Business Technology Associate in Occupational Studies Degree

Drive innovation in business technology with an AOS program. Harness the power of tech to transform organizations.


Overview for Business Technology AOS

The business technology program prepares you for a career in general business operations. You’ll learn the fundamentals of business planning, interpersonal skills, and communication skills needed to succeed on the job. You’ll also receive leadership training in addition to becoming proficient in the use of computer software applications necessary to succeed in the business world. This degree is for students interested in the fields of marketing, sales, retail, advertising, banking, management, human resources, hospitality, and other related business disciplines. This program is available for qualified deaf and hard of hearing students.

The associate in occupational studies (AOS) in business technology, offered by RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf, will prepare you for a career in a variety of settings, including business, industry, government, and schools. You will take courses in accounting, payroll procedures, general office procedures, and document preparation, and you may also elect to complete a sequence of courses that provide a concentration in either accounting technology or administrative support technology.

This is a non-transfer occupational program, with primary emphasis on preparation for immediate employment upon graduation.

Microsoft Certification

NTID's business studies department operates an authorized testing center for Microsoft Office Specialist. Preparatory courses are offered for several exams each semester.

Loading...

Careers and Cooperative Education

Typical Job Titles

General Office Clerk Accounts Receivable/Payable Clerk
Payroll Records Clerk Word Processing Technician
Cost Accounting Clerk Microcomputer Accounting Clerk

Industries

  • Government (Local, State, Federal)
  • Non-Profit
  • Higher Education
  • Consumer Packaged Goods
  • Hotels and Accommodation
  • Retail Stores
  • Human Resources
  • Insurance

Cooperative Education

Cooperative education, or co-op for short, is full-time, paid work experience in your field of study. And it sets RIT graduates apart from their competitors. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries. RIT co-op is designed for your success.

Students in the business technology program are required to complete a cooperative education work experience prior to graduation. You may schedule your co-op after completing your second-year academic requirements.

Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Business Technology AOS

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Business Technology (administrative support technology option), AOS degree, typical course sequence

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
NACC-130
Personal Finance
This course provides students with information and resources needed to understand the creation and implementation of a budget, use of credit and borrowing money responsibly, financial rights and ways to safeguard their money, and factors used to determine their readiness to buy a home or make other major purchases. Information on financial institutions such as banks, credit unions, and savings and loan organizations will also be covered. This course will provide students with basic financial literacy so they can develop sound financial management of their personal income as well as an understanding of the economic events that can influence their financial well being and society as a whole. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 5 (Fall, Spring).
3
NACC-201
Accounting 1
Introduction to accounting principles for both accounting and nonaccounting students. Both service and merchandising (retail/wholesale) businesses are introduced. Areas covered include: analyzing and recording of business transactions using the double-entry accounting system; end-of-period adjustments; worksheet; financial statements; closing entries; and post-closing trial balance. Students complete a comprehensive "accounting cycle" project. Computerized spreadsheet applications are required. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NAST-160 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 5 (Fall, Spring).
3
NAST-140
Essential Document Production
This course is for students with little or no knowledge of word processing software, limited keyboarding experience, and those that have a minimum of 20 net words per minute. Emphasis is on keyboarding skill development as well as an introduction to basic word processing skills. Students key and format business correspondence, reports, and tables. The expectation is to exit this course with a 30 net words per minute typing proficiency for five minutes. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 5 (Fall, Spring).
3
NAST-150
Advanced Document Production
This course focuses on effective management of document production activities by selecting an appropriate format or template, applying graphic enhancements as needed, and saving the document in an appropriate business format. Business correspondence, newsletters, tables, forms and reports will be produced using word processing software. Emphasis is on the mastery of basic skills and their application to a variety of realistic office document production projects. Typing skill development continues with an expected exit speed to 40+ net words per minute for five minutes. (Prerequisite: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NAST-140 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 5 (Fall, Spring).
3
NAST-160
Fundamentals of Spreadsheet Applications
Emphasis will be on creating, formatting, and enhancing worksheets; creating and applying formulas and functions; building and formatting charts; using What-If analysis and creating templates. Upon completion, students will be able to design and enhance basic spreadsheets. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 5 (Fall, Spring).
3
NBUS-200
Orientation to Business
This course introduces students to a broad overview of the form and structure of multinational organizations. It provides students with a basic knowledge of the history, organization and operation of business and its particular vocabulary. (NTID Supported Students.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
NCAR-010
Freshman Seminar
The course provides incoming deaf and hard-of-hearing students admitted to NTID undergraduate programs with opportunities to develop/enhance academic skills, personal awareness, and community involvement in order to maximize their college experience. Students will have opportunities to explore and navigate the college environment, develop/reinforce academic skills, and participate in experiential learning opportunities while establishing meaningful connections with faculty, staff and peers. The course promotes the development of plans for ongoing growth and involvement in class and in the RIT/NTID and/or broader community. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 2 (Fall, Spring).
0
NENG-212
NTID General Education Foundation – Career English: Career English I
This is the first course in a two-course sequence. It is designed to develop reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills that students need for AOS course work and for the work environment. The reading and writing components are thoroughly integrated with approximately equal time being devoted to each. Grammar and vocabulary are thoroughly integrated into the reading and writing components. Course content includes general and technical articles, memorandums, letters, electronic communication, directions, work-related forms, and short report. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NENG-113 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
3
NENG-213
NTID General Education Foundation – Career English: Career English II
This is the second course in a two-course sequence. It is designed to advance and refine reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills that students need for AOS course work and for the work environment. The reading and writing components are thoroughly integrated with approximately equal time being devoted to each. Grammar and vocabulary are thoroughly integrated into the reading and writing components. Course content includes general and technical articles, memorandums, letters, electronic communication, directions, work-related forms, and short reports. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NENG-212 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
3
 
