Associate of Occupational Science in Technical and Business English
Build a High‑Demand Business English Career in Washington DC Metro Area
Prepares students with practical communication skills in various occupational fields, helping students acquire a new position or a promotion.
The Associate of Occupational Science in Technical and Business English at Columbia College prepares students to use professional English in business, office, and organizational settings.
This business English degree equips future business administrative professionals with strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including technical writing, report and email drafting, presentations, and workplace communication.
Through integrated training in business communication and analytical skills, students learn to express complex information clearly and accurately across diverse audiences.
Professional Business English for Office & Administrative Careers
Graduates are prepared for communication‑focused roles in media organizations, trade and professional associations, nonprofit arts and social change groups, educational institutions, and a wide range of business sectors, where advanced English and business communication skills are essential.
Curriculum Course Lists
Code | Core Requirements | Credits |
TBE101 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 4 |
TBE103 | Computer Technology and Applications | 4 |
TBE107 | Critical Reading and Study Skills | 4 |
TBE108 | Legal Terminology | 4 |
TBE109 | Conference Papers and Presentations | 4 |
TBE110 | Document Designs | 4 |
TBE113 | Foundations of Technical Communications | 4 |
TBE114 | Descriptive Grammar | 4 |
TBE115 | Banking | 4 |
TBE117 | Communications and Documentation | 4 |
TBE154 | Business Writing | 4 |
TBE156 | Web Based Literature | 4 |
TBE201 | Professional Letters and Proposals | 4 |
TBE204 | Practical Reading and Writing | 4 |
TBE208 | Technical Reports | 4 |
TBE210 | Advanced Composition | 4 |
TBE211 | Real Estate Specialization | 4 |
TBE214 | Fundamentals of Editing | 4 |
TBE215 | Principles of Public Speaking | 4 |
TBE250 | Small Group Communication I | 4 |
TBE251 | Small Group Communication II | 4 |
TBE270 | Career Development I | 4 |
TBE271 | Career Development II | 4 |
Code | General Education Courses(Choose 7*) | Credits |
BIO102 | Introduction to Biology | 4 |
BPS102 | Business and Professional Speech | 4 |
BUA101 | Introduction to Business | 4 |
CRT101 | Critical Thinking | 4 |
ENG101 | English Composition | 4 |
HIST203 | U.S. History | 4 |
IT101 | Introduction to Information Technology | 4 |
KOR101 | Beginner Korean I | 4 |
MAT101 | Algebra | 4 |
MAT201 | Pre-Calculus | 4 |
PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 |
SOC201 | Society and Human Behavior | 4 |
SPN101 | Introduction to Spanish I | 4 |
SPN102 | Introduction to Spanish II | 4 |
- *Students must select at least one course from the fields of Humanities, Natural Science/Applied Sciences, Mathematics and Behavioral Sciences.
Federal Student Aid Notice
Federal Pell Grants are available to eligible undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Eligibility and estimated award amounts are determined based on information provided on the FAFSA®. Final financial aid offers are determined by the school. To apply or learn more, visit StudentAid.gov.
VETERANS & MILITARY STUDENTS
Eligible veterans, service members, and qualified family members may be able to use VA education benefits for this approved program.
As businesses become more global and data‑driven, demand grows for professionals who can communicate clearly in English across technology, healthcare, finance, and nonprofit organizations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, technical writers earn a median salary above the national average, and employers continue to seek staff who can explain complex information in clear, professional English.
In addition, annual salaries for administrative assistants in Washington, DC are higher than the national average, making business English and administrative support roles especially attractive for students who want to build stable careers in government, corporate, nonprofit, and educational settings.
Educational Outcomes/Settings
The program combines technical and business English, writing, presentations, and interpersonal communication so students can handle everyday office communication and explain complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
Graduates develop the professional English and communication skills needed for administrative and support roles in business, government, nonprofit, and educational organizations. Graduates are prepared for communication‑focused administrative roles such as office administrator, executive assistant, program coordinator, marketing or communications assistant, and technical or business writer in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Median Salary
$113,390
per year$54.52
per hourIdentification
- •Passport
- •Driver's License
- •State-issued ID
Education History
- •Diploma/school transcript (at least high school)
- •General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
- •DD-214 form
Application Fee
Domestic$100
International$200
International Applicants
F-1 Student Visa
- •Initial Enrollment
- •Transfer-In with I-20
- •Change of Status
- •1+1+1 Program
J-1 Exchange Visitor
- •College/University Student
- •Au Pair
Learn more about our Global Education Programs
Non-Native English Speakers
CaMLA (Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments) English Test to define the English level (Must be at Advanced Level).
