Online and Hybrid Business Systems Training

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Get the Skills and Support to Become a Successful Business Professional
If you’re ready to take life to the next level, a rewarding business career may be the right choice for you. Laurus College helps motivated people acquire the skills, experience, and ongoing support they need to pursue careers in the exciting world of business. With our flexible programs, you can keep your day job and still have enough time with your family and friends while pursuing your educational and career goals.
Skills for Success
If you’re motivated to earn a better income, provide more for your family, and feel valued and respected at work, begin training with us. You’ll have the support you need to make the most of your valuable time, money and energy as you develop your knowledge of:
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Management
- Entrepreneurship
- and much more!
Our programs are designed to provide the practical training, technical skills and industry support it takes to excel in the business world.
- Business Systems Management (Bachelor's)
Develop skills in critical thinking, creative design, social responsibility, and human relationships while becoming more technically savvy. Career opportunities for graduates include positions in business management, advertising, social media marketing, banking, personal finance, and entrepreneurship. Learn more.
- Business Administration (Associate)
Develop skills in critical thinking, creative design, social responsibility, and human relationships while becoming more technically savvy. Career opportunities for graduates include positions in business management, advertising, social media marketing, banking, personal finance, and entrepreneurship. Learn more.
- Professional Business Systems (Occupational Associate)
You'll develop an understanding of business operations while enhancing your skills in communication, digital presentations and business software. Graduates can pursue entry-level work in project coordination, account management, communications, accounts payable, marketing, human resources and office environment supervision. Learn more.
Is a Business Career Right for You? Find Out! Take the ``Laurus College Business Career Training Readiness Quiz``
This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get your Business Career Readiness Score Now >>
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Melanie Bryant
Director of Education
Business Systems
Ms. Bryant brings a unique mix of education and industry experience, including over 20 years of experience teaching English and writing at both the secondary and post-secondary level and as a Professional Freelance Writer. She’s used her copywriting and marketing ingenuity to help businesses promote their products and grow their brands through strategic social media marketing and relevant content development and while she’s worked with a variety of clients in diverse industries, she focused on the luxury sector, with an expertise in the niche food, fine wine and real estate markets. She has also worked in Hospitality, Restaurant, and Non-Profit Management.
Teaching at Laurus since 2014
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Clint Stover
Instructor
Business Systems
Clint brings to Laurus College a unique education with a degree in Applied Studies and a minor in Communications from CSU Dominguez Hills (2010). This college program involved a broad spectrum of study encompassing the business world as well as general cultural knowledge. He is currently a student at Western Governor’s University pursuing a master’s degree in Management and Leadership. In addition, Clint has experience as well as a lifelong interest in computers and computer programs.
Clint has been an instructor at Laurus’s College since 2010. In his teaching he strives to prepare his students for the real world by providing real life examples that can be applied to the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. When he isn’t teaching he can be found spending time with his wife and 2 kids. He can also be investigating and implementing “smart” devices throughout his home or working on improving his audio techniques with new devices.
Teaching at Laurus since 2010
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Richard Krueger
Instructor
Business Systems
Richard has extensive experience in marketing, product management, communications, and business development. He has proven success with turn-around, growth, and start-up firms in the hi-tech industry. He developed and directed the successful launch of innovative B2B software, network storage, and RFID solutions.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Strategic Planning | Market Development | Product Management | Business Development | Budget Management | Strategic Alliances | Corporate Spokesperson | Marketing Communications | Event Management | Media Relations | Budget Management | Team Leadership | Product EvangelistBUSINESS KNOW-HOW
Overcame the challenges facing a turn-around company, including non-presence in the marketplace and a lack of corporate relationships with targeted partners. Created a worldwide channel of distributors, systems integrators, value-added resellers, and independent software vendors.Ran F100 company RFID “Smart Paper” business and penetrated previously-undefined supply chain management, ticketing, transit, asset tracking, authentication, and retail markets. Built a new channel of paper/label converters, systems integrators, and manufacturers from the ground floor.
