Business

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Program Spotlight

The Business Program at Skyline College provides challenging academic experiences in a wide variety of business specializations that prepare students with a foundation in business, accounting, economics, and data processing.

We offer Associate Degrees in Business with concentrations in a variety of areas for students looking to transfer to a four-year institution. We also offer a variety of Business Certificates for students looking to gain an advantage in the workforce.

student sits at a table in common area with laptop

An education in Business prepares students for a wide range of executive, administrative and managerial occupations through the study of economics, international relations, public policy, and organizational management.

In order to succeed in Business, students should have good judgment, an ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, self-confidence, good problem solving and analytical skills, leadership qualities, flexibility, and a willingness to obtain formal training in other areas.

Career Outlook

Specific job descriptions vary greatly by industry, by nature and size of the organization, and by level of responsibility. At the highest level of responsibility, general managers and top executives formulate policy and direct the operations of private companies and government agencies; these positions frequently require graduate level education.

Most entry- to mid-level positions in Business require a Bachelor’s Degree. The Business Programs at Skyline College offer a springboard from which to transfer to a four-year institution.

The State of California Employment Development Department provides an online Occupational Guide that provides helpful job descriptions, job outlooks and wages, and qualification requirements for a wide variety of careers. Use this guide to find more information about a career that may interest you.

Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

  • Critical Thinking - Apply critical thinking and analytical skills in decision making and problem solving.
  • Accounting/Financial Accounting - Understand and apply accounting principles to prepare financial statements.
  • Business Law - Develop an understanding of the law and the legal environment as it relates to business operations, including its ethical implications.
  • Intro to Business Information Systems - Identify the basics of information technology and apply software applications to enhance efficiency of business functions.
  • Business Communications - Create effective oral and written business communications utilizing modern communication technologies.
  • Economics/Macroeconomics - Demonstrate knowledge of basic economic concepts and how they affect business.
Office Information
Location: Building 8
Email: gorostizaa@smccd.edu
Phone: (650) 738-4204/4501


The college course catalog contains lists of all courses that we may offer in the current academic year.

Business Program Graduate Data

2018 graduate data
2012-2017 graduate data

Business Program Success and Retention Data

Year Success Rate Retention Rate
2014-2015 67.4% 80.5%
2015-2016 69.5% 83.0%
2016-2017 71.3% 83.8%
2017-2018 72.9% 85.6%

Additional Resources

Student Learning Results (ACBSP Standard 4)

Department Faculty

Herlene Grace Beltran
Herlene Grace Beltran (Fulltime Faculty)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Business
beltranh@smccd.edu More details »
Soledad McCarthy
Soledad McCarthy (Professor)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Business
mccarthys@smccd.edu More details »
Hui Pate
Hui Pate (Professor)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Business
pate@smccd.edu More details »
Stefani Shek
Stefani Shek (Adjunct Faculty)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Business
sheks@smccd.edu More details »
Celia Canfield
Celia Canfield (Adjunct Faculty)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Business
canfieldc@smccd.edu
More details »

Dean & Division Assistant

Angelica Gorostiza
Angelica Gorostiza (Division Assistant)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Division Office
gorostizaa@smccd.edu More details »
Michael Kane
Michael Kane (Dean of Business, Education and Professional Programs)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Division Office
kanem@smccd.edu More details »