Business Management

Why Business Management?

Strong leadership drives success in every organization. In this program, you will learn how to manage people, operations, and resources to help businesses thrive. You will develop the communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills needed to lead teams, motivate employees, and create positive, productive workplaces.

At Mid-State, you can complete your degree fully online or through a mix of in-person and virtual classes. Guest speakers, field trips, business tours, and professional organization presentations are combined with hands-on simulations, mock interviews, and projects for local businesses. You’ll graduate ready to lead with confidence in today’s fast-changing business world.

Build leadership and management skills for a variety of business roles.
Apply problem-solving strategies that improve performance and teamwork.
Gain experience through hands-on learning and real-world projects.
Specialize in areas that match your career goals or transfer to a four-year college.
Balance your education with flexible scheduling and convenient eight-week sessions.
Complete your degree entirely online or in a blended format that fits your life.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

65-66 Credits

Degree Type

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Program Length

Two Years

Delivery Method

In Person, Online, Online Live, Hybrid

Location

Adams, Marshfield, Stevens Point Downtown, Wisconsin Rapids, Online

Start Dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

Estimated Program Cost

$12,005.85

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Account Executive

Department Supervisor

Office Manager

Production Supervisor

Store Leader

$76k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $75,635. Source: Lightcast Data Set

4,983

Average Monthly Hires

4,983 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

100%

Mid-State Graduate Satisfaction Rate

Students leave proud, prepared, and confident in what comes next. Source: Mid-State Graduate Survey Results

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Following is the list of courses within the program. Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See the program information guide below for full course details or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Full-Time Curriculum (65-66 Total Credits)

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) options are available for some courses.

Term 1: (17 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10102101	Introduction to Business	Yes	3
10102231	Business Networking	No	1
10106106	Quality Customer Service	Yes	3
10196190 or 10102138	Leadership Development or Organizational Behavior	Yes	3
10801195 or 10801136	Written Communication or English Composition 1	Yes	3
10801196 or 10801198	Oral/Interpersonal Communication or Speech	Yes	3
10890102	GPS for Student Success	Yes	1

Term 2: (16 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10101140 or 10102178	Accounting 1 or Personal Finance	Yes	3
10102230	Business Communities	No	1
10103106	Microsoft Office-Introduction	Yes	3
10104102	Marketing Principles	Yes	3
10106190	Professional Business Skills	Yes	3
10196189	Team Building & Problem Solving	No	3

Term 3: (16-17)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10102110	Employment Law	No	3
10102233	Negotiation Skills	No	1
10196191	Supervision	Yes	3
10196193	Human Resource Management	Yes	3
10804107 or 10804118 or 10804189	College Mathematics or Intermediate Algebra with Applications or Introductory Statistics	Yes	3 or 4 or 3
10809172 or 10809196 or 10809122	Introduction to Diversity Studies or Introduction to Sociology or Introduction to American Government	Yes	3

Term 4: (16 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10102104	Business Law	Yes	3
10102160	Business Decision Making	No	3
10102232	Entrepreneurial Foundations	Yes	1
10196192	Managing for Quality	No	3
10809188 or 10809198	Developmental Psychology or Introduction to Psychology	Yes	3
10809195	Economics	Yes	3

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Brian Bartel, BS, MS, EdD
Dr. Bartel received his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin–Stout. His professional experience includes twenty plus years working within the financial, Investment, and insurance industries in a variety of managerial roles and for a number of well-known and local companies, including Sentry Insurance, Thrivent Financial, and American Express.

“Learning is a lifelong journey—investing in yourself will be, by far, the best investment you may ever make!”

Morgan Vanderhei, BS
Morgan (also known as “Mo”) began her higher education journey at a two-year college with general education courses before deciding on a career path. She later earned her BS in business administration with minors in communication and economics from UW–Stevens Point. She started in outreach at Mid-State Technical College in 2019, working closely with K–12 schools, before taking on her current faculty position. Prior to that she worked as a marketing communications director for the Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (WRACVB). Being part of a smaller nonprofit for several years allowed her to take on many leadership roles, diversify her business experience, and engage with her community through involvement in a variety of organizations and events.

“My goal is to meet students where they are at in their journey, helping them get to where they want to be—not just imparting knowledge but igniting a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime.”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Plan the operations of a business across functional areas.
Organize resources to achieve the goals of the organization.
Direct individuals and/or processes to meet organizational goals.
Control business processes.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.
Mid-State Grad
“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.
Mid-State Grad
“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.
Mid-State Grad
“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.
Mid-State Grad
“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.
Mid-State Grad
“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.
Mid-State Grad