Agriculture Business Records and Business Planning

The Records and Business Planning certificate focuses on helping students master computerized record-keeping and begin to develop a business plan. Potential products completed in this certificate program include, but are not limited to, a balance sheet, chart of accounts, business goals, personal goals, amortization schedules, cash income statements, and a SWOT analysis.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Develop a computerized record-keeping system.
Understand the components of the business plan.
Read and understand the information contained within financial reports.

Program Requirements

Total Credits 18

Course Number	Course Title	Credits
ABM103ABM1003	Records & Business Planning I	3
Examines the options available to set up a computerized record keeping system for an agricultural business. Focus is on the selection of a computer software package for the agricultural business. Computer terminology associated with a computerized record keeping system and importance of business planning will be discussed. (5-7.5-41.7)
ABM104ABM1004	Records & Business Planning II	3
Identifies the proper setup and implementation of accounting software for an agricultural business. A chart of accounts and beginning balance sheet will be created for a computerized record keeping system. Data entry methods for the accounting software and identification of business plan components specific to student needs will be discussed. (5-7.5-41.7)
ABM105ABM1005	Records & Business Plan III	3
Examines cash and accrual accounting concepts and basic financial statements created for an agricultural business plan. (5-7.5-41.7)
ABM106ABM1006	Records & Business Planning IV	3
Determines the proper processes to maintain an accurate record keeping system for an agricultural business. (5-7.5-41.7)
ABM107ABM1007	Records & Business Planning V	3
Examines how to create financial business reports from an accounting system for an agricultural business and utilize decision aid tools pertinent to the student’s need. (5-7.5-41.7)
ABM108ABM1008	Records & Business Planning VI	3
Explains how to utilize a computerized accounting record keeping system to generate accurate financial records for an agricultural business. (5-7.5-41.7)

Program Requirements / Classes

Agriculture Business Records and Business Planning	CERT
Agriculture Financial Analysis	CERT
Agriculture Commodity Marketing	CERT
Agriculture Market Plan Development	CERT
Advanced Agriculture Business Management	CERT
Agriculture Profit Maximization	CERT
Rural Business Entrepreneurship	CERT

Degree Descriptions

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) and Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)

The AA and the AS degrees are traditional 2-year degrees specifically designed to transfer to 4-year institutions for the purpose of completing a BA or a BS. They are often referred to as university parallel degrees. The general education requirements are what actually permit the degrees to be called Associates or Arts or Science. The difference between the AS and AA is minimal, with the AA permitting math courses and a science course that are not recognized under the AS degree. Read Colorado's Guaranteed Transfer Policy here.

Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.)

The AGS degree is, at times, articulated to transfer to certain 4-year institutions and programs. There is more room for flexibility in this degree. Generally, if a student decides to transfer to a 4-year school to pursue a BA or BS after earning the AGS, they may be short some of the general education requirements.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

The Associate of Applied Science degree is rarely pursued by a student who intends to transfer to a 4-year school. It is primarily a degree that prepares a student to go directly into the workforce. It is typically a specific technical career that the student who seeks the AAS is seeking. Again, the general education requirements are less rigid with the AAS degree.

Certificate Programs

Certificates are 1-year technical programs that require no general education courses. Auto Tech, Agri-business, and Cosmetology are Certificate programs. English, math, science, etc. are not required to complete a certificate, although some students choose to take preparatory classes that might help them succeed in the program.