The Business curriculum at RRCC prepares students to launch or advance a career in business. The program features faculty with real-world experience who engage students in learning the practical applications of business principles. We also offer flexible learning formats and partnerships with business and industry as well as area colleges and universities.
Flexible learning formats- classroom, hybrid, or online - allow students to build a schedule that works for them as they are working toward a certificate or degree.
The business and accounting programs are unique in their approach and focus – our goal is to provide RRCC graduates in business and accounting with a competitive advantage in the workplace and in future academic pursuits. We do that through:
- Industry Partnerships – Bringing professionals onto campus and into classrooms, taking the classroom on-site at area businesses, and working through industry leaders in our program Advisory Boards.
- Active Learning – Students engage in hands-on, active learning as part of the curriculum. Classes are
- Technology & AI – Faculty integrate the latest technology and applications into classes and assignments as an expectation so that students are well prepared for the world of work.
- Cultural Intelligence – Understanding how interconnected our communities are, locally and globally, is essential for navigating the interpersonal dynamics of business. It’s also essential for the agility needed to succeed across different organizational cultures, from small start-ups to mid-sized nonprofit organizations, to multi-national corporations.
Whichever area you choose to study, once you graduate, you will be able to:
- Examine real-world business and accounting problems and design solutions.
- Apply business, accounting, management and marketing strategies to diverse companies.
- Communicate business concepts in a professional and compelling way.
- Understand core accounting principles.
- Understand organizational culture in business and identify strategies for success in different types of organizational cultures.
Both business and accounting offer certificates that stack into AS/AAS degrees, and the AS/AAS degrees in business and accounting stack directly into the BAS in Business Administration. Partnerships with business and industry as well as area colleges and universities provide many paths for students to chart their course toward a rewarding career in business and accounting.
Apply to the Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration
Please make sure to submit your application at least two weeks before the start of the term to allow enough time for processing and to complete your registration. Applications submitted after this deadline may not be processed in time, and there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to register on time.
Step 1: Complete one of the qualifying Associate of Applied Science Degrees.
- Business Administration
- Business-Interdisciplinary
- Business-Real Estate
- Accounting Paraprofessional
- Accounting Technician
Step 2: Complete the online application
- The department chair will confirm that you have either completed or are in your final semester of one of the approved AAS degrees.
Step 3: Continue to check your student email
- Once you're accepted into the BAS degree, Student Records will update your program to Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration. You'll receive an email confirmation once this update is complete. After that, you'll be able to register for 3000 and 4000 level courses.
The business program offers the skills you need to be successful in your education and your career. Whichever concentration area you choose to study, once you graduate, you will be able to:
- Write professional and compelling business documents.
- Examine real-world business and accounting problems and design solutions.
- Apply business, accounting, management and marketing strategies to diverse companies.
- Understand organizational culture in business and identify strategies for success in different types of organizational cultures.
Depending on your focus, you will also learn how to:
- Develop a business plan (Small Business/Entrepreneurship)
- Explain the universal management functions of directing, planning, organizing, and controlling (Management)
- Develop the appropriate marketing mix to capitalize on an opportunity (Marketing)
- Understand and prepare real estate documents (Real Estate)
- Are you ready to turn your financial savvy into a rewarding career?
- We integrate the use of technology in all accounting courses
- Our courses are small so you can get one-on-one time with your instructors
- Get the flexibility you need with on-campus and online course options
- You will begin networking and gain real-world experience through internships as part of the program
- Curriculum for the program is guided by our Advisory Committee, made up of local business members working in the industry with extensive knowledge of what skills are needed and in demand
Accounting Technician AAS (University Transfer)
This unique agreement between RRCC, Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) and University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) allows students to seamlessly transfer all 61 credits towards their Bachelor’s degree in accounting. The coursework is designed to provide you with technical accounting skills as well as theory-based knowledge that will be built upon at the university level. Upon completion of this AAS degree, students will enter their university of choice as a junior and have only two years of courses to complete to receive their Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from either MSU Denver or CU Denver.
Accounting Paraprofessional AAS (Direct-to-Work)
This degree focuses on preparing you for a career in the field of accounting. By working closely with local industry leaders, the coursework focuses on providing you with technical skills that businesses require for entry-level job candidates. Our graduates start their careers as accounting technicians, bookkeepers, tax preparers and clerks in processing accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll. Although the program is designed to put you to work immediately after graduation, the degree also prepares you for advanced studies in the field at the university level. Credits will transfer on a course-by-course basis and will vary by institution.
The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Business Administration is designed for students aiming to deepen their expertise and advance in their careers. As an applied science degree, you will learn hands-on, skills-based content to move into leadership roles within organizations and companies. Please note, BAS degrees will not typically transfer directly into MBA programs for Business Administration.
The Associate of Arts (AA) in Business is ideal for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a Bachelor's degree. If you're considering advancing to an MBA program, this is the optimal path for you.
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees are for students who want to enter the workforce directly after earning a two-year degree. The best part? You don’t have to make that decision immediately! By completing the AAS degree, you’re already halfway to earning the BAS degree!
Becoming a student at RRCC prepares you for transfer to a four-year university, prepares you for an exciting new career or can enhance your current skills.
Red Rocks Community College offers courses in Arvada, Lakewood and online as well as hybrid courses.
In collaboration with Colorado 4-year schools, Colorado has developed a statewide guaranteed transfer program to create a seamless transfer.
Becoming a student at RRCC prepares you for transfer to a four-year university, prepares you for an exciting new career or can enhance your current skills.