Are you intrigued by contemporary business challenges, topics and scenarios?
The Business Administration Department offers one degree and two certificate programs for students who are interested in the fields of business, bookkeeping or financial accounting. Choose among programs that will prepare you to transfer to a four-year institution with a strong business foundation or provide you with the technical knowledge and credentials to be a full-charge bookkeeper or a certified public accountant (CPA).
Led by experienced faculty members with active CPA licenses and real-world business acumen, our department ensures high-quality education. Dive into extracurricular opportunities like our annual Finances for the Future event, Accounting Night, and participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to enrich your learning experience.
Business Administration (AS.BPA.ADM)
The Business Administration (Transfer) degree program (AS.BPA.ADM) is designed for students who have the intention to transfer to a traditional four-year university and pursue a bachelor’s degree in business. Specific disciplines could include – but are not limited to – accounting, finance, management and international business.
Students in this program will complete their general education requirements, six required business courses in accounting (BPA-201 and BPA-202), business management (BPA-111) and economics (ECO-211, ECO-212, and ECO-232), and several electives to earn their AS degree.
CPA/Financial Accounting Certificate (CRT.BPA.FIN-ACCT)
The Certificate of Financial Accounting (CRT.BPA.FIN-ACCT) is designed for students who already possess at least a bachelor’s degree and who wish to earn the academic qualifications to sit for the uniform Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exam. Successful completion of this certificate fulfills all coursework requirements as set forth by the Maryland Board of Accountancy. Certified public accountants work in a variety of fields including tax, auditing and forensics, and are among the most in-demand and well-compensated in the professional world.
Professional Bookkeeper Certificate (CRT.BPA.PROF-BKKP)
The Professional Bookkeeper Certificate (CRT.BPA.PROF-BKKP) provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as a bookkeeper in the modern business environment, and eventually earn their certification through the AIPB or NACPB.
Contact the School of Business and Law for information at 410-777-2390 or email business@zo23.com.
All business administration faculty and staff have offices located in the Careers Center building on the AACC Arnold campus. Feel free to contact them.
Dr. Gretchen Mester, acting chair
410-777-2326
business@zo23.com
Oksana Fisher, CPA, assistant professor
410-777-2207
ofisher@zo23.com
CRSC 321
Robyn Hickey, office manager
410-777-2390
rahickey@zo23.com
CRSC 322
The following scholarships are available for students in the Business Administration department. For information visit the AACC Scholarships page.
This scholarship started with the fundraising efforts of the Trade Council, a countywide business organization. This scholarship supports students interested in studying business.
The Bank of America scholarship provides assistance for eligible students in good academic standing who are actively pursuing classes in their chosen program of study.
Established in memory of Gwen V. Atwell, this scholarship provides assistance for eligible students who are actively pursuing studies in the Business and Public Administration program.
Established in honor of Kyle McKinley Pollero, this scholarship provides assistance to eligible students who have a demonstrated interest in business, computing and technical studies.
Martha L. Linksz taught business and public administration at AACC from 1976 to 2010. During her time here she chaired the Promotion and Tenure, and Academic Standards committees. She believed in supporting career and vocational programs.
This scholarship was established in memory of Ruth Grimes, who was an accomplished professional as an Anne Arundel County Realtor for many years, and served as president of the Anne Arundel County Board of REALTORS® during her career. This scholarship supports AACC students pursuing studies in business.
Ruthe Marie (Ingalls) Dempsey was born and raised in East Machias, Maine, before enlisting in the United States Naval Reserve in 1945. Following her service, she transitioned to a series of bookkeeping positions in Maryland and Washington, D.C. This scholarship was established in her memory to support students who aspire to have a successful career in bookkeeping or accounting.
Established in memory of Walter Sexton, this scholarship offers assistance to students pursuing studies in business and public administration.
This scholarship was established in 1990 by Robert R. Neall, who served as Maryland senator and delegate as well as Anne Arundel County executive, in memory of his parents, William and Doris Neall. It is designated for students who are enrolled full time in business and public administration.
We strive to provide you practical experience that improves your learning, enhances your college life and benefits you personally and professionally.
Visit the tutoring page to learn more about our in-person tutoring hours.
Each fall the department invites students, staff, faculty and community members to talk with industry experts on topics including individual tax returns, personal budgeting, and student aid and student loans.
Each spring, students meet with professionals from public accounting firms, government, private industry and educators to explore opportunities in their field. Learn what it’s like to work in those fields and even apply for a job.
Offered in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service and the nonprofit organization Maryland Cash, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free federal and state income tax assistance, preparation and filing to individuals who earn less than $57,000. VITA is managed by a full-time faculty member who reviews all returns prepared by current and former AACC student volunteers. The service is open to students and community members and typically serves more than 200 individuals each year. Get help with your taxes or get great job experience by helping prepare taxes.
We're here to help.
School of Business and Law
Business Administration/Accounting
I’m very proud that I was able to follow my dream of going to college. I would love to open many businesses around the world, and I am working a step at a time to get there. I want to give back every inch that was given to me when I first arrived at AACC, all the help and all the welcome that I got here.
-Raffaella Picariello, Business Administration student
With a robust background as a certified public accountant, Oksana Fisher brings a wealth of knowledge from her professional practice into the classroom and specializes in accounting and personal finance. Her dedication to financial literacy is evident through her leadership of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Learn More About Oksana