Starting this fall semester, Riverland Community College will begin offering a new Business certificate designed for students interested in entering the workforce quickly or community members looking to update their existing skills.

The 22-credit curriculum certificate consists of 12 required business credits and 10 electives credits. The required credits courses are pulled from the regular Associate of Arts degree and Associates of Science degree offered in the Business major.

“That’s the beauty of it. If a student’s plans change and they decide they don’t want to wait two years, they can opt into this. Or, if they are taking this course and want to do a full degree, they can opt into the two year plan and the credits will count towards it,” said Jill Holmes, business faculty. “Also, they can take tailor their electives to their interests or the needs of their current job.”

The certificate can be taken as stand alone and only takes two semesters to complete. The curriculum is offered on both Riverland Austin and Owatonna campuses as well as online.

“The program’s biggest benefit is its short length. Sometime people feel they can get schooling because of work or family commitments. With this program, they can get it done with only 10 or 12 credits a semester,” said Holmes.

The certificate was approved by the Minnesota State College and Universities system last May. The fall semester will be the first time this curriculum is offered.