Accounting & Business Department

Georgia Buckles
Department Chair
Phone: 860-512-2649

Program Information

The Accounting & Business department offers valuable training in current business practices. Our courses are designed to help students develop

• Skills in critical thinking, especially concerning economic and business issues
• Skills in thinking in quantitative and analytical terms
• Skills in effective oral and written communication
• A strong understanding of accounting, business and related disciplines

Paralegal Program

The Accounting & Business department also includes the Paralegal program, coordinated by Prof. Nance Kriscenski.

For more information go to our Paralegal information page.

Degrees

• Accounting
• Accounting and Business Administration Transfer
• Management Information Systems
• Adminstrative Assistant, Legal
• Adminstrative Assistant, Medical
• Adminstrative Assistant, Office
• Business Administration Career
• Marketing
• Paralegal

Accounting

The Accounting A.S. degree program prepares students for employment as junior accountants or management trainees. Graduates will be able to maintain complete sets of accounting records and prepare financial statements and individual tax returns. Students have the opportunity to participate in MCC's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, in which they gain practical experience in the preparation of tax returns. Students interested in transferring to earn a bachelor's degree should enroll in the Accounting and Business Administration Transfer, A.S. Degree program.

The study of accounting emphasized the decision-making process as well as the principles and procedures used to produce information required by decision makers. There are many career opportunities in private industry as well as federal, state and local government.

With additional education and accounting employment experience, graduates may become business managers, comptrollers, corporate officers, government accounting supervisors, and Public and Certified Public Accountants in private practice. Many graduates have developed lucrative tax practices.

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Accounting and Business Administration Transfer

The Accounting and Business Administration Transfer A.S. degree program is designed for students who plan to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration or marketing. This program provides a broad liberal arts background consisting mostly of courses normally taken in the first two years at a baccalaureate college or university. In addition, students will take courses in accounting and business administration. Advanced courses should be taken at the institution to which you transfer.

Students should be familiar with the requirements of the institutions to which they will transfer. Therefore, we encourage selection of transfer institutions as early as possible. Students should see an advisor before choosing elective courses because each transfer institution may have specific requirements.

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Management Information Systems

The Management Information Systems program is offered as a stand-alone degree program for students who would like to continue their studies at another college or university to earn a bachelor's degree. This program requires four courses in computer information systems as well as liberal arts and science courses that students would normally take the first two years at a baccalaureate institution. Students planning to transfer should consult a counselor or faculty advisor about their choice of electives before selecting specific courses. 

You should be familiar with the requirements of the institution to which you will transfer credits. We encourage you to select your transfer college or university as early as possible. Also, you should see an advisor before choosing elective courses in this associate degree program because each institution may have specific degree requirements.

Students who successfully complete a bachelor's degree program will have many opportunities for employment in management information systems. Advancement is rapid and those who combine computer information systems education with a solid business background will have diversified opportunities in the corporate environment.

Students in this program may choose to transfer to and earn bachelor's degrees in colleges and universities such as Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, University of Hartford, and the University of Connecticut.

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Adminstrative Assistant, Legal

The Administrative Assistant Legal-Business Office Technology A.S. degree provides students with a broad understanding of the Connecticut and U.S. court systems and the many fields of law. Students become proficient in keyboarding, word processing, legal terminology and legal transcription, office communication skills, integrated office systems and office procedures. Students are encouraged to develop individual areas of interest through elective courses and through part-time and summer employment.

Legal administrative assistants use technology to originate, access, manage and manipulate information. In addition they may function independently in initiating office communications, accessing and tracking records and information, and problem solving the various details of the day-to-day office operations. They participate in the representation of and communication with clients and in the preparation of court papers, legal documents and correspondence.

Graduates of this program are aggressively recruited by the greater Hartford legal community. Employment opportunities include working with a single attorney or group of attorneys in private practice, in legal departments of corporations, in government agencies, and in state and federal courts. Areas of specialization involve personal injury, criminal law, family relations, real estate and business transactions. Promotion and advancement opportunities include office administration, litigation assistant, personnel supervision and court calendar supervision. Career openings and compensation will continue to increase.

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Adminstrative Assistant, Medical

The Administrative Assistant, Medical-Business Office Technology A.S. degree provides students with the skills necessary to excel in the medical office environment. Students become proficient in keyboarding, word processing, medical terminology and medical transcription, office communication skills, integrated office systems, medical office procedures and record keeping. Sociology, psychology and biology courses are also included in this program.

Medical administrative assistants are employed by doctors, dentists, veterinarians, hospitals, research laboratories, medical departments of corporations and government agencies, insurance companies, and organizations administering health insurance programs. Demand and compensation are increasing. personnel supervision, records management, and medical office and department administration are among the meaningful career placement and promotion opportunities available to graduates.

