San Joaquin Valley College

Business Office Administration

Online Division
Visalia, CA
Associate Degree · On Campus
Business Office Administration
Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Taught on campus in Visalia, CA.
Not published
61 weeks
No application fee is charged.
Participates in federal aid: Pell & FSEO grants; Federal Direct Stafford (subsidized/unsubsidized) & PLUS loans; institutional low-interest loan; scholarships; VA benefits.

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 Equivalent
    Applicants must possess a high school diploma or the equivalent. International diplomas and transcripts must be translated into English and academically evaluated for equivalency…
  • Minimum Age
    Applicants 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 Interview
    Applicants 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 Proficiency
    SJVC 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 Interview
    Applicants 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

  1. 1
    Request Information
    Fill 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.
  2. 2
    Meet with Your Admissions Representative
    An 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.
  3. 3
    Take an Entrance Exam
    Complete the admissions assessment (Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam – QuickTest for online programs) and achieve the minimum required score for your program.
  4. 4
    Acceptance Interview
    Meet 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.
  5. 5
    Meet with Financial Aid and Complete the FAFSA
    Meet 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: 014741
    Fill Out the FAFSA
  6. 6
    Sign Your Enrollment Agreement
    Sign 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!
  7. 7
    Attend New Student Orientation
    All 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.
  8. 8
    Start Class
    New 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.

New cohorts start regularly throughout the year. Our start dates are as follows:
  • 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

Cost and Financial Aid Information is an estimate for general reference only. It is not an offer or guarantee of financial aid or of any price, and what a School charges you may differ.
Total Program Cost
≈ $34,514
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator

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 #NameCredits
ACCT 100Accounting Cycle Concepts3
BUSN 100Business Math Applications3
BUSN 120Business Communication3
BUSN 130Principles of Management3
BUSN 140Principles of Human Resources3
BUSN 160Principles of Marketing2
BUSN 190Customer Service2
BUSN 201Spreadsheet Management3
BUSN 91Externship4
BUSN 92Applied Theory: Integrated Learning & Practice2
COMP 101Computer Literacy and Applications for the Professional3
ENG 121Composition and Reading – Part A3
ENG 122Composition and Reading – Part B3
HUMN 125Intercultural Communication3
MTH 121College Algebra – Part A3
MTH 122College Algebra – Part B3
NSC 1Introduction to the Natural Sciences3
PHIL 1CEthics3
PHIL 200Critical Thinking3
PSY 1General Psychology3
SOC 1Introduction to Sociology3

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

Online Division
3828 W. Caldwell Ave.
Visalia, CA 93277

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long are the programs?
In most programs, students can earn a certificate of completion in as few as 9 months, or an associate of science degree in as few as 14 months. This is a short-term investment that gives our graduates a long-term career advantage.
How much does it cost?
Tuition varies by campus, program of study and program credential level. Education is the most important investment you can make in your future. There is a financial plan available for everyone, including a broad range of financial assistance options. Visit SJVC’s Net Price Calculator to get personalized information on college costs and financial aid. Check out SJVC’s Consumer Information to learn about program costs by campus and credential level. You also can talk to an Admissions Representative to discuss the costs of your chosen program, and schedule an appointment with an experienced financial aid officer.
Will I fit in?
Our students are all unique, but most will agree that SJVC made them feel like they fit right in thanks to the family-like atmosphere you can find on all of our campuses.
What kinds of career training do you offer?
SJVC offers more than 20 highly specialized, short-term career education programs on 15 campuses located throughout California — in addition to an online division. You can earn your associate of science degree or certificate in a wide variety of medical, dental, business, industrial and trades programs. Our programs offer the right balance of hands-on training and classroom instruction to prepare you for success in your chosen career.
When do classes start?
Start dates for specific programs vary by campus, but classes begin year-round. Contact your local campus or our online division to find out when your chosen program begins — the best time to start is now!
What is the class schedule like?
SJVC’s ground campuses offer morning, afternoon or evening classes for many programs. Students in online programs learn from and communicate with their instructors on a flexible schedule. When you meet with your Admissions Representative, they can give you specific information on the programs and campus you’re most interested in.
Can I take classes online?
Yes. SJVC offers several programs online, including: • Business Office Administration • Construction Management • Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science • Health Care Management Bachelor of Science • Human Resources Administration • Information Technology • Clinical Medical Assisting • Medical Billing and Coding • Respiratory Therapy Bachelor of Science In some programs, students at our ground campuses in California may also take certain classes online. This helps students improve their technology skills and allows for schedule flexibility. Learn more about our online programs.
Do you offer financial assistance?
There are a variety of financial aid programs available to SJVC students. Financing your education can be accomplished through several options, including: Grants, scholarships, student loans, private financing and payment plans. Contact an Admissions Representative to set up your financial aid consultation. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
What job opportunities will be waiting for me when I graduate?
SJVC works with local employers to find out what job skills are in high demand. Our hands-on training gives you the skills and experience you need to compete in today’s job market. The Career Services Department works with all graduates to help them find a job in their chosen career. Visit our Consumer Information page or the page of the program you’re interested in to learn about common jobs our students are placed in after graduation.
Can I do it?
We are here to see you succeed. SJVC believes in our students. Our faculty and staff will help you stay on the path to success from the moment you first speak with an Admissions Representative to graduation and into your career. SJVC is committed to the success of every student.
What are the principles of business?
It depends on how you define a business principle. There are several types of business principles an office professional can adopt. On the one hand, there are maxims like “know the industry” and abide by the “golden rule.” Then there are characteristics such as vision, perception and leadership. But if you want to know what it takes to pursue a successful career, education is the key. At SJVC, our programs for Business Office Administration can help you chart your own path.
What is management in business?
Management in business is often about using leadership skills to plan, organize and manage the activities in a business unit or organization. At SJVC, we offer two programs in Business Office Administration to explore your potential for leadership in a business setting. Office administration courses explore principles and concepts for accounting, management, human resources, marketing and more. In as few as 8 months, our certificate program can help you build skills for office work quickly, while our Associate Degree in Business Office Administration provides a more comprehensive exploration of business and professional fundamentals, is designed to be completed in as few as 15 months.
What is business administration and management?
Often interchanged, business administration and management are key elements to running a business. If you want to draw a distinction, administration is more concerned with the tactical day-to-day operations of an organization while management is often more strategic. Both require business savvy and leadership skills to be truly effective. At SJVC, we offer two programs in Business Office Administration—a certificate program that will get you up-to-speed for an office administration career in as few as 8 months, and an associate degree that offers a comprehensive exploration of business administration fundamentals in as a few as 15 months.
What is marketing in business?
At its heart, marketing is the process used to grab attention and inform prospective customers about the benefits of a product or service. The marketing function can include advertising, sales and product or service delivery. At SJVC, our Business Office Administration certificate and associate degree programs cover marketing essentials as well as principles of management, human resources, accounting and more.
Ready to get started?
Request information about Business Office Administration at Online Division.
Business Office Administration