Business Department Courses

The High School Business Departments are committed to preparing students for the challenges of the rapidly evolving, technology-driven global environment. A diverse, project-based curriculum exposes students to a variety   of   business   disciplines   and   provides   a   strong foundation in business theory, technology, and functionality. Special emphasis is placed on career-driven instruction and offerings are included at both the honors and  college-level. Academic achievement   is   recognized   through   membership   in   the National Business Honor Society. The availability of FBLA, DECA and Mock Trial Clubs, in addition to working in the student-run school store, afford students the opportunity for expanded learning and business activities beyond the classroom.

This full-year course provides students with the fundamental principles and theory of accounting.  Students learn about the   accounting   cycle as it pertains to proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.  Real world experiences are provided through the use of business simulations and accounting software. Students who are planning to major in any business related field or accounting in college benefit greatly from this course.  Accounting software and MS Excel are integrated throughout the course.

Corequisite: Algebra I

This advanced full-year course is intended as an alternative to Accounting I for students interested in furthering their career exploration in accounting or another business-related occupation and uses an integrated approach to teach accounting. Students learn how businesses plan for and evaluate their operational, financial, and investment decisions, and how accounting systems gather and provide data to internal and external decision makers. This year long course covers all the objectives of a traditional college level financial accounting course as well as those of a managerial accounting course. Topics include an introduction to accounting, accounting information systems, time value of money, accounting for merchandising firms, sales and receivables, fixed assets, debt, and equity. Accounting software and MS Excel are used throughout the course. College Credit may be earned from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Prerequisite: 70 or better in Algebra I and teacher recommendation

This full-year course empowers students to become better citizens by understanding the legal framework of our society. It demystifies the legal system and enables students to become critical thinkers,  active listeners, and effective speakers. A focus on the legal aspects of criminal and business law facilitates student understanding that law relates to every aspect of their lives as members of society and as potential entrepreneurs. Problem-solving opportunities expand the students’ knowledge and skills and include case studies, mock trials, role-playing,  small group exercises,  and visual analysis activities. Community resource personnel such as lawyers, judges, police officers, business owners, and consumer advocates may be utilized to enhance the curriculum. Some of the topics covered include:

This project-based course introduces the student to the vital role economics plays in  society and in life through the choices consumers make.  Students gain the skills to make important economic decisions, incorporating individual and social viewpoints, for the global economy. Through differentiated instruction, students learn how societies use scarce resources to produce valuable commodities and how they are distributed. Students learn how to write a business plan for a mock entrepreneurial business and develop a stock portfolio as part of a simulated stock market investment challenge.

This hands-on course introduces students to the rapidly growing industry of sports and entertainment marketing and management.  Students learn real world strategies in marketing and managing the operations of sports and entertainment businesses. They complete projects dealing  with target markets, sponsorship, event marketing, promotions, and marketing plans. Through tasks designed around their interests, students learn the core marketing and management skills.

This project-based course is designed to educate students on the fundamentals of marketing and marketing theory, and is intended for students interested in furthering their career exploration in marketing or other business-related occupations.  Students are introduced to basic principles and study theories relevant to marketing and the business environment, marketing and the social environment, product strategies and development, distribution, promotion, and pricing. Through hands-on activities, students strategize collectively to master the major elements of the marketing process and analyze how companies, both domestic and international, compete to influence customers. Throughout the semester a focus on marketing planning and research, buyer behavior, market segmentation, and the marketing mix strategies is accomplished through projects that enhance student knowledge of the marketing process.

College credit is available through Brookdale Community College.

Social media marketing is the process of creating content for social media platforms to promote your products and/or services, build community with your target audience, and drive traffic to your business. With new features and platforms emerging every day, social media marketing is constantly evolving.  Social media marketing is the process of creating content for social media platforms to promote your products and/or services, build community with your target audience, and drive traffic to your business. With new features and platforms emerging every day, social media marketing is constantly evolving.

