Jody Hoff, an Economics Instructor in the Business department, has been honored as Faculty of Distinction for March 2024 at College of Western Idaho.
Read more about Hoff Named Faculty of Distinction for March 2024Business
Build a Solid Foundation in Key Business Disciplines
Program Overview
Imagine starting your business education journey at College of Western Idaho (CWI), where the focus is on you and your success. In our Business program, you are not just learning about business; you are preparing to make a real impact in the world. You will dive into vital areas like management, marketing, and finance, gaining skills essential for today’s business world. We are here to ensure your first two years of college are not just fulfilling but set a strong foundation for your future studies.
Your journey at CWI is about more than textbooks and lectures. With smaller class sizes and accessible instructors, you get a personalized learning experience where your ideas and ambitions are nurtured. We are dedicated to helping you reach higher whether that is pursuing a bachelor's degree or aiming further. Be a success story and start your path in the business world with confidence and a solid academic foundation.
Degree or Certificate Type
Associate of Arts
Academic Certificate
Fully Online
Cost
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
0.5 – 2 years
Primary Locations
Learning Opportunities
- Solid Business Foundations: Build your knowledge in key business areas.
- Real-World Applications: See how business theories work in real situations.
- Skill Enhancement: Grow skills that matter in business and beyond.
- Stepping Stone to Higher Degrees: Use this program as a launchpad for further studies.
- Personalized Support: Enjoy learning in small classes with teachers who support your goals.
- Professional Software Skills: Master Microsoft Office applications, earning MOS certifications. Gain expertise in QuickBooks, enhancing job marketability and software skills.
Area of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Business – Associate of Arts Degree
Accounting and Tax – Academic Certificate
Cost: $2,359
Business Analytics – Academic Certificate
Cost: $2,469
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management – Academic Certificate
Cost: $1,888
Student Outcomes
Below are the student outcomes for the Business Associate of Arts program at College of Western Idaho.
Year Retention Goal Retention Results Graduate Goal Graduate Results 2022 48% 55% 69 – 75 76 2023 48% TBD 70 – 76 82
Career Opportunities
General and Operations Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors.
2906
Annual Openings*
$30.86
Hourly Median Wage*
$64,189
Annual Median Salary
29.66%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Postsecondary Teachers
1434
Annual Openings*
$35.69
Hourly Median Wage*
$74,235
Annual Median Salary
45.6%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Accountants and Auditors
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
769
Annual Openings*
$30.84
Hourly Median Wage*
$64,147
Annual Median Salary
36.16%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Managers, All Other
All managers not listed separately.
548
Annual Openings*
$27.11
Hourly Median Wage*
$56,389
Annual Median Salary
27.37%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Project Management Specialists
Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer.
523
Annual Openings*
$36.55
Hourly Median Wage*
$76,024
Annual Median Salary
49.24%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Management Analysts
Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
434
Annual Openings*
$35.96
Hourly Median Wage*
$74,797
Annual Median Salary
24.14%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Construction Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.
425
Annual Openings*
$34.53
Hourly Median Wage*
$71,822
Annual Median Salary
42.61%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Sales Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
254
Annual Openings*
$46.26
Hourly Median Wage*
$96,221
Annual Median Salary
42.22%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Chief Executives
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
206
Annual Openings*
$41.75
Hourly Median Wage*
$86,840
Annual Median Salary
-1.38%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Cost Estimators
Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
150
Annual Openings*
$30.96
Hourly Median Wage*
$64,397
Annual Median Salary
29.51%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Industrial Production Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.
119
Annual Openings*
$43.58
Hourly Median Wage*
$90,646
Annual Median Salary
41.61%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Tax Preparers
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
114
Annual Openings*
$23.68
Hourly Median Wage*
$49,254
Annual Median Salary
30.54%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Social and Community Service Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization’s budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
105
Annual Openings*
$27.30
Hourly Median Wage*
$56,784
Annual Median Salary
15.8%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Administrative Services Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services. Medical records administrators are included in “Medical and Health Services Managers” .
