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Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the career and technical student organization for all individuals enrolled in business courses.  The activities of FBLA are an integral part of the business program and are designed to enhance the business course offerings. 

The Business & Information Technology curriculum offers students the following industry certifications:  Microsoft Office Specialist Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Internet Computing Core (IC3).

Introduction to Business & Marketing

Grades:  9 - 11     Prerequisite:  none     Credit:  1

This entry-level course is offered for all students and recommended as an introduction to the career preparation program in Business & Marketing Education.  Students explore the role of business and marketing in the free enterprise system and the global economy and apply decision-making skills as consumers, employees, and citizens. Communication and interpersonal skills are developed through various activities.

Computer Information Systems

Grades:  9 - 12     Prerequisite:  Keyboarding     Credit:  1

Computer Information Systems provides students with opportunities to develop professional level skills in a project oriented approach through the use of the Microsoft Office software package. Students apply problem-solving skills to real-life situations through word processing, spreadsheets, databases, multimedia presentations, and integrated software activities. Students work individually and in groups to explore computer concepts, operating systems, networks, telecommunications, and emerging technologies. Students are eligible to test for core level MOS certifications in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.

Accounting

Grades:  10 - 12     Prerequisite:  none     Credit:  1

Students acquire the basic principles, concepts, and practices of the accounting cycle. Students learn fundamental accounting procedures using both manual and electronic systems.  Interpretation of accounting information is mastered through decision-making and problem-solving approaches that include source documents, case studies, and simulations. Course topics include forms of ownership, accounts receivable/accounts payable systems, payroll, taxes, banking activities, business ethics, and financial statements.

Business Law

Grades:  10 - 12     Prerequisite:  none     Credit:  1/2

Students examine the foundations of the American legal system and learn the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Students gain practical knowledge and life skills by exploring economic and social concepts related to laws governing business and individuals. Focus areas include contracts, consumer protection, criminal law, tort law, international law, family/domestic law, employment law, and careers in the legal profession. 

Business Management

Grades:  10 - 12     Prerequisite:  none     Credit:  1/2

Students study basic management concepts and leadership styles as they explore business ownership, planning, operations, marketing, finance, economics, communications, the global marketplace, and human relations. Quality concepts, project management, problem solving, and ethical decision-making are an integral part of the course. Student leadership skills may be enhanced by participation in school-based job shadowing, internships, and/or the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). 

Desktop/Multimedia Presentations

Grades:  10 - 12     Prerequisite:  Keyboarding     Credit:  1

Students develop proficiency in creating desktop publications, multimedia presentations/projects, and websites using industry standard application software. Students incorporate principles of layout and design in completing publications and projects. Students design portfolios that may include business cards, newsletters, mini-pages, web pages, multimedia presentations/projects, calendars, and graphics. Students are eligible to take the core level MOS certification test for PowerPoint.

Advanced Desktop/Multimedia Presentations

Grades:  11 - 12     Prerequisite:  Desktop/Multimedia Presentations     Credit:  1

This course provides a project base of instruction to enhance the desktop and multimedia skills of students. Topics covered include designing, creating, and publishing websites; complying with laws and professional ethics; relating desktop/multimedia application to business and industry standards. 

Introduction to Cybersecurity  Grade(s): 9-11 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: None

Cybersecurity affects every individual, organization, and nation. This course focuses on the evolving and all-pervasive technological environment with an emphasis on securing personal, organizational, and national information. Students will be introduced to the principles of cybersecurity, explore emerging technologies, examine threats and protective measures, and investigate the diverse high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand career opportunities in the field of cybersecurity. This course counts as an elective credit.

Cybersecurity Software Operations  Grade(s): 10-12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Introduction to Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Software Operations is designed to teach many aspects of computer support and network administration. Students learn networking concepts, from usage to components, and create peer-to-peer network systems and client server networks. Students learn how to install and configure network cards and connect them to Loudoun County Public Schools 36 | P a g e networks; to install the operating systems; to create, set up, and manage accounts; to load software; and to establish, implement, and maintain network integrity security plans. This course may cover software-based network operating systems, such as Windows Server or Linux, to prepare students with a foundation in computer network administration.

Suggested Sequence for Business Electives: