Vocational - Business
40 courses · Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
VBUS 035 Generative AI for Small Business
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
Introductory course on how to employ generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools for a small business. Applies use cases for using AI in small businesses, including research, creating tables and schedules, generating images for logos, conducting a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis, and developing a business plan with the assistance of GenAI tools. Four high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%.
VBUS 118 Microsoft Windows Overview
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VBUS 259 or VBUS 500 or VBUS 501 or VBUS 502 or VBUS 503
Provides students with a complete introduction to Microsoft's new operating system and basic computer concepts to ensure students develop the skills they need to effectively use a computer. The beginning of the course focuses on skills and tools that students will use every day, aiding productivity in school and at work. These features include starting and properly shutting down the computer, logging in, using a mouse, navigating the desktop, program controls, working with menus, using the taskbar, basic word processing, switching between apps, working with apps, using email, and email safety. As students advance in the course, file management and organization is reviewed where students save files and create folders both on the local PC and in the cloud. Microsoft's web browser, focusing on effective web searches, how to protect against internet threats, Outlook Online, Word Online, OneDrive, and how to manage setting and preferences within Windows are covered as well. Four high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%, or achieves a minimum score of 85% on a challenge course by exam.
VBUS 123 Introduction to Computer Software & Online Applications
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 12-36 Lecture
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VBUS 259 or VBUS 500 or VBUS 501 or VBUS 502 or VBUS 503
Provides instruction on the basic skills needed to perform tasks on computer software such as, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, Adobe Photoshop, and online applications. The standards reviewed in this course reflect basic computer competency benchmarks common to many jobs.
VBUS 124 Introduction to Keyboarding I
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VBUS 259 Orientation to Computers or VBUS 500 or VBUS 501 or VBUS 502 or VBUS 503
Provides introductory instruction for keyboarding by touch and skill building drills to achieve speed and accuracy. Emphasis is placed on proper posture, typing on a computer without looking at the keyboard, and using proper finger and hand placement. Four (4) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%, or achieves a minimum score of 85% on a challenge course by exam.
VBUS 125 Introduction to Keyboarding II
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VBUS 124
Provides additional practice in keyboarding by touch through the production of business and academic documents and tables. All students learn Microsoft Word as they advance through the course. Extensive accuracy and speed development is offered. Four (4) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70% or achieves a minimum score of 85% on a challenge course by exam.
VBUS 200 Topics in Business Skills
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 12-72 Lecture
Topics taught in this course vary. It's a specialized course that covers topics that are current or immediate needs of students in the Vocational Business Skills program and/or industry.
VBUS 215 Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education (DS6)
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: PRNT 151 and PRNT 559
This course is an introduction to the administration of early childhood programs. Students will learn about program types, budget, management, regulations, laws, development and implementation of policies and procedures. Additionally, they will examine administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program.
VBUS 240 Practical Computer & Internet Skills for Parents & Guardians
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 12-24 Lecture
This course is designed to help parents or guardians learn the computer and internet skills that they will be able to use immediately to help their children, family and themselves succeed in school and with daily tasks. Parents or guardians will learn essential skills like how to navigate popular software and online programs, and internet security. Course sessions are taught in various languages including, but not limited to, English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
VBUS 243 Introduction to Customer Service Skills
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
Provides basic customer service training in: achieving high customer satisfaction; developing strong listening and communication skills; developing effective telephone skills; handling challenging customer situations; solving and preventing incidents and problems; working in a team; and minimizing stress and avoiding burnout. In short, students will learn how to apply excellent customer service in any work setting. Students may be awarded 4 high school elective credits if they complete and pass all course assignments and requirements.
VBUS 244 Introduction to Microsoft Access
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VBUS 118 Microsoft Windows Overview and VBUS 262 MS Excel.
This course is an introduction to Microsoft Access - a database management system. Students will learn how to: design and use databases by creating tables, queries, forms and reports; create relationships between tables; and sort and filter data. Businesses use relational databases to manage their data. This course prepares students to understand and use Microsoft Access and databases in general, thereby assisting them in workforce preparation. Four (4) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70% or achieves a minimum score of 85% on a challenge course by exam.
VBUS 245 Introduction to Microsoft Publisher
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VBUS 118 Microsoft Windows Overview and VBUS 260 Introduction to Microsoft Word.
This course introduces students to Microsoft Publisher which is a desktop software application. Students obtain the skills to create and produce publications such as flyers, newsletters, brochures, greeting cards, certificates, newsletters, invitations, and other printed publications. Four (4) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%, or achieves a minimum score of 85% on a challenge course by exam.
VBUS 258 Navigating the Internet
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 36 Lecture
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VBUS 500 or VBUS 501 or VBUS 502 or VBUS 503
Provides students with a basic introduction to accessing and using the internet. Topics include basic internet terms and concepts, browsing the Web, searching the Web, and communicating online. Two (2) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%, or achieves a minimum score of 85% on a challenge course by exam.
VBUS 259 Orientation to Computers
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
This course is designed to familiarize students with the fundamentals of computer hardware and software/applications. It also introduces the Windows operating system, word processing and slides software/applications, email, and internet. Four high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%.
VBUS 260 Introduction to Microsoft Word
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VBUS 118 or VBUS 259 or VBUS 500 or VBUS 501 or VBUS 502 or VBUS 503
This course provides instruction in concepts and techniques of Microsoft Word. Students will learn procedures for creating, editing, and formatting office/business documents of varying complexities. They will create business letters and tables, use mail merge, illustrate documents with graphics, and more. Four (4) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%, or achieves a minimum score of 85% on a challenge course by exam.
VBUS 262 MS Excel
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
- Advisory
- VBUS 118 is recommended. VBUS 124 is recommended.
- Formerly
- Introduction to Microsoft Excel
Provides students with introductory instruction to spreadsheet concepts and software using Microsoft Office Excel. Students will learn how to create a worksheet, use formulas and functions, insert charts and tables, and more. Four (4) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70% or achieves a minimum score of 85% on a challenge course by exam. This course will prepare students for Santa Ana College credit course BA 188 Microsoft Excel and BA 189 Advanced Excel with 2 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) industry certifications.
VBUS 270 Introduction to Microsoft Outlook
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VBUS 118
Students learn the basic skills they need to start using Microsoft Outlook to manage their email communications, contact information, calendar events, tasks, and customizing their interface to suit their working style. Email etiquette and avoiding viruses by identifying suspicious emails and attachments is also reviewed. Four high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70% or achieves an 85% on a challenge course by exam.
VBUS 280 Accounting Terminology
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 36 Lecture
This is a beginning accounting course designed for students with little or no accounting background. It introduces and provides an understanding of accounting terminology to prepare students for accounting occupations and accounting coursework. Two (2) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%.
VBUS 281 Introduction to Quickbooks
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 36 Lecture
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VBUS 280
This course is for students who want to learn how to navigate the basic features of Quickbooks such as creating and paying bills, creating invoices, and more. These skills and knowledge provide the foundation for the study and application of QuickBooks accounting systems. Students who pass this course will be prepared to transition into VBUS 282 Quickbooks I which is equivalent to Santa Ana College's Accounting 035 Quickbooks I course. Two (2) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%.
VBUS 282 QuickBooks I
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 108 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VBUS 280 Accounting Terminology and VBUS 281 Introduction to Quickbooks.
This is an introductory course on using QuickBooks software in the business environment for preparation of accounting information. The course will cover accounting theory and practical knowledge of QuickBooks on topics that include company file setup, customizing QuickBooks, recording customer and vendor transactions, bank reconciliations, creation of accounting reports and customization.
VBUS 290 Business Terminology
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 36 Lecture
An introductory course to commonly used business terms with the intent of helping students develop a viable business vocabulary and how they can be effectively used in the workplace and for career advancement. Students may be awarded 2 high school elective credits if they complete and pass all course assignments and requirements. Two (2) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%.
VBUS 292 Global Business Professional (CGBP) Certification Exam Preparation & Practice
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 16 Lecture
NASBITE International’s Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) credential is widely recognized as the standard of excellence in expertise and professionalism in international trade. This course prepares students for the certification exam by reviewing the four primary domains included in the exam: Global Business Management, Global Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Trade Finance. Students who enroll should have at least 2 years of international business experience or international business education.
VBUS 303 Adobe Photoshop
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
- Advisory
- VBUS 118 is recommended. VBUS 124 is recommended.
- Formerly
- Introduction to Adobe Photoshop
Provides introductory instruction to electronic imaging using Adobe Photoshop software. Topics include beginning Photoshop features, scanner basics, image and file formats, color, importing/exporting of files, and printing. Four high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a 70% or better, or achieves an 85% on a challenge course by exam. This course will prepare students for Santa Ana College credit course BA 164 Adobe Photoshop with Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) industry certification.
VBUS 304 MS PowerPoint
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
- Advisory
- VBUS 118 is recommended. VBUS 124 is recommended.
- Formerly
- Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint
Provides students with introductory instruction on how to use PowerPoint features (e.g., templates, layouts, pictures, graphics, animation, multi-media assets) to create engaging presentations. Students will also discuss best practices for using PowerPoint as a visual aid for any presentation. Four high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70% or achieves a minimum score of 85% on a challenge course by exam. This course will prepare students for Santa Ana College credit course BA 190 Microsoft PowerPoint with Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) industry certification.
VBUS 310 Foundations of Human Resources
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
This course is designed to teach the foundational knowledge and professional skills necessary to help those enter the Human Resources (HR) field. This course provides an overview of the Human Resources management function in areas that are critical to the success of any HR practitioner. Students will learn hands-on recruiting and performance management and their practical applications. Course participants will acquire customer service, interpersonal, written and verbal communication, time management, teamwork and collaboration skills. HR Apprenticeship students are required to participate in this certificate program. Students may be awarded four (4) high school elective credits if they complete and pass all course assignments and requirements.
VBUS 311 Human Resources Compliance
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
This course is designed to teach the student the legal framework within the human resources (HR) function and the alignment with risk management principles associated with managing people. This course provides an overview of employment law and the relevant labor and employee relations principles that govern employment across the United States. Additionally, students will learn the intersection of appropriate risk mitigation related to employment. HR Apprenticeship students are required to participate in this certificate program. Students may be awarded four (4) high school elective credits if they complete and pass all course assignments and requirements.
VBUS 312 Human Resources Operations
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
This course is designed to teach the foundational knowledge of the Human Resources Operations Function. This course provides an overview of the Human Resources (HR) operations function in areas that are critical to the success of any HR Operations practitioner. Students will learn hands-on promising practices for HR Policy and procedure, human resources information systems (HRIS), payroll, benefits and compensation to support the organization’s objectives and meet the needs of employees. HR Apprenticeship students are required to participate in this course for the certificate program. Students may be awarded four (4) high school elective credits if they complete and pass all course assignments and requirements.
VBUS 313 Certified Human Resources Professional (SHRM-CP) Exam Preparation & Practice
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
Society for Human Resources Management’s SHRM-CP credential is designed to help human resources (HR) professionals assume more-strategic leadership positions and perform more effectively as they earn a certification recognized worldwide for its focus on behavioral competencies as well as technical HR knowledge. This course prepares students for the certification exam by reviewing SHRM’s Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK) included in the exam which identifies nine key behavioral competencies and 14 HR functional areas that are critical to the success of any HR practitioner. Students who pursue this certificate are not required to have any experience in the field. HR Apprenticeship students are required to participate in this certificate program. Students may be awarded four (4) high school elective credits if they complete and pass all course assignments and requirements.
VBUS 340 Career Exploration
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 2-12 Lecture
This course empowers students to navigate the modern workforce by exploring diverse academic and career pathways. Students will learn about existing career pathways and how to successfully transition into a career education program of study. Through direct engagement with industry experts, including job shadowing, informational interviews, professionals guest speaking in the class, job fairs, networking events, and workplace tours, and/or participation in career education program informational sessions, events, and campus tours, students will evaluate occupations and align their interests with specific programs of study.
VBUS 400 Employability Skills
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 72 Lecture
Employers across all industries are looking to hire, retain, and promote individuals who possess the power skills (character traits and interpersonal skills) that will make them more productive and efficient workers. Therefore, this course prepares students with the power skills that are necessary and in demand to succeed in the rapidly changing workplace and global economy of the 21st century. In addition, the course reviews workforce preparation such as writing a resume and cover letter, interview techniques, elevator pitch, and career assessments. Five (5) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%.
VBUS 402 Workforce Power Skills
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 12-24 Lecture
This course helps students develop and practice the power skills that they need every day to be effective and stay competitive in today's workforce. These power skills include, but not limited to, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, leadership, and wellness. When combined with industry knowledge and behaviors, mastery of power skills results in higher levels of individual performance and growth. This course is highly recommended for students who are currently in the workforce.
VBUS 450 Basic Computer Repair & COMPTIA A+ Certification Preparation
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 108 Lecture
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VBUS 570 or VBUS 572
- Formerly
- COMPTIA A+ Certification Preparation & Practice
CompTIA’s A+ certification is the industry standard for validating the foundational skills needed by today’s computer service technicians. This course prepares students for the certification exam by helping them gain the necessary knowledge of basic computer hardware, operating systems, and networking. Hands-on practice using the latest computer components and operating systems will also provide an opportunity for students to enhance their skills in assembling, disassembling, servicing, troubleshooting, and upgrading computer and networking systems. Students also learn the elements of customer service and communication skills necessary to work with clients. Moreover, practice exams and quizzes are given to reinforce course concepts and exam readiness. Students may be awarded 5 high school elective credits if they complete and pass all course assignments and requirements.