95
Annual Openings*
$49.40
Hourly Median Wage*
$102,752
Annual Median Salary
42.43%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
92
Annual Openings*
$36.22
Hourly Median Wage*
$75,338
Annual Median Salary
37.93%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Property Appraisers and Assessors
68
Annual Openings*
$24.62
Hourly Median Wage*
$51,210
Annual Median Salary
6.76%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Data Scientists
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.
63
Annual Openings*
$45.75
Hourly Median Wage*
$95,160
Annual Median Salary
111.75%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Facilities Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization’s campus.
56
Annual Openings*
$38.66
Hourly Median Wage*
$80,413
Annual Median Salary
45%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.
42
Annual Openings*
$31.81
Hourly Median Wage*
$66,165
Annual Median Salary
43.6%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Credit Analysts
Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decisionmaking.
31
Annual Openings*
$36.55
Hourly Median Wage*
$76,024
Annual Median Salary
20.73%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.
27
Annual Openings*
$25.69
Hourly Median Wage*
$53,435
Annual Median Salary
6.47%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Personal Service Managers, All Other
All personal service managers not listed separately.
24
Annual Openings*
$9.14
Hourly Median Wage*
$19,011
Annual Median Salary
63.17%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Budget Analysts
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
23
Annual Openings*
$32.89
Hourly Median Wage*
$68,411
Annual Median Salary
20.73%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Financial Risk Specialists
Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.
21
Annual Openings*
$38.15
Hourly Median Wage*
$79,352
Annual Median Salary
35.56%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Financial Examiners
Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.
17
Annual Openings*
$32.05
Hourly Median Wage*
$66,664
Annual Median Salary
28.99%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Statisticians
Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.
12
Annual Openings*
$50.29
Hourly Median Wage*
$104,603
Annual Median Salary
45.71%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Survey Researchers
Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.
11
Annual Openings*
$28.22
Hourly Median Wage*
$58,698
Annual Median Salary
20.69%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.
Testimonial Carousel
Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Business as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Program Accreditation
The Business Associate of Arts degree is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). ACBSP's student-centered teaching and learning approach, which is measured and analyzed for quality, ensures students gain the right skills from their educational investment.
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
11520 West 119th Street
Overland Park, KS 66213
913.339.9356
www.acbsp.org
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
Clubs
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 other related career fields.
News
Help bring holiday cheer to children in the Treasure Valley by participating in College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) annual Giving Tree.
Read more about Be Part of the Annual Giving TreeCongratulations 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...
Read more about Welker Honored with ACBSP Teaching Excellence AwardCollege 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...
Read more about CWI Co-Hosting Regional Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs ConferenceJoin founding CEO and General Manager at Kount, Bradley Wiskirchen, as he shares his expertise on eCommerce and entrepreneurship April 26.
Read more about Local Speaker Series Welcomes Bradley WiskirchenCollege 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.
Read more about CWI Takes the Stage at Annual Entrepreneur ChallengeCongratulations to Assistant Professor of Business, Ryan Hanson, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for February 2022.
Read more about Hanson Named Faculty of Distinction for FebruaryPresident Gordon Jones had the opportunity to speak to 80 students Wednesday, Feb. 9, as part of the Business department’s Local Speaker Series.
Read more about Business Students Meet President JonesCongratulations to Business major, Brianna Daniels, winner of College of Western Idaho’s 2022 Connections Project Logo Contest.
Read more about 2022 Connections Project Logo RevealCongratulations to Adjunct Business Faculty, Darcia Johns, College of Western Idaho's Faculty of Distinction for December 2021.
Read more about Johns Named Faculty of DistinctionCongratulations to Assistant Professor of Economics, John Nordstrom, named College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for November 2021.
Read more about Nordstrom Named Faculty of DistinctionCongratulations to Joe Welker, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for May 2021.
Read more about Welker Named Faculty of Distinction for MayRequest More Information
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