Windward CC offers direct path to Shidler College of Business

Take the first step toward a career in business with Windward CCʻs online associate's degree Busin

Windward Community College
Contact:
Bonnie J. Beatson, (808) 235-7374
Marketing and Public Relations Director, Chancellor's Office, Windward Community College
Ha‘aheo Pagan, (808) 235-7460
Career and Transfer Counselor, Student Affairs, Windward Community College
Posted: Jun 9, 2021

Windward alum and Shidler graduate Jonah Aberilla
Windward alum and Shidler graduate Jonah Aberilla
Jonah Aberilla, Windward alum and 2020 Shidler graduate
Jonah Aberilla, Windward alum and 2020 Shidler graduate

Beginning in fall 2021, Windward Community College will offer the first Business Core program, a series of eight-week online classes leading to an associate’s degree. For business majors interested in a four-year degree, the two-year accelerated learning experience provides the opportunity for direct transfer to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Shidler College of Business.

“Windward CC is thrilled to be able to offer this business pathway to make the transfer to a four-year university more seamless and efficient,” said Charles Sasaki, vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Our new Business Core will help jump start our students' progress towards a bachelor’s degree.”

The focused online classes will provide students with a solid foundation in accounting, economics, business law, business math, communications and more, all designed to fit into busy schedules.

“With all of the cohort classes transferring directly to business programs at the Shidler College of Business, this is a great opportunity for baccalaureate business students to complete their freshman and sophomore college courses at the lower community college tuition rate with professors who are hands-on and care about each student’s success,” said Deacon Hanson, assistant professor of accounting.

Windward CC’s new Business Core features:

  • Fully online AA degree

  • Eight-week online cohort; two classes taken at a time (four per semester) for two years

  • Cohort format (students work toward the degree together as a group)

  • Small classes with hands-on approach

  • Internships available

  • Academic counseling and student support 

  • Transferable to a bachelor’s degree

Information sessions

To learn more about the Business Core program and how to apply, interested individuals can register for a Zoom link to a session on any of these upcoming dates:

June 15, 6 p.m. 

July 7, 6 p.m.

July 23, 6 p.m.

Future plans

As the pathway expands, Windward CC plans to offer direct admission to other UH business programs and an internship program allowing students to gain valuable work experience as they move through the cohort.

"A business degree can open many doors for you. I've seen accounting majors become CEOs and other business majors start successful businesses. Getting your degree is a foot in the door—it's a stepping stone to other opportunities, and it can help you develop your skillset and build personal connections with leaders and future influencers," said Hanson.

Money for college

Windward CC offers a variety of scholarship opportunities. Windward O‘ahu high school graduating seniors can get six credits of tuition paid each semester for the first year through the Ho‘olei Scholarship, and apply to Windward CC with the quick and easy Kama‘āina Application.
On-campus employment is also available for students.

Furloughed or unemployed individuals can apply for the $500 Kūlia Scholarship. Native Hawaiian students living on the mainland may be eligible for in-state tuition. For more information on financial assistance, email wccfao@hawaii.edu.

To learn more about the Business Core, visit windward.hawaii.edu/business-core or contact Ha‘aheo Pagan, career and transfer counselor at (808) 235-7460 or paganj@hawaii.edu.

For more information, visit: http://windward.hawaii.edu/business-core