Provided effective thought leadership and communications for an innovative start-up firm with limited private funding. Set up two-tier distribution channel from scratch. Led the marketing effort behind a successful acquisition and public offering. Managed communications for the new public company.
Richard holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Science / Operations Research from California State University, Los Angeles. Elected to Beta Gamma Sigma.
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Laurie Manibusan
Instructor
Business Systems
Teaching at Laurus since 2013
Laurie brings over 24 years of experience in public administration to the Professional Business Systems Department at Laurus College. Additionally, Laurie’s expertise extends into the areas of legislative and public policy, fiscal and grants management, and human resources. She has worked in both the public and private sectors and on both the East and West Coast.
Recognized on numerous occasions by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (NWT) for her commitment to excellence in customer service, Laurie is equally dedicated to the success of her students. She actively volunteers in serving military personnel and their families and community outreach. Laurie holds both a BS and a MS in Public Administration from the University of Guam.
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Nancy Munkres
Instructor
Business Systems
Teaching at Laurus since 2014
Nancy received her MBA degree from the University of Phoenix in 2010. She has a California State Vocational Teaching Credential and over 12 years’ experience teaching. Nancy also owns and operates, along with her husband, a small internet business and also sells merchandise in two brick and mortar locations. She enjoys encouraging her students to further their education and helping them to learn topics that they will use in everyday life.
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Wendy Flores
Department Director
Business Systems
Wendy Flores has a Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Educational leadership from Brandman University. Her Bachelor’s Degree is in Sociology from the University of California Santa Barbara. Wendy is a dedicated instructor and mentor to the diverse adult student population of Laurus College.
Ms. Flores’ teaching philosophy is: As an educator, I must be prepared to approach each individual with respect and understanding, thus building unique tailored learning experiences towards the adult learner.
Wendy has more than 12 years of experience in a professional environment, has been in a mentoring role for over 10 years, and has held key essential roles in her family business for the last 7 years. Ms. Flores has accomplished top regional recognitions for both customer service and sales in the banking industry.
As a first-generation college graduate, her goal is to motivate others to pursue higher education and reach their career goals. Wendy finds it inspiring to know that Laurus students are working towards their dreams. When not teaching, you will find her at the beach.
Wendy Flores has been teaching at Laurus College since February 2014.
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Lyn Stangeland
Instructor
Business Systems
Lyn Stangeland brings years of experience in education to Laurus College. She has worked as an instructor since 1991, teaching all levels; adults, teenagers and children. Lyn has also taught Enterprise Risk Management, Leadership and Marketing for Distance Learning. She has expertise in administering professional development workshops for teachers and administrators that drive success within classrooms and school operations. In addition, Lyn has mentored educators in the creation and implementation of class instruction, lesson plans, and student assessment in conjunction with state learning regulations. She has a high success rate of assisting teachers and administrators improve school and classroom functions, that encourage academic and personal growth. Lyn holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
Lyn lives in La Costa, CA with her husband, who is a Captain Firefighter, and she has two daughters and two dogs. Her hobbies include; traveling, visiting new restaurants and gardening.
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Iain Freckleton
Instructor
Business Systems
Iain Freckleton studied anthropology at CSU Long Beach and received a master’s degree in archaeology from UC Davis. He completed a credential program in secondary social science education through Western Governors University and spent twelve years teaching high school history, English, theater arts, and anthropology. He has been with the PBS department at Laurus College since 2018, teaching English, science, and social science courses.
Iain’s approach to teaching emphasizes structure, consistency, and enthusiasm for the subject matter. He prefers to establish a routine in the classroom from which a sense of comfort and familiarity can develop. Learning, on any subject, is inherently good and should be a lifelong habit. Iain is especially passionate about history, as the lessons of the past can help us avoid making the same mistakes again.
Iain has published an article in an archaeological journal based on chemical analysis of Easter Island obsidian sources. In 2017, he directed a high school production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” In addition to his teaching accreditation, Iain is a certified SAT test site administrator. In his spare time, Iain occasionally performs with Santa Maria Civic Theater and curates a personal library of over 1,000 volumes.
