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The perfect choice for working adults who are ready to move up in their careers.


Career Area: Business & Management
Program: Business Management
Campus(es): Winona/Red Wing/Online

Please Note: Fall 2026 applications are closed. There may still be opportunities to get started with your program, however. Schedule a visit with Admissions or contact us at enrollmentservices@southeastmn.edu to discuss your options.

 Major Details

The Business Management program at Minnesota State College Southeast is designed for students who are interested in business leadership and related skills. The program is also designed for those who aspire to advance into higher-level management roles. Offered fully online, the program provides the flexibility needed to balance academic coursework with professional and personal responsibilities.

This distinctive accelerated learning format allows students to complete the Associate of Applied Science degree in approximately 2 – 3 years. The accelerated model incorporates engaging, hands-on learning activities that promote deeper understanding in a focused and supportive environment. As a result, students can master key concepts efficiently while benefiting from collaboration with their peers.

Additional Credentials

The Business Management program at Minnesota State College Southeast includes three embedded certificate options. Students may earn one or more of these credentials while working toward the A.A.S. degree, increasing their professional value at each stage of the program:

For students currently employed, participation in Southeast's Business Management program offers direct benefits to their organizations. Course assignments may be aligned with workplace projects, ensuring that learning is immediately applicable and focused on developing the specific skills required in each student's professional setting.

Apply now for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast

 

Cluster Pathway

Career Field: Business Management & Administration
Cluster: Business Management & Administration
Pathway: General Management
Recommended high school classes and basic job/program skills


Download the Program Plan

 Courses

1) Must complete a minimum of 3 different MnTC goals in Liberal Arts and Sciences.

2) 1100 or higher Liberal Arts and Sciences courses required unless specified.


GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Choose one Goal 4 course
3 cr
3 cr
 
15 crs
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Choose one or more Technical electives.
6 cr
BUSN2025
This course provides the study and practice necessary to develop effective and appropriate communication in business settings. Emphasis is placed on writing that is grammatically correct, professional, and aligned with business expectations. Students will develop foundational skills for composing memos, emails, meeting minutes, agendas, and business letters. The course also introduces strategies for participating in professional interviews to support workplace readiness. (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
3 cr
BUSN2225
An introduction to the study of marketing in business and other organizations. Topics include: the marketing environment, marketing strategies and decision-making, marketing ethics and the international dimension of marketing strategy. (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
3 cr
SMGT1207
This primary goal of this course is to provide ¿user¿ managers with a sufficient set of management planning and control concepts and methods to: properly understand business transactions; develop and analyze balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements; create a workable budget; understand financial terms; create the first workable and saleable version of your business concept (MVP ¿ minimum viable product); determine & analyze IRR, ROI, and other financial milestones; conduct profitability analysis; and understand product life cycles/end of product life. 3 credits (3 Lec/ 0 Lab)
3 cr
SMGT1210
This course covers an overview of the supervisory field. The course introduces aspects of the supervisor's job that are developed in depth on other courses throughout the program. Topics to be covered include: Basic skills required of managers, fundamentals of planning, organizing, delegating, communication skills, selecting and training new employees, appraising and compensating employees, discipline and exercising control, and controlling productivity, quality and safety. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
3 cr
SMGT1212
This course covers the Total Quality Management Philosophy put forth by a variety of Quality Gurus around the world. It includes a step-by-step process to put a quality program to work in an organization, including shortcuts and how to avoid pitfalls. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
3 cr
SMGT1214
This course will provide participant with the skills and resources to solve organizational problems and make better decisions. The opportunity will be provided to practice various problem solving techniques and tools, including the seven quality tools. Participants will learn methods for thinking about problems more creatively. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
3 cr
SMGT1216
This course is an introduction to the concept of leadership. In addition to mechanics and styles of leadership, the moral and ethical considerations of leadership will also be stressed. Topics to be discussed will include: managing change, vision statements, power and its use and abuse, communicating like a leader, empowering employees, setting an example, recognizing others, and celebrating successes. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
3 cr
SMGT1749
The need for business leaders and managers to manage programs and projects is evident today. Technology managers and all managers will find much higher competency in the workplace with an understanding of methods of completing projects on schedule and on budget. This course presents the specific concepts, techniques, and tools for managing projects effectively. The role of the project manager as team leader is examined, together with important techniques for controlling cost, schedules, and performance parameters. Through readings, class discussions, and interactive exercises, learners gain an understanding of both the technical and human aspects of project management. (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
3 cr
SMGT2210
This course covers a variety of personnel issues that affect managers and supervisors in most organizations. Human Resource issues from hiring to firing, documentation, as well as potential legal ramifications will be covered. Laws regarding sexual harassment, all types of discrimination, Family Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act and any new legislation that could impact area managers will be researched. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
3 cr
SMGT2214
The purpose of this course is to educate managers, supervisors, and other interested employees about the concept of workteams. The topics covered are stages of team development, building trust within the team, consensus decision making, running effective team meetings, and symptoms of a dysfunctional team. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
3 cr
SMGT2216
This course covers a variety of techniques to use when coaching employees. Topics to be included are counseling, mentoring, training, correcting and how to use employee appraisal systems to improve productivity of employees. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
3 cr
SMGT2218
This course covers how businesses are increasing profitability through a process of assessment of customer needs and changing expectations. Learn critical elements of how to train others to deliver service excellence. "Internal" and "External" customers are included in all aspects of discussion of effective customer service. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
3 cr
SMGT2220
Effective management of organizational dynamics requires an understanding of both theory and practice. Three characteristics common to all organizations are explored: behavior, structure, and processes. How these characteristics interrelate and are influenced by actions of managers is the main focus of the class. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
3 cr
 
45 crs

Total Credits Required for this Major: 60

 Cost

Estimated Costs for this Major
Approximate Tuition/Fees: $12,889
Minimum Tool Cost: N/A
Books/Supplies: $1,000
Estimated Total: $13,889

 Career Opportunities

  • Manager

  • Supervisor

  • Team Leader

  • Workplace Leader

  • Department Head

  • Office/Floor Manager

Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, and much more in this career field.

 Outcomes

Program graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate Leadership Skills in a business environment utilizing team building, customer service, and project management skills.

  2. Apply Human Resource management practices.

  3. Identify and explain the major functional areas of the business environment including marketing, management, and organizational theories.

  4. Demonstrate financial management skills at a non-financial management level.

  5. Demonstrate analytical skills in identifying and solving business management problems.

  6. Model communication effectively on a professional level in a business environment to maximize service effectiveness and quality.

 Highlights

  • Online courses

  • Enhancement program for people in business/industry

  • Teaching methods build self-esteem and critical thinking skills

  • Emphasis on leadership development

  • Network with learners from a variety of area businesses

  • Accelerated learning methods

 Instructors

Various Instructors

Various instructors teach in this program, based on their industry experience. Credentialed industry professionals with master's degrees in business teach courses in leadership, project management, quality, and human resource management.