Business Operations

The courses in this program are especially geared to students interested in starting their own, or assisting with, a small or family-run business. This specialized training will give you the foundational skills you will need including understanding a business model, payroll accounting and business finance, business law, project management, marketing, and small business leadership. If you set goals for yourself and strive to accomplish them, enjoy serving as a leader even if it means more work, and envision yourself as a business owner, then this technical diploma may be a good choice for you. This program is offered in a partial Competency-Based Education (CBE online) format, which allows students to work at their own pace.

Why Consider Business Operations?

  • You want to start your own small or family-run business, or help support another.
  • Learning how a business model works along with functions including accounting, finance, and business law is important to you.
  • You want to become skilled at project management and marketing.
  • Developing and reaching goals while leading others is enjoyable for you.

Why Learn at Lakeshore?

  • This program is offered through our flexible competency-based education (CBE) format, which allows you to accelerate your learning while receiving personalized coaching and support.
  • With frequent start dates, begin when it’s convenient for you.
  • Learn from dedicated, experienced faculty.
  • in just two semesters or less, you can be ready to start your own small or family-run business, or join another.

What It Takes

  • Interest in small or family-run businesses
  • Ability to work well with others
  • Desire to help individuals & improve processes to meet goals
  • Willingness to invest time needed into a business
  • Skills to analyze the external business environment
Career Area
Business, Management and Administration
Type
Technical Diploma
Program Number
31-102-4
Availability
CBE
  • Technical Diploma
  • 2 Terms
  • 30 Credits
  • Financial Aid Eligible
  • With multiple start dates year-round, start when it’s convenient for you.

All CBE (Competency Based Education) Classes are Online

Business Operations Pathway

Career Outlook

Business Operations

Median Income: $54,000.00*

 

POTENTIAL JOB TITLES

(Click a title for job description)

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors.

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

Disclosure:

*This salary data is from the Wisconsin Technical College System 2022-23 Graduate Outcomes Survey

Admission and First Semester Enrollment Steps

  • Submit online application
  • Complete the online Student Success Questionnaire 
  • Complete Get Started at Lakeshore appointment
    • Application Check-in
    • College Orientation Overview
    • 1st Time Program Registration

Submit high school transcripts, college transcripts, and test scores (optional, highly recommended). Official transcripts will be needed for transferring college credit(s) and for financial aid purposes.

Program Cost

  • Tuition Cost: $4,915.60
  • Book Cost: $829.00
  • Supply Cost: $0
  • Program Total: $5,744.60

Some of Lakeshore College’s programs may reach program capacity due to high demand. When this occurs, the College will follow the Admissions Procedure to establish and maintain a waitlist to prioritize enrollment. In addition, some programs may offer a petition process outlined in their specific program handbook.

COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION is a learning model offering far more flexibility than traditional models. Fitting college around your work and personal commitments is possible because CBE allows you to:

  • Learn When You Want To
  • Progress at Your Own Pace
  • Receive Personalized Coaching & Support  

Learn More About CBE

Apply Now

Downloads

2025-2026 Business Operations pdf

pdf - 242.5 KB