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Adminstrative Assistant, Office

The Administrative Assistant, Office Option, Business Office Technology A.S. degree provides students with the skills necessary to excel in the office environment. Students become proficient in keyboarding, word processing, office communications skills, integrated office systems, and office procedures. Students are encouraged to develop individual areas of interest through elective courses and through part-time and summer employment.

Administrative assistants use technology to originate, access and manage and manipulate information. In addition they function independently in initiating office communications, accessing and tracking records and information, and problem solving the various details of the day-to-day office operations. As members of management teams, they are able to assume responsibility and work independently to exercise initiative and judgment and to adapt to new concepts and products.

A nationwide shortage of professional office workers continues to exist. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession will continue to provide significant job growth. Greater Hartford area insurance companies, banks, science and technology-based corporations, educational institutions and other leading firms actively seek Manchester Community College graduates. Promotion and advancement opportunities are available in management, personnel, public relations, sales and marketing. Graduates enjoy professional success, job satisfaction and attractive compensation and benefits.

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Business Administration Career

The Business Administration Career A.S. degree program prepares graduates for employment as management trainees and for entry level positions in banks, insurance companies and governmental agencies. It is a general business program requiring students to take courses in accounting, business law, economics, management and corporation finance. 

Although many courses in this program may be transferred, it is possible that they will transfer only as electives. Students planning to earn a bachelor's degree should register in the Accounting and Business Administration Transfer Program. 

This program is of considerable benefit to employed students looking for professional development or students who hold degrees in unrelated areas and are looking for a career specialty or career change.

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Marketing

The Marketing A.S. degree program is for students who wish to enter managerial or proprietary positions in marketing. To complete this program, you will take courses in marketing, business, accounting and general education. 

Students interested in transferring to earn a bachelor's degree should register in the Accounting and Business Administration Transfer Program.

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Paralegal

A paralegal or legal assistant is a person qualified through education, training or work experience, who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency or other entity. The paralegal performs specifically delegated, substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.

Paralegals may be asked to conduct research and prepare memoranda; to draft pleadings, deeds or contracts; to interview clients or witnesses; to prepare answers to interrogatories; or to digest depositions. They may prepare inventories, accounts and tax returns in connection with estates and trusts; perform real estate title searches and UCC searches; calendar and track important deadlines; or organize and maintain client files. Paralegals may not give legal advice or engage in the unauthorized practice of law.

The Paralegal associate degree program includes specialized courses in the paralegal profession as well as related courses in business and liberal arts. An option in the program is a cooperative education/work experience course in which students gain practical experience in a legal setting while earning academic credit.

The MCC Paralegal Association is an active student club that offers seminars throughout the year and distributes a newsletter to members.

The Paralegal Program has been approved by the American Bar Association since 1984. It is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education.

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Certificates

• Accounting
• Marketing
• Medical Transcription
• Office Information Specialist
• Office Skills Update
• Office Support Specialist
• Paralegal
• Receptionist
• Taxation
• Word Processing

Accounting

The Accounting certificate program is designed for students who are interested in specialized accounting and/or those who already have a bachelor's degree and would like to change careers. This program also serves individuals currently employed who are not seeking a degree or career change but would like formal training or professional development.

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Marketing

The Marketing certificate program is designed for students who are interested in a career change or who already have a degree and are looking for a career specialty.

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Medical Transcription

Business Office Technology certificate programs allow students to specialize in areas of interest and obtain entry-level office positions. Course credit may be applied toward an associate degree. Advanced placement in keyboarding is available for students with prior training. Students can modify their programs depending upon experience.

A medical transcriptionist translates, from oral to written form, highly technical information summarizing medical histories, diagnoses and treatments for patients and can find employment in a variety of health care settings: doctors' offices, health maintenance organizations, medical transcription services, clinical insurance companies, and various other medical-related agencies and organizations.

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Office Information Specialist

The management and retention of electronic records is an important office function. Graduates of this program work at the management of records including databases and e-mail in business organizations, professional offices and government agencies.

Business Office Technology certificate programs allow students to specialize in areas of interest and obtain entry-level office positions. Course credit may be applied toward an associate degree. Advanced placement in keyboarding is available for students with prior training. Students can modify their programs depending upon experience.

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Office Skills Update

This certification is designed for individuals who wish to enhance and upgrade previously acquired office skills.

Business Office Technology certificate programs allow students to specialize in areas of interest and obtain entry-level office positions. Course credit may be applied toward an associate degree. Advanced placement in keyboarding is available for students with prior training. Students can modify their programs depending upon experience.

