Inventory Specialist Certificate

Certificate Code: 5774

Program Contacts:
Quad-Cities Campus
Gwen Johnson, 309-796-5268, johnsong@bhc.edu
Cathryn Lass, 309-796-5474, lassc@bhc.edu
East Campus
Jody Werkheiser, 309-854-1821, werkheiserj@bhc.edu


Logistics Site

The Inventory Specialist certificate program is designed for entry-level employment in the logistic or warehousing industry or the logistics department of a manufacturing or retail company. Modern inventory control relies on technology for successful inventory management; therefore, the program includes computer skills as defined by industry, primarily word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and accurate data entry. Students will receive an introduction to modern business practices and warehouse management as well as an opportunity to use standard warehouse management software.

Required courses for this program include: »

BA 160 Business Math I
Prerequisite: A minimum score of 32 on COMPASS pre-algebra test or a minimum score of 22 on ACT math.
A short review of basic math concepts and their application to actual business problems. Covers insurance, interest calculations, merchandising discounts, taxes, dividends and basic statistical measures.
3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

BA 241 Introduction to Supply Chain Management
This course will give students an overview of the field of logistics, as well as information and skills specific to computerized inventory management. Topics include an overview of supply chain management and related terminology, warehouse and transportation operations, typical warehouse management software, and warehousing technologies – including radio frequency and basic accounting and economic principles.
3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

BE 100 Work Environment Orientation
This course is intended to introduce the facts, skills, strengths, and career goals necessary for success in the business education curricula.
2 credit hours: 2 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

BE 101 Office Accounting
Designed as an introductory accounting course for business students with emphasis on the accounting cycle and small business transactions in a user-oriented environment for students with little computer experience.
3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

BE 110 Data Entry Applications
Designed to teach data entry skills, to help the student develop dexterity and accuracy in keyboarding alphabetic and alphanumeric characters, and to help the student become familiar with common data entry procedures, including voice input.
2 credit hours: 2 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

BE 141 Computerized Keyboarding I
Keyboard mastery and document formatting using a current word processing software package.
3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

BE 146 Excel for Business
Use of current spreadsheet software on microcomputers.
1-3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

BE 153 Warehouse Management Systems
Prerequisites: BE 110 and BE 141 or instructor consent.
This course will introduce the students to software used in warehouse operations. Topics include functions and capabilities of Warehouse Management System (WMS) software, WMS software selection, and hands-on use of WMS software.
2 credit hours: 2 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

BE 261 Seminar
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in BE 265 and instructor consent.
Discussion of internship activities.
1 credit hour: 1 lecture hour; 0 lab hours per week.

BE 264 Introduction to Database Management
Prerequisites: BE 145 “C” or better; or BE 145A, B, and C “C” or better; or CS 100 “C” or better; or instructor consent.
Features of current Windows based database management software. Project work necessary to business database use.
3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

BE 265 Internship
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in BE 261 and instructor consent.
Supervised field program providing work experience in offices for students enrolled in office careers.
3 credit hours: 0 lecture hours; 40 lab hours (5 hours work per week per credit hour).

COMM 100 Communication Skills
For career program students only. COMM 100 and ENG 132 fulfill requirements for an associate’s degree in several career programs. Concentration on developing skills in writing, speaking and reading.
3 credit hours: 3 lecture hours; 0 lab hours per week.

Course of Study Outline
First Semester Suggested Courses (Credit Hours)
BE 100 — Work Environment Orientation (2)
BE 101 — Office Accounting - fall only (3)
BE 110 — Data Entry Applications - fall only (2)
BE 141 — Computerized Keyboarding (3)
BA 160 — Business Math I (3)
BA 241 — Intro to Supply Chain Management (3)

Second Semester Suggested Courses (Credit Hours)
BE 146 — Excel for Business - spring only (3)
BE 153 — Warehouse Management Systems (2)
BE 261 — Seminar (1)
BE 264 — Intro to Database Management (3)
BE 265 — Field Project/Internship (3)
COMM 100 — Communications Skills (3)

Minimum total hours required for certificate (31)


Occupational Profiles

CIP Code:
SOC Code:

Cost of Attendance

Success Rates All Students Full-Time Part-Time
Completion rate at 100%
Completion rate at 150%

Job Placement Rate:

Loans

  • Median loan debt
  • Title IV loan debt
  • Private loan debt – $0
  • Institutional debt – $0