Program Helps Increase Students' Marketability During Job Search

Columbia State Community College will begin an Accelerated Associate's in Business Management degree program at its Clifton campus this fall. The program is designed in a convenient format with classes meeting one night per week. Students can finish degree requirements in as few as five semesters.

Columbia State's Associate of Applied Science in Business Management degree is designed to develop ethical business leaders through education that is based on both fundamental business concepts and applied experiences. Students will be better prepared to handle a variety of communications and administrative responsibilities, including information technology, human resources, customer service, and business ethics.

"Tennessee has experienced higher than average unemployment in recent months, the counties of southern middle Tennessee served by Columbia State had an average April unemployment rate of 14.1 percent, compared to slightly below 10 percent nationally," said Dr. Shanna Jackson, Dean of Extended Campuses at Columbia State Community College. "Our Business Management degree will provide residents of Wayne, Perry and surrounding counties the opportunity to stand out in the competitive job market and respond to the needs of growing industries."

The program is designed to increase students' marketability in the job search process or increase their effectiveness and opportunity for promotion in their current positions. Skills obtained in this program could be applied in a variety of settings, including retail, office, hospitality, and operations management, as well as sales and customer service. It is specifically designed for the student who plans to enter the workforce after graduation.

For additional information about the Accelerated Associate's in Business Management degree program offered through Columbia State's Clifton Campus, visit www.columbiastate.edu/bustech or call 931-676-6966 or toll free 888-346-6581.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg, and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.