VBUS 500 Digital Literacy for Academic and Professional Success - Tier 1
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 36 Lecture
The first of four integrated digital literacy courses that prepare students for academic and workplace success by providing instruction on the fundamental technology skills needed to be digitally literate. Topics covered include: introduction to online conferencing; computing device functionality; introduction to the internet; the internet to find information; applications for language learning; email creation and usage; online forms; video and audio sharing sites for language learning; word processing applications; and introduction to online educational platforms and applications. Students may be awarded 2.5 high school elective credits if they complete and pass all course assignments and requirements.
VBUS 501 Digital Literacy for Academic and Professional Success - Tier 2
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 36 Lecture
- Advisory
- VBUS 500 is recommended.
The second of four integrated digital literacy courses that prepare students for academic and workplace success by providing instruction on the primary technology skills needed to enhance digital literacy. Topics covered include: review of necessary topics covered in VBUS 500 Digital Literacy for Academic and Professional Success - Tier I (recommended course); mobile applications for learning and productivity; etiquette for social media, email, and professional exchanges/engagement; online applications for synchronous communication; use word processing programs for academic and career readiness; online educational platforms and applications for collaboration; and overview of learning management systems (e.g., Canvas). Students may be awarded 2.5 high school elective credits if they complete and pass all course assignments and requirements.
VBUS 502 Digital Literacy for Academic and Professional Success - Tier 3
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 36 Lecture
- Advisory
- VBUS 500 is recommended. VBUS 501 is recommended.
The third of four integrated digital literacy courses that prepare students for academic and workplace success by providing in depth instruction on a range of technology skills needed to further enhance digital literacy. Topics covered include: review of necessary topics covered in Digital Literacy for Academic and Professional Success in Tiers I and II (recommended courses); internet safety and one’s digital footprint; plagiarism in the Digital Age; introduction to blogging or wikis; expansion and application of online educational programs; and learning management systems - navigation and participation. Students may be awarded 2.5 high school elective credits if they complete and pass all course assignments and requirements.
VBUS 503 Digital Literacy for Real World Application – Tier 4
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 36 Lecture
- Advisory
- VBUS 500 is recommended. VBUS 501 is recommended. VBUS 502 is recommended.
The final of four integrated digital literacy courses. In this course, students will employ the knowledge and skills acquired in Digital Literacy for Academic and Professional Success Tiers 1 through 3 to create a professional portfolio online. Instruction will focus on the technology and interpersonal skills needed to create an online presence necessary for academic and workplace success in the 21st century. Specifically, the following will be reviewed: topics covered in Tiers 1, 2 and 3; website developer or digital portfolio platform to create a portfolio and build a professional online presence; formatting and design standards for resumes on a social media and/or digital portfolio platform; online professional networking through personal connections; and understanding how to use learning management systems through participation and collaboration. Students may be awarded 2.5 high school elective credits if they complete and pass all course assignments and requirements.
VBUS 559 Business Practices in Family Child Care
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 36 Lecture
Provides potential family child care providers with information and skills necessary for successful operation of a family child care business. May earn two (2) high school elective credits if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%.
VBUS 570 Information Technology (IT) Basics Tier 1
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
Provides basic instruction and training for students who have little to no knowledge about technology but have a personal or professional interest in information technology (IT). Topics in the course include navigating operating systems, web browsers, accessing digital environments through the web, identifying input/output devices, software/hardware concepts, installing online software, storage systems, network connection types, digital footprint concepts and online applications. Students may be awarded 4 high school elective credits if they complete and pass all course assignments and requirements.
VBUS 572 Information Technology (IT) Basics Tier 2
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 60 Lecture
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: VBUS 570
Provides basic instruction and training for students who have little to no knowledge about technology but have a personal or professional interest in information technology (IT). Topics in the course include customizing digital environments, digital calendars, automation, cloud computing, hardware adjustments, print set-up, digital devices, digital identities, digital standards, digital citizenship, veracity of search results, data collection, data storage, and creating documents with software and/or online applications. Students may be awarded 4 high school elective credits if they complete and pass all course assignments and requirements.
VBUS 576 Systems and Networking Essentials
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 108 Lecture
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VBUS 570 or VBUS 572
- Formerly
- Computer Basics: Systems and Networking Essentials
This course prepares students with the fundamentals of networking. This includes: how to install, configure, and troubleshoot computer networks in modern environments, using the best practices of networking protocols, media, and topologies in physical and virtual infrastructure, security, and cloud computing. The course design includes lab exercises which provide students with hands-on practice. Students may beawarded 7 high school elective credits if they complete and pass all course assignments and requirements.
VBUS 590 Introduction to How to Start a Small Business
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 72 Lecture
Provides an introductory series of classes each designed to teach practical, hands-on small business management skills and focusing on specific topics addressing the needs of individuals desiring to start a small business. Course sessions are taught in various languages including, but not limited to, English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Five high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%.