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Welcome to our business program. We offer an associate in applied science and an associate in arts for our business program. Let us prepare you for a rewarding career in business. Explore our site to discover how we can help you achieve your goals.
About Business Degrees
About Business Degrees
A business degree can be your stepping stone toward a dynamic career. Rend Lake College offers a comprehensive business program covering subjects from accounting to marketing, designed to help you reach your professional goals. Business is a versatile field, and our program provides a strong foundation for various career paths, including starting your own business. Whether you're interested in accounting, economics, or marketing, our program will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
Why Study Business?
Business principles are the backbone of our economy. Every industry, from agriculture to hedge fund management, relies on basic business principles. A business degree can open doors to various career paths and provide the foundation necessary to start your own business.
What You'll Learn
At Rend Lake College, you'll master the fundamentals of business and gain real-world experience in accounting, economics, and business management. Our program emphasizes problem-solving and communication skills, essential for success in today's business world. If you're comfortable with math and enjoy problem-solving and communication, a business degree could be the right fit for you.
Career Paths
Accounting
Economics
Marketing
Management
Data Analytics
Economics
Finance
Entrepreneurship
And more!
Further Education
Many graduates with an Associate Degree in Business choose to pursue a Bachelor's Degree, and some continue further in pursuit of a Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA). Graduates with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) are prepared to enter the workforce to start and grow in the business field.
Join us at Rend Lake College and start your journey toward a successful business career!
About Business Degrees
A business degree can be your stepping stone toward a dynamic career. Rend Lake College offers a comprehensive business program covering subjects from accounting to marketing, designed to help you reach your professional goals. Business is a versatile field, and our program provides a strong foundation for various career paths, including starting your own business. Whether you're interested in accounting, economics, or marketing, our program will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
Why Study Business?
Business principles are the backbone of our economy. Every industry, from agriculture to hedge fund management, relies on basic business principles. A business degree can open doors to various career paths and provide the foundation necessary to start your own business.
What You'll Learn
At Rend Lake College, you'll master the fundamentals of business and gain real-world experience in accounting, economics, and business management. Our program emphasizes problem-solving and communication skills, essential for success in today's business world. If you're comfortable with math and enjoy problem-solving and communication, a business degree could be the right fit for you.
Career Paths
Accounting
Economics
Marketing
Management
Data Analytics
Economics
Finance
Entrepreneurship
And more!
Further Education
Many graduates with an Associate Degree in Business choose to pursue a Bachelor's Degree, and some continue further in pursuit of a Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA). Graduates with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) are prepared to enter the workforce to start and grow in the business field.
Join us at Rend Lake College and start your journey toward a successful business career!
Associate in Arts Degree
Business
This program is for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree in accounting, business administration, finance, information systems, management or marketing and parallels the first two years required by most four-year schools of business. Students should check with the four-year institution or a
Rend Lake College advisor
for any additional requirements. RLC and Southern Illinois University Carbondale have partnered in a 2+2 program through which graduates of this program may transfer smoothly into SIUC's Accounting or Business Management bachelor's degree programs.
plan your aa degree in business
program details
Courses
Overall Total
64
Fall Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 1101
Introduction to Business
BUSI 2105
Legal / Social Environment of Business
ENGL 1101
Rhetoric and Composition I
MATH 1108
College Algebra
ECON 2101
Principles of Economics I
CSCI 1102
Intro to Computers w/ Business Applications
Total
18
Spring Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 2107
Business Communications
Elective – Humanities
ENGL 1102
Rhetoric and Composition II
MATH 2106
Finite Mathematics
ECON 2102
Principles of Economics II
Total
15
Fall Semester
Cr. Hrs.
ACCO 1101
Principles of Financial Accounting
COMM 1101
Principles of Effective Speaking
Elective – Humanity/Fine Arts
Elective – Fine Arts
Elective – Physical Science
Total
16
Spring Semester
Cr. Hrs.
ACCO 1102
Principles of Managerial Accounting
MATH 2115
Calculus for Business
Elective – Life Science
Elective – Social /Behavior Science *
Total
15
Costs & How To Pay
Tuition & Fees at RLC
Payments on student accounts must be made by the deadline included on the student statement.
Fall: July 15
Spring: December 15
Summer: May 15
Students who do not make payments by this deadline may be dropped from their classes.
More about paying for college
Associate in Applied Science Degree
Business
This two-year program leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Business with specializations in finance or management. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a general background in all areas of business and to prepare them for careers in the fields of banking, accounting, management or marketing at the mid-management level in a variety of businesses and industries. The curriculum also provides those individuals already in positions in the local workforce the opportunity to upgrade job skills or advancement potential.