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Office Support Specialist

This certificate program is recommended for students interested in a career assisting the office administrator. Courses in both general and specific applications offer students opportunities for positions in general office support. This program is designed for the entry-level employee.

Business Office Technology certificates programs allow students to specialize in areas of interest and obtain entry-level office positions. Course credit may be applied toward an associate degree. Advanced placement in keyboarding is available for students with prior training. Students can modify their programs depending upon experience.

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Paralegal

A paralegal or legal assistant is a person qualified through education, training or work experience, who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency or other entity. The paralegal performs specifically delegated, substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.

Paralegals may be asked to conduct research and prepare memoranda; to draft pleadings, deeds or contracts; to interview clients or witnesses; to prepare answers to interrogatories; or to digest depositions. They may prepare inventories, accounts and tax returns in connection with estates and trusts; perform real estate title searches and UCC searches; calendar and track important deadlines; or organize and maintain client files. Paralegals may not give legal advice or engage in the unauthorized practice of law.

The Paralegal Certificate Program is designed for students who have or are obtaining an educational (not vocational) associate or baccalaureate degree in a major other than paralegal or legal studies. The certificate program provides them with the opportunity to enroll in a paralegal studies program that meets standards set by the American Bar Association, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, and the American Association for Paralegal Education. Transcripts showing prior degrees must be sent directly to the Admissions Office.

A student who applies for graduation from the Paralegal certificate program must provide proof that he/she has received, or will concurrently receive, an educational associate or baccalaureate degree in a major other than paralegal or legal studies from an accredited institution.

The MCC Paralegal Association is an active student club that offers seminars throughout the year and distributes a newsletter to members.

The Paralegal Program has been approved by the American Bar Association since 1984. It is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education.

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Receptionist

Receptionists enjoy contact with the public in many settings. Students who complete this program find employment opportunities in professional offices, business organizations and government agencies.

Business Office Technology certificate programs allow students to specialize in areas of interest and obtain entry-level office positions. Course credit may be applied toward an associate degree. Advanced placement in keyboarding is available for students with prior training. Students can modify their programs depending upon experience.

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Taxation

The Taxation certificate program is designed specifically for students interested in taking the examination to become an Enrolled Agent. Such a designation allows one to represent tax clients at the first level of the Federal Tax Court. This program is of special interest to public accountants and other tax preparers.

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Word Processing

The accurate entry and retrieval of data is essential in today's business environment. Graduates of this program are trained for positions as data entry operators or as word processors. Many kinds of business organizations recruit employees with this training.

Business Office Technology certificate programs allow students to specialize in areas of interest and obtain entry-level office positions. Course credit may be applied toward an associate degree. Advanced placement in keyboarding is available for students with prior training. Students can modify their programs depending upon experience.

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AVT (Self-Paced) Labs

The Audio-Visual Tutorial (AVT) Lab offers students self-paced, individualized instruction and one-on-one teaching assistance.

Individualized instruction courses offer many advantages:

• Self-paced instruction to fit individual needs
• Flexible scheduling for early course completion
• Day and evening hours to accommodate flexible schedules
• 24-hour voicemail

You will always find the AVT faculty and staff friendly and supportive. Please feel free to phone us at 512-2646 with any questions you may have or to set up an appointment for a visit and demonstration during the fall or spring semesters.

Hours:
Monday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday, 8 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

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Paralegal Information

The MCC Paralegal Program began in 1974 as a pilot program of the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges, and has been continuously approved by the American Bar Association since 1984. We offer both an associate degree and a certificate program.

"The legal assistant or paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience, who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible." (ABA Definition)

• Approved by the American Bar Association
• Member, American Association for Paralegal Education

Additional Information

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Advisory Committee

MCC Paralegal Association

The MCC Paralegal Association is a student club that provides a sense of community among paralegal students, and a forum where graduates of the program meet and share their experiences with students and other alumni.  A series of seminars on interesting topics provides paralegal students with continuing education to update and advance their knowledge and skills.  Newsletters are published for distribution to members.  

The MCC Paralegal Association is a sustaining member of the Central Connecticut Paralegal Association, Inc., the Hartford area chapter of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.  Students are selected to attend monthly meetings of the CCPA.  The MCC Paralegal Association sponsors a food drive each fall to benefit area food banks.  The Alumni Association provides support to the club's Court Field Trip, where students attend sessions of the Connecticut Supreme Court and visit lower state courts, the U.S. District Court, the Legislative Office Building, the State Library and the Office of the Secretary of State. Each spring, the MCC Paralegal Association sponsors the Paralegal Awards Banquet, to recognize the achievements of the academic year.

Paralegal Links