Congratulations to College of Western Idaho Associate Professor of Accounting, Joe Welker, who received a regional 2023 Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs Teaching Excellence...
Read more about Welker Honored with ACBSP Teaching Excellence AwardBusiness
Business is More than Just an Adventure When You Have the Education for Success
Program Overview
Imagine starting your business education journey at College of Western Idaho (CWI), where the focus is on you and your success. In our Business program, you are not just learning about business; you are preparing to make a real impact in the world. You will dive into vital areas like management, marketing, and finance, gaining skills essential for today’s business world. We are here to ensure your first two years of college are not just fulfilling but set a strong foundation for your future studies.
Your journey at CWI is about more than textbooks and lectures. With smaller class sizes and accessible instructors, you get a personalized learning experience where your ideas and ambitions are nurtured. We are dedicated to helping you reach higher whether that is pursuing a bachelor's degree or aiming further. Be a success story and start your path in the business world with confidence and a solid academic foundation.
Degree or Certificate Type
Associate of Arts
Academic Certificate
Fully Online
Time to Complete
0.5 – 2 years
Primary Locations
Learning Opportunities
- Solid Business Foundations: Build your knowledge in key business areas.
- Real-World Applications: See how business theories work in real situations.
- Skill Enhancement: Grow skills that matter in business and beyond.
- Stepping Stone to Higher Degrees: Use this program as a launchpad for further studies.
- Personalized Support: Enjoy learning in small classes with teachers who support your goals.
- Professional Software Skills: Master Microsoft Office applications, earning MOS certifications. Gain expertise in QuickBooks, enhancing job marketability and software skills.
Area of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Business – Associate of Arts Degree
Available Fully Online
Degree RequirementsAccounting and Tax – Academic Certificate
Business Analytics – Academic Certificate
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management – Academic Certificate
Student Outcomes
Below are the student outcomes for the Business Associate of Arts program at College of Western Idaho.
Year Retention Goal Retention Results Graduate Goal Graduate Results 2022 48% 55% 69 – 75 76 2023 48% TBD 70 – 76 82
Career Opportunities
General and Operations Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
1137
Annual Openings*
$29.70
Hourly Median Wage*
$61,776
Annual Median Salary
19.1%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Accountants and Auditors
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data. Excludes “Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents” (13-2081).
478
Annual Openings*
$29.96
Hourly Median Wage*
$62,317
Annual Median Salary
29.9%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers. Excludes “Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks” (43-3051).
461
Annual Openings*
$18.08
Hourly Median Wage*
$37,606
Annual Median Salary
10.3%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Managers, All Other
All managers not listed separately.
279
Annual Openings*
$24.55
Hourly Median Wage*
$51,064
Annual Median Salary
39.33%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Management Analysts
Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants. Excludes “Computer Systems Analysts” (15-1211) and “Operations Research Analysts” (15-2031).
277
Annual Openings*
$31.82
Hourly Median Wage*
$66,186
Annual Median Salary
30.51%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Project Management Specialists
Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer. Excludes “Management Occupations” (11-0000), “Logisticians” (13-1081), “Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners” (13-1121), and “Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks” (43-5061).
226
Annual Openings*
$36.96
Hourly Median Wage*
$76,877
Annual Median Salary
34.14%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Business Operations Specialists, All Other
All business operations specialists not listed separately.
225
Annual Openings*
$34.94
Hourly Median Wage*
$72,675
Annual Median Salary
31.98%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Financial Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment. Excludes “Financial Risk Specialists” (13-2054).
169
Annual Openings*
$46.63
Hourly Median Wage*
$96,990
Annual Median Salary
40.8%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Construction Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.
164
Annual Openings*
$32.16
Hourly Median Wage*
$66,893
Annual Median Salary
44.52%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Sales Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
125
Annual Openings*
$43.54
Hourly Median Wage*
$90,563
Annual Median Salary
28.7%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Chief Executives
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
115
Annual Openings*
$34.31
Hourly Median Wage*
$71,365
Annual Median Salary
5.34%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Computer Occupations, All Other
All computer occupations not listed separately. Excludes “Computer and Information Systems Managers” (11-3021), “Computer Hardware Engineers” (17-2061), “Electrical and Electronics Engineers” (17-2070), “Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary” (25-1021), “Special Effects Artists and Animators” (27-1014), “Graphic Designers” (27-1024), “Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars” (29-9021), and “Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers” (49-2011).
73
Annual Openings*
$29.70
Hourly Median Wage*
$61,776
Annual Median Salary
35.64%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Cost Estimators
Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
65
Annual Openings*
$29.70
Hourly Median Wage*
$61,776
Annual Median Salary
26.77%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.
54
Annual Openings*
$21.89
Hourly Median Wage*
$45,531
Annual Median Salary
28.83%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Social and Community Service Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization’s budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
53
Annual Openings*
$23.37
Hourly Median Wage*
$48,610
Annual Median Salary
15.95%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Tax Preparers
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses. Excludes “Accountants and Auditors” (13-2011).
45
Annual Openings*
$21.80
Hourly Median Wage*
$45,344
Annual Median Salary
23.44%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Administrative Services Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services. Medical records administrators are included in “Medical and Health Services Managers” (11-9111). Excludes “Facilities Managers” (11-3013) and “Purchasing Managers” (11-3061).
