The Business and Technology Department offers innovative and relevant courses that prepare students with skills necessary for success in today’s competitive, evolving employment environment. Students are exposed to the dynamic world of business and computer science, and students learn to become contributing members of a global society. Students learn about marketing and promotion, accounting and finance, business law, and computer skills.
ACCOUNTING (BU9019) 1.0 credit
This introductory course is designed to help students develop the basic skills necessary for double-entry accounting as well as obtain a basic understanding of a business’s financial operation. The course covers the entire accounting cycle for a service business organized as a proprietorship and a merchandising partnership. Students will learn to use the general ledger, journals and subsidiary ledgers.
PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS (BU9009) 1.0 credit
Students will learn basic business terminology and functions used in business. Topics include an overview of various aspects of world economies and the economic interdependency of countries. Included are a study of banking systems and the relationships of business to government, labor, and international trade. Preparation and exploration are included for further education as college business majors and /or for post-high school careers in the business community. Students experience many facets of the world of work through the use of guest speakers, field trips and simulations.
BUSINESS LAW (BU9119) 1.0 credit
Students will explore the history, career component and real-life application of business law. Areas of legal focus are civil, criminal, contract, landlord-tenant, employment, and consumer law. Through classroom discussion and the study of legal cases, students will strive to develop their own critical thinking process and make informed decisions as consumers and productive citizens. This course may utilize field trips and guest speakers as a means of exploring legal careers as it pertains to business. Students will exit the course having a better understanding of how business law pertains to everyday life, running their own business and make informed consumer decisions.
BUSINESS OF SPORTS (BU9109) 1.0 credit
This course will give an overview of the many career opportunities available in the sports industry. Sports Marketing is essential to the promotion of sports and the promotion of products through sports. The sports marketing basics and the importance of public images will be discussed in this class. This course will explore the different levels of sports: recreational, amateur, college, and professional and the importance of choosing the best target market. This course provides an overview of the different marketing techniques used at each level of sports.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP (BU9249) 0.5 credit
Entrepreneurship introduces the concept of business ownership and the inherent risks in starting, owning, and operating a business. Students are taught how to develop a business plan by learning to describe and analyze a business situation, prepare the organization and marketing section of a business plan, and prepare a financial plan for investors. Marketing research and its importance to business owners is also reviewed in this course and involves the systematic gathering, recording, and analysis of data related to the marketing of goods and services.
MANAGEMENT (BU9089) 0.5 credit
This course aims to provide the student with a foundation for critically thinking about organization, management and the leadership of people. This course is ideal for any student taking on leadership positions in high school. This course prepares those students who have an interest in leadership and managerial positions in community, social, governmental, professional, arts and business organizations.
PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING (BU9049) 1.0 credit
Principles of Marketing introduces students to the foundations of marketing. The course covers basic marketing concepts such as: product, place, price and promotion. Other topics to be explored are advertising, sales, and distribution. The course is project-and-presentation oriented, with application projects designed to coincide with each concept studied. Careers in marketing are examined after each topic.
MARKETING MUSIKFEST (BU9069) 1.0 credit
Marketing Musikfest is a special course that brings into partnership the Bethlehem Area School District and ArtsQuest. The course will be real-life exploration of marketing where students will assist ArtsQuest officials in the identification of a Musikfest performer. Using the local entertainment industry as a context, students will learn about target demographics, talent recruitment and selection, branding, event planning and marketing, and event evaluation. Students will develop and implement a marketing plan related to their assigned Musikfest performer. Students will be encouraged to apply available service learning hours to the course as to have a first-hand marketing experience during the August festival. Note: This course can be taken multiple times for advanced study of subject.
COOPERATIVE DIVERSIFIED OCCUPATIONS (BU9159) 1.0 credit
The Co-Op Diversified Occupations Program allows students to gain on-the-job experience in their chosen field while under the supervision of a certified Co-Op Coordinator. The coordinator visits the student on the job and meets with both the student and the employer to develop and implement the student’s training plan. Students are evaluated by the Co-Op Coordinator from site visits, and also by the employer through evaluations sent to the school. Students get hands-on experience in their career field, earn an income, receive instruction and guidance, and receive school credits. The Co-Op experience is open to all students enrolled in 11th or 12th grade. A minimum of 15 hours per week on the job is required. Good attendance, maturity, and counselor/administrator/parent approval is necessary to be enrolled in this program.
FRESHMAN SEMINAR (BU1009) 0.5 credit
The Freshman Seminar course is designed to teach success skills for the 21st century learner. It will focus on developing study skills and an understanding of career pathways. Computer technology is embedded throughout the course. Note: This course is a graduation requirement.
JUNIOR SEMINAR: COLLEGE AND CAREER FINANCIAL LITERACY (BU3109) 0.5 credit
In this course, students explore how essential principles of personal finance such as banking accounts, taxes, credit, insurance, budgeting, and investments apply to their lives and future goals. They identify their personal interests and strengths while exploring four major career pathways: STEM, Health and Social Services, Arts and Communications, and Business and Law. Through activities focused on college and career readiness, students develop practical financial literacy skills and gain confidence in making real-world decisions that connect education, work, and financial well-being.
MODERN EMPLOYABILITY (BU9269) 0.5 credit
The Modern Employability course is one of the options that meets the BASD graduation requirement for college/career readiness. This course will focus on the skills that are necessary to thrive in both the higher learning environment and today’s competitive workforce.
LAUNCH YOUR CAREER: PRE-APPRENTICESHIP (BU9279) 1.0 credit
Students will explore the world of advanced manufacturing through hands-on learning and real-world experiences. They will build essential career skills in teamwork and problem-solving while gaining technical training in areas such as precision measurement, blueprint reading, 3D printing, and mechatronics. As part of our Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Pre-Apprenticeship Program, students will have opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials, visit local manufacturing facilities, and connect directly with Lehigh Valley employers. This course blends career readiness with technical skill development, serving as a launchpad for students interested in engineering, technology, and high-demand manufacturing careers.
AP BUSINESS AND PERSONAL FINANCE (BU5000) 1.0 credit
AP Business with Personal Finance is an introductory, college-level business and personal finance course. Students explore the business disciplines of entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, accounting, and management through real-world business application, case studies, and project-based learning.