Plan your AAS Degree in Business
program details
Courses
Total = 64 Hours
Fall Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 1101
Introduction to Business
CSCI 1102
Intro to Computers w/ Business Applications
ENGL 1101
Rhetoric and Composition I
OFTC 1233
Office Accounting
OFTC 1234
Communication in Technical Services
Total
15
Spring Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 2107
Business Communications
Elective - Core
COMM 1101
Principles of Effective Speaking
ECON 1101
Intro to Economics
MATH 1202 or MATH 1201
Business Math or Technical Math
OFTC 1206
Computerized Accounting w/ QuickBooks
Total
16
Fall Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 2105
Legal / Social Environment of Business
CSCI 1263
Microsoft Excel
MRKT 2201
Principles of Marketing
PSYC 2101
Intro to Psychology
Elective – Core
Elective – Core
Total
18
Spring Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 2203 or PHIL 2104
Business Ethics or Ethics
MGMT 2201
Principles of Management
MGMT 2207
Supervision
Elective – Core
Elective – Core
Total
15
CORE ELECTIVE SELECTION
The student must choose any combination of the courses listed below for a total of 15 credit hours to complete the 64 credit hours required for the Associate of Applied Science Degree.
ACCOUNTING / FINANCIAL FOCUS
ACCO 1101
Principles of Financial Accounting
ACCO 1102
Principles of Managerial Accounting
ACCO 1202
Payroll Accounting
ACCO 2201
Intermediate Accounting I
BUSI 1103
Business Law I
COOP 1101
Cooperative Education I
0.5 - 4
COOP 2101
Cooperative Education II
0.5 - 4
ECON 2101
Principles of Economics I
ECON 2102
Principles of Economics II
MGMT 2207
Supervision
MATH 1108
College Algebra
MATH 1111
Statistics
MATH 2115
Business Calculus
MANAGEMENT / HUMAN RESOURCE FOCUS
BUSI 1103
Business Law I
BUSI 2101
Business Law II
BUSI 2205
E-Commerce
BUSI 2208
Intercultural Business
BUSI 2209
Inventory Management
COOP 1101
Cooperative Education I
0.5 - 4
COOP 2101
Cooperative Education
0.5 - 4
MGMT 2201
Principles of Management
MGMT 2207
Supervision
PSYC 2104
Personality Dynamics
SOCI 1101
Introduction to Sociology
MARKETING FOCUS
GRD 1201
Intro to Graphic Design
GRD 1203
Advertising Design
GRD 1215
Web Page Design
GRD 2201
Adobe Essentials
MICROSOFT USER FOCUS
CSCI 1255
Microsoft Access
CSCI 1275
Microsoft PowerPoint
CSCI 2243
Intermediate Microsoft Word
Costs & How To Pay
Costs for this program
Tuition & Fees at RLC
Payments on student accounts must be made by the deadline included on the student statement.
Fall: July 15
Spring: December 15
Summer: May 15
Students who do not make payments by this deadline may be dropped from their classes.
More about paying for college
Program Outcomes
1. Develop basic Accounting skills necessary in problem solving.
2. Apply critical thinking process to understanding and evaluating Business situations.
3. Demonstrate ability to solve problems relating to real world applications.
4. Demonstrate the process of communication and recognize its importance in business.
short-term
certificates
Essential skills and training to jumpstart your career in a matter of months
Business Management
The Business Management certificate program is designed to provide students with a general background in all areas of business and to prepare them for entry-level careers in the fields of banking, accounting, management or marketing in a variety of businesses and industries. The curriculum also provides those individuals already in positions in the local workforce the opportunity to upgrade job skills or advancement potential and aspiring entrepreneurs the skills necessary to grow their own businesses.
Plan Your Business Management Certificate
Costs for this program
Tuition & Fees at RLC
Fall Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 1101 Introduction to Business
OFTC 1233 Office Accounting
OFTC 1234 Communication in Technical Services
Total
Spring Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 2105 Legal and Social Environment
ECON 1101 Intro to Economics
OFTC 1206 Computerized Accounting w/ QuickBooks
Total
Overall Total
16
Business Management II
This two-semester program leads to a certificate in Business Management. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a general background in all areas of business and prepare them for entry-level positions in a variety of businesses and industries. The curriculum also provides those individuals already in positions in the local workforce the opportunity to upgrade job skills or advancement potential. The target audience includes individuals seeking entry-level employment, current employees looking to increase their skill sets or advance and small business developers. The Business Management II certificate is targeted to focus on the entrepreneurial skilled worker to promote success by increasing communication and math skills necessary to grow their own businesses.
