Welcome to the Division of Business
The Division of Business offers an Associates in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees; Associates in Science (A.S.) degree; and Certificates. The Division of Business programs do not require a special application for admission, but all college admission requirements must be met.
Some programs offer a Accelerated Degree Option, which allows for anyone who has completed an associate or bachelor's degree from an accredited college to acquire an Associates in Applied Science Degree after completing 27 semester hours of related course work. Written approval as to specific courses to be taken must be obtained from the Coordinator. The courses must be completed at Southwestern Illinois College after a degree is earned. Students must meet all institutional requirements for the AAS Degree.
Programs That Lead to a Bachelor's Degree
Accounting Transfer Program *
Accounting courses are useful to everyone in business. A major in accounting may lead to careers in business, industry or government. Those who transfer to four-year colleges or universities and who continue for a baccalaureate degree may prepare for a professional career as a certified public accountant.
Business Administration *
Opportunities in business, industry, government and education are open to those who major in business. Careers include several kinds of accounting, business administration, office administration, business management, computer science, finance, retailing, marketing, banking, and consumer protection and awareness.
Economics *
A major in economics will prepare students for employment in business and government. Economics is also an excellent major for students who plan on graduate study in law, business or any of the social sciences. A minor in economics is excellent for those who are majoring in any of the social sciences or business related fields.
*Important: Refer to the suggested sequence of courses in the course schedules and the graduation requirements in the front of the college catalog as a guide to completing an Associate in Science Degree. Plan your transfer program with a counselor and the catalog of the four-year college or university you plan to attend. Requirements for Accounting, Business and Economics majors may vary among different four-year collegiate institutions. SPECIFIC COURSES AT SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE SHOULD THEREFORE BE CAREFULLY SELECTED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF AN ACADEMIC COUNSELOR TO ENSURE APPLICABILITY TOWARD YOUR INTENDED BACHELOR DEGREE MAJOR AND MINOR FIELDS OF STUDY AT THE COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY OF YOUR CHOICE.
Programs That Lead Directly to Employment
Accounting Applied Science Program
The mission of the Accounting AAS program is to provide the necessary skills for students to be successful in entry-level accounting positions or to begin a career as a full-charge bookkeeper. The curriculum includes the Certified Bookkeeper Review course. Upon successful completion of the course students have the option of sitting for the Certified Bookkeeper Review exam.
Computer Information Systems
The Computer Information Systems program offers an Associate in Applied Science degree for computer specialists and for application programmers. The program provides the technical skills and knowledge required for the effective utilization of computers in the business environment. The program also offers four Computer Information Systems options and several Computer Information Systems certificates.
Culinary Arts & Food Management
The Southwestern Illinois College Culinary Arts & Food Management program prepares students for an entry-level position in the hospitality and food service industry. The program offers four different educational options to meet a student’s specific needs. The associate in applied science degree program provides students with the knowledge of management, hospitality, and culinary skills necessary to secure an entry-level management position. Some program graduates prefer to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The college’s food service kitchen is equipped with modern equipment and ample workstation space for each student to practice culinary skills. Instruction is by experts who are well versed in food preparation and restaurant management. The program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation.
Electronic Publishing Specialist
The Electronic Publishing Specialist Associate in Applied Science degree will prepare students to conceptualize project ideas and translate them into camera-ready copy. Students will learn to use Quark Xpress, Adobe InDesign, Adobe PhotoShop, and Adobe Illustrator. They will also gain a good understanding of the correct use of typography, color, fonts, and layout. Additionally, the program will prepare the graduate to transport work from the desktop to the Web.
Management
The management program is designed to provide the academic background to begin a career in business. Students may concentrate their studies in accounting, small business management or in general management.
Marketing
This program provides the academic background to begin a career in business. Students may choose an emphasis in graphics or general marketing through selection of electives. All students must complete graduation degree requirements in the front of this catalog for an Associate in Applied Science Degree. See the Program Coordinator or an academic counselor for more information.
The courses required for the marketing degree are listed below. These are sample schedules and course availability will vary from semester to semester. See a counselor for details.
Network Design and Administration
Southwestern Illinois College’s Associate in Applied Science Degree in Network Design & Administration is designed to prepare students with the necessary skills to obtain entry-level positions in the growing field of networking. Southwestern Illinois College's Cisco Networking Academy Program is a comprehensive e-learning program, which provides students with Internet technology skills essential in a global economy. The Networking Academy program delivers Web-based content, online assessment, student performance tracking, hands-on labs, and preparation for industry-standard certifications.
As a Regional Academy in the Cisco Networking Academy Program, Southwestern employs Cisco-certified instructors to teach students how to design, build and maintain computer networks. In addition to instructor-led learning, our courses also include hands-on labs in state-of-the-art facilities. These hands on labs emphasize group interaction while putting into practice what is learned during the theory portion of the class.
Office Administration and Technology
The Office Administration and Technology Program prepares students for careers in office support for employment in business, education, or government. The program blends traditional office administration skills with current computer technology and applications. A student may concentrate in one of the following options: Office Technology Specialist, Administrative Assistant, Legal Office Specialist, Accounting Office Specialist, or Medical Office Specialist.
Paralegal Studies
The two year Associate in Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies is designed to give students a working knowledge of the diverse areas of the law. The program prepares students for employment in law firms, government agencies, corporations, financial institutions, and insurance companies. Some students entering the program are currently working in the field of law and take classes to improve their skills or obtain specialized training; others are looking to enter this field. The classes in the paralegal studies course requirements are taught by practicing attorneys.
Real Estate Appraisal
Southwestern Illinois College is a state approved provider of real estate appraisal courses. Information about the state’s course requirements for the associate appraiser and the two levels of certification are available by clicking the link above. Upon successful completion of all three courses, the student requests an application for an “associate” designation from the state. The state will provide the information needed to take the test and the fees involved. Associate status is the first step. Once that is complete, you may choose to pursue residential certification. For more information, visit the state web site www.obre.state.il.us/REALEST/Realmain.htm 
or call the state office: Office of Banks and Real Estate: (217) 524-8200.
Web Designer
The Web Designer program provides students with the basics of Web site design. Graphics, animation, cascading style sheets, typography, navigation, Javascript, accessibility and usability are emphasized throughout the degree courses. Students will design Web sites using a variety of techniques and software applications.
Web Development and Administration
The Web Development and Administration program provides the technical skills and knowledge required for the design, development, and maintenance of web sites and services. Students completing the program may be responsible for all technical aspects of a website, including performance issues. In addition to web specific applications, instruction includes commonly used programming languages, operating systems and software packages.