40
Annual Openings*
$46.85
Hourly Median Wage*
$97,448
Annual Median Salary
32.43%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees’ time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks. Excludes “Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks” (43-3031).
37
Annual Openings*
$18.28
Hourly Median Wage*
$38,022
Annual Median Salary
-7%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Industrial Production Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.
37
Annual Openings*
$44.93
Hourly Median Wage*
$93,454
Annual Median Salary
26.35%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Operations Research Analysts
Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
27
Annual Openings*
$29.72
Hourly Median Wage*
$61,818
Annual Median Salary
37.27%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
23
Annual Openings*
$36.34
Hourly Median Wage*
$75,587
Annual Median Salary
25.38%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Facilities Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization’s campus. Excludes “Administrative Services Managers” (11-3012), “Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers” (11-9141), “First-Line Supervisors of Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Workers” (37-1010), “First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics and Repairers” (49-1011), and “Maintenance and Repair Workers, General” (49-9071).
19
Annual Openings*
$36.73
Hourly Median Wage*
$76,398
Annual Median Salary
28.88%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Financial Specialists, All Other
All financial specialists not listed separately.
18
Annual Openings*
$27.89
Hourly Median Wage*
$58,011
Annual Median Salary
33.57%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Credit Analysts
Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decisionmaking. Excludes “Financial Risk Specialists” (13-2054).
13
Annual Openings*
$37.03
Hourly Median Wage*
$77,022
Annual Median Salary
17.7%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Financial Examiners
Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.
11
Annual Openings*
$30.54
Hourly Median Wage*
$63,523
Annual Median Salary
43.51%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.
11
Annual Openings*
$23.79
Hourly Median Wage*
$49,483
Annual Median Salary
-3.77%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Budget Analysts
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports. Excludes “Financial and Investment Analysts” (13-2051).
10
Annual Openings*
$30.54
Hourly Median Wage*
$63,523
Annual Median Salary
9.52%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Statisticians
Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians. Excludes “Survey Researchers” (19-3022).
7
Annual Openings*
$48.33
Hourly Median Wage*
$100,526
Annual Median Salary
50.89%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Brokerage Clerks
Perform duties related to the purchase, sale, or holding of securities. Duties include writing orders for stock purchases or sales, computing transfer taxes, verifying stock transactions, accepting and delivering securities, tracking stock price fluctuations, computing equity, distributing dividends, and keeping records of daily transactions and holdings.
4
Annual Openings*
$26.91
Hourly Median Wage*
$55,973
Annual Median Salary
36.38%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Survey Researchers
Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams. Excludes “Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists” (13-1161) and “Statisticians” (15-2041).
3
Annual Openings*
$43.66
Hourly Median Wage*
$90,813
Annual Median Salary
-3.83%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.
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Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Business as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Program Accreditation
The Business Associate of Arts degree is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). ACBSP's student-centered teaching and learning approach, which is measured and analyzed for quality, ensures students gain the right skills from their educational investment.
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
11520 West 119th Street
Overland Park, KS 66213
913.339.9356
www.acbsp.org
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Idaho Launch
Are you a 2024 Idaho high school graduate? Learn how to get up to $8,000 of your tuition and fees covered at CWI through Idaho LAUNCH.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
Clubs
College of Western Idaho is proud to be part of Business Professionals of America (BPA), the leading Career and Technical Student Organization for students pursuing careers in business management, office administration, information technology, and other related career fields.
News
College of Western Idaho will co-host the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs Region 7 Fall 2022 Conference, which invites faculty leaders from colleges around the western United...
Read more about CWI Co-Hosting Regional Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs ConferenceJoin founding CEO and General Manager at Kount, Bradley Wiskirchen, as he shares his expertise on eCommerce and entrepreneurship April 26.
Read more about Local Speaker Series Welcomes Bradley WiskirchenCollege of Western Idaho students joined students from across the state this spring to compete for more than $50,000 in prize money and services to advance their startups.
Read more about CWI Takes the Stage at Annual Entrepreneur ChallengeCongratulations to Assistant Professor of Business, Ryan Hanson, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for February 2022.
Read more about Hanson Named Faculty of Distinction for FebruaryPresident Gordon Jones had the opportunity to speak to 80 students Wednesday, Feb. 9, as part of the Business department’s Local Speaker Series.
Read more about Business Students Meet President JonesCongratulations to Business major, Brianna Daniels, winner of College of Western Idaho’s 2022 Connections Project Logo Contest.
Read more about 2022 Connections Project Logo RevealCongratulations to Adjunct Business Faculty, Darcia Johns, College of Western Idaho's Faculty of Distinction for December 2021.
Read more about Johns Named Faculty of DistinctionCongratulations to Assistant Professor of Economics, John Nordstrom, named College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for November 2021.
Read more about Nordstrom Named Faculty of DistinctionCongratulations to Joe Welker, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for May 2021.
Read more about Welker Named Faculty of Distinction for MayCongratulations to Nikki Houston, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for July 2020.
Read more about Staff of the Month – July 2020Join the Business and Entrepreneurship Club for an afternoon of fun, light refreshments, and prizes March 14.
Read more about Settlers of Catan Tournament – Spring 2020Request More Information
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