Business

Business is More than Just an Adventure When You Have the Education for Success

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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

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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

2

YEARS

AA

Available Fully Online

Degree Requirements

Accounting 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
Man standing and giving a presentation in front of a group of people in a meeting

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)*

Load more

*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.

"I am so glad I chose to graduate from CWI in the Business program before transferring. I appreciated the opportunity for learning challenging subjects from experienced professors in a smaller class. The experience I had at CWI was definitely the right choice. "
Wade Aldridge
2013 Graduate, Business

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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

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 Award

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 Conference

Join 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 Wiskirchen

College 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 Challenge

Congratulations 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 February

President 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 Jones

Congratulations to Business major, Brianna Daniels, winner of College of Western Idaho’s 2022 Connections Project Logo Contest.

Read more about 2022 Connections Project Logo Reveal

Congratulations to Adjunct Business Faculty, Darcia Johns, College of Western Idaho's Faculty of Distinction for December 2021.

Read more about Johns Named Faculty of Distinction

Congratulations 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 Distinction

Congratulations to Joe Welker, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for May 2021.

Read more about Welker Named Faculty of Distinction for May

Congratulations to Nikki Houston, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for July 2020.

Read more about Staff of the Month – July 2020

Join the Business and Entrepreneurship Club for an afternoon of fun, light refreshments, and prizes March 14.

Read more about Settlers of Catan Tournament – Spring 2020
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