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Shanna Miller
Instructor
Business Systems
Shanna has been teaching with Laurus College since 2018. Before she began teaching she was a leader in the business world for 25 years. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Buena Vista University in 2002 and her Master’s in Business Administration from Capella University in 2017. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Adult Education with Capella University.
When Shanna is not teaching, she likes to build outdoor furniture. She is excited to be with Laurus College so she can help students in the journey to greater fulfillment in life with enhanced opportunity. She believes with great engagement, all students can achieve their dreams.
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Kasey MacNair
Instructor
Business Systems
Kasey MacNair brings over 15 years of experience in nonprofit management and education to Laurus College. Kasey is passionate about assisting her students in reaching both their professional and personal goals. Kasey holds her Bachelor’s degree in Education and her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Adams State College. She enjoys teaching classes related to sociology, human development, communications, and psychology. Kasey believes that all individuals can obtain success along with meaningful careers through education, mentorship and purposeful life experiences. Kasey is a lifelong learner and loves learning from others, including her students. Kasey lives in San Diego and enjoys running, hiking and playing at the beach.
LinkedIn Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaseymacnair/
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Lynette Belsky
Instructor
Business Systems
As a recent law school graduate, Lynette Belsky brings a unique skill set to Laurus College. Prior to attending law school, Lynette briefly taught grammar and English as a second language. Throughout law school, Lynette worked as a teaching assistant for several legal writing courses. In 2013, Lynette completed one year of service as an AmeriCorps member; throughout her service, she worked in the Small Claims Department and eviction clinic at the San Diego Superior Court in Vista, California. In law school, Lynette was an intern for the Honorable Judge Aoyagi at the Oregon Court of Appeals, and also an intern for the Honorable Judge Stacie Beckerman at the U.S. District Court of Oregon. Upon returning to San Diego after law school, Lynette represented clients in court as a post graduate law clerk for the Office of the San Diego Public Defender. Lynette currently works part-time at a civil, personal injury law firm. Lynette is passionate about encouraging students to confidently lean into areas of complexity and ambiguity throughout their learning. She thoroughly enjoyed her time as a student, and she is excited to bring her experience and unique perspective to the classrooms at Laurus College. Lynette lives in San Diego, California. In her free time, Lynette enjoys traveling, cooking, spending time with her black pug, and reading poetry.
Lynette holds a BA in Political Science from California State University, San Marcos and a JD from Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon.
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Christie Barnes
Instructor
Business Systems
Ms. Barnes has over 23 years of experience teaching business and technology, including Microsoft Office applications, at both the post-secondary and high school level
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Cecelia Burrill
Instructor
Business Systems
Dr. Burrill has over 25 years of experience in Administrative Leadership & Organizational Development, and was recognized by Soroptimist International with a “Women Making a Difference” Award in 2014.
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Marady Mesa
Instructor
Business Systems
I am a California State Channel Islands (CSUCI) and National University (NU) alumni with a passion in education and research. I received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from CSUCI and I automatically fell in love with research. During my undergraduate studies, I spent most of my time working at a community clinic where I became an expert in biostatistics and public health research. I hold a Master of Public Health from NU where I learned to apply my skills in biostatistics and epidemiology. After completing my master’s, I dedicated my time in public health research where I emphasized my skills in statistics, biology, and public health. As a result, my research was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition to research, I also interned for the Ventura County Public Health and was given the opportunity to educate diverse groups of individuals. Not only was I able to inspire and teach people, but I also learned from each individual. I was humbled by each person and enjoyed learning about their experiences. I became inspired to pursue a career in education and believe both students and teachers are life-long learners. I wish to teach students useful tools that will prepare them in the work force.
Is a Professional Business Career Right for You? Get More Info…
If you’d like to know more about the careers available to grads of our Business programs and explore whether Laurus is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.
For immediate questions, call 805-267-1690