NTID General Education Foundation – Mathematics†
3
Second Year
NAST-210
Essentials of Business Communication
This is a course in the essentials of business communication for today's fast-paced global environment. Emphasis will be on the message and the modes of communication used in the business environment. Participants will engage in effective communication skills through writings (traditional and electronic), face-to-face interactions, and team presentations. Course content will also include emphasis on non-grammar language applications in business communication. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
NAST-215
Integrated Document Production
The course further develops student skills in integrated document formatting and applications using various types of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, slide presentations, and electronic office procedures. Through business simulations, students will have an opportunity to incorporate their speed/accuracy and production skills with communication, information, and file management skills. The expectation is to exit this course with a 50 net words per minute proficiency for a five-minute timing. (Prerequisite: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NAST-150 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
NAST-220
Fundamentals of Database Applications
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of a database management system for creating, maintaining, manipulating, retrieving, and printing business data. Students will learn to create various forms and design reports for storing and displaying data. In addition, the student will create switchboard systems and allow users to view data in multiple dimensions. Students will also learn to save database objects in HTML format so they can be viewed by a browser and imported or exported in XML format. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
NAST-225
Fundamentals of Graphic Applications
This course provides students with a basic knowledge of graphics on a windows platform. Students will be introduced to basic design principles and develop the ability to choose, modify and effectively use appropriate graphics for a variety of communication formats. Students will be required to produce an e-portfolio to document the skills learned in the AST program. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NAST-215 or (0804-291 and 0804-302) or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
NAST-240
Administrative Support Technology Seminar
This course provides students with an opportunity to prepare for employment through a formal mentoring experience, team presentation, and guest presentations. Topics for discussion are project management, assertiveness training, leadership styles, effective one-on-one interpersonal and electronic communication, protocol for working with an interpreter, and lifelong learning as necessary for job success. Through weekly meetings with their mentors, students will share responsibility for interactions, establish a learning relationship, increase self-direction, and gain a greater understanding of the workplace. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NAST-210 or (0806-101 and 0804-110) or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 4 (Spring).
3
NAST-299
Co-op: Administrative Support Technology/Business Technology
Designed to give the student an opportunity to gain work experience, to apply what has been learned and to self-evaluate personal and communication skills. Placement assistance is provided to help the student find a job related to his/her field of study. One co-op experience is required for graduation. CO OP (Fall, Spring, Summer).
0
NBUS-213
Applied Ethics
This course introduces ethical issues facing the workplace. Students will learn about common work-related ethical issues, and evaluate problems concerning professional conduct and moral conflict. Students will also learn what ethical behavior is, how to recognize ethical behavior, and how to model ethical behavior in the workplace. Individual, organizational and societal needs will be taken into consideration during the students’ decision-making process (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
NBUS-217
Fundamentals of Management
This course focuses on the management aspect of organizations. Students will learn a variety of methods management uses to stay organized, lead and motivate employees as well as how controls are established to ensure company goals are met. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the multi-faceted roles of leaders and managers in the workplace. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NBUS-200 or equivalent course.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
 
NTID General Education – Perspective‡
3
Third Year
NAST-230
Fundamentals of Desktop Publishing
This course focuses on conceptual and technical approaches to desktop publishing and graphic design as applied to office communications. Emphasis is on the use of design principles related to color, space, text, and images in preparation of digital design layouts. Students will be required to enhance their AST e-portfolio using desktop publishing and web design skills acquired in this course. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NAST-225 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
NBUS-223
Fundamentals of Marketing
This course introduces the field of marketing and its focus on how consumer behavior effects in the marketplace (domestically and internationally). Emphasis will be placed on understanding the marketing mix and its impact on the external market environment. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NBUS-200 or equivalent course.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
 
NTID General Education – Perspective‡
3
 
Open Elective
3
Total Semester Credit Hours
63

Please see the NTID General Education Curriculum (GE) for more information.

Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.

† Any mathematics course numbered NMTH-140 or higher. Students who place above NMTH-140 can take math or a 3-credit course from any non-science perspective category.

‡ NTID General Education Perspective courses may be from any of these three Perspective categories: ASL-Deaf Cultural Studies; Communication, Social & Global Awareness; and Creative and Innovative Exploration.

Business Technology (accounting technology option), AOS degree, typical course sequence

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
NACC-130
Personal Finance
This course provides students with information and resources needed to understand the creation and implementation of a budget, use of credit and borrowing money responsibly, financial rights and ways to safeguard their money, and factors used to determine their readiness to buy a home or make other major purchases. Information on financial institutions such as banks, credit unions, and savings and loan organizations will also be covered. This course will provide students with basic financial literacy so they can develop sound financial management of their personal income as well as an understanding of the economic events that can influence their financial well being and society as a whole. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 5 (Fall, Spring).
3
NACC-201
Accounting 1
Introduction to accounting principles for both accounting and nonaccounting students. Both service and merchandising (retail/wholesale) businesses are introduced. Areas covered include: analyzing and recording of business transactions using the double-entry accounting system; end-of-period adjustments; worksheet; financial statements; closing entries; and post-closing trial balance. Students complete a comprehensive "accounting cycle" project. Computerized spreadsheet applications are required. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NAST-160 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 5 (Fall, Spring).
3
NAST-140
Essential Document Production
This course is for students with little or no knowledge of word processing software, limited keyboarding experience, and those that have a minimum of 20 net words per minute. Emphasis is on keyboarding skill development as well as an introduction to basic word processing skills. Students key and format business correspondence, reports, and tables. The expectation is to exit this course with a 30 net words per minute typing proficiency for five minutes. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 5 (Fall, Spring).
3
NAST-150
Advanced Document Production
This course focuses on effective management of document production activities by selecting an appropriate format or template, applying graphic enhancements as needed, and saving the document in an appropriate business format. Business correspondence, newsletters, tables, forms and reports will be produced using word processing software. Emphasis is on the mastery of basic skills and their application to a variety of realistic office document production projects. Typing skill development continues with an expected exit speed to 40+ net words per minute for five minutes. (Prerequisite: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NAST-140 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 5 (Fall, Spring).
3
NAST-160
Fundamentals of Spreadsheet Applications
Emphasis will be on creating, formatting, and enhancing worksheets; creating and applying formulas and functions; building and formatting charts; using What-If analysis and creating templates. Upon completion, students will be able to design and enhance basic spreadsheets. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 5 (Fall, Spring).
3
NBUS-200
Orientation to Business
This course introduces students to a broad overview of the form and structure of multinational organizations. It provides students with a basic knowledge of the history, organization and operation of business and its particular vocabulary. (NTID Supported Students.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
NCAR-010
Freshman Seminar
The course provides incoming deaf and hard-of-hearing students admitted to NTID undergraduate programs with opportunities to develop/enhance academic skills, personal awareness, and community involvement in order to maximize their college experience. Students will have opportunities to explore and navigate the college environment, develop/reinforce academic skills, and participate in experiential learning opportunities while establishing meaningful connections with faculty, staff and peers. The course promotes the development of plans for ongoing growth and involvement in class and in the RIT/NTID and/or broader community. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 2 (Fall, Spring).
0
NENG-212
NTID General Education Foundation – Career English: Career English I
This is the first course in a two-course sequence. It is designed to develop reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills that students need for AOS course work and for the work environment. The reading and writing components are thoroughly integrated with approximately equal time being devoted to each. Grammar and vocabulary are thoroughly integrated into the reading and writing components. Course content includes general and technical articles, memorandums, letters, electronic communication, directions, work-related forms, and short report. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NENG-113 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
3
NENG-213
NTID General Education Foundation – Career English: Career English II
This is the second course in a two-course sequence. It is designed to advance and refine reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills that students need for AOS course work and for the work environment. The reading and writing components are thoroughly integrated with approximately equal time being devoted to each. Grammar and vocabulary are thoroughly integrated into the reading and writing components. Course content includes general and technical articles, memorandums, letters, electronic communication, directions, work-related forms, and short reports. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NENG-212 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
3
 