Mock Trial promotes business skills while learning the principles of trial advocacy.  Students strategize by preparing trial scripts consisting of an Opening Statement, Direct Examination, Cross Examination, and Closing Statement and perform Criminal and Civil court cases in a moot court setting. Students learn how to argue an issue supported by facts and evidence. They also learn the technical aspects of trial advocacy and to think creatively when dealing with matters of trial strategy. Many students leave the course with improved self-confidence, analytical and speaking skills, poise, and teamwork skills. The course nurtures sportsmanship skills though working with peers in a competitive yet enjoyable setting.

The goal of Tomorrow’s Teachers is to assist academically talented students interested in teaching to develop the interpersonal and leadership skills necessary for a career in education. In addition, the program provides students with the skills needed to become community leaders who are knowledgeable in the field of teaching so that they may become civic advocates for education. Students learn the fundamentals of education by participating in a district-level field experience at the elementary, middle, or high school level.  All students are required to attend at least one teaching conference sponsored by FEA and are welcome to apply for a state officers position in FEA. This course enables students to:

College Credit may be earned from Rider University.

Students must apply to be accepted into this program

This inquiry-based course is designed to provide students with an overview of the functional areas of business as well as an understanding of the fundamental concepts prevalent in the business world. It is intended for students interested in exploring business-related occupations. Through probative questioning, problems, and topical scenarios, students identify the historic and societal issues that impact business today and analyze the effects of the United States economy and free enterprise. Students develop an awareness of the need for cultural sensitivity and ethical behavior within the context of the diverse, global community. Students gain knowledge in the areas of business management, human resources, labor relations, social responsibility, money and banking, securities and investments, and business ownership.

College Credit available through Brookdale Community College

This course is a rigorous, college-level course that is meant to utilize philosophy, business, research, problem solving and writing skills.  It is intended for students interested in exploring the moral, social, and political issues in business across the globe and illustrates the contrasting ethical theories in the world, connecting them with current business practices.  Students develop analytic problem-solving skills and rationally resolve ethical dilemmas.  They learn to clearly articulate and express well-crafted arguments in oral and written work.

College credit is available through Seton Hall University

This course is a rigorous, college-level course intended for students interested in the functions and operations of business organizations in a global marketplace.  Students are exposed to the organizational structure, operations, and financing of business firms in light of the legal, social, regulatory, and environmental issues affecting business on a global basis.  They study the driving forces behind globalization and its impact on jobs, wages, and income inequality; as well as the effects of culture and its impact on business policies and practices.

College credit is available through Fairleigh Dickinson University

Senior Career Seminar

In keeping with the New Jersey Department of Education guidelines for Structured Learning Experiences, Senior Career Seminar is a full-year program/course that assists qualified seniors in making decisions pertaining to their post-secondary careers. Using the National Career Clusters Framework, students accepted into the program/course explore careers that represent a multitude of career pathways in addition to learning valuable career-oriented life skills  in class. Examples of these life skills may include in-depth resume writing, interviewing skills, conflict resolution, communication skills, etc.

Working with the teacher/coordinator, students also participate in a variety of career exploration activities that gauge their interests and aptitudes, with the goal of identifying potential careers that match. Using this information, the teacher/coordinator assists students in securing an internship in a wide array of industries, both public and private. During the second semester, students enrolled in the program/course are provided release time during the school day to train at their designated internship site.  Upon successful completion of the program/course, including completion of the required internship hours, participants are awarded five credits towards graduation.

Entrepreneurship (Grades 9-12)

In this full year course, students will be able to make their business dreams into a reality.  Students will explore different types of business communication tools to help create a new and exciting business.  The first half of the course will cover the digital presence and impact of written and visual communication in a technological and business oriented society.  Students will work independently and collaboratively to enhance their leadership and teamwork skills. Professional communication skills and practices, problem-solving, ethical and legal issues, and the impact of effective presentation skills are addressed in this course to prepare students to be college and career ready.  The second half of the course, the students will go through the process of creating, owning, and running their own virtual business. They will learn how to become an entrepreneur and select a product or service to sell, determine the customer base, learn how to market a business, obtain financing, manage employees, and more. This course will take you on an exciting adventure toward realizing your dream of owning your own business.