Business

Business programs at Howard Community College are designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in a variety of career settings including business, industry, government, or nonprofits. Whether you are a high school student exploring business as a possible career (see more on Dual Enrollment below), a traditional college student embarking on your academic career, an individual looking to relaunch after a career break, or a working professional looking to upskill or pivot in your career, HCC’s business programs “meet you where you dream” by providing pathways to advanced learning through transfer degrees programs and/or by directly launching you into a career. Courses are taught by expert faculty and practicing professionals who have a passion for helping you maximize your potential.  

The business department offers the following associate degree and certificate programs: 

• Business Administration - A.A. Degree (Transfer), Associate of Arts, (transfer)
• Data Business Analytics - Certificate (Career), Certificate Program, (career)
• General Studies–Business, Leadership, Technology Emphasis - A.A. Degree (Transfer), Associate of Arts, (transfer)
• Entrepreneurship - Certificate (Career)

The Business Administration- A.A. Degree (Transfer), Associate of Art is available fully online: Complete your degree on your schedule, from anywhere with an internet connection, by taking all of your classes online.  

SPECIAL PROGRAMS & FEATURES 

Center for Entrepreneurial & Business Excellence Rocket Pitch Competition 

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Patuxent and the Joss Family Foundation and hosted by HCC’s Center for Entrepreneurial & Business Excellence, the annual Rocket Pitch Competition is open to students enrolled in HUMN-115 Entrepreneurship & Creativity each academic year. Throughout the course, students develop a business idea, complete a business plan, and create a pitch. Pitches are evaluated by course instructors. Students with the top pitches from each class advance to the competition where they present their pitches (“Shark Tank” style) to a panel of local business leaders who serve as judges. Students who are not enrolled in HUMN-115 but who have formed business ideas and pitches may also apply to participate. Students placing 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th at the competition receive scholarship awards ranging from $400 to $1,800. 

Learn More

Watch the full 2024 Rocket Pitch Entrepreneurial Celebration below.

The Betty Noble Award 

The Betty Noble Award was established by the Howard Community College Educational Foundation (HCCEF) in memory of Betty Noble. Betty was a dedicated faculty member passionate about helping students achieve personal and professional success. Her coaching skills helped countless HCC business and entrepreneurial students over the years. The award is a tribute to Betty's commitment to students and recognizes a student who embodies her attributes and characteristics. 

DUAL ENROLLMENT: 

Howard County Public School students receive free tuition and fees through Dual Enrollment at HCC for all courses taken during Fall or Spring semesters.  HCPSS students participating in dual enrollment may obtain required textbooks and materials at the HCC bookstore at no cost to the student. Students should speak with their high school counselor first if they plan to enroll in HCC courses or programs. Learn more at: Dual Enrollment for HCPSS Students. 

PROGRAM ADVISING: 

Students are encouraged to meet with academic advising regularly to discuss academic plans and make sure they are on track to complete/graduate or transfer. Program sequencing provided on the HCC website/catalog is meant to supplement the advising process. Learn more at: Advising. 

TRANSFER INFORMATION: 

Transfer students should note that many business schools have selective admissions requirements. Cumulative grade point average and completion of specific course requirements are used as criteria for acceptance. Students should contact academic advising early in the process to ensure courses and grades track with requirements for transfer. Learn more at Transfer and Completion Resources.  

CAREERS IN HOWARD COUNTY  

Top Occupations by Income (50% Percentile: 50% of employees make this salary or less) 

NOTE: For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. 

• Chief Executives $202,192 
• Sales Managers $135,309 
• Human Resources Managers $134,376 
• Compensation and Benefits Managers $133,897 
• Training and Development Managers $126,478 
• Administrative Services Managers $109,783 
• Industrial Production Managers $107,987 
• Management Analysts $107,473 
• Managers, All Other $106,701 
• Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $105,811 
• Facilities Managers $104,976 
• Construction Managers $102,619 
• Project Management Specialists $101,129 
• Logisticians $100,775 
• General and Operations Managers $98,985 
• Business Operations Specialists, All Other $89,028 
• Social and Community Service Managers $82,830 
• Cost Estimators $80,799 
• Human Resources Specialists $79,264 
• Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $78,437 
• Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $78,168 
• Postsecondary Teachers $73,616 
• Personal Service Managers, All Other $44,791