Business Office Administration is an Associate Degree program offered by San Joaquin Valley College in Visalia, CA. The program takes 61 weeks to complete, with a total cost, including fees, of $34,514.
Program Overview
The Business Office Administration program is 61 weeks in length and provides a framework of office procedures and skills that can adapt to any company's operation. Students take foundational core courses in essential business concepts and develop into knowledgeable, ethical, and technically competent business professionals. The program includes an externship that provides enhanced learning and the opportunity to develop in-field work experience.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the successful student will be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in using technological tools applicable to a business setting.
- Demonstrate keyboarding skills commensurate with industry standards.
- Apply concepts of communication, reasoning, critical analysis, ethical behavior and appropriate interpersonal interaction to situations in his or her career and personal life.
- Demonstrate the social skills, professional appearance, attitudes and behavior that employers expect of all SJVC graduates.
- Apply business management concepts, including human resources, marketing, law and ethics.
- Demonstrate accounting skills commensurate with bookkeeping industry standards.
- Demonstrate effective customer service, sales, and retail skills applicable in a retail business setting.
What Sets This Program Apart
Graduates earn an Associate of Science in Business Office Administration. Graduation requires a minimum keyboarding speed of 45 net words per minute.
Admission Requirements & Process
Making the decision to go back to school is one of the biggest steps on your journey to enrolling. At SJVC, our admissions process is straightforward, and our Admissions Department is dedicated to helping prospective students select the programs that best suit their needs and qualifications.
General Requirements
- High School Diploma or EquivalentApplicants must possess a high school diploma or the equivalent. International diplomas and transcripts must be translated into English and academically evaluated for equivalency…
- Minimum AgeApplicants must meet the minimum age requirement as defined by the state where they plan to attend SJVC: 16 in Arizona and Idaho, 17 in California and Nevada, and 18 in New…
- Admissions InterviewApplicants must participate in an interview with an Enrollment Services Associate. During the interview, the Enrollment Services Associate will discuss available programs,…
- Wonderlic SLE-Q (Minimum 12)Applicants for all online programs are required to take the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam – QuickTest (SLE-Q) prior to enrolling; the minimum score for this program is 12.…
- English Language ProficiencySJVC does not offer English as a Second Language (ESL) coursework; students are required to have proficiency in English as all instruction is presented in English. Proficiency may…
- Acceptance InterviewApplicants must meet with either the Enrollment Services Director or a campus manager (or their designee) for an acceptance interview. In addition to this interview, applicants…
Application Process
- 1Request InformationFill out the Request Information form. Once you do, an Admissions Representative will reach out to schedule you for a visit to one of our campuses, or to help you understand how our Online Programs work.
- 2Meet with Your Admissions RepresentativeAn online Enrollment Services Associate will interview you, discuss available programs, and help you select the program that aligns best with your career goals, training needs, and motivations.
- 3Take an Entrance ExamComplete the admissions assessment (Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam – QuickTest for online programs) and achieve the minimum required score for your program.
- 4Acceptance InterviewMeet with the Enrollment Services Director or a campus manager (or their designee) for an acceptance interview. You may also be required to meet with the Director of your selected program.
- 5Meet with Financial Aid and Complete the FAFSAMeet with the Financial Services Department to confirm arrangements to meet tuition obligations. Our Financial Aid team can help you plan out how you will pay for college and identify aid you may qualify for.FAFSA Code for Online Division: 014741Fill Out the FAFSA
- 6Sign Your Enrollment AgreementSign an Enrollment Agreement, which sets forth specific information such as start and graduation dates, tuition information, and academic schedule, and complete all enrollment documentation. Then ring the admissions bell to celebrate getting accepted!
- 7Attend New Student OrientationAll new students must complete New Student Orientation prior to their first class session. The specific date, time and location of orientation will be provided during the admissions process.
- 8Start ClassNew students in an online course are required to post attendance by 11:59 p.m. (PST) on the second day of the module by submitting a gradable assignment; failure to do so will result in cancellation of the enrollment.
Program Schedule
61 weeks in length (Associate of Science). Offered to new students through the Online Division.
- November 09th, 2026
- December 14th, 2026
- January 25th, 2027
- March 01st, 2027
- April 05th, 2027
- May 10th, 2027
- June 14th, 2027
- July 19th, 2027
- August 23rd, 2027
- September 27th, 2027
- November 01st, 2027
- December 06th, 2027
Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid
SJVC participates in federal financial aid programs; students who wish to apply for financial aid assistance must establish financial aid eligibility each year. In order to determine financial aid eligibility, students must complete the application process, meet academic progress standards, and be enrolled at least part-time. Financial assistance awarded through SJVC may consist of a combination of grants, loans, and scholarships. SJVC participates with federal, state and private agencies in providing various aid programs.
Types of Financial Aid Available
- Federal Pell Grant Program – an important source of aid for students who demonstrate a financial need; a grant does not have to be repaid.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants – a limited number of awards targeted to students who have the lowest calculated family income.
- Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Subsidized) – for students requiring additional financial assistance; must be repaid, beginning six months after graduation or termination.
- Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Unsubsidized) – independent students may borrow and begin interest payments while in school.
- Federal Direct PLUS – parents of dependent students may borrow funds to meet educational expenses.
- Institutional Loan – the College offers a low-interest loan program used only to pay tuition charges not covered by financial aid.
- Student Scholarships – the College awards up to $40,000 annually in scholarships to high school seniors who meet certain requirements.
Total program tuition is $34,514 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
The Career Services Department offers a wide variety of career planning and employment-related services to current SJVC students and alumni. While SJVC does not guarantee employment, income, or wage rate, Career Services staff are available to assist students in developing job-readiness skills and pursuing employment in their chosen career fields. Some of the services offered include:
- Résumé development
- Job search assistance
- Interview techniques
- Career development courses
- Career information panels
- Employment-related workshops and programs
Career Academy
The Career Services Department partners students with the Career Academy to prepare students for the job search process. Utilizing an innovative, interactive hub, students will:
- Engage in a variety of professional development games and activities.
- Create high-quality professional résumés highlighting the skills acquired throughout their program.
- Participate in mock interview sessions to develop effective interviewing skills.
A final exit interview will capstone the student's preparedness for interviewing with potential employers. Successful completion of each of these items is a graduation requirement.
What to Expect as a Student at San Joaquin Valley College
Housing
San Joaquin Valley College does not have dormitory facilities under its control, nor does it assist students in securing housing. However, limited guidance may be available through the Academic Dean to help students explore local housing options. According to the California Student Aid Commission's 2025–26 Student Expense Budget, students should budget approximately $1,691 per month for housing, which includes rent and utilities. These estimates are intended to help students plan their budgets and do not reflect actual housing offers or guarantees; students are solely responsible for evaluating and securing their own housing arrangements.
Additional Information and Student Services
Additional information related to the provision of student services and campus life in general may be found in the Student Handbook.
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Institutional Accreditation: San Joaquin Valley College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001. WSCUC.org. The WSCUC is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
SJVC is a private institution and is approved to operate as an accredited institution by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Approval to operate means that SJVC has been found in compliance with the standards set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Title 5, Division 7.5 – Private Postsecondary Education of the California Code of Regulations.