Plan Your Business Management II Certificate
Costs for this program
Tuition & Fees at RLC
Fall Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 1101 Introduction to Business
ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I
MATH 1202 Business Math or MATH 1201 Technical Math
OFTC 1233 Office Accounting
OFTC 1234 Communication in Technical Services
Total
15
Spring Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 2107 Business Communications
BUSI 2203 Business Ethics or PHIL 2104 Ethics
BUSI 2105 Legal and Social Environment
ECON 1101 Intro to Economics
MGMT 2201 Principles of Management
OFTC 1206 Computerized Accounting w/ QuickBooks
Total
16
Overall Total
31
Business Entrepreneurship
The Entrepreneurship certificate program prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in business as an entrepreneur and to prepare them for further educational opportunities in a variety of business areas. This certificate will lay the foundation in preparing students to be enterprising individuals who contribute to the economic development of our community.
Plan Your Entrepreneurship Certificate
Costs for this program
Tuition & Fees at RLC
Fall Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 1202 Employability Skills
BUSI 1203 Entrepreneurial Skills
Total
Spring Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 1204 Business Functions
MGMT 2201 Principles of Management
Total
Overall Total
13
Financial Associate
The Financial Associate Certificate is designed to provide an entry-level financial associate content and competency development for bookkeeping positions within small, medium, and large-size financial departments and/or in an employment role as a financial department of one. Students will get an overall look at the major functions of financial management including general office accounting procedures, preparation, and interpretation of financial statements, ethical and social responsibilities, employment legislation and trade regulations. This program allows current practitioners to supplement and update their knowledge and provides those looking to begin a career with a great foundation in the field. Business owners and supervisors will benefit from completing this certificate by enhancing their practices with tools learned in the program.
This certificate may also be completed within the Business Associate of Applied Science Degree (see above)
Plan Your Financial Associate Certificate
Costs for this program
Tuition & Fees at RLC
Fall Semester
Cr. Hrs.
OFTC 1233 Office Accounting
OFTC 1234 Communication in Technical Services
BUSI 2105 Legal/Social Environment of Business
Total
Spring Semester
Cr. Hrs.
ACCO 1101 Principles of Financial Accounting
MGMT 2207 Supervision
OFTC 1206 Computerized Accounting w/QuickBooks
BUSI 1202 Employability Skills
Total
Overall Total
18
Human Resource Associate
The Human Resource Associate Certificate is designed to provide an entry-level human resource associate content and competency development for Human Resource positions within small, medium and large size human resource departments and/or in an employment role as a human resource department of one. Students will get an overall look at the major functions of human resources management including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, employee and labor relations, and the legal environment in which HR professionals function. This program allows current practitioners to supplement and update their knowledge and provides those looking to begin a career with a great foundation in the field. Business owners and supervisors will benefit from completing this certificate by enhancing their practices with tools learned in the program.
This certificate may also be completed within the Business Associate of Applied Science Degree (see above).
Plan Your Human Resource Associate Certificate
Costs for this program
Tuition & Fees at RLC
Fall Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 2105 Legal/Social Environment of Business
OFTC 1234 Communication in Technical Services
PSYC 2101 Introduction to Psychology or PSYC 2106 Human Relations
Total
Spring Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 2208 Intercultural Business
MGMT 2201 Principles of Management
MGMT 2207 Supervision
BUSI 1202 Employability Skills
Total
10
Overall Total
19
Microsoft User Certification
This certificate program prepares students and professionals by concentrating on the Microsoft Office Suite, namely Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Topics covered in these courses help prepare the student for work using the various products as well as participation in the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist exams. Exams are not included in this program.
Plan Your Microsoft User Certificate
Costs for this program
Tuition & Fees at RLC
Fall Semester (Fall)
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 1202 Employability Skills
CSCI 1102 Intro to Computers w/Business Applications
CSCI 1263 Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet
Total
Spring Semester (Spring)
Cr. Hrs.
CSCI 1255 Microsoft Access Database
CSCI 1275 Microsoft PowerPoint
CSCI 2243 Intermediate Microsoft Word
Total
Overall Total
16
Office Technologies Assistant
This Office Technologies Assistant certificate program is designed to provide students with the introductory skills necessary to work as an office assistant. The curriculum will introduce various skills and technologies required for an entry-level position in an office/business setting and suitable for the student not wishing to pursue a degree.
Plan Your Office Technologies Assistant Certificate
Costs for this program
Tuition & Fees at RLC
Fall Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 1202 Employability Skills
BUSI 2107 Business Communications
CSCI 1102 Intro to Computers w/ Business Applications
CSCI 1263 Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet
OFTC 1233 Office Accounting
OFTC 1234 Communication in Technical Services
Total
16
Spring Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 2203 Business Ethics or PHIL 2104 Ethics
SERV 1101 Service Learning
CSCI 1255 Microsoft Access Database
CSCI 1275 Microsoft PowerPoint
CSCI 2243 Intermediate Microsoft Word
OFTC 1206 Computerized Accounting with QuickBooks
Total
14
Overall Total
30
Business Management
The Business Management certificate program is designed to provide students with a general background in all areas of business and to prepare them for entry-level careers in the fields of banking, accounting, management or marketing in a variety of businesses and industries. The curriculum also provides those individuals already in positions in the local workforce the opportunity to upgrade job skills or advancement potential and aspiring entrepreneurs the skills necessary to grow their own businesses.
Plan Your Business Management Certificate
Costs for this program
Tuition & Fees at RLC
Fall Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 1101 Introduction to Business
OFTC 1233 Office Accounting
OFTC 1234 Communication in Technical Services
Total
Spring Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 2105 Legal and Social Environment
ECON 1101 Intro to Economics
OFTC 1206 Computerized Accounting w/ QuickBooks
Total
Overall Total
16
Business Management II
This two-semester program leads to a certificate in Business Management. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a general background in all areas of business and prepare them for entry-level positions in a variety of businesses and industries. The curriculum also provides those individuals already in positions in the local workforce the opportunity to upgrade job skills or advancement potential. The target audience includes individuals seeking entry-level employment, current employees looking to increase their skill sets or advance and small business developers. The Business Management II certificate is targeted to focus on the entrepreneurial skilled worker to promote success by increasing communication and math skills necessary to grow their own businesses.
Plan Your Business Management II Certificate
Costs for this program
Tuition & Fees at RLC
Fall Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 1101 Introduction to Business
ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I
MATH 1202 Business Math or MATH 1201 Technical Math
OFTC 1233 Office Accounting
OFTC 1234 Communication in Technical Services
Total
15
Spring Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 2107 Business Communications
BUSI 2203 Business Ethics or PHIL 2104 Ethics
BUSI 2105 Legal and Social Environment
ECON 1101 Intro to Economics
MGMT 2201 Principles of Management
OFTC 1206 Computerized Accounting w/ QuickBooks
Total
16
Overall Total
31
Business Entrepreneurship
The Entrepreneurship certificate program prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in business as an entrepreneur and to prepare them for further educational opportunities in a variety of business areas. This certificate will lay the foundation in preparing students to be enterprising individuals who contribute to the economic development of our community.
Plan Your Entrepreneurship Certificate
Costs for this program
Tuition & Fees at RLC
Fall Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 1202 Employability Skills
BUSI 1203 Entrepreneurial Skills
Total
Spring Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 1204 Business Functions
MGMT 2201 Principles of Management
Total
Overall Total
13
Financial Associate
The Financial Associate Certificate is designed to provide an entry-level financial associate content and competency development for bookkeeping positions within small, medium, and large-size financial departments and/or in an employment role as a financial department of one. Students will get an overall look at the major functions of financial management including general office accounting procedures, preparation, and interpretation of financial statements, ethical and social responsibilities, employment legislation and trade regulations. This program allows current practitioners to supplement and update their knowledge and provides those looking to begin a career with a great foundation in the field. Business owners and supervisors will benefit from completing this certificate by enhancing their practices with tools learned in the program.
This certificate may also be completed within the Business Associate of Applied Science Degree (see above)
Plan Your Financial Associate Certificate
Costs for this program
Tuition & Fees at RLC
Fall Semester
Cr. Hrs.
OFTC 1233 Office Accounting
OFTC 1234 Communication in Technical Services
BUSI 2105 Legal/Social Environment of Business
Total
Spring Semester
Cr. Hrs.
ACCO 1101 Principles of Financial Accounting
MGMT 2207 Supervision
OFTC 1206 Computerized Accounting w/QuickBooks
BUSI 1202 Employability Skills
Total
Overall Total
18
Human Resource Associate
The Human Resource Associate Certificate is designed to provide an entry-level human resource associate content and competency development for Human Resource positions within small, medium and large size human resource departments and/or in an employment role as a human resource department of one. Students will get an overall look at the major functions of human resources management including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, employee and labor relations, and the legal environment in which HR professionals function. This program allows current practitioners to supplement and update their knowledge and provides those looking to begin a career with a great foundation in the field. Business owners and supervisors will benefit from completing this certificate by enhancing their practices with tools learned in the program.
This certificate may also be completed within the Business Associate of Applied Science Degree (see above).
Plan Your Human Resource Associate Certificate
Costs for this program
Tuition & Fees at RLC
Fall Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 2105 Legal/Social Environment of Business
OFTC 1234 Communication in Technical Services
PSYC 2101 Introduction to Psychology or PSYC 2106 Human Relations
Total
Spring Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 2208 Intercultural Business
MGMT 2201 Principles of Management
MGMT 2207 Supervision
BUSI 1202 Employability Skills
Total
10
Overall Total
19
Microsoft User Certification
This certificate program prepares students and professionals by concentrating on the Microsoft Office Suite, namely Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Topics covered in these courses help prepare the student for work using the various products as well as participation in the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist exams. Exams are not included in this program.
Plan Your Microsoft User Certificate
Costs for this program
Tuition & Fees at RLC
Fall Semester (Fall)
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 1202 Employability Skills
CSCI 1102 Intro to Computers w/Business Applications
CSCI 1263 Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet
Total
Spring Semester (Spring)
Cr. Hrs.
CSCI 1255 Microsoft Access Database
CSCI 1275 Microsoft PowerPoint
CSCI 2243 Intermediate Microsoft Word
Total
Overall Total
16
Office Technologies Assistant
This Office Technologies Assistant certificate program is designed to provide students with the introductory skills necessary to work as an office assistant. The curriculum will introduce various skills and technologies required for an entry-level position in an office/business setting and suitable for the student not wishing to pursue a degree.
Plan Your Office Technologies Assistant Certificate
Costs for this program
Tuition & Fees at RLC
Fall Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 1202 Employability Skills
BUSI 2107 Business Communications
CSCI 1102 Intro to Computers w/ Business Applications
CSCI 1263 Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet
OFTC 1233 Office Accounting
OFTC 1234 Communication in Technical Services
Total
16
Spring Semester
Cr. Hrs.
BUSI 2203 Business Ethics or PHIL 2104 Ethics
SERV 1101 Service Learning
CSCI 1255 Microsoft Access Database
CSCI 1275 Microsoft PowerPoint
CSCI 2243 Intermediate Microsoft Word
OFTC 1206 Computerized Accounting with QuickBooks
Total
14
Overall Total
30
Key Information for Applying
Become Familiar with RLC Admission Requiremements
Being well-informed about admission requirements increases your chances of a successful application and an overall smooth application process.
Admission Requirements
Apply for Admission
Applying to Rend Lake College is an investment in your future, offering numerous benefits that lead to professional and personal growth.
Admission
Speak with an Academic Advisor
Academic advisors are valuable resources for maximizing your college experience and ensuring you make the most of your education.
Academic Advisor
Apply for Financial Aid
Applying for financial aid opens up a range of financial resources and options that can make attending college more affordable and less stressful.
Financial Aid
Start Here. Go Anywhere.
Transfer Information
Students who graduate with an Associate Degree can transfer their credits to a university and pursue a Bachelor's degree and beyond.
Articulation agreements - also known as Transfer Guides - document the pathway between RLC and the university. Historically, RLC has built articulation agreements with midwestern universities. However, students have worked with both institutions to build a pathway.
View our transfer guides and more about articulation agreements
Transfer Guides
We have guides that document a pathway between your degree at RLC and many universities.
View Articulation Agreements
VIDEO
Career Connection
Finance Career Cluster Featuring:
Jason Newell
Vice President
Community First Bank of the Heartland
Accreditation
Quality Education. Guaranteed.
Since 1969, Rend Lake College has been accredited by the
Higher Learning Commission
(HLC), one of six regional accreditors in the United States. Accreditation is vital to what we do. It serves as a measure of quality, allows us to access and distribute federal student aid, facilitates the transfer of classes between institutions and more. The Higher Learning Commission is recognized by the
U.S. Department of Education
and by the
Council for Higher Education Accreditation
More about accreditation
Faculty & Staff
Sarah Bilderbeck
Business Professor
Mark Jornd
Business Professor
Shari Carpenter
Dean of Applied Science & Technology
Emily VanDeveer
Administrative Assistant | Applied Science & Technology Division
Applied Science & Technology Division
Phone: (618) 437-5321 ext. 1261
Email:
AppliedScience@rlc.edu
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Applied Science
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Applied Science
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