a business owner talking to customers

Business Program

Business careers are as diverse as the economy and there are countless positions that fall under the field of business. Learn the fundamentals of business through the Business Transfer Pathway, complete your general education requirements or take business classes in accounting, management and the global economy.

If you plan on continuing your education beyond College of DuPage, you can also take classes to earn an Associate in Arts degree. An Associate in Arts degree can provide you with the general foundation to pursue a career or transfer into a professional degree program. 

Determine Your Path

There are a wide range of careers available for students interested in the field of business. 

Whether you are preparing for a career in business, management or marketing, planning to transfer to a four-year institution, planning to start your own business, or updating your skills, College of DuPage has the right program for you. We offer:

  • Dedicated instructors with years of practical industry experience and teaching experience.
  • Instruction in top-notch facilities.
  • Flexible schedules with day and evening classes, online learning and accelerated hybrid classes.
  • Practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom based studies.
  • Affordable programs that get you on the fast track to success without breaking the bank.
  • Programs designed to prepare students with the skills that are in demand by today’s employers.
  • Articulated transfer programs with several prestigious universities that facilitate a convenient, affordable and streamlined approach to earning a baccalaureate degree.

Business Transfer Pathway, Associate in Arts

The Business Transfer Pathway, Associate in Arts program prepares students to transfer to four-year college or university. 

COD Stories

Rima Househ

"If someone asked me for advice, I would say to go COD because you will never find a place like it anywhere. You will feel like you belong because of the love and inclusion for all students.” - Rima Househ

Rima's COD Story

COD Stories

Sam Guerrero

"College of DuPage provided me with a plethora of ways to accomplish my educational and career goals. Being involved on campus allowed me to become an active member in the society I live in." - Sam Guerrero

Sam's COD Story

COD Stories

Danny Glover

"COD has amazing programs. It played an important role in building my knowledge of real estate and business." - Danny Glover

Danny's COD Story

COD Stories

Kayla Babiak

"I was challenged to work with a variety of people, which improved my communication skills. Personally, I gained many friends at College of DuPage thanks to the small class sizes.” - Kayla Babiak

Kayla's COD Story

COD Stories

Dennis Barsema

“I would tell students they should take advantage of every opportunity they can, whether it’s joining clubs or networking.” - Dennis Barsema

Dennis's COD Story

Get Started Today

The first step to getting started in Business is to apply for admission.

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

 

  • Interpret current economic data to make informed decisions.
  • Apply mathematical theory to solve relevant problems.
  • Assemble appropriate information resources to support analysis of the business environment.
  • Formulate communication for diverse stakeholder groups.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of legal, ethical, and socially responsible business issues and practices.

College of DuPage has several business, management and marketing transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.

Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.

Career Information

Explore careers based on your interest, location and salary range or view top occupations by income.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are answers to common frequently asked questions regarding the Business, Management and Marketing programs.

A certificate focuses on a specific body or area of knowledge while a degree combines that focus with a broad academic background. 

An Associate in Arts degree is usually geared to transfer to a baccalaureate-granting college or university in a residential, full-time program. The Associate in Applied Science degree is accepted by many local colleges and universities, especially adult, part-time programs.

The Associate in Arts includes more liberal arts courses, while the Associate in Applied Science focuses more on your specialty area.

IAI is the acronym for the Illinois Articulation Initiative. A course which is designated IAI will transfer to any public or private college or university in Illinois.

Prerequisites are courses (or demonstrated equivalent experience) that you must take prior to enrolling in another higher-level course. 

You need to take prerequisite courses because they give you the background necessary for higher-level courses. The higher-level course instructor assumes that you have mastered the content of the prerequisite course. Mastery of the prerequisite course content improves your chances of successful performance.

The following courses are usually offered in fall, spring, and summer terms in at least one delivery format, in-person, hybrid, online, or virtual:

  • Business 1100 (Introduction to Business) 
  • Business 1111 (Customer Service)
  • Business 1161 (Entrepreneurship)
  • Business 2255 (International Business)
  • Management 2210 (Principles of Management) 
  • Management 2215 (Leadership)
  • Management 2220 (Organizational Behavior)
  • Marketing 2225 (Consumer Behavior)
  • Marketing 2235 ( Digital Marketing Analytics)
  • Management 2240 (Human Resource Management)
  • Marketing 1100 (Consumer Marketing)
  • Marketing 2210 (Principles of Marketing) 
  • Marketing 2220 (Principles of Sales) 
  • Marketing 2240 (Advertising)
  • Marketing 2270 (Digital Marketing)