The Las Positas College Business Studies Program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of business concepts and functions used in a wide range of careers. There are many areas of specialization available that fit the current and projected needs of the ever-changing business environment. It is important that students work closely with business faculty and counselors to determine which degrees or certificates best support their individual career and/or transfer goals. Students may pursue programs to prepare for work, upgrade skills, or transfer to a four-year college or university.

The Retail Management Certificate offers the education needed to get started and advance a career in the retail industry. Individuals who complete this program gain the knowledge, skills, abilities, and confidence that empower them to become successful leaders in retail and service-oriented companies. This certificate is endorsed by the California Grocers Association and the Western Association of Food Chains. The certificate has also been recognized as part of the White House’s Upskill Initiative and by leading organizations, including the ACT Foundation and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Program Learning Outcomes:

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Retail Management (WAFC), students are able to demonstrate the integration of basic management theories into supervisory and management functions.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Retail Management (WAFC), students are able to determine the demand for products and services offered by a firm and identify potential customers.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Retail Management (WAFC), students are able to differentiate threshold issues involved in legal, ethical, and social responsibilities of management.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Retail Management (WAFC), students are able to identify key business procedures relevant to a specific problem using appropriate technology.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Retail Management (WAFC), students are able to integrate basic management theories into supervisor and management functions.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Retail Management (WAFC), students are able to list current problems related to human behavior in organizations and detail management practices effective in managing those issues.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Retail Management (WAFC), students are able to list resources and strategies for monitoring trends that help identify the need for new products and services.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Retail Management (WAFC), students are able to summarize measures that can be taken by individuals and organizations to correct organizational dysfunctions.

This Library program is a short-term (typically one year) non-credit program. It is a career technical education program designed to prepare students for work in entry-level research fields, such as research assistant, research associate, or legal research employment. The program will also aid students in preparing for college-level courses in research-intensive fields such as science, psychology, health, sociology and more.

Program Learning Outcomes:

   - Upon completion of the Certificate in Basic Research Skills, students are able to develop research plans compatible with academic and workplace contexts.

   - Upon completion of the Certificate in Basic Research Skills, students are able to effectively work with sources appropriate for academic and workplace research needs.

   - Upon completion of the Certificate in Basic Research Skills, students are able to ethically use the information for a purpose in academic and workplace contexts.

This certificate provides a foundation in photography and design and includes in-depth instruction in image manipulation technologies (i.e. Adobe Lightroom™, Photoshop™ & Capture One™). Students completing this certificate program will be qualified for employment in fields that rely on post-production and retouching such as wedding photography, product photography, fashion photography, real estate photography, event photography, and portrait photography. This certificate is also recommended for students seeking to upgrade skills for career advancement or transition.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

🗸 Use the traditional tools and techniques of photography.

🗸 Apply design concepts in an artistic iterative process.

🗸 Apply digital hardware and software technologies used in the field of photography.

This certificate program, built on the basics of photography and design, includes hands-on instruction in traditional darkroom techniques with an emphasis on high-end black-and-white printing. Students will build a personal portfolio of work and achieve proficiency in what has now become an artisanal skill. This certificate prepares students for transfer to 4-year programs of study in the arts, particularly at fine arts colleges. Students completing this certificate program will be qualified to work in custom photography labs, operate a darkroom facility and to work for professional fine artists.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

🗸 Use the traditional tools and techniques of black and white print photography.

🗸 Apply design concepts to create and evaluate black and white photographic images using iterative processes.

🗸 Analyze the characteristics of various films, papers and chemicals and how they may react to different light and development techniques in black and white print photography.

🗸 Process black and white photographic prints and negatives according to existing archival standards.

🗸 Produce a portfolio of high-quality black and white prints.

This certificate provides instruction in architectural photography and the use of large format cameras. Additionally, hands-on experience is gained in the manipulation of ambient and artificial light sources and the application of professional lighting techniques. Students completing this certificate program will be qualified for employment in the fields of architectural photography, real estate photography, commercial photography, editorial photography, and to work as a photographer’s assistant.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

🗸 Use the traditional tools and techniques of photography

🗸 Apply design concepts inspired by the aesthetics of architecture

🗸 Apply the techniques and aesthetics of light to the requirements of photography

🗸 Apply digital hardware and software technologies used in the field of photography

The Las Positas College Business Studies Program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of business concepts and functions used in a wide range of careers. There are many areas of specialization available that fit the current and projected needs of the ever-changing business environment. It is important that students work closely with business faculty and counselors to determine which degrees or certificates best support their individual career and/or transfer goals. Students may pursue programs to prepare for work, upgrade skills, or transfer to a four-year college or university.

The Certificate of Achievement in Business Workforce Proficiency is designed to provide the training and skills necessary to operate effectively in a business environment. The certificate aims to help individuals proficient in administrative tasks across common software programs used in a business environment. The certificate also provides individuals with an overview of how business environments operate, which will strengthen his or her value within the business organization.

Program Learning Outcomes:

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Business Workforce Proficiency, students are able to apply standard business English to oral and written communications, including grammar, punctuation, mechanics, vocabulary, style, media, and usage.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Business Workforce Proficiency, students are able to describe the work ethic needed for success in today’s work environment.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Business Workforce Proficiency, students are able to develop business communications that present information in an organized and concise manner.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Business Workforce Proficiency, students are able to explain group dynamics as they apply to an individual working effectively within a group and within teams.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Business Workforce Proficiency, students are able to identify the primary business operations, business organizational options, and business procedures.

