrees) are usually listed on an individual's resume.

• Why do I need a Certificate of Achievement in Entrepreneurship if I will be running my own business?

  An entrepreneur can use a business certificate to demonstrate his/her commitment and preparation to investors, lenders, franchisers and potential partners. Certificates (like degrees) are usually listed on an individual's resume and the owner’s resume is always included in a business plan.  Most importantly, De Anza’s Certificate of Achievement in Entrepreneurship prepares you for the challenges you are likely to encounter as a small business owner.  This can make it easier to start that successful business you always dreamed about.
  

• What if I come from another country and I need help registering for classes and understanding the cost of a business degree.

  The business department is here to help you with questions about business curriculum and courses.  To get assistance with International Student registration and fees, please visit the De Anza International Student Programs web site.  They have instructions, forms, and contact information for advisors posted.  Alternatively, you may email their office at: dainternational@fhda.edu 

• How many units can I transfer from another college or university?

  You should begin planning by reviewing the sheet of requirements for the degree program you want from the Business Department degrees page or from your counselor. It lists the maximum transfer units for each program. In general, a maximum of 6 quarter units may be transferred for a Certificate, and a maximum of 22 quarter units may be transferred for an Associates Degree from the Business Department. However, transferred units are not automatic; they must be approved for equivalency. (See next question.)
  

• How do I transfer units from another college or university toward a DeAnza degree or certificate?

  The process is as follows.

  Download a student petition form from the Student Forms page of the Admissions Office.

  Obtain a course outline or syllabus for the class you took. You may also provide the URL for this information if it is available online.
  Complete the petition form except the boxed part for supporting signatures.
  Provide the petition and supporting materials to the Business Department Chair for his/her review and signature. The current Chair is listed on the Business Department contact page.
  Our Dean must also review and sign the petition before it goes to the Academic Council for final approval. You should check with Admission and Records for status updates once you have turned your forms in.
  
  

• I am interested in getting an MBA.  How can De Anza help me?

  De Anza can help you earn an Associates Degree or certificate.  De Anza does not offer Bachelors or Masters degrees.  You would have to apply and be accepted to an MBA program at a University to earn one. The good news is that many top business schools are located in the Bay area! Some people, who have their undergraduate degrees in areas other than business (such as science, engineering, or humanities), enroll in courses at De Anza to prepare for success before entering a fast-paced MBA program.  A great place to start is registering for Introduction to Business (Bus10). Your instructors at De Anza have experience from many leading MBA programs, so you can seek them out for advice on additional courses that will help you to prepare.