California Community Colleges
Business Administration Programs
Business administration courses across community colleges in this state, covering management, accounting, marketing, and economics.
103 colleges · 4841 sections · 948 unique courses · Fall 2026 · Updated today
Business administration is the most-completed associate degree at California community colleges, and the most flexible — graduates step into operations and management roles at small businesses, transfer to four-year business schools, or use the degree as a foundation for an MBA. Across 103 California CCs institutions, this term's 4841 sections cover management, marketing, finance, accounting, and economics — the same core curriculum a four-year business school would expect in years 1 and 2.
The associate degree typically takes two years full-time and articulates cleanly to most California four-year business programs, so students can complete the first half of a BBA at community college tuition rates before transferring. Compare colleges below by award counts, online section availability, and graduate earnings to find the best fit.
Colleges offering Business Administration
Pick a college to see its full plan — every required course, which ones transfer to the school you want, and what’s open now.
Business Administration is a transfer program — community colleges offer the coursework; you earn the degree, and its earnings, at a four-year university. See where it transfers →
Business Administration Availability Snapshot
How business administration sections are being offered across 103 colleges in California this term (4841 sections total).
Delivery format
- online2921 (60%)
- in person1489 (31%)
- hybrid295 (6%)
- zoom136 (3%)
When sections meet
- Morning (before noon)996
- Afternoon (noon–5 PM)444
- Evening (5 PM and after)320
- Asynchronous / TBA3081
Start dates
Sections begin on 65 distinct dates. 1576 late-start more than two weeks after the term's earliest start.
Instructor diversity
Taught by 1413 distinct instructors across 103 colleges.
Degree requirements by college
Expand a college to see the courses required for graduation. Data sourced from each college's official catalog.
College of the Desert17 programs
Cuyamaca College15 programs
Evergreen Valley College4 programs
Foothill College2 programs
Fullerton College32 programs
Grossmont College15 programs
Hartnell College4 programs
Long Beach City College28 programs
Mt San Antonio College38 programs
Pasadena City College22 programs
San Bernardino Valley College15 programs
San Joaquin Delta College19 programs
San Jose City College13 programs
Sierra College2 programs
Common Business Administration courses
- ECON C2001Principles of Microeconomics(442 sections)
- ECON C2002Principles of Macroeconomics(433 sections)
- BUS 10INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS(111 sections)
- ACCT 101Fundamentals of College Accounting(86 sections)
- BUS 001Introduction To Business(85 sections)
- BUS 101Introduction to Business(58 sections)
- BUS 300Introduction to Business(53 sections)
- BUS 120Business Management(48 sections)
- ACCT 102Fundamentals of Accounting II(41 sections)
- BUS 1FUND OF BUSINESS(38 sections)
- ECON B1Principles of Microeconomics(36 sections)
- ECON 100Principles of Macroeconomics(34 sections)
Career outlook for Business Administration graduates
Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for the primary career outcome of this program (2024 OEWS release). Compare California’s typical pay to the national picture before choosing where to study.
Wage data reflects all workers in the occupation, not just recent CC graduates — entry-level pay is typically lower. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I get an associate in business or transfer to a four-year school first?
- For most students, completing the associate first is cheaper — California community college tuition is a fraction of four-year tuition, and the first two years of a BBA are largely general-education and intro business courses that transfer 1:1. The exception is students aiming for elite business schools that prefer freshmen admits.
- What jobs can I get with an associate in business?
- Office manager, assistant manager, sales representative, account coordinator, bookkeeper, and administrative supervisor are common entry points. Many graduates use the degree to formalize an existing role they were promoted into — companies often cover or reimburse the associate's tuition for employees moving from hourly to salaried positions.
- Does business credit transfer to a California four-year university?
- Yes. Most California CCs business associate programs are articulated to the major state university business school under a guaranteed-transfer agreement. Compare colleges below — some have stronger transfer partnerships than others, and the right college can save you a full semester at four-year tuition rates.
- How long does an associate in business take?
- Two years full-time (4 semesters of 15 credits each), or three to four years part-time. Many California programs offer evening and online sections specifically for working students completing the degree alongside a full-time job.
Compare Business Administration programs in other states
Same comparison view, different state systems. Useful if you’re considering an out-of-state community college or just want to see how California’s business administration programs stack up.
Other programs in California
Some programs may not be offered at every college — pages render only when the program meets a coverage threshold for the state.