The Math Jam for Tutors Program is designed specifically to provide a supportive, noncredit pathway for current Las Positas College math students who are interested in becoming tutors. This program will recruit and prepare students to become paid math tutors at Las Positas College. It offers the unique experience of receiving hands-on training helping students learn key math concepts while in a collaborative setting, supported by a math instructor and fellow math tutors. This program complements possible concurrent training and/or employment at the Tutorial Center, and while completion of this program is very desirable, it is not a requisite for working at the Tutorial Center.

Program Learning Outcomes:

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Completion in Math Jam Tutor Pathway, students are able to communicate effectively about the theory of Growth Mindset, as an individual and as a tutor.

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Completion in Math Jam Tutor Pathway, students are able to apply mathematical concepts at a higher level.

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Completion in Math Jam Tutor Pathway, students are able to support students in math using best practices in teaching and learning pedagogy.

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Completion in Math Jam Tutor Pathway, students are able to assist students comfortably in a lab setting.

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Completion in Math Jam Tutor Pathway, students are able to navigate an online support course environment effectively.

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Completion in Math Jam Tutor Pathway, students are able to model eff ective problem solving, growth mindset and study skills.

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Completion in Math Jam Tutor Pathway, students are able to coach students in how to be effective learner, using Growth Mindset theory and intelligent practices to be successful.

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Completion in Math Jam Tutor Pathway, students are able to provide guided math workshops to students on historically difficult topics with the support of instructors and fellow tutors.

A Certificate of Achievement in Philippine Studies introduces students to the complex history and circumstances of the Philippines and the Filipinx people in the diaspora, including greater awareness and understanding of issues such as economic and social transnationalism, emigration and acculturation, and the power of cultural values and heritage in the process of identity development. This certificate is designed for students who wish to pursue a specialization in Philippine Studies in the following disciplines: Area Studies, Ethnic Studies, History, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Political Science, International Relations, and English. It is also designed for professionals in the public, private, non-profit, and entrepreneurial sectors seeking to strengthen their cultural competencies and ability to engage the largest Asian American population in California. Professional development in Philippine Studies are relevant in various fields, including law, healthcare, education, social services.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

🗸 Examine key social and cultural characteristics of Philippine society.

🗸 Analyze the impact of historical and political conditions in the Philippines on the Filipinx community in the diaspora.

🗸 Compare the intersectional struggles and oppression faced by Filipinos in the Philippines and the diaspora.

🗸 Use Filipino language (Tagalog) to communicate ideas about Philippine culture and the culture of Filipinos in the diaspora.

The Las Positas College Business Studies Program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of business concepts and functions used in a wide range of careers. There are many areas of specialization available that fit the current and projected needs of the ever-changing business environment. It is important that students work closely with business faculty and counselors to determine which degrees or certificates best support their individual career and/or transfer goals. Students may pursue programs to prepare for work, upgrade skills, or transfer to a four-year college or university.

The Certificate in Entrepreneurship is designed for students who are self-employed, current or prospective business owners, or those interested in new business ventures or startups. This certificate provides the foundation of business competencies including management, marketing, innovation, finance, communication, and leadership skills in a changing world. After a student completes the certificate, they may choose to continue their education and obtain a degree, apply their knowledge to their current job, or start their own business venture immediately.

Program Learning Outcomes:

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Business Entrepreneurship, students are able to compare and contrast the impact of the external business environments on small businesses.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Business Entrepreneurship, students are able to construct a business plan, essential marketing plan, and basic financial documents for a small business.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Business Entrepreneurship, students are able to define and provide concrete examples of the "Competitive Advantage" concept that a small business must achieve in order to succeed.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Business Entrepreneurship, students are able to describe the nature and characteristics of successful small business persons.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Business Entrepreneurship, students are able to detail key business procedures relevant to a specific problem using appropriate technology.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Business Entrepreneurship, students are able to summarize the responsibilities of small business owners in selecting, motivating, training, and supervising employees.

The Basic Skills Math Program is a noncredit pathway for students to develop the mathematical skills necessary at Las Positas to enroll in an intermediate algebra level credit course required for an Associate’s (AA/AS). Embedded are essential study and life skills to help each student succeed in credit math courses and beyond. Successful students will have the necessary mathematical understanding to enroll in an intermediate algebra level course, which is the math requirement for an Associate’s Degree. Research at our college and similar community colleges has shown that supports such as these have a huge impact on student retention and success rates.

Program Learning Outcomes:

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Competency in College Mathematics Pathway, students are able to demonstrate the ability to use symbolic, graphical, numerical, and written representations of mathematical ideas.

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Competency in College Mathematics Pathway, students are able to learn mathematics through modeling real-world situations.

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Competency in College Mathematics Pathway, students are able to read, write, listen to, and speak mathematics with understanding.

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Competency in College Mathematics Pathway, students are able to use appropriate technology to enhance their mathematical thinking and understanding, solve mathematical problems, and judge the reasonableness of their results.

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Competency in College Mathematics Pathway, students are able to use mathematical reasoning and, when appropriate, a general problem-solving process to solve problems.