Meet Motlow’s Business and Technology Dept
August 9, 2021
The Business and Technology Department at Motlow State Community College maintains
an outstanding reputation for providing high-quality academic programs. From Accounting and
Economics to Cyber Defense and Entrepreneurship, business and technology are among
the most popular fields of study and Motlow graduates are in high demand.
Business consistently ranks among the top college majors. There are several pathway options for students to choose from, and these vary based on the program chosen. Tennessee Transfer Pathways (TTPs) enable students to complete a two-year degree at Motlow and then transfer to any Tennessee public university, and several Tennessee private universities, as a junior to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree.
“We have several TTP options, as well as two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) options for those interested in starting careers right away,” explained Motlow’s Business and Technology Curriculum Chair, Tracey Lee. “There are so many to choose from, we can meet any business need.”
One of the two-year options is Supply Chain Management, which is managing the flow of a good or service from purchasing the raw materials through the manufacturing process and out to the customer. Students can obtain their supply chain certification after completing their associate degree.
“Supply chain courses are good for any business major, not just those interested in Supply Chain Management specifically,” said Jack Phillps, an economics and supply chain management instructor at Motlow. “All types of businesses have supply chains and having an understanding of it is important.”
“There are a lot of job opportunities in this field as well. COVID brought to light significant problems with current supply chain management processes and students will have the chance to improve on those for the future,” Phillips added.
The Associate in Arts (A.A.) and Associate in Science (A.S.) degree programs are for students intending to pursue a bachelor’s or higher degree from a senior college or university. Also known as the “university parallel program” or “university transfer degree,” the associate in arts and associate in science curricula are comparable to the freshman and sophomore years at a university. A majority of courses in the programs are general education, such as English, mathematics, humanities, science, social and behavioral sciences, and fine arts.
Most Business and Technology degrees are University Parallel with concentrations in various areas, which serve as foundation requirements for advanced degrees. These help students diversify their interests and options to be better prepared
“Most accounting students transfer to four-year universities, such as MTSU, after they complete their A.S. degrees,” said Motlow Associate Professor of Accounting Dr. Susan Dickey.
Students are also able to utilize this path towards a five-year option that allows them to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and obtain a master’s degree. A student must complete 150 hours in order to sit for the CPA exam.
“Students who complete their A.A.S. degree in accounting will take more accounting specific classes at Motlow and are well equipped to enter the workforce at entry level accounting positions,” said Dickey.
“We continuously network with many local firms who frequently reach out to us looking for students and recent graduates for positions,” added Bob Fitzgerald, an accounting instructor at Motlow.
Other business and technology degree options, such as cyber defense, help students to complete several high-demand certifications that can help get high paying jobs before they even complete their associate degrees.
“Anything can be hacked. Cyber defense is much broader than people realize,” said Walter McCord, a cyber defense instructor at Motlow. “Some entry certifications, like Security+, are worth quite a bit.”
The Business and Technology Department is accredited by the SACSCOC (Southern Associate of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges). Motlow business programs are also accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
All colleges in the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) System share a common lower-division general education core curriculum of 41 credit hours for an associate degree. Lower-division means freshman and sophomore courses.
No matter the industry, there is a business component to everything. The knowledge and skills obtained translate across industries and roles. The broad course of study that Motlow’s Business and Technology Department offers prepares students for a wide range of career options.
Degree Options
- TTP Concentration Areas:
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Finance
- Information Systems
- Management
- Marketing
- Sport and Leisure Management
- A.S. Concrete Management Major – designed for transfer to MTSU
- A.A.S. Business Major, Concentration Areas:
- Accounting
- Business Office
- Medical Office
- Supply Chain Management
- Entrepreneurship
- A.A.S. Computer Information Technology Major, Cyber Defense Concentration
- Customer Service Certificate
To learn more about programs in the Business and Technology Department, visit Motlow’s website: mscc.edu/academics/programs/business-technology
Motlow State fall classes begin August 23. Apply today to Motlow.com/apply. For more information regarding reduced costs for students, email [email protected] or call 800-654-4877.
Tennessee’s Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient, and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. The system offers associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs, and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tbr.edu or visit Motlow at mscc.edu.