Programs of Study

In this Section

Business, Legal Studies and Computer Science Programs of Study  

Programs of Study

Accounting Technology

An Associate in Applied Science in Accounting Technology students will learn about financial and cost accounting principles and practices as well as managerial accounting, payroll accounting and the fundamentals of the federal income tax laws and will be prepared to continue the pursuit of an accounting degree at a four-year university or direct entry into the workforce. Graduates with the Associate in Applied Science degree may earn positions as a bookkeeper, auditing clerk, payroll specialist or accounts receivable clerk. A short-term certificate in Accounting Specialist is available and teaches QuickBooks, payroll/tax, principles of accounting and microcomputer applications.

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Business Administration

The Business Administration Program is designed for students who wish to pursue a four-year degree in a business-related area such as Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, or Marketing. General Education core courses and Professional core courses are taken at Gadsden State and then transferred to a four-year institution.

As students progress through the curriculum, contact must be made with the four-year (senior) institution to ensure that guidelines are met for transfer. The Statewide Articulation Reporting System (Alabama Transfers) will provide very specific transfer information to specific majors at each state-funded four-year institution. Once a student chooses a major and a place of transfer, an individualized guide and contract can be created. The Alabama Transfers website can be accessed at Alabama Transfers.

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Computer Science Technology 

An Associate in Applied Science in Computer Science Technology program is designed for students seeking employment in the field of information technology.  Students gain experience with computer hardware, Microsoft Windows, networking technologies, web design, current programming languages, and artificial intelligence. Students can obtain an Associate in Applied Science degree that is supported by industry recognized certification from CompTIA (A+, Network+, Security+). 

Students completing the CIS coursework required for AAS degree also fulfill the requirements for the Business Computing Technology, Web Development Technology and Computer Support Technology certificates.

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Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice Program is ideal for students transferring to a bachelor's program, with courses in psychology, sociology, and criminal law courses covering foundational skills for advanced studies in criminal justice or related fields. Careers in probation, juvenile justice, law enforcement, corrections, security, and court administration, as well as most federal jobs within the criminal justice system, may require a bachelor's degree. Courses include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminal Law and Procedure, Introduction to Law Enforcement, and Introduction to Corrections.

As students progress through the curriculum, contact must be made with the four-year (senior) institution to ensure that guidelines are met for transfer. The Statewide Articulation Reporting System (Alabama Transfers) will provide very specific transfer information to specific majors at each state-funded four-year institution. Once a student chooses a major and a place of transfer, an individualized guide and contract can be created. The Alabama Transfers website can be accessed at Alabama Transfers.

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Marketing Management 

An Associate in Applied Science in Marketing Management prepares students for entry-level jobs like marketing, retail manager, and sales representative. It also builds practical skills in digital promotion and management. The degree requires 68 hours of coursework to complete. Some of the courses offered include Fundamentals of Selling, Advertising and Sales Promotion, Consumer Behavior, and Human Resource Mangement.

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Networking and Cyber Security 

The Networking and Cyber Security program is designed for students seeking employment in the field of computer networking with an emphasis in cyber security. Students can obtain an Associate in Applied Science degree that is supported by industry recognized certification from Microsoft, CompTIA (A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+), the EC Council (CEH) and Cisco Systems (CCNA). Students completing the CIS coursework required for the AAS degree also fulfill the requirements for the Cyber Security Technology, Computer Networking Technology and Computer Support Technology certificates.

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Office Administration 

An Associate in Applied Science in Office Administration is available for those seeking employment as an administrative assistant. Degrees are available in general, legal and medical administrative assistant as well as Health Information Technology Management and Medical Coding and Scribing. Short-term certificates requiring 25 hours of coursework are available in Health Information Technology Management, Word Processing Specialist and Medical Coding/Billing Specialist.

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Paralegal Studies 

Students in Paralegal Studies will receive the skills they need to be employed by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity. Paralegals perform specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. Completion of the program results in an Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal.

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