NTID General Education Foundation – Mathematics†
3
Second Year
NACC-202
Accounting 2
This course is a continuation from Accounting 1. Topics covered include: accounting principles and procedures related to notes payable and receivable, the valuation of receivables, inventories, fixed assets, partnerships, capital stock, retained earnings, taxes, dividends, bonds, the statement of cash flow, and the analysis of financial statements. A comprehensive capstone project is completed. Computerized spreadsheet applications are required. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NACC-201 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 5 (Fall, Spring).
3
NACC-203
Accounting 3
Cost accounting is the focus of this course. Coverage includes manufacturing statements, cost theory, integration of materials, labor and overhead, average and FIFO process costing methods, equivalent units, multiple products, changes in units, budgeting, cost classification and computerized applications. Students complete a comprehensive project. Computerized spreadsheet applications are required. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NACC-202 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
NACC-299
Co-op: Accounting Technology/Business Technology
Designed to give the student an opportunity to gain work experience, to apply what has been learned and to self-evaluate personal and communication skills. Placement assistance is provided to help the student find a job related to his/her field of study. One co-op experience is required for graduation. CO OP (Fall, Spring, Summer).
0
NAST-210
Essentials of Business Communication
This is a course in the essentials of business communication for today's fast-paced global environment. Emphasis will be on the message and the modes of communication used in the business environment. Participants will engage in effective communication skills through writings (traditional and electronic), face-to-face interactions, and team presentations. Course content will also include emphasis on non-grammar language applications in business communication. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
NAST-215
Integrated Document Production
The course further develops student skills in integrated document formatting and applications using various types of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, slide presentations, and electronic office procedures. Through business simulations, students will have an opportunity to incorporate their speed/accuracy and production skills with communication, information, and file management skills. The expectation is to exit this course with a 50 net words per minute proficiency for a five-minute timing. (Prerequisite: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NAST-150 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
NAST-220
Fundamentals of Database Applications
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of a database management system for creating, maintaining, manipulating, retrieving, and printing business data. Students will learn to create various forms and design reports for storing and displaying data. In addition, the student will create switchboard systems and allow users to view data in multiple dimensions. Students will also learn to save database objects in HTML format so they can be viewed by a browser and imported or exported in XML format. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
NBUS-213
Applied Ethics
This course introduces ethical issues facing the workplace. Students will learn about common work-related ethical issues, and evaluate problems concerning professional conduct and moral conflict. Students will also learn what ethical behavior is, how to recognize ethical behavior, and how to model ethical behavior in the workplace. Individual, organizational and societal needs will be taken into consideration during the students’ decision-making process (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
NBUS-217
Fundamentals of Management
This course focuses on the management aspect of organizations. Students will learn a variety of methods management uses to stay organized, lead and motivate employees as well as how controls are established to ensure company goals are met. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the multi-faceted roles of leaders and managers in the workplace. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NBUS-200 or equivalent course.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
 
NTID General Education – Perspective‡
3
Third Year
NACC-204
Accounting Capstone
This capstone experience gives students an opportunity to reinforce and apply accounting skills previously studied. Students will apply skills using a variety of approaches including case studies, simulations, projects, teamwork, and presentations. Students will research, review and interpret financial data and its impact on managerial decisions. The course will also discuss the workplace as it relates to communication, interpersonal skills, decision-making, ethics and lifelong learning skills in a professional accounting environment. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NACC-203 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
NBUS-223
Fundamentals of Marketing
This course introduces the field of marketing and its focus on how consumer behavior effects in the marketplace (domestically and internationally). Emphasis will be placed on understanding the marketing mix and its impact on the external market environment. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NBUS-200 or equivalent course.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring).
3
 
NTID General Education – Perspective‡
3
 
Open Elective
3
Total Semester Credit Hours
63

Please see the NTID General Education Curriculum (GE) for more information.

Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.

† Any mathematics course numbered NMTH-140 or higher. Students who place above NMTH-140 can take math or a 3-credit course from any non-science perspective category.

‡ NTID General Education Perspective courses may be from any of these three Perspective categories: ASL-Deaf Cultural Studies; Communication, Social & Global Awareness; and Creative and Innovative Exploration.

Admissions and Financial Aid

For the career-focused AOS Degree

  • 2 years of math required
  • 1 year of science required
  • English language skills as evidenced by application materials determine associate degree options.

Specific English, Mathematics, and Science Requirements and other Recommendations

  • English: Placement into Career English I (NENG-212) or above. Students successfully completing AOS degrees typically enter with reading scores of 79 or higher on the NTID Reading Test and writing scores of 39 or higher on the NTID Writing Test.
  • Mathematics: Math course (NMTH-140) or higher is required. Typically, students entering this major will have completed at least two years of high school mathematics.
  • Science: Typically, students entering this major will have completed at least two years of high school science.
  • ACT (optional): The ACT middle 50% composite score is 14-17.

Learn How to Apply

Financial Aid and Scholarships

100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.

RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships