Business Degrees
Business is a diverse field with many different areas of specialization.
From marketing and finance to management and entrepreneurship, to human resources and supply chain management, our stackable certificates and degrees open new employment opportunities at every level. We offer certificates, associate degrees, and an applied bachelor’s degree in Applied Management.
See what the future holds for you!
A Business Degree or Certificate can:
- Open doors to careers in a multitude of industries.
- Business graduates work at all levels and across all divisions of an organization.
- Increase your earning potential with focused leadership, technology, and operational skills.
PATHWAYS at Highline College
Students can take courses that build toward skills-based certificates and degrees. Each certificate can bring you one step closer to your degree while enhancing your resume and value in the workplace.
Why Highline
Cost-effective – same quality education as a four-year university
Easy access to Financial Aid Funding with no application deadlines
Small personalized classes that provide individualized instruction
Convenient location – good public transport options and parking available
In-person, hybrid and online course options
Diverse student and faculty population
Our Business Degree Programs
BAS Applied Management
Business
Accounting
Professional Sales
Small Business Entrepreneurship
International Business Trade
Business
Why choose business? Many employers look for candidates with a business degree when hiring for entry-level positions. By studying business, you will develop key skills that are highly valued by employers, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, decision-making, leadership and communication. Not only are these skills useful in a variety of different careers and industries, there are related positions available in virtually every industry, meaning you can find a role that aligns with your interests and passions. This program transfers to our Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management, or to the business program at most 4-year universities, so you can continue your education and career options.
Careers and Earning Potential
A business degree will increase job opportunities and create advancement opportunities in a wide variety of industries. You’ll develop a broad knowledge of business operations and have the opportunity to learn specialized skills in targeted fields. Business managers with associate degrees are in high demand in King County and in a wide variety of industries, including health care, manufacturing, education, construction, transportation, and warehousing. In 2022, the median advertised salary was $35/hour, or $74,000/year. This is the median, which means half of the jobs pay more, and half of the jobs pay less. The number of jobs increased by 9% from 2021 to 2023, showing steady growth over time. (Source: Workforce Development Council of Seattle–King County)
Length of Time to Complete
- The time to complete a degree or certificate depends on what quarter you start the program.
- If you start an AAS degree in the fall, it can typically be completed within six academic quarters when attending full-time (15 credits/quarter). Attending part-time will lengthen the time that it would take to complete the program, but this can be offset by attending summer quarter.
Cost of Program
Books: $762/year (average)
Fees and other expenses: $1,950
Financial aid and funding options available!
Program Information
Business Certificates are also available.
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Accounting
Show me the money! Every company, large or small, has to deal with money. Generally, the more money the better. Accountants keep track of money at all levels of the organization, from top to bottom. In addition to tracking money, accountants make sure organizations comply with state and federal laws. Mid-level positions may lead to leadership roles in the company. This program transfers to our Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management, or to the business program at most 4-year universities, so you can continue your education and career options including the option to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This is a fast-growing industry in South King County.
Careers and Earning Potential
Most people think you have to be a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) to work in accounting, but that’s not true. There are many skilled jobs for people with associate degrees.
Job titles include:
- Staff Accountant
- Accounting Assistant
- Billing Specialist
- Accounting Clerk
- Bookkeeper
- Audit Associate
Job growth is strong for accountants. In the greater King County area we have seen job growth increase by 28% over the past 10 years. In 2022 the median advertised salary was $27.45/hour or $57,100/year. This is the median, which means half of the jobs pay more, and half of the jobs pay less. The median salary in King County for biologists is $86,661 per year. (Source: Workforce Development Council of Seattle–King County)
Length of Time to Complete
- The time to complete a degree or certificate depends on what quarter you start the program.
- If you start an AAS degree in the fall, it can typically be completed within six academic quarters when attending full-time (15 credits/quarter). Attending part-time will lengthen the time it would take to complete the program, but this can be offset by attending the summer quarter.
- All of the required classes are available in an online format. ACCTG 121 and 217, ACCT& 201, 202 and 203 are all offered in person during the day at least once an academic year.
Cost of Program
Books: $762/year (average)
Fees and other expenses: $1,950
Financial aid and funding options available!
There is a specific scholarship for students who are studying chemistry, The John Pfeffer Memorial Scholarship.
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Professional Sales
If you like working with people, this may be the career for you! Professional salespeople enjoy flexible hours, high earning potential, and can work across a broad range of industries. In addition, with a few extra classes, this program transfers to our Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management, so you can continue your education and career options. This is a very fast-growing industry in South King County.
Careers and Earning Potential
Salaries and job growth are strong in this field. The median salary for someone with an associate’s degree and 0-3 years of experience is $62,600 or $30/hour. Jobs in King County are growing slightly faster than the national average (3.6% versus 2.9%). (Source: Workforce Development Council of Seattle–King County)
Length of Time to Complete
- The time to complete a degree or certificate depends on what quarter you start the program.
- If you start an AAS degree in the fall, it can typically be completed within six academic quarters when attending full-time (15 credits/quarter). Attending part-time will lengthen the time that it would take to complete the program, but this can be offset by attending summer quarter.
Cost of Program
Books: $762/year (average)
Fees and other expenses: $1,950
Financial aid and funding options available!
Request Information
Return to Highline Business Degree Options
Small Business/Entrepreneurship
Did you know that small businesses make up 99% of private businesses in Washington state? If you are interested in starting your own business, our Small Business/Entrepreneurship program can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to launch and run a successful venture. You will learn about business planning, marketing, financing, and management, which can help you turn your business idea into reality. Entrepreneurship is not for everyone, but if you have a passion for creating something new, are willing to take some risks, and have the drive to succeed, it can be a highly rewarding career path.
Careers and Earning Potential
What do Apple, Starbucks, Amazon, and eBay all have in common? They were all started by a single person – an entrepreneur. Not every company becomes as big as these, but the possibilities are endless. There is always demand for someone with a good idea, a solid business plan, and the willingness to work hard. The sky is the limit. (Source: Workforce Development Council of Seattle–King County)
Length of Time to Complete
- The time to complete a degree or certificate depends on what quarter you start the program.
- If you start an AAS degree in the fall, it can typically be completedwithin six academic quarters when attending full-time (15 credits/quarter). Attending part-time will lengthen the time that it would take to complete the program, but this can be offset by attending summer quarter.
Cost of Program
Books: $762/year (average)
Fees and other expenses: $1,950
Financial aid and funding options available!
Program Information
Program Information
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International Business and Trade
Look around you, everything you see was made or has parts that came from somewhere else. How did they get here? A career in international trade and logistics involves managing the movement of products both domestically and across international borders. It involves ensuring products are transported efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with national and international regulations. A career in international trade and logistics can be challenging and rewarding, with opportunities to work in a variety of industries and different parts of the world. In addition, this program transfers to our Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management, so you can continue your education and career options. The industry is constantly evolving with new technologies and regulations, which makes it an exciting and dynamic field.
Careers and Earning Potential
King County is a hotspot for this kind of job. The number of jobs in this area is 50% greater than the national average. The average salary for someone in this field with an associate’s degree and 0-3 years of experience is $26/hour or $54,000/year. (Source: Workforce Development Council of Seattle–King County)
Length of Time to Complete
- The time to complete a degree or certificate depends on what quarter you start the program.
- If you start an AAS degree in the fall, it can typically be completedwithin six academic quarters when attending full-time (15 credits/quarter). Attending part-time will lengthen the time that it would take to complete the program, but this can be offset by attending summer quarter.
Cost of Program
Books: $762/year (average)
Fees and other expenses: $1,950
Financial aid and funding options available!
Request Information
Return to Highline Business Degree Options