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...
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Overview
If you are pursuing a career in business, the accredited Business Associates of Arts Degree at CWI is a great starting point. In addition, this AA degree meets general education requirements to transfer to any Idaho public university. The program is designed to introduce you to the core business courses and provide skills in accounting, business decision-making, software, and communication.
Mission
The Business program develops 21st century business professionals that are adaptable, ethical problem solvers who utilize networking and collaboration to achieve their career and business goals.
Why This Program
Business majors are in demand. At CWI, students learn how to think, adapt, and do the things that will prepare them for business or completing a four-year business degree. Network and complete projects with real businesses while in class. Our students that transfer have historically been very successful in completing a four-year degree and acquiring leadership roles within their program.
Additional Opportunities
Students will have opportunities for experience in collaboration and networking within CWI and the local community to succeed in business. Examples of current opportunities are:
- Engaging with local business leaders through the monthly CWI Business Speaker's series.
- Internships opportunities within local businesses.
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Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Business - Associate of Arts Degree
2
YEARSAA
Business Analytics - Academic Certificate
1.5
YEARSAC
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management - Academic Certificate
0.5
YEARAC
Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
- Students are encouraged to take mathematics each semester until they complete Brief Calculus (MATH 160)
- Students should complete Business Software Applications (BUSA 120 [previously BUSA 215]) instead of ITAM 101 (previously CISA 101). This course should be taken prior to Business Statistics for Decision-Making 1 (BUSA 207).
Connecting With Ideas
Connecting With Ideas (CWI 101) is designed to prepare students with the skills to succeed in college, a career, and life. Completion of CWI 101 is a general education requirement of students seeking to earn an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree from CWI. Students are encouraged to take CWI 101 during their first semester.
Explore CWI 101 PathwaysTransfer
Individuals admitted to CWI as a degree-seeking student who have earned college credit from another institution may transfer their credits to CWI. Visit Transferring to CWI to learn more.
Plan ahead for your transition to a four-year college or university. Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisor and representatives from the intended transfer school to ensure a smooth transition beyond CWI. Visit Transferring From CWI to explore our transfer partnerships.
Faculty in the Business Program work closely with the following four-year schools to assist students with transfer:
- Boise State University
- Lewis and Clark State College
- University of Idaho
- Idaho State University
- Northwest Nazarene University
- Brigham Young University – Idaho
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships. Visit Cost & Aid to view tuition and fees, explore types of aid, apply for federal financial aid, and more.
Are you a 2024 Idaho high school graduate? Learn how to get up to $8,000 of your tuition and fees covered at CWI through Idaho LAUNCH.
Career Info
Professions
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant, with four-year degree and completion of certification)
- Management
- Operations
- Finance
- Leadership
- Administration
- Managers
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Banker
- IT Manager
- Market Research Analyst
- Financial Advisor
- Compliance
- Marketing Manager
- Financial Advisor
- Compliance
- Marketing Manager
- Executive Assistant
- Event Planning
- Sales Manager
- Sales Representative
- Human Resources Specialist
- Human Resources Manager
While an Associate of Arts in Business may improve the career prospects of job candidates in some fields, the current job market places a premium on four-year degrees from accredited business colleges and universities. The College of Western Idaho has agreements in place with many of Idaho's universities to help students transfer credits and complete four-year degrees.
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs

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 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 States.

Join founding CEO and General Manager at Kount, Bradley Wiskirchen, as he shares his expertise on eCommerce and entrepreneurship April 26.

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.

Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Business, Ryan Hanson, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for February 2022.

President Gordon Jones had the opportunity to speak to 80 students Wednesday, Feb. 9, as part of the Business department’s Local Speaker Series.
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