Accounting and Finance Pathway

5101: Introduction to Business and Management (1.0 credit PAR, Gr. 9- 11)

This introductory course is designed to give students an understanding of business practices.  It serves as a background of information for those students who plan to continue with other business courses and as a general information course for personal use. It includes the study of such areas as the free enterprise system, economics, exploring business careers, consumerism, and business technology.  The course introduces business practices and structure between all levels of an organization.  Students are encouraged to approach their work from an entrepreneurial perspective, and focus on the value that an employee can bring to the company.

5117: Business Law and Economics (1 credit PAR, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Business and Management

This course will teach students how the laws that govern business are relevant to a their everyday lives.  Specific areas include kinds of laws, crimes, laws for minors, laws for families, laws for consumers, contracts, bankruptcy, repossessions, employment contracts, discrimination, landlords, and cyber laws.  This course will also discuss entrepreneurship law, family law, and criminal law. Additionally this course combines practical opportunities as well as expertise of a business organization. Students will work with the local community in order to apply practical applications of economics. Entrepreneurial possibilities are available within this course. Students will learn to make economical decisions, keep business records and documents, as well as market products targeting local economical issues and business careers.

5121: Business Finance (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: Business Law and Economics

This is an introductory course for banking and financial support services which also operates a student bank as the implementation practicum.  The course is designed to familiarize students with all aspects of a typical bank including savings, loans, operations, and audit functions. Coursework will include the history of banking, organizational structures, operations and marketing of a student bank, marketing and advertising, insurance, and the stock market.

5109: Accounting I (1 credit PAR, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Business and Management

This course is designed to meet the needs of three types of students: (1) those interested in accounting or business as a major in college (2) those interested in learning about keeping the financial records for their own businesses in the future, and (3) those interested in doing general office work. The course provides training in bookkeeping principles, payroll, and financial reports. Students will get practical experience in accounting through the use of spreadsheets and computer-based accounting programs. 

5301: Accounting II (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit Available

Prerequisite: Accounting I

This course is a continuation of the first year course with an emphasis on cost, managerial, and corporate accounting. There will be additional study in automated accounting and computer-based spreadsheet applications. After completing this course, students planning to major in accounting or business in college will be better prepared for university-level accounting and students seeking employment immediately after high school will be better qualified for entry-level accounting positions.

5124: Office Productivity Suite (1 credit PAR, Gr. 10-12)

This course is designed to help students master beginning skills in the areas of word processing, spreadsheet software, and the proper creation and application of professional presentations. Students will learn file management, how to save and find files, use a network, and share files with others for collaboration.  Students will learn the software skills needed in Microsoft and Google to be effective in school and the workplace. Advanced projects combining all of Microsoft Office and Google software will be included in the course.

7128: Graphic Design I (0.5 credit FAR, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Visual Arts

This course will explore the elements and principles of art with today’s ever-increasing need of knowledge regarding art technology.  This class will utilize computer software, such as Adobe Illustrator, in creation of original artwork.  Some basic Photoshop and digital camera skills will be introduced.  This is a class for the student who desires to explore their art in a computer-based medium and for future career paths in design.

5312: College Business (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit Available

Prerequisite: Accounting II, Business Finance, Marketing, or Youth Entrepreneurs

This course provides an overview of all phases of business, including ownership, marketing, personnel, finance, managerial controls, and the relationship of business to the social and economic environment in which it operates.

5314: College Business Communications (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit Available

Prerequisite: Accounting II, Business Finance, Marketing, or Youth Entrepreneurs

This course is designed to teach students to identify the scope and structure of written communications in a business environment.  The areas of study will include planning, organizing, composing, and revising a wide variety of business correspondence.  Current methods of appropriate communication via technology are covered with hands-on applications. Participation in DECA is highly suggested. 

5310: College Marketing and Management (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit Available

Prerequisite: Accounting II, Business Finance, Marketing, or Youth Entrepreneurs

This course will cover the principles and practices of business management developed around the framework of the functions of planning, organizing, and control. Specific topics will include: managerial ethics, group dynamics, employee motivation, communications, decision-making, leadership and management styles, productivity, and organizational effectiveness.

The principles of marketing involve the structure of marketing institutions in a global environment. This course will include analysis of marketing functions, consumer behavior, segmentation, market research, product planning, pricing, promotion, distribution and marketing strategies. Internet and electronic mail activities are integrated to develop competencies in data collection, application and task analysis.

5212: Business Academy Capstone (1 credit PAR, Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: Accounting II, Business Finance, Marketing, or Youth Entrepreneurs I

Students in this course will meet at All Things Independence, a retail store and screen printing business.  This course provides students with a unique experiential learning opportunity to gain hands-on business and entrepreneurial skills useful for any career path.  Students operate a retail and screen print business as part of their coursework.  Students are responsible for all aspects of the business including but not limited to management, sales, research, purchasing, inventory, merchandising, graphic design, facilities management, accounting, financial analysis, screen printing, and training.  Students must apply and will be selected through an interview process.  

5209: Supervised Business Experience (1-2 credit PAR, Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: Accounting II, Business Finance, Marketing, or Youth Entrepreneurs I

The Supervised Business Experience (SBE) program is a workplace learning experience, which is an extension of the business education classroom.  SBE training is designed for the students in approved business education programs currently following a business academy pathway.  The SBE program provides on-the-job work experience that gives students the opportunity to master academic and workplace skills.  The SBE program facilitates the transition from the classroom to the workplace.